Encomium
IT was another day of glory and honour for Senator (Dr.) Jubril Martins-Kuye, OFR, when he was installed Asiwaju of Ago-Iwoye, by His Royal Highness, Oba Abdul-Razaq Adesina Adenugba, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye on Friday, May 2, 2014, at his palace.
The honour and glory was also shared by Otunba (Mrs.) Iyabo Martins-Kuye, who accompanied her husband to the palace for the installation.
Although she was not officially installed, people are already referring to her as the Yeye Asiwaju of Ago Iwoye.
PROFILE OF SENATOR (DR.) JUBRIL MARTINS-KUYE
Senator (Dr.) Jubril Martins-Kuye is a true son of Ago-Iwoye. His father, Pa Jubril Giwa Kuye was a two-time Councillor in Ago-Iwoye during the colonial era. His grandfather, Osikolade Osibule a.k.a Alawori, was the first colonial chief judge of the native court of Ago-Iwoye. Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye himself attended University of Ibadan, Ibadan, where he graduated in Politics, Economics and Sociology in 1968.
He is probably the most decorated indigene of Ago-Iwoye.
He was elected a senator in the Third Republic, representing Ogun East Senatorial District, which includes Ago-Iwoye, Remo, Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu-Igbo, etc.
He was also honoured by Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University) with a D.Sc degree honoris causa.
He is also the Seriki of Ago-Iwoye and Otunba Fesojoye of Ijebuland, an honour given to him by Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye is happily married and blessed with children and grandchildren, most of whom are successful professionals in their own rights.
THE BOOK LAUNCH
The installation was also used to launch a book, Ago Iwoye’s Origin, Growth and City Status 1510-2010 (500 years of Ago-Iwoye History) written by the celebrant himself.
Before the book launch, there was installation lecture entitled, Leadership: The Gain, The Pain, given by Dr. Tobi Ariyo, Head of Department, Political Science, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
The book launch was anchored by Mr. Soni Irabor. He was assisted by Senator Lekan Mustafa, who also launched the book for N5 million, the highest declared donation at the event. Mr. Folabi Oseni, the step-son of the celebrant and the first son of Otunba Iyabo Martins-Kuye bought some copies of the book for N2.5m.
THE RECEPTION
The reception and entertainment held at the venue where the installation lecture and the book launch took place, which is the big marquee that covered the whole length of Imososi Wesley School, Ago-Iwoye.
The marquee which was all white made the reception venue clearly visible several metres off and resplendent in all white with most of the indigenes of the town dressed in white.
FOOD, DRINKS PLENTY
The event was packaged by Ace Party Planners, managed by Otunba (Mrs.) Nike Atewologun. The food was supplied by Kaffy Catering while Fruitvegie provided fresh fruit juices. Drinks of all brands were in abundance.
WHEN AMOSUN STORMED THE VENUE
Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the governor of Ogun State was one of the special guests of honour that graced the occasion. He came in when the reception was just kicking off and his first dance step was with Yeye Asiwaju Iyabo Martins-Kuye, who he met while exchanging pleasantries with other guests.
The governor later danced with the celebrant, his wife, Oba Ade Adesina Adenugba and his Olori.
OGD CAME IN TOO
While Governor Ibikunle Amosun was dancing to the tune of Chief Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, his predecessor in office, Otunba Gbenga Daniel came into the venue and later joined him (Amosun) to dance with the celebrant. Tried as much as we stretched our necks to see whether there was going to be any scene between the two former friends turned foes by politics, there was no scene at all.
And to the further disappointment of the nosy journalists, Governor Amosun made a brief statement to the effect that the occasion was not for politics but to felicitate with an astute politician who is a leader to all irrespective of political leaning.
BURUJI KASHAMU
Leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun, Alhaji, Buruji Kashamu also came into the venue, few minutes after Governor Amosun left. Although Otunba Gbenga Daniel was still around, we didn’t see them exchange pleasantries. Buruji Kashamu came in with Dr. Abisola Edwin Clark, the new wife of Chief Edwin Clark.
OTHER SPECIAL GUESTS
Other special guests included Prince Olusegun Adesegun, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, who is also an indigene of Ago-Iwoye; Gen. Dipo Diya (retd), Senator Tony Adefuye, Sir Adebukola Kessington Adebutu a.k.a Baba Ijebu, Senator Oyofo and wife, who are in-laws of the celebrant, Sharafadeen Ishola, former Minister and SSG of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Alhaji Adegunwa, Fototech; Mrs. Folake Marcus-Bello, Otunba (Hon.) Dayo Alebiosu and his father, Otunba Busuratu Alebiosu a.k.a Bush, Mrs. Yinka Ladoja, former first lady of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande, Mrs. Bewaji-Kuku, Ms. Bunmi Sofola, Dr. (Apostle) Toba Oke, Chief Bode Osinusi and wife, Alhaja Afusat Osinusi and Chief Sule Onabiyi.
– TOLANI ABATTI
