The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo,
and Delta, Alhaji Dawud Akinola Makanjuola has been decorated as the Grand Commander of Ibadan Culture (GCIC) and Most Patriotic Ibadan Indigene (MPII).
The GCIC and MPII westernmirror.com.ng gathered were the two highest honor CCII can bestow on any individual.
De-Damak as Aare Makanjuola is popularly known was decorated by the Council of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigene (CCII) on Sunday, May 26 at his Agodi GRA private residence in Ibadan.
CCII President General, Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole and the Executive Council of the umbrella body, face and voice of all Ibadan indigenes worldwide conferred the honor on Aare Makanjuola.
Present at the event are the Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, Chief Imam of Ibadan, Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Oyo state chapter Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, national deputy chairman (south) of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, former Nigerian Ambassador, Ibironke Adefowope, Chief Nureni Akanbi, members of the Olubadan in-council, Alhaji Asimiyu Ariori and Ibadan Mogajis.
Other notable personalities in attendance are the member representing Ibadan South East I at the Oyo state House of Assembly, Hon. Opeyemi Modiu, executive chairman of Oyo state Local Government Pension Board, Hon. Ademola Ige, the Chairman of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and other top state and federal functionaries while former governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun was represented by Wale Ogunyomade at the event.
In his brief remarks, Barrister Ajewole extolled the life of Aare Makanjuola describing him as a proud and illustrious son of Ibadanland who has exemplifies a typical Yoruba ‘omoluabi ethos’.
The CCII President, who went memory lane recounted how the umbrella body of Ibadan Indegenes was formed in 1982 as a result of a 2-day political insult on the entire people of Ibadanland, said the body has since become a global brand.
Barrister Ajewole said, Alhaji Makanjuola was honored with the recognition and award of Grand Commander of Ibadan Culture as a result of his many years of selfless commitment to the advancement and projection of Ibadan culture and traditional heritage.
Several developmental plans and projects for the growth of the city through the CCII under the Ajewole led leadership were highlighted while noting that the GCII and MPII were the two highest honor the body could bestow on any indigene of Ibadan origin.
Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in his remarks noted that Alhaji Makanjuola has distinguished himself as an industrious son of Ibadanland and a successful business mogul who’s selfless commitments to the development of the land has endeared him to many both far and near.
Several speakers in their goodwill messages described the honor bestowed on Alhaji Makanjuola as well deserved stressing the need for all sons and daughters of Ibadan origin to continue to promote and project its tradition and cultural heritage.
Alhaji Makanjuola, in his remarks expressed appreciation to the CCII for the bestowing the highest honor of the body to him assuring that he would continue to play his part in the advancement of Ibadanland and service of humanity.
As part of his continuous support for the CCII, Alhaji Makanjuola donated a brand new Van and a cash donation of 10 million naira.
Highlight of the ceremony were presentation of awards to Alhaji Makanjuola for his dedicated service to Ibadan and humanity as a whole.
