It was a spectacle of political opulence filled with glitz and glamour on Friday evening as Oluyole Local Government was set aglow by a grand celebration fit for royalty; the lavish birthday bash of Yeye Asiwaju of Oluyole, Hajia Balkis Olatunji.
As a show of unprecedented support, political heavyweights from across the state, including top loyalists of Governor Seyi Makinde, popularly dubbed his “foot soldiers”, stormed Oluyole LG to honor the influential wife of the Chairman.
The glamorous event held yesterday at the exquisite Jogor Hotel, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
The atmosphere of the event brimmed with festivity, prestige, and power, as members of the Oyo State House of Assembly led by the Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Local Government; Hon. Akintunde Olajide (AKT), Local Government Chairmen and their wives, top state government officials, commissioners, special advisers, and prominent party leaders thronged the venue in a colorful political parade.
Attendees were hosted to what could best be described as a 5-Star exquisite treatment of fun time with a mix of classical music blend of both old and new genres.
From elegantly dressed lawmakers to the party leaders at both state and local government as well as local government chairpersons, some of the crème de la crème of Oyo’s political landscape including the Special Adviser on Media and Chief Press Secretary to Oyo state governor; Pastor Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Labour Matters to the governor, Barrister Bayo Titilola-Sodo, Oluyole traditional rulers, Chief Babatunde Ologburo, Chairman,Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue; Chief Femi Awakan, Millionaire businessman; Mr Festus Alade (Macadof), and a host of others, turned out in force in a reaffirmation of the growing influence of Akeem Olatunji and his wife; Hajia Balkis Olatunji.
Other notable personalities present include the chairman, Oyo state youth development agency, Prince Falana Adebowale, Chief Benedict Akika, Ibadan North Federal Representatives aspirant; Hon. Adeyinka Adeniyi (Bibire), Oyo state PDP Youth Leader and Acting Publicity Secretary; Michael Ogunsina, members of Oluyole Legislative House, local government political appointees and other government functionaries.
The event, which took place at an expansive Jogor Hotel, Oke-ado, in Ibadan, witnessed electrifying performances, gourmet cuisine, and heartfelt tributes all pouring for Olatunji’s beautiful wife.
Dignitaries took turns to extol the virtues of the celebrant, describing her as a “pillar of support to her husband, epitome of progressive politics” and “one of the shining stars of Oyo’s future.”
In his remarks, a close ally of Governor Makinde, Alhaji Abdulkarheem Abduljelyl Mogaji Adanla, described the event as “not just a birthday party, but a strategic gathering of Oyo’s progressive thinkers,” adding that Hajia Balkis Olatunji “has become a rallying point for inclusive politics, grassroots development, and empowerment of women.”
Others who paid glowing tributes to the celebrant in their separate goodwill messages include Oluyole LG PDP chairman; Alhaji Mukaila Adegbola, Commissioner for Environment; Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, Akinyele LG chairman; Hon. Wole Akinleye, and other notable personalities.
They described Hajia Balkis Olatunji as a virtuous woman who has continued to propel her husband to greater political success and accomplishments adding that her open door lifestyle which has made her husband accessible to all especially politicians, has endeared her to many and urged her to continue to stand by her husband.