The historic Trenchard Hall at the University of Ibadan glowed with intellectual fervour last Tuesday, 14 April, for the prestigious Tola Adeniyi book launch. While the event marked the unveiling of Akogun Tola Adeniyi’s autobiography, ‘TOLA ADENIYI: Chapters of Destiny’, it was the master of ceremonies, Funke Treasure Akintoye, who truly stole the show with a masterclass in broadcast excellence.
Funke Treasure Akintoye Shines at Tola Adeniyi Book Launch
Throughout the five-hour event, Akintoye was the “cynosure of all eyes.” Her ability to professionally accentuate the importance of the literary works being presented—including rebranded editions of ‘The Jewel’ and ‘This is Nigeria’—drew consistent waves of applause. As a renowned podcaster and speech coach, she lived up to her reputation, ensuring the programme moved with seamless grace.
University of Ibadan Hosts Elite Tola Adeniyi Book Launch
The atmosphere at the University of Ibadan was electric as dignitaries acknowledged Akintoye’s craft. Students from Kuti Hall, where Chief Adeniyi resided in the mid-sixties, queued in the aisles hoping for an autograph from the media icon as she moved through the hall. The chairman of the occasion, Most Rev. Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, extolled the “glorious feat” of Chief Adeniyi, while guest speaker Barrister Dele Farotimi delivered a stirring address that “spoke to the conscience” of the gathered intellectuals.
Media Veterans Gather for the Tola Adeniyi Book Launch
The front rows were a “who’s who” of the Nigerian elite and Nigerian media veterans. Attendees included the Olubadan Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, represented by Prince Ade Adekanmbi, who was the royal father of the day. Others include Ambassador Dr Mrs Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, represented by the Group Managing Director of the African Newspapers Nigeria Plc, Mr Edward Dickson; Erelu Atayese; Chief Ajibola; Professor Olufademi Adagbada; Media veteran Sir Folu Olamiti; Dr Mrs Oluwatoyin Okusaga Adenrele; Chief Bisi Adesola; Actor and filmmaker Chief Mrs Funmi Omikunle; retired Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan; Chief Mrs Funmilayo Osundolire; columnist Tunde Fagbenle; Mr Femi Ayeni; Superior Evangelist Taiwo Awobona; and Reverend Idowu Animashun.
Other dignitaries included Chief Bisi Ogunbadejo, Chief Pius Agudosi, Professor Akindayo Sowunmi, Professor Anthony Kila, veteran journalist Funke Egbemode, Mrs Omolara Farounbi, Mrs Romoke Areoye-Oyebola, Chief Mrs Titilola Famubode, broadcast public commentator Edmund Obilo, Professor Fola Adeyemi, Dr Tunde Amsat, Dr Dotun Malomo, Fatai Adiyeloja, Otunba Bola Adeniyi, Hon. Taiwo Akeju, Chief Hafsat Bello, Hon. Adegoke Olajide, Dr Adefunke Olaniyan, Mrs Funso Adegbola, Chief Adeola Oloko, Chief Tunde Odunlade, Oba Obalabi Ogunnubi, Arc. Olatunji Bolu, Ms Bukola Joseph, Mrs Oluropo Oke, Toluwani Aina, Major Seun Fadipe and Abdul Lateef Oladimeji.
Cultural Vibrancy at the Tola Adeniyi Book Launch
Beyond the readings, the event was a vibrant cultural display. The Family Club of Nigeria Incorporated, led by Dr Shamsideen Omokayode Lasaki, appeared in resplendent attire, while the Oluweri Cultural Group from Ago-Iwoye thrilled the audience with energetic dance steps. As the curtains fell on this “memorable day,” it was clear that while the books provided the purpose, the presence of Funke Treasure Akintoye provided the soul of the evening.
