It was a day of honour for prince Dọtun Oloyede, a retired Deputy Director News and Current Affairs as dignitaries from all works of life joined the family to celebrate his eighty-fifth birthday in grand style.
The guests who all dressed in white attire including former Director News, Radio Nigeria, network Abuja, Mr Ademola Afolabi, former Deputy Director News, Radio Nigeria, Ibadan Zonal Station, Asiwaju ST Abiodun, Retired General manager progress FM Ado Ekiti Pastor Kayode Akinsola, two former General Managers positive Fm Akure, Alhaji Kola Animasaun and Deacon Femi Oladipo gave a rousing welcome to the celebrant accompanied by his children as they made a classy entery into the beautifully decorated hall.
Prince Dọtun Oloyede is a son of the 37th Olubadan of Ibandaland, Late Oba Oloyede Asanike and a veteran Journalists who distinguished himself in the profession as attested by speakers who eulogised him as a man of courage, bridge builder, family man and philanthropist.
Reflecting on his fifty years relationship with the celebrant, retired Director News, Radio Nigeria, network Abuja, Mr Ademola Afolabi, described him as a good mentor and an administrator par excellence
He has been a very good mentor, he’s an excellent journalist, a reporter’s reporter. He’s a man who has a way of achieving results, he’ll tell you that I don’t want to hear about efforts, but give me success”
Former President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Chief ‘Yemi Soladoye hailed prince Oloyede as an illustrious son of Ibadan who used all resources in his his care for the development of the ancient city.
Younger brother to the celebrant, Prince Gboyega Oloyede described the celebrant as a father figure who nurtured his siblings to accomplished positions.
He’s the eldest now among my father’s children. He gives us good advice, when we need any detail about the family today, we run to him. It’s been a good father, a good brother right from the time I was growing up.He’s a principled man, right from my youth, I’ve been close to him.”
Daughter of the celebrant, Mrs Titiloye Oloyede-Adewumi who said the birthday was organised by the children to appreciate their father’s sacrifice and commitment to their upbringing and training, described him as a loving, principled and disciplinarian.
He has always been there for us the children, growing up has been so great. Now we can stand tall anywhere we go because we were brought up with who is who in Ibadan”
Dressed in purple royal regalia with matching shoes and accessories, the elated celebrant, Prince Dotun Oloyede, gave a stunning revelation about his birthday.
It’s a very great day for me and surprisingly. I’ve never celebrated my birthday by myself because, Like a journalist, It didn’t really matter we celebrate others and spend time to commemorate them. This is the first birthday I will celebrate and it was done by my children. They organized it for me. So, I am really happy and fulfilled. I thank God very much.”
Prince Oloyede who said clocking the age of 85 was by divine grace, admonished the younger generation to believe in God and imbibe the principle of humility, hardwork and chastity.
