Opinion

Glitz And Glamour As Iperu Hosts Star-Studded 90th Birthday For Governor Abiodun’s Mother,By Tayo Mabeweje

The ancient town of Iperu-Remo shimmered under the October sun, its calm streets transformed into an arena of royalty, influence, and nostalgia. From the churchyard to the canopies of celebration, the air was thick with excitement. The town pulsed with rhythm and reverence as dignitaries, celebrities, and cultural icons trooped in to celebrate the 90th birthday of Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olaitan Abiodun, mother of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun — a matriarch whose name echoes with love, faith, and legacy.

Long before the first hymn echoed through the hallowed walls of St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu had already transformed into a living postcard of glamour. The streets wore a festive look — banners fluttering, flowers nodding in the breeze, and residents waving joyously as convoys of tinted SUVs and luxury sedans rolled by like scenes from a Nollywood premiere.

At the heart of it all stood Mama Victoria Olaitan Abiodun — elegant and radiant in her immaculately tailored white dress and crowned with a matching royal blue gele. The soft shimmer of her fabric caught the light with every graceful step, reflecting both purity and majesty. The crowd rose in admiration as she entered, her poise commanding respect, her smile warming the room. It was not merely a birthday; it was history dressed in Ankara and gratitude.

Leading the federal delegation was Vice President Kashim Shettima, flanked by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Chief of Staff to the President Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and Minister of Works Engr. David Umahi. Their presence underscored the national significance of the day — a rare gathering where politics took a back seat to family, faith, and friendship.

Governors came in full force — Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom — turning the thanksgiving into a reunion of Nigeria’s leadership elite.

The front pews were lined with familiar faces of power and prestige. Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo sat in quiet reflection, nodding approvingly as the choir sang. He was joined by former governors Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, and Senator Lekan Mustapha.

The atmosphere sparkled even brighter with corporate royalty in attendance — Chief (Dr.) Toyin Okeowo, Prof. Toyin Ashiru, Dr. Tunde Lemo, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Mr. Segun Alebiosun of First Bank, and FIRS Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, among others too numerous to mention. The crowd was a roll call of those who define influence in modern Nigeria.

Representing Ogun State with pride and unity was the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, alongside the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo. Also in attendance were the State Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, and all members of the Ogun State Executive Council, who stood solidly behind His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, in giving Mama a celebration worthy of her grace and legacy.

Their collective presence radiated loyalty and love — the mark of a team that mirrors the Governor’s spirit of gratitude and continuity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, captured the mood perfectly. He described Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olaitan Abiodun as “a pathfinder and nation-builder whose quiet strength shaped generations.” Her life, he said, “is a masterclass in humility, discipline, and divine purpose — the kind of legacy that births leaders and outlives time.” He lauded Governor Abiodun for “upholding the family’s honour through governance rooted in values Mama instilled.”

For Governor Dapo Abiodun, it was a deeply personal moment. Fighting back emotion, he spoke from the heart: “My mother’s prayers built invisible bridges for us; her sacrifices lit our paths; and her faith steadied our feet. She is our moral compass, our prayer warrior, and the matriarch of miracles. Everything good in me began with her.” His words, heavy with gratitude, drew soft murmurs of admiration from the congregation.

Royalty came draped in splendour and symbolism. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, led the distinguished royal procession, his presence filling the atmosphere with ancestral dignity. Alongside him were the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, CFR; Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, FCA; and Olorogun (Dr.) Sonny Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu and Adele Awujale of Ijebuland, who led the eminent Ijebu delegation with stately grace and unmistakable Ijebu pride.

It was royalty meeting royalty — tradition embracing modernity — and the spectacle glowed with reverence and power.

The Bishop of Remo Anglican Diocese, Most Reverend Olusina Fape, delivered a moving sermon titled “The Grateful Heart Receives More Blessings from God.” With the cadence of conviction, he likened the celebrant to the biblical Mary, saying, “Just as Mary birthed greatness into the world, Mama Victoria birthed a son whose leadership has illuminated Ogun State.” He extolled her life of service as Iya Egbe Bishop of the church, describing her as “a vessel of grace and generosity whose faith has become a light to others.” He ended with a gentle reminder — that 90 years of life is not just longevity, but testimony. The congregation nodded in agreement; some smiled, others fought back tears. It was more than a sermon — it was a eulogy for the living.

As the choir’s last note dissolved into applause, Iperu exhaled into full celebration mode. The grand reception that followed was pure class — an orchestration of colour, culture, and camaraderie. The marquee, dressed in gold, ivory, and champagne hues, sparkled like a royal ballroom. Guests glided in wearing green Ankara aso ebi with white and royal blue gele — a vibrant expression of Nigerian elegance, unity, and cultural identity.

The ambience was warm, sophisticated, and alive. Crystal centrepieces glowed against floral cascades, while laughter and clinking glasses blended into a melody of joy.

Then came the music — and the entire town caught the groove. King Sunny Ade, the evergreen juju maestro, took the stage and, with his voice, strummed memories into melodies. The hall swayed with nostalgia as his rhythms danced across generations, uniting young and old in sound and soul. BJ Sax followed with his velvet-smooth saxophone tunes — a symphony of gospel, jazz, and joy that wrapped the crowd in sonic warmth. The Vintage Band sealed the night with infectious rhythm — the kind of groove that made even the most conservative dignitaries loosen up, nod to the beat, or exchange knowing smiles. It wasn’t just entertainment; it was heritage in harmony.

The evening unfolded like a well-written ballad. High table dignitaries toasted to longevity, while old friends embraced amid laughter and stories. The energy was electric yet elegant — a blend of pageantry and homecoming. From the clinking of glasses to the syncopation of talking drums, every moment pulsed with poetry. The blend of English, Yoruba, and laughter created a rhythm that no DJ could mix better. It was a carnival of hearts — dignified yet dazzling, holy yet hip.

And through it all, at the centre of the celebration, sat the star of the day — Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olaitan Abiodun — regal, composed, and radiant. She smiled softly as the music played, her gaze sweeping across her children, grandchildren, and the dignitaries who came to honour her. Her eyes said it all: gratitude, peace, and a quiet triumph of purpose fulfilled.

Mama Abiodun’s journey reads like a hymn of perseverance. A teacher, mentor, and devout Christian, she spent decades shaping lives with faith and discipline. Her children and community are living proof of her enduring influence. Her life is the kind that poets describe and preachers celebrate — one of grace that grows with age, like fine wine or a sacred melody.

By nightfall, the mood mellowed into quiet reflection. The laughter softened, the drums faded, and conversations turned to legacy and gratitude. There were no fireworks — only the subtle glow of chandeliers and the unspoken warmth of shared admiration.

As guests departed, one truth shimmered gently in the Iperu breeze: Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olaitan Abiodun did not just mark 90 years — she marked nine decades of grace, grit, and glory. For Iperu, it was not merely a celebration; it was a sonnet of heritage, a living testament that goodness truly echoes. That night, the town did not just host a birthday — it hosted a legacy. And long after the music faded, the rhythm of that day still lingered — gentle, golden, unforgettable.

Tayo Mabeweje, Senior Special Assistant (Media)Office of the Governor, Ogun State

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