Encomiums as associates, family celebrate Sagbua Alaafin of Oyo at 85

The ancient town of Oyo was set agog when close associates, friends, benefactors, family and well-wishers converged to celebrate with the Sagbua Alaafin of Oyo, Chief Adebayo Makinde, on his 85th birthday anniversary.

The event, which is best described as a lifetime celebration of the great philanthropist and church builder, witnessed encomiums of the celebrator, who is also a business merchant and owner of the iconic Jolliters Pharmacy in the heart of Lagos, with various other branches across the country.

The two-in-one event commenced with a thanksgiving service anchored by the First Baptist Church, Oyo, as the celebrator was given the opportunity to reflect on God’s faithfulness in his life as well as receive special commendations on his impact on the growth of the church and humanity. Holy Communion and testimonies were part of the service.

A grand reception for the celebrator took the event to another level as dignitaries and well-wishers thronged the Pristine Event Centre, Oyo town.

Chief Olawuwo Oni described Chief Makinde as an epitome of dignity and ambassador of Christ.

“My relationship with Baba Saguba has been inseparable since we met about 21 years ago at the First Baptist Church, Ikeja, Lagos. He contributed immensely to the growth of the church and remains an exemplary leader in the church. He is no doubt, a rare gift to the nation and the Lord’s vineyard because his good works and service to humanity are second to none,” Chief Oni said.

The worship minister and coordinator of First Baptist Church, Ikeja, Lagos, choir Deacon Femi Okunade, described Chief Makinde has great encourager and a giver not to humans only, but to God.

“He supports mission works and impacts lives of the younger generation. Above all, he is a peacemaker. All these qualities would simple summarise his life. Even with the fact that he is not a pastor, he has committed his life to Christ, especially in prayers and encouragement towards the growth and unity of the church. It is a well-deserved celebration for Baba and I want to advise other Nigerians to take a cue from him by moving away from syndrome of success to significance which will have positive impact on peoples’ lives,” Deacon Okunde said.

In his own recommendation, a second republic House of Assembly member, Oyo State, Chief Titilade Awakan described Chief Makinde as a man full of intelligence; a cultured and reputable president of Ifelodun Christian Society, Isokun, Oyo, who has used his wealth of experience and liberal lifestyle to take the association to a greater level. He noted that his life is worthy of emulation, prayed that God grants him more grace and fruitful life.

His wife, Mrs Wemimo Makinde, said: “I have every reason to thank God for the life of my husband, as we have grown in love and oneness till this day. We met in his early 20s and despite the challenges of life, we still remain one.

“He is a devoted Christian. I knew him when he was a youth president and even now he still plays a vital role in the vineyard. I pray God will continue to uphold him and grant him more grace to live an exemplary life.”

Speaking on behalf of the children, the eldest son, Kehinde Makinde, acknowledged everyone that contributed to the success of his father’s birthday anniversary, while Bola Makinde noted that the celebration was about stock taking and giving of gratitude to God.

In his remarks, the celebrator expressed his delight on the success of the event, just as he expressed his gratitude to God for the grace to witness 85 years in sound health.

“I cannot thank God enough for the grace I have enjoyed so far, especially with the fact that no one is sure of attaining a particular age, except for the grace of God. Some could die young or old, but I am most grateful to God for the grace to witness this unique age in my lifetime. My greatest joy is that God granted me a fulfilled life. Even at 85, I still run a successful business; my pharmacy,” he stated.