The 19th day of December, which has always been a special day in the calendar of Mushin and Odi Olowo, to celebrate the Garrison Commander and Apex Leader in the ancient political empire, took another dimension as this year’s edition of the annual carnival was shifted to High Point Events Centre, to mark the 65th Birthday of Senator. Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon.
The entire Central Business District of Ikeja was locked down as dignitaries from Lagos, Ogun and parts of the country joined to rejoice with the two-term senator, former Governorship aspirant and the APC Director General for the 2023 General Elections Campaign Committee in Lagos State.
The celebrant who arrived at the venue with his wife and children, was filled with joy, as he was ushered into the hall which had been tastefully branded with his pictures and glamorous royal decorations.
The programme commenced with Quranic citations, and prayers by Islamic scholars across the country, led by the National Missioner of Ansar Ud Deen Movement of Nigeria – Sheikh Abdul-Rahman Ahmad. Also at the high table were; Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque – Sheikh Sulaimon Abunolla, Chief Missioner of Ansar Ud Deen of Lagos State – Sheikh Zakariya Thanni, divisional Imams of Lagos West including Sheikh Sulaimon Farouq Onikijipa, Chief Imam of Mushin – Sheikh Sulaiman Olanijo, Chief Imam of Epe and many other Islamic Scholars.
In his sermon, Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad encouraged the celebrant to transmit the Islamic legacies of his late father – Alhaji Rafiu Ishola Solomon, to his children and grandchildren, as transmitted to him and his siblings by their late father, which has reflected through his active involvement and roles in uplifting the tenets of Islam both in Mushin, Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.
The Missioner eulogized the late Baba Adinni (Alhaji Ishola Solomon), for pathing and routing the feet of the celebrant towards political success which has brought everyone to gather to celebrate him today.
Among the dignitaries who gathered at the events, was the former Governor of Lagos State and Minister of Works & Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, who narrated his first encounter with the celebrant during his tenure as Chief of Staff to the former Governor of Lagos State, now the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Also at the event, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, grew up in Mushin with Sen. GOS due to the cordial family relationship between his late father – HRM. Oba Olatunji Hamzat (Oba of Afowowa in Ogun State) and the late father of the celebrant, who were both strong allies of Late Alhaji Lateef Jakande (the first Executive Governor of Lagos State).
He gave a comprehensive analysis of the celebrant whom he referred to as “Egbon mi” (meaning, my senior brother). He emphasized on his sagacity and political stand on issues without fear from any quarters. He eulogized his strong determination and loyalty to the party.
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly – Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who also passed through Arch. Bishop Aggey Memorial High School in Mushin spoke extensively about the celebrant and his contributions to the stability of the party.
Some members of the state’s Executive Council led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief. Tayo Ayinde, were also in attendance with members of the Governance Advisory Council, led by Chief Tajudeen Olusi, who all came to celebrate a member of the GAC, Sen. Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon.
Other dignitaries at the event included the former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and the current deputy governor of Ogun State Engr. (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, former deputy governor of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro, is a senator. Gbenga Ashafa, Senator. Olorunnimbe Mamoura, Senator. Musiliu Obanikoro, along with other senators, served with the celebrant at the national assembly.
Honourable members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, were also in attendance in large numbers, with a roll call of political leaders from across the length and breadth of the state and outside Lagos, including the state Chairman of the ruling party (APC), Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, Royal Fathers, including the Olu of Mushin – HRM. Oba Fatai Aileru, Onitire of Itire Land – HRM. Oba Tajudeen Odubiyi and white cap chiefs of Lagos.
Business moguls including Chief Kola Ayanwale (former President of Association Advertising Agencies on Nigeria), Chief Olawale Cole (President of Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Distinguished Rotarian) and captains of industries, also came to honour Senator GOS as he clicked 65 years.
Political leaders and office holders in Mushin who were the host of the day havebbeen at the venue in the early hours to receive guests and other well-wishers, with the presence of;Â Hon. Adeyemi Alli (representing Mushin Constituency 01 in the House of Representatives), Hon. Toyin Fayinka (representing Mushin Constituency 02 in the House of Representatives), Hon. Nureni Akinsanya (representing Mushin Constituency 01 in the Lagos State House of Assembly), Hon. Yinka “Esho” Kazeem (representing Mushin Constituency 02 in the Lagos State House of Assembly), Hon. Funmi Tejuosho (former Deputy Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly who represented Mushin Constituency 01), Dr. (Mrs) Ayoola Oyeyemi, Hon. Seye Oladejo (former Chairman of Mushin Local Government and former Commissioner for Special Duties), Engr. Alaba Sholabi (Board member of Lagos State Polytechnic now Lagos State University of Science and Technology), Hon. Kenny Ajinni Babalola (Deputy Woman Leader of APC in Lagos State), Barr. Ademola Sadiq (former Legal Adviser of APC in Lagos State), Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye (Executive Chairman of Mushin Local Government) and his colleague from Odi Olowo – Hon. Rasaq Ajala, Hon. Tunbosun Aruwe (Vice Chairman of Mushin Local Government), Hon. Seyi Jakande (Vice Chairman of Odi Olowo LCDA) and council chairmen across the state.
Hon. Babatunde Odele (former Chairman of Mushin LG), Mrs. Omotayo Tugbobo (former Chairman of Mushin LG), Chief Kehinde Aina (former Vice Chairman of Mushin Local Government), with former Secretaries to the local government were also in attendance.
All the councillors from Mushin Local Government led by Hon. Olawale Ayegbayo and their colleagues from Odi Olowo LCDA, with former councillors from both councils, were in attendance to honour their Apex leader.
Secretary to the Local Government – Mrs. Olubunmi Gbadamosi, former Secretaries, Current and former Supervisors and Special Advisers/Assistants from the entire Mushin Federal Constituency, Market leaders including the Baba Oja of Ladipo market – Chief Monday Lawrence, Market Coordinator of Mushin and Odi Olowo – Alhaja Borokini, community leaders and chiefs, also came in their numbers to celebrate the Apex leader.
Members of the ruling party, led by the APC chairman of Mushin LGA – Alhaji Babatunde Shitta – Bey, APC Woman Leader – Mrs. Muinat Mustapha, Women leaders across the wards, youth leaders and all the members were in attendance.
The event Centre was fully occupied till late evening as dignitaries kept coming to rejoice with the celebrant, among whom was; Hon. Ademorin Kuye (representing Shomolu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives) with other political gladiators.
 ©BAMIGBOYE MEDIAÂ
