Issue 164 B_Layout 1 16/12/2015 11:46 Page 5
THE LION OF OKADA
H.E. CHIEF GABRIEL IGBINEDION’S SUPERLATIVE
81ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
IN ENGLAND, NIGERIA AND SOUTH AFRICA Story: Michael Effiong Photo: Adekoya Adegbite, Segun Lawal & Ken Ehimen
It is always astounding to find hundreds turning out yearly to honour this remarkable entrepreneur, and the fact that the crowd hardly ever reduces is a testimony to Chief Igbinedion's clout, connection and the many lives he has touched and impacted throughout his sojourn on earth. 56
aving carved a niche for hosting elaborate events to mark his birthdays and thank God for his life every year, nothing short of a classy and colourful celebration was expected when Esama of Benin Kingdom, Sir Chief (Dr.) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, CON turned 81-and at the end of the three weeks of festivities, the billionaire businessman did not disappoint; it was another superlative celebration that was fitting for a living legend. It was one birthday celebration that reverberated in London, England, Lagos, Nigeria and Johannesburg, South Africa. The celebration for this year's birthday actually kicked off at the luxurious Claridges, the most iconic five star hotel in Mayfair, London. The hotel renowned for its classy design and flawless service was where Ghana's numero uno
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monarch, The Asantehene, HRM Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutut II and his wife, Lady Julia hosted the Esama of Benin Kingdom. The event attended by Members of the British Parliament like Lord Boateng, top diplomats including the Jamaican High Commissioner to the UK, Mrs. Aloun Ndombet-Assamba as well as Nigerian and Ghanaian guests. The evening of good gourmet meal, fine wine and light speeches was cosy but classy. In his remarks, the Asantehene said Chief Igbinedion was a bosom friend, whose friendship has blossomed to that of a brother. He said Igbinedion is one man that has been a blessing to Africa and it was a pleasure for him to witness his 81st birthday. He prayed that God should grant the celebrant more years in good health.