Asiwaju @ 57

Asiwaju dances to Gongo Aso

BY CHARLES OKOLO
ON March 27, a special birthday party was organised for the immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by Conference 57 comprising all the 57 local council chairmen in the state. The chairman, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Chairman Ojodu Local Council popularly known as ‘chair of all chairs’. Some other members of the organising committee are Hon. Aliu Kazeem, Hon. Yemi Ali, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, Hon. Kamal Baiyewu and Hon. Kunle Soname, among others.
The uniqueness of the birthday was that Conference 57, (Asiwaju’s 57 children — the 57 local councils he created during his tenure as governor), were there to celebrate the fulfillment of the life of their godfather; an icon, and to also tap into the significance of the event.
The event manager, Heartlink Ventures, did not disappoint with the well packaged Asiwaju @ 57 programme it provided.
The event, which held at the Banquet Hall, Oriental Chinese Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, began with a Green Carpet reception, anchored by none other than Gbenga Adeyinka.
A documentary on The Trials, Travails and Triumphs of Tinubu’s political career was done by Dudu Productions. While 57 goats were used as barbecue to represent the 57 local councils in the state. A tour of BBQ 57 was done by the celebrant and his wife, alongside guests.
Dignitaries present include the wife of the state governor, Abimbola Fashola; Tunde Buraimoh, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly; Rafiu Aregbesola, Lai Muhammed, Wale Edun, Tunji Bello and his Wife; All Lagos State council chairmen and their wives. Others were Leke Pitan, Dele Alake, Teju Philips, Derin Braithwaite, Tunji Bello, Yemi Fakayejo (Mobil), Abba Folawiyo, Chief Abert Iyorah, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamowora, Mutiu Are, Demola Amure and traditional rulers, among others. The Chinese and Ghanaian community were also not left out.
Artistes such as Wasiu- Kwam 1, Bukky Wright, Abass DJ, Kenny St. Brown, 9ice, Shan George, Essence thrilled guest with their music.
Wright, Essence, Kwam 1 and George performed a special birthday song in English, reggae and Yoruba.
The event’s comperes were Helen Paul, Gbenga Adeyinka, 1st; Seyi Law and Deji Balogun, who read the citation of birthday man.