The legal profession, the telecom industry and one of the royal families in Ikorodu, on Thursday November 24, 2016, celebrated an icon in their fields as the Ogunsanya family and Ikorodu community honoured an illustrious son, Adewunmi Abdulwakeel Ogunsanya, who was recently elevated to the apex ranking in the nation’s Bar as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
At the prestigious Regal Hall in Ebute GRA, phase II, eminent personalities from all walks of life gathered for the reception party in honour of this brilliant lawyer, who is also the Chairman of DSTV, Nigeria.
An unprecedented assembly of dignitaries, which included His Majesty Oba Kabiru Sotobi and other traditional rulers, politicians, eminent lawyers, and professionals including members of Oriwu Club and other social clubs, school mates of Adewunmi and members of Ogunsanya Royal Family, were present at the party, which featured variety of activities.
Headed by Aremo Kamorudeen Adeniyi Ogunsanya, a flamboyant Insurance guru, and his pretty and elegant wife, Modupe, the Ogunsanya family paraded a classical modern musical band, “Torpedo” and a student cultural troupe, which displayed a fascinating South African rendition to entertain the guests.
For a town, which was producing its sixth Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the Ogunsanya family proudly owns three of these SANs – namely the late Otunba Adeniran Ogunsanya; Adebayo Ogunsanya, late father of the latest SAN; and now Adewunmi Ogunsanya. The Benson family has two – late TOS Benson and Asiwaju B. O. Benson, while the sixth is Mrs. Folake Solanke, (one time Attorney General of Lagos State).
On this particular day, Regal Hall and the entire Ikorodu community gave a rousing ovation to the famous Ogunsanya family for producing its third Senior Advocate of Nigeria; perhaps, the family that has the highest number of SANs in the country today. No wonder they are now called the lawyers family.
The party, organized by the Ogunsanya family, was also to remember the twenty (20) years of the passage of Adebayo Ogunsanya, the late Senior Advocate, who has now begotten another Senior Advocate Adewunmi.
As the boss of Multi-Choice, a digital television outfit, guests from the telecom sector, Lawyers and various professionals, attended the reception to honour this great son of Ikorodu, who is as tall as American Basket Ball Stars.
From the opening ceremonies, which began with a prayer, to a welcome address by the head of the Ogunsanya family, the prominent members of that royal family present were introduced to the guests after they had ushered in the celebrator, Adewunmi Ogunsanya SAN.
Olootu Ogunsanya’s speech highlighted the virtues of that family, which made it great and, the expectations of the future.
The citation of this legal luminary was read after he was formally presented to the audience. It was a catalogue of tributes and encomiums for a man, who loves football, loves travelling, love his profession, his town and his family, and has contributed immensely to create jobs for Nigerians and to promote the telecom industry.
There was a floodgate of tributes and comments about this tall and handsome lawyer. His school mates spoke on how he sponsored fifty three (53) of them to South Africa, and also paid their hotel bills.
Others recalled his school days and how he used his physical features and strength to defend the oppressed ones among them.
His friends and associates cut across different walks of life. They include a major general in the military, who extolled the virtues of Adewunmi. Two queens of Ikorodu kingdom, the past Olori Muyeebat Oyefusi, and the present Olori, Kudirat Shotobi were present to give their encomiums, including Oba Kabiru himself, who sang a beautiful Christian song before making his remarks.
Among the personalities who paid their tributes were Hon. Jimi Benson of the House of Representatives; Mr. Levi Adikwe, incumbent Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association Ikorodu chapter, the Chairman of the occasion and other top personalities, some of who came straight to the venue from the Lagos House at Alausa where Governor Ambode had hosted a commemorative session for the late Rasheed Gbadamosi.
They include the President of Oriwu Club, Alhaji Sule Safari; Chief Monzor Olowosago; Alhaji Fatai Suleiman Shoderu (Fayas), and other club members.
Mr. Adewunmi showed his appreciation in his response, which was full of gratitude to the Almighty Allah and to the legacies of his late father and his great royal family. He thanked all who gathered to honour him and promised not to disappoint those, who have held him in high esteem.
Amidst music, dance and a buffet, the event, which started at about 1:30pm, dragged till late evening.
