Personality in Focus
49th Birthday: Aare Adetona, Wife Bag Otun, Yeye Otun Asiwaju Onigbagbo Honours
As part of activities to celebrate his 49th birthday on April 2, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties, Aare Adetola Emmanuel-king and his wife, Yeye Aderonke Emmanuel King have been inducted and decorated as the Otun Asiwaju Onigbagbo and Yeye Otun Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Remo Land.
The Asiwaju Onigbagbo honour refers a leader of all believers (Christians) in Remo Land. It’s a title given by CAN as a religious body. The conferment of the Otun Asiwaju on Aare Adetona indicates his assisting capacity to the Asiwaju Onigbagbo, who is the Senator Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State.
The event took place at the Communion Faith Assembly, Garden of Faith, Kemta House Estate, Idi-Aba Abeokuta, Ogun state.
The couple were ordained by top Ogun State clergymen and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ogun State Chapter under the leadership of Bishop (Dr) Tunde Akin-Akinsanya. Other members of his team were Rev Dr O Oyeniyi chairman CCN, Most Rev Dr Peter Odetoyinbo Chairman CSN, Rev Dr S.O Babayomi Chairman ECWA/TEKAN, Pastor J K Onakoya (JP) Chairman CPFN/PFN and Rev Leke Sopein Chairman OAIC who also held a special service to celebrate his birthday.
It is worthy of note that Aare Adetola during his National Youth Service year in Bayelsa State, was an active member of the Christian youth corps members in Bayelsa State during his National Youth Service year, where he held the position of State Coordinator for Nigeria Christian Corpers’ Fellowship (NCCF) Bayelsa State from 2000-2001. He also served as the President of the Youth Fellowship of Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel) Sagamu from 2002-2004 and became the prayer squad coordinator for the Living Faith church from 2005-2007. Aare Adetola has been ordained as Deacon of the Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel) Sango Otta, a position he has held since 2008. This was part of the reason that led to his induction as the Otun Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Remo Land as the deputy to his excellency Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Engr. Gbenga Daniel who is the Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Remo Land.
During the induction, the officiating Bishop and the CAN Ogun state Chairman Bishop Dr Tunde Akin-Akinsanya also implored Aare Adetola and his wife Yeye Aderonke to continue to support the propagation of the gospel and also dedicate their wealth to giving immensely to the church and CAN projects in Ogun State. He also harped on the need to become worthy ambassadors for Christ as the position he holds is of great value to the Christian faith and it also plays a pivotal role in the development of Christianity within Remo and beyond the shores of Ogun State.
Aare Adetola who thanked the Christian body for finding him worthy of such a highly coveted title disclosed that he is more than happy that the induction is coming on his birthday and it’s an indication of a new beginning in his life. He also disclosed that; all he has acquired to date was as a result of the favour of God on his life and he will never derail from projecting his good works in his life and he will forever be a good ambassador of the CAN and the body of Christ at large. “I am excited and happy for this induction; it’s coming on my birthday day and it makes it more significant. I and my wife are both grateful to the CAN Ogun State chapter for this and also to our friends and associates who came to honour us. I and my household will keep investing in the work of God and we will never derail from it. This will mark the beginning of the growth of Christianity in Remo land as I will play my part accordingly and pray to God to help me fulfil all my heart desires.”
Yeye Aderonke Emmanuelking who gave her life to Jesus Christ in October 1995, joined the Eagle’s Trainers Church aka Heritage Assembly where she diligently served in the service of God within the ushering department of the church until 1998/1999 before her academic pursuit. She later joined the Redeemed Christian Church of God as a young lady and a student at the Lagos State University where she subsequently became a member of the Living Faith Church upon her marriage to Aare Adetola Emmanuelking in April 2007. Since her marriage, she has strongly enshrined the Christian faith in her home and nurtured many young persons to spiritual growth in the Christian faith. In her remarks; she disclosed her readiness to be a pillar of support in ensuring the husband focuses more on the works of God and also promised to always motivate him by ensuring he devotes his time and resources to the works of Christ. ‘As a pillar of support, I will always be by his side and also motivate him to contribute his quota to the development of God’s work.” She concluded.
Aare Adetola also disclosed that at a later date, he would be hosting his friends and family to an elaborate thanksgiving Soiree and that the induction was just an avenue to enable him to take the oath of office, blessings and other paraphernalia.
“The induction was just to receive the blessings and also do the normal rites. I will be hosting my friends at a Thanksgiving party soon. The mood of the country is not good for a massive Soiree so when things pick up in the country, I will send invitations around for a mega Thanksgiving party. I want to thank CAN for finding me worthy of this honour. I want to thank the Executive Governor of Ogun State; Prince Dapo Abiodun for his support, also the Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Remo Land; Former Governor of Ogun State Senator Gbenga Daniel and The Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Ogun State; Former President Olusegun Obasanjo for their commitment to God work. May Almighty God continue to strengthen.”
The family of Bolaji Olarewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji has confirmed the passing of the singer following a brief illness.
According to a statement signed by the Family on Saturday, Bolaji died on Easter Saturday.
The statement said, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as “Big B,” a cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the church community, an ordained Pastor in the RCCG and a giant in the music industry and our community. Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness.
“His departure leaves a void in our hearts that can not be filled.
“Bolaji’s life was a testament to his passion for music, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to uplifting those around him. His legacy is not only in the melodies he created but in the lives he touched and the unquantifiable joy he spread.
“We take solace in knowing that his absence with us is his presence with the Lord, and the indelible mark he left on all who had the privilege of knowing him will not be erased.
“As we navigate through this time of loss, we kindly request privacy to mourn as a family. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.
“Details regarding the obsequies will be shared in due course as we come together to celebrate Bolaji’s remarkable life and legacy.
“Thank you for respecting our wishes during this incredibly difficult time. With gratitude, The Family of Bolaji Olarewaju.”
Pascal Dozie, a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader has died. He was 86.
According to sources close to the deceased, Dozie died a battle with old age-related illness.
Dozie, was a man of many parts, best known for founding Diamond Bank and serving as chairman of Pan-Atlantic University.
He was born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Dozie’s educational background includes a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s in Administrative Science from City University in London.
Dozie also founded theAfrican Development Consulting Group, which worked with notable clients like Nestle and Pfizer. He served as MTN Group chairman but later resigned and was succeeded by Ernest Ndukwe.
Dozie received the prestigious National Award of the Order of the Niger (OON) for his contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry.
Dozie is survived by his wife Chinyere Dozie, and five children among other relatives.
A former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, is dead.
According to a statement by his family on Sunday, he died a few days before his 90th birthday.
The statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ was signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family.
It read, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.
“The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments.
“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.
“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.
“Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”
About a year ago in April 2024, the rumour of the death of the elder statesman was reported by some news platforms.
But speaking with The PUNCH correspondent who visited his Molete residence in Ibadan, the state capital, he debunked the rumour, saying he was hale and hearty.
“I’m still here, not yet gone,” he declared then.
He also expressed worry over the rumour and asked who would live forever, stressing, “Those breaking death news and the person presumed dead will all die one day.
“I’ve been lucky. My father died at 42, while my mother died at 102. I’m 89. I’ve crossed the expected life age.”
The elder statesman also illustrated how the rumour of his death hit several news platforms on June 7, 2022.
He noted that the rumour mongers claimed that he died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
A few days later, the family issued a statement, declaring that he was not dead but suffering from old age ailment and asked Nigerians to pray for him to survive the health complications.
