The Gbobaniyi of Efon Alaaye Kingdom, Chief Olatunde Ashaolu recently celebrated his mother, Madam Lydia Anike Ashaolu as she turned 85.
Madam Lydia Anike Ashaolu who was born on the 8th of July 1936 clocked 85 years on Thursday 8th of July, 2021 and she held a Thanksgiving Service to appreciate her Maker at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Idagba, Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State.
In the word of exhortation given by Venerable Israel Olagunju, the Vicar and Archdeacon for Efon Anglican Archdeaconry at the thanksgiving service, he told the congregation that the Service was a gathering of joy for Madam Lydia Anike Ashaolu. He said the Gbobaniyi of Efon is a true resemblance of his mother who has deemed it fit to celebrate her.
Vicar Olagunju praised the celebrant for having a son like the Gbobaniyi of Efon Kingdom, Chief Olatunde Ashaolu, an international accountant.
Speaking further, he stressed the need for the people to always Celebrate God’s existence and manifestations in their lives. He said the only remedy and reason to live a successfully life in this present world is to be praising God.
According to the Vicar, motherhood means a lot to the life of the children. He recounted how he started his primary education at the age of 12 years because he lost his own mother when he was five years old.
The Vicar, quoting from the book of Hebrews Chapter 10 verse 19, listed the benefits of praising God to include the opportunity to have an unfettered access to the throne of Heaven.
The Vicar maintained that, according to Psalms 22 verse 3, that God is always delighted to dwell in praises. “When you praise God, He will fortify you”, he declared.
Meanwhile, in an interview with PMParrot, at the reception venue located at the Emirates Event Centre, Oniyo in Efon Alaaye, Madam Lydia Anike Ashaolu expressed her joy and fulfilment to witness herself being celebrated in her own lifetime.
“I am very happy being celebrated today my by Son, Chief Olatunde Ashaolu, the Gbobaniyi of Efon Kingdom and the rest of my Children. I really thank all those who came to witness my 85th birthday celebrations. I pray that such good things will also be celebrated in their own lifetime”
Mama Lydia Anike Ashaolu stated that she grew up like any other child and she thanked her God for His mercies that has kept her till date. “A journey of 85 years on earth is not a joke. It’s only the mercies of God that has kept me up till now. And I am very grateful. I have seen series of good things and bad times. It took God’s Grace that I was able to come out from the bad times of my life”.
She advised other women and people in the society, that whatever they do, they should be honest and trust God for His rewards.
Speaking with PMParrot also, the Gbobaniyi of Efon Kingdom, Chief Olatunde Ashaolu appreciated God for her mother who.
He said “85 years is a long time to live and it’s a blessing to be able to celebrate such a milestone age in good health”.
 He described her mother as a humble and prayerful woman who is always appreciative and contented with little things. He added that her mother is also a very kindhearted and very caring woman.
Chief Olatunde Ashaolu therefore used the opportunity to express the gratitude of the family to all those who have come out to support his family to celebrate his mother. We appreciate the Kabiyesi, the Alaaye of Efon, Oba Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare, the Agunsoye II and his Olori, Mrs. Roseline Aladejare and the High Chiefs.
He also thanked the Men of God from the Anglican Church, his family members, friends from within and outside the town of the event and the entire community.
The highlights of the event was when some prominent sons and daughters of Efon Kingdom such as Chief Jacob Elekolusi, the Chairman of the occasion; Chief Dr. Kunle Olajide, the Chairman of the local government area, Engineer Stephen Olabode Adetunji; Chief Opeyemi Ajayi, Chief Bode Olayinka, Reverend & Mrs. Sunday Ashaolu; Professor Tope Olajuyigbe and Chief Idowu Akinyele joined the celebrant, Madam Lydia Anike Ashaolu and the Children to cut her birthday cake.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
