Ondo State on Saturday hosted eminent Nigerians including notable politicians across the country who had come to rejoice with Afenifere chieftain and National Chairman of Social Democratic Party, SDP, Chief Samuel Oluyemisi Falae, CFR, who marked his 80th birthday.
The auditorium of St. David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, in Akure, the state capital, venue of the Birthday Thanksgiving Service was filled to capacity with guests.
Falae was a former Secretary to the Federal Government, a former Minister of Finance and a former Presidential Candidate in the 1999 election, who led the delegation of the South West to the 2014 Sovereign National Conference, which was organised by the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
Political bigwigs in attendance included Ambassador Felix Johnson Osakwe; all SDP presidential aspirants including Prof Jerry Gana; Mr John Dara and Mr Donald Duke; Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN; his immediate predecessor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; and former Education Minister, Prof. Tunde Adeniran.
There were Afenifere chieftains including Basorun Arogbofa, Chief Supo Shonibare, Chief Femi Aluko, and Mr Yinka Odumakin, among others. Other attendees include Dr Adegoke Adegoroye and Mr Dayo Awude, who led a group of close associates of the octogenarian.
The Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi and the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo were top on the list of Royal Fathers at the Holy Communion Service.
Expressing joy that Falae attained the status of octogenarian in sound health, Ondo State Governor described the celebrant as a rare gem who the state is proud to have produced.
Said Akeredolu: “He no doubt, bestrode the political landscape of this country like a colossus which climaxed with his being a Presidential Candidate of AD/APP in 1999.
“As a consummate farmer, an urbane and a quintessential politician and author whose contributions to his community, the state and the country in general, remain legendary, he has continued to keep faith with development issues in Ondo State and Nigeria.”
In his sermon, Rt. Rev’d Simeon Borokini congratulated the celebrant for receiving favor from God which culminated in his attainment of 80 years in the land of the living.
He urged everyone to look back and praise the lord for the benefits so far enjoyed.
Bishop Borokini said the benefit of life which is the most important, must be cherished rather than taken for granted.
“God has blessed Baba Falae, he has flourished and he is fruitful. Children of God will not labour in vain as they will eat the fruits of their labour,” he said.
The Bishop further praised God for the benefits of mercy, which he said, endure forever and have kept everyone alive to see each day.
The cleric who is the Bishop of Akure Diocese, Anglican Communion, admonished politicians to allow the fear of God dominate the policies they integrate into governance in Nigeria.
“I appeal to our fathers and mothers who are politicians, let us put tribalism aside and restructure our minds. Let us put competent people in positions of responsibility. Put sentiments and religion aside for Nigeria to be one nation,” he said.
Bishop Borokini enjoined everyone to be closer to God, as no one could say when the last trumpet would sound for every individual to come up with their respective stewardship.
Falae served as secretary to the military government of Ibrahim Babangida between January 1986 and December 1990, was briefly the Finance Minister in 1990.
He contested the 1999 presidential election on the platform of Alliance for Democracy/All Peoples Party against former Peoples Democratic Party President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He was born on September 21, 1938 to the family of Pa Joshua and Madam Abigail Falae.
