By Olamide FAKEYE
Hon. Kayode Oladele (R) with Otunba (Dr) Samuel Ayinde Jaiyeola Ibikunle.
Nigeria – A chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State and member of the Federal Character Commission, (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele has said that 2027 is time for an indigene of Yewaland to become the governor of the state.
Oladele, who stated this while paying glowing tributes to 94-year-old Otunba (Dr) Samuel Ayinde Jaiyeola Ibikunle, who is a strong proponent of Yewa for Governor and was being honoured as Chorister Emeritus, in a speech he delivered as the Chairman of the 50th edition of the Choir Anniversary, Festival of Hymns, Chants and Reunion Thanksgiving Service of the Cathedral Church of Christ (Diocese of Yewa Anglican Communion) Ona-Ola, Ilaro,Yewa, Ogun State said, “by the special grace of God, with the blessings of our elders and support of our people, your dream of witnessing the dawn of political glory in Yewaland and the realization of your longing for having one of your adopted sons inaugurated as governor of Ogun State in 2027 shall surely come to reality as the appointed time for the actualization of Yewa for Governor is now”.
According to the former member, House of Representatives, “In Ogun West Senatorial District and in Yewaland in particular, our dear Otunba has laid a solid political structure that still endures till date. In his bid to actualizing Ogun West political agenda, he at various times contested the gubernatorial primaries in Ogun State under the National Republican Convention, NRC, UNPC and Alliance for Democracy, AD.
“Even at advanced age, Pa Ibikunle has never given up, dreaming and working hard to ensure that in his life time, a Yewaman will be sworn in as the executive governor of Ogun State. For this, I’m glad that his struggle has finally found fulfillment in Habakkuk Chapter 2: 2-3: which says that “the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end, it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it because it will surely come.
“As you have willingly handed over the baton to us your adopted children, be rest assured that, by the special grace of God, with the blessings of our elders and support of our people, your dream of witnessing the dawn of political glory in Yewaland and the realization of your longing for having one of your adopted sons inaugurated as governor of Ogun State in 2027 shall surely come to reality as the appointed time for the actualization of Yewa for Governor is now.
“The labour of our heroes past, like your humble self shall never be in vain. In your active lifetime, Ilaro-Yewa will soon become the Jerusalem of political activities in Ogun State. Our Baba that is Yayi, our good and reliable Baba, we pray that as your age is, so shall your strength be and it is our fervent hope that the Lord will give all of us the grace to witness that historic day we all envisage and look forward to”.
Speaking further at the event, Hon. Oladele said “Otunba Ibikunle has distinguished himself, not only as a chorister, but has proved his mettle as a medical practitioner of note, a top-notch sports administrator, a respected church and community leader, an elder statesman, a philanthropist and a front-line politician. He is an all round Yewa man with his family roots established in virtually all major towns and communities like Ilaro, Ayetoro and Imeko respectively. His life and work is an open book worthy of emulation by all men and women of goodwill.
“At almost 93 years, Otunba Ibikunle still stands tall amongst his peers, strong, energetic and as articulate as ever. To this enigma, age is just a number and a thing of the mind. Amazingly, Papa still carries himself with poise without any aid whatsoever. He is a dogged fighter, a highly revered gentleman of immense value, whose influence and connections cut across Yewaland, Ogun State, Nigeria and globally.
“In politics, Otunba (Dr.) Samuel Ayinde Jaiyeola Ibikunle is a foremost Nigeria’s elder statesman who has made huge contributions to Nigeria’s political and constitutional development. He was an elected Chairman, (Yoruba Caucus Assembly) into the Nigerian Constituent Assembly between 1988 and 1989 to review the Nigerian Constitution.
“He launched the New Movement – a political association which metamorphosed to the Liberal Convention that served as precursor to the creation of the defunct National Republican Convention, NRC”.
The Imeko born international human rights lawyer described the event as a homecoming of a sort having lived in Ilaro as a student of Baptist High School, Ilaro.
According to him, “This is an annual event which provides an opportunity for the Church congregation, their families and friends to gather in the presence of the Lord, particularly at this period of the year, to offer songs of praises and thanksgiving for God’s enduring love and faithfulness throughout the year. It also marked the Golden Anniversary of the annual event which has held consistently for the past 50 years.
“There is no gain saying the fact that 50 years or Jubilee Anniversary is a great milestone in the life of any individual or organization.
“It is a landmark worthy of evaluation and celebration. It also provides an opportunity for the Church to honour, celebrate and rejoice with the distinguished men and women of God, who have for several decades, used their God-given talents to serve the Church as dedicated Choristers.
:It is a time to reflect on how well we have done and chart new parameters for improvement and new attainments. It is also a time to count our blessings and celebrate God’s blessings and grace in our lives, as individuals and as a group”.
The event also honour elder choristers of the church in appreciation of their contributions, commitment and sacrifices to the growth and expansion of the Church’s activities.
