Even though Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo,first class mathematician, engineer, philosopher, with and a former Governor of old Oyo State, was, unfortunately,indisposed to Chair, as previously scheduled,my 70th birthday celebration held at the NEW INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE,University of Ibadan, Oyo State of Nigeria,on Sunday,6th December,this week, I, in keeping with our time-honoured tradition, nevertheless, paid him a courtesy,get-well-soon visit at his WHITE HOUSE, Molete, Ibadan home on Tuesday,8th December.
I was accompanied by the Chairman of my 70th Birthday Celebrations Planning Committee,Professor Remi Raji-Oyelade,Mogaji Adegboro Family,Kudeti,Ibadan and a former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors(ANA).
I hinged our visit on my article of the above title,published in The Guardian newspaper issue of Friday,29th August,1997.The kernel of the article is the need for Nigeria to honour her heroes/heroines while alive.
Dr Olunloyo,expressed his delight at our goodwill visit,saying that not many hosts would care to ask after “an absent Chairman”.
He,again,apologised for his unenvisaged indisposition that kept him away from my 70th birthday celebration.
Dr Olunloyo,prayed for me and wished me many happy returns of my birthday.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State,the HOST GOVERNOR,was represented by .
The scheduled MOTHER OF THE DAY, two-time Federal Minister of Industry,Chief(Dr)Nike Akande,OON,CON, Ashipa Iyalode of Ibadanland and the CHAIRPERSON, veteran broadcaster and Iya Eto of Lagos, Chief Julie Coker, both attended.
The HOST ROYAL FATHER OF THE DAY,Kabiyesi Olu badan Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, was represented by Olori Rashidat Adetunji, while IKU BABA YEYE the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola, Adeyemi 111was also in attendance and recited the IWURE at the ceremony,which many distinguished guests from all walks of life graced. My dear aburo,Ambassador Ibironke Adefoope, a former High Commissioner of Nigeria to Zambia and Malawi,was at hand to co-host with my wife,Chief(Mrs)Tokunbo Alabi,the first Yeyemeso of Lalupon,Ibadanland.
I presented a copy of the Programme of the ceremony to Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo,during the visit to him at his Molete,Ibadan home on Tuesday,8th December,this year.
In addition,a copy of my biography,’OLOYE ‘LEKAN ALABI:AN UNBELIEVABLE LIFE’,written by Professor O.B.C Nwolise,a former Head of the Political Science Department of the University of Ibadan,which was launched at the Sunday,6th December ceremony was presented to Dr Olunloyo.
