120 royal fathers, 93 clerics, other heavyweights storm Benin for Igbinedion’s 87th birthday

It was glamour at its peak on Saturday at the early morning interdenominational service held at the pa­latial compound of the Esama of Benin, Sir Ga­briel Osawaru Igbinedion, along Okada Avenue, Be­nin City, to mark his 87th birthday.

The occasion, a yearly event to celebrate a man recognised globally for his uniqueness, attract­ed several dignitaries and guests from within and outside the country, including the Edo State governor, Godwin Obase­ki, represented by his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, two-term gover­nor and heir apparent to the Igbinedion dynasty, Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, two-term governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori.

The list of dignitar­ies was endless with diplomats from over 50 countries, over 120 tra­ditional rulers, includ­ing the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyimi, and palace chiefs from different countries, po­litical bigwigs, serving and former political of­fice holders from across all political divide and about 93 clergymen from different denominations led by the immediate-past Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) President, Rev. Felix Omobude.

The event was spiced up with rendition of well composed gospel songs by top gospel artistes, includ­ing ‘Ada AdA’.

In his remark, Rev. Omobude extolled the virtues of the Esama of Benin, saying, his strong, unwavering and unparal­leled passion for the work of God was the reason for divine favour in his life to clock 87 years.

Omobude said words would not be enough to analyse the exploits of the Esama of Benin and remarkable impact on humanity as virtually all households had benefitted one way or the other from from his philanthropic gestures.

Rev. Olu Aibinunomo in a sermon titled “My Redeemer Liveth”, the theme of this year’s cele­bration, said the celebra­tor had done well for the development of humani­ty. Prayers were offered for the celebrated elder statesman nd his entire household.

Responding on behalf of the Igbinedion dynasty, the eldest daughter, Mabel Amadi Esquire expressed gratitude to the several dignitaries and guests for their love and good wish­es for the patriarch of the House of Igbinedion and Esama of Benin on the occasion.

She said September 11 remained unique to her because her father’s birth­day, which coincided with the birthday of one of the sons, Chukwudi Ebube.

High point of the ser­vice was a special thanks­giving by the Esama in company of his wife, Lady Cherry Igbinedion.

The service later shift­ed to the reception ground in honour of the Esama, an honorary Romanian Consul to Edo and Delta states of Nigeria.

(Adapted from Sunday Independent: Excluding headline)