Human creatures are born with a specific purpose and mission. They are like a target or a mandate that must be met.
The mission varies with individuals, but not without obstacles, which comes in form of a distraction.
Without doubt, it takes some people a lot of time before they realise essentially what their mission is, whilst very unfortunately, it takes some other individuals their lifetime before they understand what the essence of their birth implies.
The implication is that, a situation could arise whereby the lack of realisation of someone’s mission might lead others, or multitude astray, because like a chain, we are all connected imaginarily, one way or the other.
Celebration of birthdays should leave the stage of being irregular to
being purposeful, from the stage of vagueness to vast understanding, from the stage of ignorance to realisation.
That explains why amongst other things individuals are expected to grow wiser with respect to increase in age.
Perhaps, it is expected that an increase in age should bring about a lot of reasoning cum reflections that will bring about advancement not just in the area of intellectual abilities but an all-round maturity in oneself.
Against this background, the Esama of Benin City, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, specially invited His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Superior Head of Yorubaland, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, to be the Royal Father at his ever-colourful birthday ceremony.
Every year, Chief Igbinedion celebrates his birthday for a whole month and with the Alaafin as the Royal Father at the event.
Born on September 8, 1934, Chief Igbinedion who clocked 91 years is a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, who is the founder of Igbinedion University, the first private university, TV and Radio Stations in Nigeria. He is renowned for his contributions to education, business and philanthropy in Nigeria.
He also owns a bank, refinery, diamond, gold, marble mines in Africa.
Oba Owoade and his entourage were accorded civic reception right from the airport on arrival to where the ceremony took place.
It was excitement galore as a cross section of Benin City residents trooped out in their thousands and lined up the streets to catch a glimpse of the Alaafin and his convoy, wavering their hands to ventilate their joy and happiness.
At the birthday event venue, it was fanfare galore as shouts of “Iku Baba Yeye” rent the air.
All the invited guests, both high and low, stood up as a mark of respect for the Head of Yorubaland, as the Alaafin and his entourage who are traditional rulers were led to the platform after warm greetings by the birthday boy.
The Titan of Yorubaland were treated to some cultural displays and delightful tunes from a musical band.
In his address, the Esama of Benin, Chief Igbinedion described the Alaafin, Oba Owoade as ‘’ the foremost traditional ruler in Yorubaland’ whose commitment to unity, peace and wellbeing of his people is unequaled”.
According to him, “the Alaafin combines humility with royalty to meet modern day demands. He has taken traditional leadership to another level, using his
exposure, wealth and power to benefit his people and mankind. He is making life more comfortable for his people”.
Chief Igbinedion also pointed out that “Oba Owoade is a Paramount Ruler with deep compassion and generosity, as he uses what God has endowed him with to touch the lives of the people””.
In his address, the Alaafin noted that sectional diversity ought to serve as source of national unity, cohesion and integration, rather than constituting threats to peace, security and national development
The Paramount ruler said conflict is part and parcel of human coexistence but peaceful resolution of conflict is one of the hallmarks of democracy and development.
Oba Owoade’s address, which exemplified him as a Monarch with intellectual sagacity, was interjected with rounds of applause.
Alaafin’ went further, “If we adopt the traditional methods of conflict resolution as alternative to the modern judiciary, it would go a long way in improving our current justice system.
“Nigerians have a duty to work for all that promotes peace and harmonious living. We must be our bothers’ keepers, eschew all acts detrimental to peace, unity and rapid development. Unity is to stay together and work with others to accomplish a common goal.
“There are many benefits of staying united in tough times, as it helps to face challenging situations with courage. The importance of staying united has struck a chord among many people throughout history. Keeping memories of what we have accomplished throughout history can help us see how individuals and communities have persevered through tough times and into a brighter future. In unprecedented moments, staying united is essential because the future is uncertain and could go either way”, Oba Owoade asserted.
While extolling the virtue of Chief Igbinedion as a ” quintessential businessman and philanthropist whose commitment to progress and development of his country home, state and the country as a whole are laudable, Alaafin, who appreciated the ‘birthday boy’ for his unflinching love and respect, and pledged continuous and harmonious relationship between Oyo and Benin.
