Lanre Awosiyan at 70
One remarkable thing about Booda Yekeen is his level of sociability, a trait that has, in many ways, become a burden to him. This son of Awosiyan is sociable to a fault; when you’re not flowing with his rhythm, he becomes genuinely worried.
Your good life was on full display on Saturday at Iyeru Event Centre, Parakin, Ile-Ife, where the crème de la crème within and outside the ancient city trooped in to honour you.
What you had planned as a modest gathering at your Iloromu country home was hijacked lovingly by your friends and well-wishers who insisted that a man like you, a “big fish,” deserves to swim in the ocean.
Your circle of friends speaks volumes. They are honourable people, a reflection of who you are as a brother, as my blood, and as someone I deeply love. And I know you know.
Of course, a few including some within our inner family may find your candour too blunt. But no one can fault why and how God created you.
At 70, you remain smart, handsome, and ever vibrant. Egbon doesn’t pretend, and it shows in the way younger people naturally flock around you.
They say the older we get, the fewer friends we keep, but the number of people who gathered for your 70th birthday ceremony defied that saying. It pained me that I couldn’t stay long enough to eulogise you publicly, but those who know me already understand how I feel about you.
You have your pride, just like I do, yet humility is boldly written all over you. Only few people are drawn to those perceived as arrogant, but your unassuming nature has drawn to you countless friends, older and younger alike.
Booda Yeko… Lanruze… White Head… did you see your life yesterday? It went far beyond the food and the wine. It was about celebrating a worthy big cousin, a socialite par excellence, and one of the shining stars of the Awosiyan dynasty.
You turn a deaf ear to gossip. You do your thing as God has sent you. You speak truth to power, no matter whose ox is gored, yet you are quick to acknowledge your mistakes and seek redress.
That, indeed, is the making of a man.
Even as a “jolly jolly” fellow, your professionalism in the media industry is never compromised. Your sense of culture and discipline is hereditary, and your spirituality is unwavering.
Banmosun and Awosiyan will never forget you, a bridge builder, a lone fighter, and a true lover of people.
As I celebrate you this evening, Baba Ibrahim, Oko Dudu, Oko Pupa, I pray that the mighty hand of God keeps you till 80, 90, and beyond in good health and abundant prosperity.
Happy birthday, my dear Egbon.
Sign: Surajudeen Olakunle Awosiyan
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