On a good day, Aiyepe-Ijebu, near Ijebu-Ode is a sleepy town. Though it is a developed and cosmopolitan Ijebu town, life can be a bit slow. But on Saturday, 5th February 2022, all roads led to that sleepy town as the popular Shittu family celebrated their patriarch, Alhaji (Prince) Shafi Mobolaji Shittu, in grand style. It was his 90th birthday, so, his children, family, friends and well-wishers celebrated it with him. A lot of Lagos Big Boys and Babes stormed Aiyepe in huge numbers. Many London and US-based Naija big boys and babes flew into the country to celebrate with the children and family members of Papa Shittu. On that Saturday, about 600 quality guests awakened that town, all glammed up in various Aso-Ebi for the celebration. The whole town wore a new colour, Papa himself was happy. This is because Papa is well known all over Aiyepe and beyond. Years back, he was a big Lace Manufacturer.
Words could not express the joy that was written all over his face, as he beamed with happiness, seeing all his children and grandchildren celebrating him alive. Their compound situated at 36 Shittu Odupelu Street, Aiyepe couldn’t contain the many dignitaries, children and family members who had travelled from all over the world to celebrate the Grace of God upon the life of Alhaji (Prince) Shaffi Mobolaji Shittu. What explains the mammoth crowd is the fact that all the members of the Shittu dynasty invited their friends to honour them. And honour them they did. Many of them are very, very popular on their own.
So, the entire compound was divided into 2 big Marques. One was for celebrant’s guests based in Aiyepe and Ijebu. The 2nd marquee was for the Big Boys and Babes. The celebrant entertained his own guests made up of traditional rulers, titled Chiefs, and Muslim clerics. Everywhere was filled up. On the bandstand was Fuji star, Kolade Onanuga who thrilled guests. Many of the Big Boys and Babes are his friends, so he was in a family territory. So, that day, all the Ijebu Big Boys trooped to Aiyepe to celebrate with the Shittus. It was also a reunion of old students of major Ijebu schools.
One of the celebrator’s daughters, Nikki Shittu, described her father as an icon, teacher and inspiration. “You are not just a father to me,” she wrote in her tribute. You are my icon, my teacher, my inspiration. You have been my light in my darkest moment, my hope through the worse times and my courage when fear took over. You inspired me to really enjoy my life to the fullest. You have done such phenomenal things. You lit up many of our lives with your happiness and excitement. Happy 90th birthday dad”.
The Islamic prayer was held first in the morning, after which the reception and entertainment of guests took place within the compound.
Many of the children’s guests dazzled in an expensive blue lace Aso-Ebi, and trust celebrity women; it was a competition of unique styles, jewellery and beauty parade. Many of the children played host to their guests, as they made sure that everyone had a nice time.
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