Monday, August 29th, 2022, will remain indelible in the memory of the popular juju music maestro, Apostle Yinka James, popularly called Adonai. Celebrities, socialites, and influential figures from the entertainment industry gathered at the prestigious Felicia Hall, Jogor Centre, Ibadan, to commemorate his 50th birthday.
The event started at the Holy Church of EN-Hakkore Felele Challenge, Ibadan, Nigeria, with a thanksgiving service and call to worship coordinated by Pastor Bola Oyediran. It was followed by an opening prayer, which Evang Michael Isaleye said.
Immediately after the opening prayer, the church choir performed the opening hymn, which was taken from the C & S hymn 134, and the celebrant read the only lesson.
The sermon was delivered by the pastor in charge of Molete Baptist Church, Idi Odo, Revd Edward Kehinde Alabi. In his words, he said, “He thanked the celebrant’s wife, Oluwakemi Asabi, for her support and for helping him to be his natural self. He also said 50 years is a year to rest and prayed that the celebrant will live in abundance and will be saved from all the chaos of life.”
Following the sermon, the celebrant received Holy Communion as a symbol of long life. Pastor Bola Oyediran administered it. The family of Apostle Yinka James came out for thanksgiving, while Prophet Dr. Timothy Oyekunle prayed for the celebrant and his family.
Shortly after the prayers, family and friends moved to Johor Centre, the reception venue, where food and drinks were lavishly served. In his welcome speech, the celebrant thanked God the Almighty for sparing his life. The chairman of the day, Chief Tokunbo James, described the celebrant as a hard-working and honest man who cherishes God and puts Him first in all his dealings.
Enitan Olusegun Bamidele (EOB), a popular radio presenter, and others who spoke about Yinka James eulogized him and attested to his uprightness and sincerity of purpose in life.
Also, the Association of Juju Musicians of Oyo State (Ajum) was invited to the stage to celebrate and present a gift to the celebrant, followed by others who had gifts for the celebrant who were invited to the same.
Later, the celebrant, Adonai was invited to stage to respond to all that was said. While speaking, he said “he gave glory to God for spearing his life to witness his 50th birthday and thanked everyone present. Yinka James also gave special thanks to God and his family.
After the celebrant’s speech, Bar. Tokunbo James, chairman of the occasion, directed the cutting of the cake.
Chairman, Extension Publications, Otunba Sunday Omoniyi Obiyinka, Chairman, Yes Fm, Yemi Sonde; Diran Odeyemi, Taiwo Omotunde and other renowned musicians like Adegbodu twins, Femi solar, Woli Agba and other dignitaries from all over the world graced the event with their presence.
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DJ Sexy played melodious songs, while Oluwagbemiga Kelvin was the master of ceremony. Mega 99 and Kemi Rehoboth’s musical band gave us a melodious live song to dance away people’s sorrow.
Ogunniyi Victoria Adedamola reported, while Fola Slim of Apreel1 Events TV, the queen of the red carpet, anchored the red carpet.
