By Seyifunmi Odunuga
The ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State capital, was on Wednesday, 2nd of August, 2023, agog as celebrities, prominent Nigerians, academic dons and high profile stakeholders from different walks of life converged to honour fast-rising Nollywood actress, Busayo Aderoju Orioke Alamu, popularly known in the entertainment circle as “Orioke Omo Ologo” on her birthday celebration.
Held at Baobab, Are Avenue, Bodija, located in the highbrow part of Ibadan, the largest city in West Africa, South of the Sahara, the birthday celebration would go down in history, particularly in the entertainment industry, as one of the social events that attracted the movers and shakers of the society.
But, the event commenced on a spiritual note in the early hours of the day as the celebrant’s mother, Mrs Adedamola Orioke, husband, Professor Josiah Alamu, Pastor Tayo Olasupo of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Yawiri Zone, Akobo, Ibadan, Mrs Bunmi Adeleke and celebrity journalist, Seyifunmi Odunuga, otherwise known as ‘Chicago’ prayed for ” Orioke Omo Ologo.”
This was followed by a grand reception at Baobab around 4:00 p.m, where former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Alhaji Sina Olawoye, offered the opening prayer before the ‘birthday girl’ was ushered into the expansive venue.
Reading the profile of Busayo, which was done by the compere by Bcos staff, Seun Oyelowo, after the introduction of dignitaries, guests were not hesitant to appreciate her with resounding applause.
Sharing his thoughts during an interview with REPORTERS AT LARGE, Orioke Omo Ologo’s hubby, from Nova Southeastern University, Florida, in the United States of America, described his wife as a virtuous woman with courage and passion for success, noting that “her intelligence, beauty and humility are appealing.”
Alamu stated: “I am proud to have a diligent and very supportive wife, who always challenges me to reach the best. Even at this stage, Aderoju has always shared her wisdom with me and she’s incredibly engaging. To be honest with you, I don’t think I can find a better woman than her. I do love her.”
Recalling a period he wanted to quit his job, the academic posited: “My wife was the one who told me to wait and face the challenge, but now I thank God. So in a nutshell, that kind of woman is very scarce. I live a distance away, but I am not worried, and comfortable because she knows where I am. I want my wife to be a big celebrity, somebody that will be famous not only in Nigeria but across the world. I want some younger people to learn from her story and pick her as their role model.”
Reminiscing how he met her, Alamu disclosed that “I think about two years ago, a Yoruba movie came out titled: “Abawon” (stain). For me, I love Yoruba culture and promote it heavily in America. So, I watch Yoruba movies very well. When I was watching “Abawon” she played a role in that movie, the main role that caught my attention. In that role, she was the only woman who stayed with a man battling with fake epilepsy” Warapa” just because he wanted a good wife.
“All women that dated him left him, but it was only my wife that stayed with him with the challenge. Not knowing that it was fake epilepsy. So something came to my mind that if a woman like her can act in this role definitely, she can be a good wife. Since then have been searching for her number on Internetrnet. I called the director of the film, who gave me her Instagram handle and I went to her Instagram page to get her and came to Nigeria to meet her. That was how it started.
“Now we have gotten married. Glory to Almighty. Although, we have our challenges, thank God we can overcome the challenges.
Also speaking to REPORTERS AT LARGE, Busayo, who was exuding joy and happiness said: “I feel so much elated and happy for the surprise birthday organised for me. Thanks to my husband, my mum and my darling father, “Chicago”. Thank you very much.”
According to Busayo, “I am an actress and my husband saw some of my movies, and messaged me through my director, so that was how I met. You know life is full of ups and downs, but I won’t lie to you my man is amazing. With the help of God, we are copping and everything has been wonderful.”
She added that “I have never seen him getting seriously angry, but when he gets angry like two, three to five minutes, that’s all. And most times when he gets angry, he comes back to me again and apologises instead of me apologising to him.”
On her career, Busayo said: “I would not say I am very active and outspoken someone, but acting is my passion. I have featured in many movies such as “Abawon” (stain) produced by my friend, Peter Adeagbo, “Oga Okunrin” produced by Jomiloju Olumbe “Iyawo Baba e” produced by Rose Odika. Hmmmm, there’s a movie produced by Iyawo Osun have forgotten the title and many more.
The award-winning Ripples Catering and Event services dazzled the dignitaries and guests with their sumptuous local and international dishes.
Dignitaries present include the governor, TAMPAN, Oyo State, Bose Akinola, Alhaji Sina Olawoye, Peter Adeagbo and a host of others
Muyiwa Flash Band was on the bandstand, while Apreel1 Events Management and Tv packaged and covered the event.
