By Seyifunmi Odunuga
Saturday, 18 of February, 2023 was a special day for the family of the number one Journalist in Oyo State, Ademola Babalola and his amiable wife, Monsurat Ajoke, as they were conferred with the chieftaincy titles of Agbaakin Baale and Yeye Agbaakin Iyalode, by the Baale of Ologuneru.
The event started by 10am with prayers in his house before the convoy moved to the Palace of the Baale at Adetokun Junction, Eruwa Road.
Immediately the couple were conferred with the titles, the celebrants, their families and dignitaries moved to the reception at City Palace Events Center, Gbopa, bus stop, Eleyele – Eruwa Road for entertainment.
It was a glamorous event as dignitaries from all over the country converged to celebrate with the newest Chiefs in town, Chairman Oyo NUJ, Chief Ademola Babalola, and his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Monsurat Ajoke Babalola.
The atmosphere was filled with joy as people danced away their sorrows irrespective of the current situation in the country. Indeed, it was love and pleasantries all over.
The opening prayer was said by former Oyo NUJ Chairman, Comrade Gbenga Ayoade and was followed with the arrival Agbaakin and Yeye Agbaakin Iyalode, into the hall.
Thereafter there was Introduction of guests performed by the Masters of Ceremony, Taiwo Olusanya, popularly called Obama and Seyi Akerele.
Old students of Lagelu Grammar School sang the school anthem to honour Demola, who is one of them and then followed tributes from family, friends and colleagues in the media industry who all showered encomiums on him
and also congratulated him for his chieftaincy title as the Agbaakin Baale of Ologuneru Kingdom.
A representative of the old students, Asiwaju, while speaking on Demola, said ” Demola has been a very wonderful, distinguished person and a great man. We started our journey from Lagelu Grammar School.” He then prayed for people who have been supporting Babalola ever since he assumed the position of Oyo NUJ Chairman.
Also, the Music Department of The Polytechnic, was not left out as the students came to celebrate one of their own with singing the school anthem while they lauded Babalola’s achievements as Oyo NUJ Chairman, describing him as a good representative of the department.
According to Mr Ayo Adegbenga, “We are proud of who and what Ademola Babalola, is today and it is a thing of joy for us that he and his wife were honoured with chieftaincy titles.”
The National Vice President, South West, Prophetess Ronke Samo, revealed that Babalola, has been dutiful in his position as NUJ Chairman, praying that God will continue to be with him and his family.
A former National President of NUJ, Pastor Lanre Ogundipe, in his goodwill message, said, “Our gathering today is because of Ademola Babalola and his wife and I am happy for him with the chieftaincy conferment as people across the country are here to celebrate with them. I can only call on him to continue to be good example to his numerous admirers.”
From Mogaji Soladoye, who shared his own success story as Oyo NUJ Chairman, prayed for Babalola that God which made him a star in the industry in Oyo State will not leave him and not allow him to stumble or fall.
Members of the Landlords Association in his area, on their part, described him as a grassroot man that is so dutiful and respected in the community.
Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre, a former Oyo NUJ Chairman, explained how he met Babalola, as a young journalist, urging him to continue to be good as said by the people who came to celebrate with him. He also described him as a man who struggled to attain the height he is today.
Finally, the cutting of the cake was directed by the gubernatorial candidate of Accord, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, OFR, popularly called Penkelemesi.
Dignitaries present at the event include Are Onibon Balogun of Ibadanland and Chairman, Solutions FM, Oloye Adegboyega Adegoke; Oyo South Senatorial candidate under the umbrella of APC, Barrister Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli; colleagues in the media industry, the cream de la creme in the society, and host of other dignitaries.
This event was packaged and covered by Apreel1 Events Management and TV.
