Former Ogun State Governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, alongside the Agoro of Egbaland, High Chief Dapo Adewolu, joined dignitaries in Abeokuta on Monday to celebrate Olori Omolara Tejuoso, wife of the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Dr Adedapo Tejuoso, as she marked her 75th birthday.
The event drew family members, old schoolmates, friends, traditional rulers and other dignitaries who gathered to honour the celebrant’s contributions to those around her.
Festivities opened with a Christian thanksgiving service where the Primate and Bishop of the African Church, Most Rev. A. A. Odufuwa, described Tejuoso’s attainment of 75 as a testimony of God’s faithfulness. Preaching from Psalm 90:10, he said the preservation of Tejuoso, her husband and their family over the years came by divine grace.
“To reach 75 is a testimony,” Odufuwa said. “For Daddy and Mummy to be preserved today is not by their doing. It is the Lord’s doing that they are not consumed.” He urged the celebrant to see the milestone as the start of a new phase of purpose, noting that age does not terminate destiny.
Citing Psalm 91:16, Odufuwa prayed for Tejuoso to enjoy long life, strength, wisdom, good health, prosperity and fulfilment. Prayers were also offered for her husband and for the Babalaje of Egbaland and former Chairman of Nestlé Nigeria, Chief Segun Osunkeye, who was honoured at the event for turning 86.
At the grand reception held at the Marquees, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Daniel, Amosun and Adewolu each spoke glowingly of Tejuoso’s character, with Adewolu commending her humility, generosity and affection for people.
For Tejuoso, the occasion doubled as a reunion with friends and classmates, some of whom she has known for 60 to 70 years. “I love people. I love to do things for people,” she said, thanking God, her husband and her family.
She recalled growing up in a family of successful entrepreneurs — her father, Pa Gabriel Adesanya Odeneye, popularly known as “Ade Millionaire,” and her mother, Beatrice Aderibigbe Odeneye, both accomplished business figures. She said that upbringing shaped her belief in relating to people regardless of social status, a principle she credits for sustaining decades-long friendships.
A highlight of the event was a reunion of Tejuoso’s old classmates from Mayflower School, who rendered the school anthem alongside other songs. Guests were also entertained with Ewi, traditional Yoruba poetry and praise singing celebrating the celebrant’s life and achievements.
Other attendees included former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Amb Sarafa Tunji Ishola; wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu; Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof Saka Matemilola; and other traditional rulers and captains of industry.
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