Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, CFR, has rejoiced with High Chief Tola Adeniyi on the occasion of his 80th birthday celebration, holding in Canada later today.
Akogun Adeniyi, a foremost cultural icon, legendary journalist, fearless writer, and unrepentant custodian of Yoruba heritage, celebrated his birthday in Ibadan, Oyo State, last month.
However, in recognition of his immense contributions to journalism, humanity and national development, another birthday celebration will be taking place today in Ontario, Canada in honour of Akogun Adeniyi.
The Diaspora 80th birthday celebration of the highly-revered media icon and cultural diplomat was put together by The Nigeria and Canadian Business Committee.
The Ooni of Ife, in a statement on Sunday by the Director, Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, described the Canada event as a celebration of milestone of not merely a celebration of years, but a commemoration of decades of distinguished service to truth, culture, nation-building, and the Yoruba race.
“Akogun Tola Adeniyi has been a towering iroko in Nigeria’s media landscape, wielding his pen like a sword to speak for the voiceless and to confront injustice with uncommon bravery.
“Through his columns, essays, and public commentary, he has consistently used the media as a sacred altar for justice, conscience, and cultural revival.
“As a true son of Oduduwa and a champion of Yoruba civilization, Akogun Tola Adeniyi has earned, with great dignity, a constellation of chieftaincy titles across Yorubaland, reflecting his pan-Yoruba influence and service.
“At 80, Chief Tola Adeniyi remains a beacon of wisdom, a fountain of cultural pride, and an unwavering voice in the storm.
“His life is a vivid narrative of boldness, authenticity, and spiritual commitment to his people and heritage.
“His legacy is not only written in ink but etched in the hearts of all who cherish Yoruba values and identity,” it was stated in the statement.
The Ooni of Ife, on behalf of the House of Oduduwa and the global Yoruba family, celebrated Adeniyi, the Araba of Remoland; Bobagunwa of Ago-Iwoye; Akogun of Ijebu; Iroko of Yewaland; Aare Agbaakin of Ede; Otunba Awubiowu of Ijebu Ife; Aare Ologundudu of Lagos; Irunmole of Isamuro and Jagun Oodua of Yorubaland
“You are indeed a true Iroko of our time for his life of purpose and enduring inspiration. May the spirits of our ancestors continue to straighten you.
“Happy birthday Akogun!,” the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, added in the statement.
