In a poignant ceremony held yesterday at the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, Loyola College, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, dignitaries from diverse backgrounds converged to mark the 30th-year remembrance of Pa Philip Akika.
The occasion saw the presence of royal fathers, political stalwarts, friends, and family members, both from within and outside Oyo State.
The thanksgiving service, a heartfelt remembrance of Pa Philip Akika, drew dignitaries, including reputable royal fathers, political heavyweights, and well-wishers.
Pa Philip Akika, who departed 30 years ago, was eulogized for a life rich in meaning. His enduring legacy lives on through successful children contributing to the public welfare.
Chief Benedict Akika, one of Pa Philip Akika’s sons and the Mayegun of Akobo Land and Agbaakin Olorundaaba Aba, played a central role in organizing the remembrance.
Acknowledged as a philanthropist, Chief Benedict Akika continues his father’s legacy by positively impacting lives.
The 30 years remembrance mass and thanksgiving service, presided over by Bishop Ayodeji emphasized the importance of living a life of impact. He urged attendees to leave a lasting legacy for posterity, emphasizing the transient nature of life.
Bishop Ayodeji extended gratitude to Chief Benedict Akika for facilitating the 30 years remembrance prayer.
Special prayers were offered for Oyo State Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde, wishing him continuous wisdom, and for Otunbo Seye Famojuro, with blessings for his presence.
Prominent figures present at the event included:
Onilalupon, Oba Badewolu,
Oba Samuel Folarin Jo, Ololorunda of Olorundaaba.
Chief Raufu Amoo, Baale Akobo Ojunrin,Otunba Seye Famojuro,
Oyo House of Assembly Members:
– Hon. Babajide Gabriel
– Hon. Modiu Opeyemi
- Former House of Assembly Member from Saki: Hon. Julius Refren Ibikunle
- Former Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters: Hon. Adeniyi Adeyinka Kazim Bibire
- ALGON Chairman: Hon. Sikiru Sanda
- Hon. Adetokunbo Adeaga, Oyo CSDA Board Chairman
- Hon. Akintayo Ibrahim, Ibadan Northeast Executive Chairman
- Former Oyo State PDP Publicity Secretary and Oluyole PDP Chairmanship Candidate: Akeem Olatunji
- Ibadan North PDP Chairmanship Candidate: Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade
- Lagelu PDP Chairmanship Candidate: Hon. Mudashiru Kamorudeen
- Atiba PDP Chairmanship Candidate: Hon. Wahab Waliu Adetunji WABKEM
- Prince Adebowale Adebayo Falana
- Bashorun Saintabbey
- Engineer Femi Afolabi
- Hon. Ibrahim Mighty
- Aderibigbe Yisahu
- Rasheed Opeyemi.
Other chiefs:
- Chief Mathew Alani Oyeyemi, Aare of Akobo
- Chief Amoo Taofeek
- (Ekarun Balogun of Akobo)
- Chief Ayoade Gafar
- (Asipa Balogun)
- Chief Moradeyo Adebayo
- (Asiwaju of Akobo)
- Dr. Chief Ayomide Samuel
Other dignitaries includes:
- Mr Muritala Ariyo
- Mr Olayinka
- Other families and friends.
The commemoration concluded with a reception at the family house in Iworoad, where attendees shared memories, reinforcing the significance of preserving the legacy of Pa Philip Akika.
The event symbolized a collective acknowledgment of a life well-lived and a community united in remembrance.
