By Raphael Okhiria
A prominent legal practitioner based in Benin City, Edo State, last Saturday celebrated his birthday anniversary that took the form of a carnival. The birthday celebration is a talk of the city.
The 62nd birthday anniversary party of Barrister Olayiwola Afolabi, SAN, which took place at his residence along Yoruba Street, Benin City, was attended by both the low, middle and mighty in the state and beyond.
Some of the personalities that graced the occasion were the Managing Director of Uyi Technical Conglomerate, Elder Uyi Oloton, the Head of Service, Edo State, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, Hon. Barr. Pascal Ugbomhe and Sir Comrade Ralph Okhiria, the publisher and Editor-in-chief of The RELIANCE Newspaper.
They all eulogized the celebrant, Barr. Olayiwola Afolabi, SAN, describing him as a jolly good fellow, a man of the people with strong humility, a legal luminary and a philanthropist of great repute.
EDSTMA officials present at the city shaken birthday ceremony, mounted a guard of honour for the celebrant.
The elated Barr. Afolabi, used the occasion to present wigs and gowns to some law students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), who also got a gift of 50k each.
Besides, a raffle draw was played by former juniors in the legal office of Afolabi SAN and at the end, Barr. Esther Oribhabor went home with a deep freezer.
The former Olayiwola Afolabi juniors in the spirit of the birthday celebration, presented their former employer a giant birthday card and they were in turn given clothing materials for suit by the chief birthday celebrant.
The event also featured the presentation of 100k each to two students of Ekosodin Secondary School to assist them in their educational pursuit. The recipients, Rebecca Iserhienrhien and Joseph Osaro, expressed gratitude to Olayiwola Afolabi SAN for coming to their aid.
Highpoints of the birthday event was the cutting of the 62nd birthday anniversary cake by the celebrant, Olayiwola Afolabi SAN, who later took to the dancing floor with the various groups, including children who came out in large numbers rejoice and celebrate with the legal luminary.
Happy birthday to a powerful and influential but gentle and cool headed personality. More grace, iJn.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated with lawyer and philanthropist, Afolabi Olayiwola, SAN, on his birthday, extolling his commitment to upholding justice and equity in society.
In a statement, the governor said: “I heartily felicitate with celebrated lawyer and philanthropist, Afolabi Olayiwola, SAN, as you add another year today.
“A hardworking and diligent legal practitioner, you have distinguished yourself over the years by virtue of your dedication and commitment to upholding justice and equity in the course of your illustrious career.
The governor added: “Firebrand and meticulous, you have continued to gain admirers by the virtue of your philanthropic gestures and antecedents in fighting for the rights of the downtrodden.
“I celebrate your impactful work and commitment to ensuring a sane and equitable society, where the rule of law is respected.
“As you celebrate today, I pray that God grants you many more years in good health to continue your impactful work in society.”
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