Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, heartily rejoices with a foremost cultural icon, legendary journalist, fearless writer, and unrepentant custodian of Yoruba heritage, Akogun Tola Adeniyi, on his 80th birthday.
Ooni of Ife in a statement by Otunba Moses Olafare, Director, Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, said “As a Special Celebration of Life is taking place today in your honour at 80 put together by The Nigeria and Canadian Business Committee. This milestone is not merely a celebration of years, but a commemoration of decades of distinguished service to truth, culture, nation-building, and the Yoruba race.”
The statement reads in part “Akogun Tola Adeniyi has been a towering iroko in Nigeria’s media landscape, wielding his pen like a sword to speak for the voiceless and to confront injustice with uncommon bravery. Through his columns, essays, and public commentary, he has consistently used the media as a sacred altar for justice, conscience, and cultural revival.
“As a true son of Oduduwa and a champion of Yoruba civilization, Akogun Tola Adeniyi has earned, with great dignity, a constellation of chieftaincy titles across Yorubaland, reflecting his pan-Yoruba influence and service.
“At 80, Chief Tola Adeniyi remains a beacon of wisdom, a fountain of cultural pride, and an unwavering voice in the storm. His life is a vivid narrative of boldness, authenticity, and spiritual commitment to his people and heritage. His legacy is not only written in ink but etched in the hearts of all who cherish Yoruba values and identity.
“On behalf of the House of Oduduwa and the global Yoruba family, the Ooni of Ife celebrates Akogun Tola Adeniyi; The Araba of Remoland, Bobagunwa of Ago-Iwoye, Akogun of Ijebu, Iroko of Yewaland, Aare Agbaakin of Ede, Otunba Awubiowu of Ijebu Ife, Aare Ologundudu of Lagos, Irunmole of Isamuro, and Jagun Oodua of Yorubaland
“You are indeed a true Iroko of our time for his life of purpose and enduring inspiration.
“May the spirits of our ancestors continue to straighten you.
“Happy birthday Akogun!”
