Saturday, 18 of February 2023, was a special day for the family of the number one journalist in Oyo State, Ademola Babalola (Dembab) 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.
The couple was conferred with the titles immediately, and 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, regardless of the country’s current situation. Indeed, there was love and pleasantries everywhere.
Former Oyo NUJ Chairman Comrade Gbenga Ayoade said the opening prayer, followed by the arrival of Agbaakin and Yeye Agbaakin Iyalode in the hall.
The Masters of Ceremony, Taiwo Olusanya, popularly known as Obama, and Seyi Akerele, then introduced the guests.
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, spoke on Demola: “Demola has been a wonderful, distinguished person and a great man. We started our journey from Lagelu Grammar School.” He then prayed for people to support 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 by singing the school anthem. At the same time, they lauded Babalola’s achievements as Oyo NUJ Chairman, describing him as a good department representative.
According to Mr Ayo Adegbenga, “We are proud of who and what Ademola Babalola is today, and it is a 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 a good example to his numerous admirers.”
Mogaji Soladoye, who shared his own success story as Oyo NUJ Chairman, prayed for Babalola that God, who made him a star in the industry in Oyo State, would not leave him or allow him to stumble or fall.
Members of the Landlords Association in his area described him as a grassroots man who is dutiful and respected in the community.
Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre, a former Oyo NUJ Chairman, explained how he met Babalola as a young journalist and urged him to continue to be good, as the people who came to celebrate with him said. He also described him as a man who struggled to attain the heights he is today.
Finally, the cake-cutting was directed by the Accord gubernatorial candidate, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, OFR, popularly known as 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.
