The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engr. Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has described High Chief Gabriel Igbinedion as a true visionary, resilient magnate and impactful philanthropist.
The Alaafin stated this on Sunday at the grand finale of Chief Igbinedion’s 92nd birthday celebration held at the Intercessory Prayer Ministries, Ekenwan Road, Benin City.
The church service attracted a prestigious assembly of dignitaries, including the Alaafin, his Queen Consort, other royal fathers, influential business leaders and political figures.
According to the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, the entire Benin City witnessed a lock-down atmosphere as guests arrived from far and wide while commercial activities paused in reverence to the occasion.
In his remarks, Alaafin described High Chief Gabriel Igbinedion as a “” true Visionary, resilient Magnate, and impactful Philanthropist who shares a powerful combination of long-term foresight, emotional grit, and a deep-seated commitment to human progress”.
He said that as a Visionary Billionaire, the nonagenarian celebrant does not just accumulate wealth; but create entirely new industries or reinvent existing ones by anticipating where the world is heading.
According to him, High Chief Igbinedion breaks complex problems down to his most fundamental truth and build unique solution from scratch, rather than copying existing models
Stressing the essence of birthday, Oba Owoade stated that ” thanksgiving in church is a intentional act of gratitude, worship, and dedication to God for the gift of life and another year, as it transforms a personal milestone into a communal, spiritual celebration that honours God as the ultimate giver of life””.
The Titan of Yorubaland noted tha High Chief Gabriel Igbinedion is a renowned Philanthropist who shows selfless concern for the welfare of others and venture to alleviate the struggles of others without seeking anything for his own personal benefit.
” High Chief Igbinedion feels an obligation to do what is in his power to combat these struggles because he views the problems and the hurt that comes with him as his own””.
” The nonagenarian business Mogul’s birthday celebration is a public declaration that life is a gift from God, not a given, as it provides a moment to look back at the past 365 days and thank God for health, protection, provisions, and surviving challenges.
The Paramount Ruler further pointed out that the birthday celebration publicly attributes the Billionaire’s success and survival to divine grace rather than personal strength.
” This serves as an opportunity to rededicate the new year of life to God’s service and purpose”
Alaafin therefore prayed God to grant High Chief Igbinedion good health and divine guidance in his arduous task of human advancement.
In the same vein, the billionaire celebrant, High Chief Igbinedion lauded Oba Owoade for ” displaying a great deal of ingenuity in bringing touches of modernity to the reversed throne without losing its traditional essence””.
Said he, ” Your Imperial Majesty, you are a Paramount Ruler with deep compassion for your people. You are one of those rare beings who believe in doing the work in totality instead of seeking respect here and there. You proved the statement right that respect is earned not asked.
“Having a foremost King like you in life is unquestionably the biggest blessing one could have in life. Every day of life is sunny and serene when a self-motivated Royal Father like you is there to make life inte
