All route led to Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government on Sunday, the 24th September, 2017 as Chief Alexander Olusola Oke observed a special thanksgiving to mark his elevation to the exalted rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Chief Oke and 27 other counsels were officially decorated as new silks last week Friday at a special session of the Supreme court ,Abuja to mark the beginning of a new legal year.
Church of Christ, Agbala Ologo, Igbokoda venue of the thanksgiving service played host to array of A-list Nigerians who cut across political divides, as well as professional colleagues of the celebrant and eminent jurists.
Among the highlight of the thanksgiving service were a special rendition by a Lagos based gospel artiste , ” Mr. Praises”, and melodious Zion church lyrics dished out to serenade the thanksgiving mood by the church choir.
In his sermon at the event, Pastor Johnson Tomisin Kalejaye of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos, appreciated God Almighty for making the celebration possible. While praying for the Royal Fathers , the cleric noted that the peace of God will continue to reign in their territory.
Quoting from the Book of 1st Thessalonian, chapter 5, Pastor Kalejaye said, the Bible counsels that in all things, we should give thanks, noting that this implies that regardless of the situation , either good or bad, Christians should always endeavour to give thanks. Kalejaye , while congratulating the celebrant maintained that giving praises to God and offering Him our gratitude provoke promotion and uplifting.
He said the promotion that has come the way of the celebrant indicates the beginning great things to come , stressing that by this wonderful development , the Ilaje nation has been remembered for good.
He said God has plans for every of his creation and his plans for us are beyond our imagination and God makes everything beautiful in His own appointed time.
He however lamented the dearth of development in Ilaje land, nay the Southern senatorial district, noting that “our people are so many in exalted political offices in the land, thus we have no reason to be as poor and as backward as we are.”
: In his remark, the celebrant , Chief Olusola One (SAN) thanked everyone who had come from far and near to celebrate with him. He said the joy in his heart knew no bound, stressing that God has helped him to reach the peak of two contrasting career: politics and legal profession.
On the sideline of the event, while speaking with the polity.com, Chief Oke said his promotion is dedicated to his colleagues in the NBA Okitipupa branch for their support, maintaining that he will continue to identify with the branch. On restructuring, the legal luminary said he is in support of the idea in as much as it will not lead to the balkanization of the country , stressing that true fiscal federalism will strengthen the Nigerian state .
The reception and entertainment of guests which held at Ilaje High school was massive as the celebrant’s kinsmen across the Ilaje nation attended in their hundreds. Besides, eminent dignitaries, jurors, politicians, business men and captains of industry, clerics and family members were in attendance.
What did guests in attendance say about Chief Olusola Oke?
Justice Odusola described Oke as a brilliant attorney who had come a long way. The eminent Jurist said while they were practising in the 80’s, Bar. Oke was a counsel that everybody liked to listen to in court because of the brilliance with which he used to channel his case. He noted that Oke’s professional colleagues knew all along that he would become A Senior Advocate.
In his own opinion, Chief Isaacs Drumene kekemeke, described Chief Oke as a quintessential gentleman who is very passionate about his legal career. He said Oke has proved his quality and the stuff he is made of and his new elevation is deserving and long expected.
Prince Dr. Dayo Faduyile while talking to the polity.com noted that Chief Oke is a rallying force not just to his professional colleagues but to his political colleagues and followers. He advised the Chief to continue in his good work, noting that more elevation await the legal luminary.
Barrister Ebiseeni , former commissioner for Environment described the new SAN as a worthy colleague, a glowing counsel and a dependable Ambassador of Ilaje nation, noting that he is excited that Chief Oke has finally gotten to the exalted rank deserving of his status as a time tested counsel.
Responding to a question posed to her by the polity.com on the celebrant, Princess Oladuni Odu, former commissioner and Special Adviser to Gov.Rotimi Akeredolu, said Chief Olusola Oke is a counsel who rose through the rank by hard work and
commitment. The Idepe-born politician described Oke as a good team player who is loved by all.
Member representing Ilaje/ Ese Odo Federal constituency in The House of Representatives, Hon Victor Akinjo said Chief Oke has been able to rise above the narrow confines of “individualistic politicking to the to the broader perspective of selfless politicking for the betterment of his people”. He said Oke has scored another historical point by being the first SAN to have emerged from Ilaje nation .
Bar. Ogungbemi, former secretary ,Okitipupa Local Government advised Chief Olusola Oke not to relent in his commitment to rendering selfless service to his people, adding that NBA Okitipupa is very much proud of his epochal achievement.
On the bandstand was the popular female gospel singer, Evangelist. Esther Igbekele.
Among the dignitaries at the event were Royal fathers : Abodi of Ikale, HRM Oba Gabriel Faduyile, HRM Oba Ola Aiyeku, Obagberumen of Igbodigo; HRM Oba Michael Adetoye Obatuga,Jegun Idepe Okitipupa; HRM Oba Oyebola Goodluck, Odogbo of Ome; HRM Oba Elias Ikuomola, Alagho of Odonla; HRM Oba Raphael Oloyede, The Olu of Igbobini; HRM Oba Olumoyegun, Oniju of Iju Odo; HRM Oba Philip Kalejaye, The Odede of Igboegunrin and others.
The roll call also included Alhaji Ali Olanusi, former Deputy Governor of Ondo state, Hon Victor Akinjo, Hon. Segun Ayerin, Mr. Ajose kudehinbu, former Head of service, Bar. Oluwole Ajana, Justice Odusola, Justice Ikujuni, Princess Oladuni Odu, Dr. Dayo Faduyile, Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, Mr. Eric Yanyangbinrin, Mr. Banji Okunomo, Mr. Banji Ajaka, Hon Oye Aladetan and a host of others .
