OGD, Peter Obi, Jimi Agaje, others grace Prof. Akinyemi Onigbinde's 70th birthday anniversary

Quintessential scholar and renowned columnist, erudite social commentator and one of the conscience of the nation, Professor Oladimeji Onigbinde, marked his 70th birthday on Monday, January 26, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Mauve Hotel and Events’ Centre, Ibadan, venue of the milestone celebration was agog from 10 am and for several hours, it was a beehive of activities as dignitaries and eminent Nigerian leaders trooped in to honour the distinguished Professor, who launched two huge book volumes on the occasion.

“I like to mark my birthday on the due date. I don’t like to change the day for any reason. That’s why I am marking it on a Monday, the beginning of the week, a work day,” says Professor Onigbinde, who has taught generations of scholars at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.

The book reviewer, an academic, and a former student of Professor Onigbinde properly situated the title of the book, ‘Manifesto of the Stubborn Goat,’ explaining that this stubborn is one who refuses to be pushed to the slaughter slab without asking questions.

Although Monday was a work-day, the event can be described as high-grade, drawing eminent Nigerian leaders, including two-term former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who was the Chairman of the occasion; Dr. Peter Obi, Chief Launcher, the

Oyo State Governor, who was represented by a Special Assistant; former Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State; Senator (Dr.) Iyiola Omisore; acclaimed pharmacist and businessman, Mr Jimi Agbaje; His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, Aroyinkeye I, Oba of Oke Ila;

Mr. Tola Abolarin, bussinessman, and Afenifere leader, Chief Supo Sonibare, among others.

Families and friends, asociates, colleagues in the academia and the media also graced the occasion. In particular, Professor Onigbinde’s mother, whom he earlier honoured with the launch of the Ayoka Library at Ilepa, in Ifo Local Government Area, in Ogun State, was there and his son and grandson who came from overseas for the ceremony.

Also, the Igbobi College old classmates, who were many and prominent on the occasion sang their signature song and contributed immensely to the success of the event.

During the book launch, which preceded the reception, Otunba Daniel handled the section, calling out the leaders for the book launch.

No doubt, the event lived to its billing as attendees enjoyed themselves fully for hours without end.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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