By: Oluwatosin Adesola
……As King Sunny Ade entertains Guests at the Colorful ceremony.
It was a gathering of Crème de la crème of Ondo State and the country at large in Akure on Saturday 28th June, 2025, when drums were rolled out to celebrate the 70th Birthday of the Executive Director (corporate services)of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDCC, and new Asiwaju of Akure Kingdom, Chief Ifedayo Sunday Abegunde.
Both outside and main hall of the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Alagbaka-Akure, filled to capacity with eminent Nigerians who came to celebrate Chief Abegunde who is popularly known as ‘Abena’.
The Asiwaju is a former House of Reps member and former Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG) and currently NDDC Executive Director.
The Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and his amiable wife, Oluwaseun led A-list of personalities who attended the 70th Birthday celebration, even as King Sunny Ade top list of some big musicians who entertained guests at the ceremony.
The Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Chiedu Ebie, and the NDDC Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, led the Board members and management staff of the commission to the event to honour of their own.
On the roll-call were; the Minister of Youth Development, Com. Ayo Olawande; the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; the Serving and Former National Assembly members from Ondo State; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji led his colleagues to grace the occasion while the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi led many traditional rulers from the state and outside the state to honour Asiwaju Abegunde.
Some of the National Assembly members who attended included; Senator Olajide Ipinsagba; Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN; and Reps members such as Hon. Festus Akingbaso, Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero, Hon. Abiola Makinde, Hon. Derin Adesida, Hon. Timilehin Adelegbe among others.
The APC state Chairman, Engr Ade Adetimehin; a former Deputy Governor, Omolade Oluwateru; a former Governorship Candidate of the PDP in Ondo state, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, and the Executive Chairman of Akure South, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, were among political bigwigs who attended the colourful event.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the celebrant, Chief Abegunde as a man of the people who has been using his opportunities in public offices to impact on the masses.
Aiyedatiwa said Abena is a reliable political giant who deserves to be celebrated and also congratulated him on the conferment of the prestigious Asiwaju title on him in Akure.
Also speaking, the Olowo of Owo and the Deji of Akure described Chief Abegunde as humble, resourceful and committed public office holders who must be celebrated by all and sundry.
The celebrant, Chief Ifedayo Abegunde flanked by his wife Chief (Mrs) Jumoke and children, expressed appreciation to Almighty God for His grace to enable him celebrate 70th birthday despite many challenges of life.
The NDDC Executive Director also thanked guests who honour him during the Birthday celebration and those who attended his installation as the Asiwaju of Akure, promising to continue to engage in humanitarian services.
Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye MFR, known professionally as King Sunny Adé brought one his best performances when he entertained guests, while a special book was launched in honour of Abena.
