Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa: Appreciate Family, Friends While Alive

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on Nigerians to cherish and celebrate their loved ones during their lifetime, stressing that this allows them to personally witness the affection and gratitude extended by family, friends, and associates. Governor Aiyedatiwa made this appeal on Saturday while presiding over the 80th birthday thanksgiving service for Special Apostle Titus Ogunseye, which took place in Ikeja, Lagos.

The governor, who chaired the auspicious occasion, noted that it is common for individuals to organize grand tributes only after their loved ones have passed on, thereby denying them the opportunity to experience the love and honour bestowed upon them. He stated, “Most of the time, when we lose our parents, we organise elaborate celebrations after they have gone, and they do not have the opportunity to witness the love being shown to them. Today is different because Baba is alive to see everyone who has come to celebrate him.”

Describing the attainment of 80 years by the celebrant as a unique blessing, Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to God for preserving Apostle Ogunseye's life with robust health and strength. The governor revealed his initial reservations about chairing the event, considering that at 61, he viewed the octogenarian as a paternal figure. He mentioned having travelled from Lagos earlier that day to attend the funeral of an aide's father before returning for the birthday celebration, highlighting the significance of both engagements.

Reflecting on the milestone, Aiyedatiwa remarked that reaching the age of 80 serves as a powerful reminder of the biblical admonition to count one's days and acknowledge God's unwavering faithfulness. According to him, the wisdom accrued through advanced age represents the true glory of the elderly. “The wisdom acquired through age is the true glory of old age, and Baba’s 80 years reflect uncommon wisdom,” he affirmed.

The governor lauded Ogunseye for a life he characterized by resilience, compassion, fervent prayer, and dedicated service, noting the cleric’s positive influence on countless individuals through his roles as a husband, father, and apostle. He hailed the celebrant as “a wise master builder” who committed his life to nurturing people through prayer, profound teaching, and exemplary leadership. Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated Ogunseye on this significant achievement and offered prayers for his continued good health, vigour, and many more years of service.

Among other dignitaries present was the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, who also extended his congratulations to the cleric on his 80th birthday. In a message shared following the ceremony, Obasa conveyed that he joined family members, friends, associates, and well-wishers in celebrating the octogenarian. Speaker Obasa’s message included a prayer: “I pray that Almighty God grants him continued good health, divine strength, peace, and many more years of fruitful service to humanity.”

In his vote of thanks, Apostle Damilola Ogunseye, the celebrant’s son, attributed the success of the celebration to God, emphasizing that the gathering was a fulfillment of divine instruction rather than a family-initiated event. He stated, “My vote of thanks has to start with God Almighty because without God we cannot achieve this.” He further explained, “Just as our teaching priest, our shepherd, has said, Baba would not have called for this kind of occasion, but it was God’s instruction.” Damilola Ogunseye recounted that at his father’s 60th birthday, God had instructed them to celebrate him to demonstrate the rewards of knowing, serving, and loving God. He quoted 2 Corinthians 2:14, saying, “‘Now thanks be unto God, who always leads us to triumph in Christ.’ That is why I have to give honour to that same God.”

He also expressed appreciation to all the officiating ministers at the thanksgiving service and the members of the Seraph Voices choir, acknowledging that they honoured a personal request from the celebrant. “I want to appreciate all the officiating ministers. I will not forget to honour my constituency, the Seraph Voices. We have a lot of things to do, but they created time to honour God through our father,” he said. He further revealed that it was his father’s specific desire for the Surulere choir to minister at the thanksgiving service, a request they graciously fulfilled. Thanking the guests for their presence, he described them not merely as invitees but as witnesses to God’s faithfulness in his father’s life. “I want to honour everyone here who has made it a duty to be here. You are not guests; you are witnesses.” He concluded by noting that the large turnout was a testament to the profound impact the octogenarian had made over decades of ministry and service, expressing the family’s continued gratitude to everyone who joined in commemorating the milestone.