It was a day steeped in joy, gratitude, and admiration as the peaceful town of Ipinsa, near Akure, Ondo State, witnessed a rare and radiant celebration, the 90th birthday of Elder Akinola Isijola, a revered patriarch and father of Kikelomo Isijola, Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The celebration began with a deeply spiritual thanksgiving service at Solid Rock Apostolic Church at Ipinsa, Akure where family, friends, and well-wishers gathered to honour a man whose life has been defined by grace, humility, and service.
The air was filled with heartfelt worship as the congregation joined the celebrant in glorifying God for nine decades of purposeful living.
In a soul-stirring sermon, Pastor Michael Owoeye drew from Scripture to remind attendees of the blessings of righteous living and the power of generational impact.
He described Elder Isijola’s life as a testimony of divine faithfulness, urging all present to walk in integrity, faith, and discipline, values the celebrant has consistently upheld.
After the service, guests moved to a grand reception that radiated culture, colour, and community spirit.
The celebrant and his beloved wife made a graceful entrance, both resplendent in matching traditional “aso ofi” attire, a symbolic expression of heritage, pride, and unity. Their appearance drew warm applause and admiration from the gathering.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was unavoidably absent, was represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, who joined other dignitaries at the reception.
In his goodwill message, the Governor extolled Elder Isijola as a living emblem of moral excellence and generational influence, noting that his kind is a rarity in today’s world.
Other prominent figures who graced the occasion included the Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye, and several high-profile media executives from both government and private establishments.
A major highlight of the event was the cutting of the birthday cake – a symbolic moment that captured the essence of the day. Cutting of the cake was moderated by Mrs Olamiposi Odofin, a Director in the state ministry of Information
With his wife by his side and surrounded by loved ones, Elder Isijola beamed with joy as the crowd counted down and the ceremonial knife sliced through the beautifully adorned cake, an emblem of longevity and joy.
In an emotional tribute, Kikelomo Isijola expressed deep gratitude to God for sparing her father’s life and thanked friends, associates, and dignitaries for honouring her family with their presence.
Her heartfelt words were matched by tributes from guests who hailed the celebrant as a devoted Christian, a disciplined father, and a pillar of the community.
The reception was a vibrant blend of music, dance, and shared memories, as guests relished traditional dishes and recounted inspiring stories about the celebrant’s legacy.
It was not just a birthday, it was a celebration of legacy, values, and a life fully lived.
Elder Akinola Isijola’s 90th birthday stood as a shining testament to the power of faith, family, and a principled life.
