The town of Iperu-Remo hosted a lavish, star-studded 90th birthday celebration for Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olaitan Abiodun, mother of Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun. The event transformed the quiet town into an arena of royalty, influence, and excitement, featuring both a reverent church service at St. James’ Anglican Church and a grand reception.
The celebration saw an unprecedented turnout of national leaders: the federal delegation was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, accompanied by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and several other senators and ministers, underscoring the day’s significance. A large contingent of state Governors was also present, including those from Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kwara, Imo, and Akwa Ibom. Former national and state leaders, such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and several former governors, were also in attendance.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the SGF Senator George Akume, praised the matriarch as a “pathfinder and nation-builder” whose life of “humility, discipline, and divine purpose” birthed leaders like Governor Abiodun. Fighting back emotion, Governor Abiodun described his mother as their “moral compass, our prayer warrior, and the matriarch of miracles,” crediting her for everything good in his life.
The event was also marked by a majestic display of traditional authority, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, alongside the Alake of Egbaland, the Akarigbo of Remoland, and other eminent monarchs. The sermon, delivered by Bishop Most Reverend Olusina Fape, celebrated Mama Victoria, a teacher and devout Christian, as a “vessel of grace and generosity” whose 90 years were a testimony to a life of service.
The grand reception, a masterpiece of culture and class, featured performances by legendary juju maestro King Sunny Ade, along with BJ Sax and the Vintage Band, creating a blend of heritage and contemporary joy. The celebration, marked by warmth, elegance, and deep admiration, ultimately honored Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olaitan Abiodun’s nine decades of grace, grit, and glory, serving as a testament to her enduring legacy.
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