It was glamour at its peak on Saturday at the early morning interdenominational service held at the palatial compound of the Esama of Benin, Sir Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, along Okada Avenue, Benin City, to mark his 87th birthday.

The occasion, a yearly event to celebrate a man recognised globally for his uniqueness, attracted several dignitaries and guests from within and outside the country, including the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, represented by his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, two-term governor and heir apparent to the Igbinedion dynasty, Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, two-term governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori.

The list of dignitaries was endless with diplomats from over 50 countries, over 120 traditional rulers, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyimi, and palace chiefs from different countries, political bigwigs, serving and former political office holders from across all political divide and about 93 clergymen from different denominations led by the immediate-past Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) President, Rev. Felix Omobude.

The event was spiced up with rendition of well composed gospel songs by top gospel artistes, including ‘Ada AdA’.

In his remark, Rev. Omobude extolled the virtues of the Esama of Benin, saying, his strong, unwavering and unparalleled passion for the work of God was the reason for divine favour in his life to clock 87 years.

Omobude said words would not be enough to analyse the exploits of the Esama of Benin and remarkable impact on humanity as virtually all households had benefitted one way or the other from from his philanthropic gestures.

Rev. Olu Aibinunomo in a sermon titled “My Redeemer Liveth”, the theme of this year’s celebration, said the celebrator had done well for the development of humanity. Prayers were offered for the celebrated elder statesman nd his entire household.

Responding on behalf of the Igbinedion dynasty, the eldest daughter, Mabel Amadi Esquire expressed gratitude to the several dignitaries and guests for their love and good wishes for the patriarch of the House of Igbinedion and Esama of Benin on the occasion.

She said September 11 remained unique to her because her father’s birthday, which coincided with the birthday of one of the sons, Chukwudi Ebube.

High point of the service was a special thanksgiving by the Esama in company of his wife, Lady Cherry Igbinedion.

The service later shifted to the reception ground in honour of the Esama, an honorary Romanian Consul to Edo and Delta states of Nigeria.

(Adapted from Sunday Independent: Excluding headline)

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