Dignitaries across the country stormed Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, to grace the premiere of Oko Iyawo (The Groom), a movie recently produced by Otunba (Dr) Akintola Akin-Lewis, Fta, tdg.
The premiere, which took place last Sunday at Mauve 21 event centre, Ring Road, Ibadan, was also used to celebrate forty-nine years on stage of the movie icon.
Among the high-profile personalities that graced the glamorous event are His Imperial Majesty, Oba Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, who was represented by one of the Obas in Ile Ife, the Elerinmo of Erinmo kingdom, His Royal Highness Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Chairman TU-E Capital Investment, and Prof Amb. Oluwatoyin Ayinde Agidi, Chairman, Best Western Hotels; and 2019 gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Adebayo Adelabu (Penkelemesi).
Other dignitaries include Professor Bode Sowande, Chief Adeniran Adetoye, Mr. Henry Olusegun, Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere, King Dele Bravo, Rev. Edward Kehinde Alabi, TAMPAN Governor, Oyo State Chapter, Mrs. Rose Odika, who led other leading characters in the entertainment industry across the federation.
The Chief Launcher, Amb. Oluwatoyin Adigi donated a scholarship in favour of Obaloluwa Akin Lewis to study in Canada. He also gave a Toyota Corolla to the wife of the legendary actor, while he gave Otunba Akintola Lewis a 350 Lexus Jeep, 2m cash and a two-bedroom flat.
Amb. Agidi finally gave the actors, actresses and planning Committee two bedrooms flat each.
The gubernatorial candidate under the umbrella of APC, Parakoyi of Ibadanland, Chief Bayo Adelabu (Penkelemesi), transferred 1.5m. to the actor’s account to appreciate his efforts in the theatre industry.
The movie legend started his professional career in theatre in 1973 when he joined Odu Themes, a theatre group led by Prof. Bode Sowande of the then Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan. He later joined NTV Ibadan in 1977, where he further trained as an actor, producer and director.
Otunba (Dr) Akin Lewis, who is also an evangelist, bagged his MA (Master of Arts) in Theatre and Puppetry (Acting and Directing) from Sofia, Bulgaria, and Communications from the University of Lagos.
Dr Akin Lewis has acted in several stage plays at home and abroad, some of which include: Biko’s Inquest, Wedlock of the Gods, The Night Before, Kunrunmi and Macbeth. He gained his worldwide fame for his roles in the MNET series such as Tinsel, Hotel Majestic and The Brethren.
Top Fuji and Juju maestros, Abbas Akande Obesere and King Dele Bravo, thrilled guests present at the event, covered.
