Islanders Magazine

Shonekan, Gusau, Adetona, Gbadebo, Ojora, Other Eminent Nigerians Honour Alex Duduyemi’s At Book Launch

EMINENT Nigerians including former head of the defunct Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe; the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, yesterday in Lagos paid glowing tributes to foremost philanthropist and the Asiwaju of Ile-Ife, Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi describing him as a philanthropist per excellence.
They spoke at a public presentation of a book titled: ‘Quintessential colossus’, to commemorate the 80th birthday of Chief Alex Duduyemi.
The presentation attracted notable Nigerians; including former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen Aliyu Gusau (retd); one time Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Alani Akinrinade (retd); former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion; former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Tunde Lemo.
Others are; Chairman of Honeywell Group, Dr Oba Otudeko; Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; a former Commissioner for Education in the defunct Western State, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi; Ovation Publisher, Mr Dele Momodu, Chief Sunny Odogwu; Chief Harry Akande and Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, among others.
Chief Shonekan, who was chairman of the event, described Alex-Duduyemi as a great philanthropist, saying “I like to also point out that attaining the age of 80 years in today’s world is by the sheer grace of the Almighty God. We must therefore give all honour and praise to God for this and other immeasurable blessings He has bestowed on Chief Alex Duduyemi and in particular, for giving him the grace to celebrate his 80th year birthday in the land of the living.”
Reviewing the book, Professor Ibidapo Obe, said Alex-Duduyemi had grown to be a quintessential colossus for so many reasons.
According to him, “this man is a man of style, who is specially blessed by God. He has trod where eagles feared to tread. There is a lot younger people can learn from him.”