The ancient city of Ibadan in Oyo State bubbled on Saturday, February 13, 2016, when friends, colleagues, associates and family members of the children of Alhaji (Chief) Adamson Aruna, trooped to the city for the final burial rites of their father.
The final burial rites of the Omorodion of Ivbiaro land, Auchi, Edo State, started at his residence, and moved to Trans Amusement Park, Old Airport, Samonda, UI Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, where reception held.
PROFILE OF LATE ADAMSON ARUNA
Late Alhaji (Chief) Adamson Aruna, the Omorodion of Ivbiaro land, Auchi, Edo State, worked at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan for 35 years.
He retired to his homestead in Auchi, Edo State, where he became a successful businessman and a respected traditional ruler.
He died on Monday, December 28, 2015, at 85, after a protracted illness.
He is survived by three wives and 18 children among whom is Habib Aruna, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State.
THE RECEPTION
The reception was certainly the highlight of the burial rites of Alhaji Adamson Aruna. The reception held under a giant marquee beautifully decorated with enticing colours. The decoration was done by Woow Events led by Mojisola Alubankudi.
FOODS
The children and family of Alhaji Adamson Aruna prepared well for their guests who came from all parts of the country.
There were four serving points for food at the event. There was Mike and Mary Catering outfit based in Ibadan. There was Triple D led by Abosede Adenike Aina, also based in Ibadan. There was Demo Ultimate which served both regular food and small chops.
There was also amala (Yoruba delicacy) provided by another Ibadan based caterer.
Barbeque and asun was also in abundance.
DRINKS
The assorted drinks – beer, wines and spirits were supplied by the duo of O Cube World, owned by Olaiya Adeleye Oluwatobi and Mrs. Ogunkoya Entreprises. Customised table water was supplied by Lance Elakema.
MUSIC
The toast of high octane parties in Nigeria and arguably the most popular band in Lagos social events, Shuga Band led by Shuga, aka Akinloye Tofowomo thrilled. There was Treasure Band which took over from Shuga Band late in the evening. Treasure Band played till around 8:00 pm when the reception came to a glorious end.
ASO EBI
Very rare that a social party of that magnitude held in any part of Yoruba land without the usual aso-ebi (family uniform). At Habib Aruna father’s final burial, it was yellow Ankara for ladies, red or yellow cap on white apparel for men.
MOJEED JAMIU, A FRIEND INDEED
The saying that a friend in need is a friend indeed aptly described the role played by Mojeed Jamiu, the former Chief of Staff to former Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and Habib Aruna’s closest friend during the party.
Aside being the chairman of the organizing committee of the party, he was virtually everywhere during the reception asking and supplying the needs of the guests.
So were Oyin Nathan-Marsh, Director, Press Centre, Mr. Omololu Rosanwo, Ekene Okoro, Abimbola Bakare, Sijibomi Akintewe, Oyindamola Adedeji, all staff of Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
HABIB ARUNA, A GOOD HOST
Habib Aruna, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the second child of late Alhaji (Chief) Adamson Aruba, is a jolly good fellow who has friends across all strata of life.
Most of his friends and colleagues who were in Ibadan on Friday, February 12, 2016 – a day before the event were accommodated at Bayse One Place, an ultra modern hotel with rooms and apartments (duplexes) in Jericho, Ibadan (Oyo State).
There was a pre-party that Friday night and post party at the pool side on Saturday night.
GUEST LIST
- Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode
- Gov. Abiola Ajumobi
- Sen. Adeola Olamilekan
- Sen. Adesoji Akanbi
- Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji
- Dr. Femi Onanuga
- Prof. Ademola Abass
- Mr. Steve Ayorinde
- Mr. Adeniji Kazeem
- Engr. Ayontude Sodehinde
- Mr. Deji Balogun
- Mrs. Funke Moore
- Mr. Fola Adeyemi
- Mr. Yinka Adigun
- Mr. Bode Agoro
- Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye
- Mr. Soni Irabor
- Mr. Folarin Ogunsanwo
- Mr. Azuh Arinze
- Mr. Olumide Iyanda
- Mr. Lance Elakema
- Mr. Nasir Rahman
- Mr. Josiah Abiola
- Mr. Gboyega Akosile