Oyo, Nigeria – On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the Oyo Progressive Indigenes Union (OPIU) celebrated the 50th birthday and 19th wedding anniversary of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, with a profound act of philanthropy. The event, held at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, was marked by the OPIU’s donation of 10 wheelchairs and cash gifts to people with disabilities in commemoration of the Alaafin’s milestone birthday. This generous gesture highlighted the union’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and uplifting the less privileged in the Oyo Kingdom.
The OPIU, a socio-cultural organization committed to the welfare and progress of Oyo indigenes, used this occasion to reaffirm its mission of community development. The donation, which provided essential mobility and financial support to recipients, was a powerful tribute to the Alaafin’s legacy. Ayaba Olajumoke Abiwunmi Owoade personally handed over the wheelchairs and cash to the beneficiaries, praising the OPIU for its compassion and commitment to the community. The presentation was expertly coordinated by Revd. Dr. Oladele Olusola, the Personal Assistant to the Alaafin, ensuring a smooth and impactful ceremony.
The event, hosted by renowned MCs Ibrahim Chatta and Temitope Agboola, was a vibrant celebration of Yoruba culture, featuring electrifying performances by legendary musician King Sunny Ade (KSA). Dignitaries in attendance included a representative of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and a representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, whose presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the OPIU’s contributions.
In a heartfelt address following the event, OPIU President Fatai Olusola Bamidele expressed deep gratitude to the union’s members for their contributions to the donation. “First and foremost, I extend my sincerest appreciation to all OPIU members, both at home and in the diaspora, who generously donated funds to make this initiative possible,” Bamidele stated. He further commended those who were physically present to deliver the wheelchairs and cash on behalf of the union, singling out Rasheed Alade for his exceptional leadership, alongside Olawale Hammed, Olasunkanmi Awotona, Muideen Ladigbolu, Abideen Salaam, Amina Okunlola, Mojisola Saani, and numerous other supporters.
The OPIU entourage, including including Olayiwola Owolabi (MC Money), Azeez Malik Tunde, Mr Salahudeen AbdulRazaq Olasunkanmi (Foto) as part of the Ajisebi Oyo Radio team and Mr Musediq The Driver.
“Your unwavering support commitment to OPIU’s mission is truly inspiring, and we look forward to continuing our impactful work,” he added, speaking on behalf of the OPIU Executive Committee.
The coordinator for people with disabilities in the Oyo Federal Constituency, Mr. Mutairu Adisa (Akanda Akewi), spoke on behalf of the recipients, delivering an emotional and heartfelt appreciation of the OPIU’s kind gesture. In a poignant moment, he prayed that OPIU members would never face the challenges of disability, noting that many recipients were not born with disabilities but had come to accept their circumstances. “We are deeply grateful for the wheelchairs and cash, which will transform our lives by giving us mobility and hope,” Adisa said, his words resonating with the audience and highlighting the profound impact of the donation.
Ayaba Olajumoke’s role in presenting the donations added a personal and compassionate touch to the ceremony, earning widespread admiration. Her praise for the OPIU’s generosity reinforced the union’s reputation as a pillar of support in the community. The wheelchairs and cash gifts were described as life-changing, offering recipients greater independence and financial relief, and serving as a fitting tribute to the Alaafin’s 50th birthday.
The celebration at Olivet Baptist High School was a joyous blend of cultural pride and communal unity, with King Sunny Ade’s performance captivating the audience and showcasing the richness of Yoruba heritage. The OPIU’s donation, made in honor of the Alaafin’s birthday, stood out as a highlight, reflecting the shared values of compassion and progress that define the Oyo Kingdom.
Under the leadership of Fatai Olusola Bamidele, the OPIU continues to champion initiatives that empower vulnerable groups and drive sustainable development. This donation has further cemented the union’s role as a beacon of hope and unity in Oyo. As the OPIU looks to the future, it remains committed to supporting the Alaafin’s vision for a prosperous and inclusive kingdom, with plans to expand its outreach and community development efforts.
The Alaafin’s 50th birthday and 19th wedding anniversary will be remembered not only as a milestone for the monarch but also as a testament to the OPIU’s enduring dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Oyo indigenes.
