The Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion Celebrates Stylish 84th Birthday in Benin

By Timothy Adaki                                                                                Photos: Ken Ehimen

The ancient city of Benin was agog with shouts of celebrations and felicitations when one man and one event took centre stage.

It was the 84th birthday ceremony of no other person than His Excellency, Sir (Chief) Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom.




The birthday celebration began with a Service of Praise and Thanksgiving at St Gabriel, The Archangel Catholic Church, Sapele Road, where adoration was offered unto the Creator as coordinated by the Rev. Fr. Augustine Ehigie and church officials.

This was followed by the Annual Morning Dew Birthday Interdenominational Devotion at the God’s Historic Chapel in Benin City where prayers were offered, scriptures read and hymns sang to appreciate the Supreme Being. There was also a special saxophone rendition by Rev. Fr. James China Okosisi for the celebrant. On ground also was the female gospel artist, Sinach, who led the congregation in throes of worship.





Dignitaries who graced the event included Senator Ben Obi, erstwhile Special Adviser to former president, Goodluck Jonathan on Inter-Party Affairs, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, wife of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, Deputy Governor, Ondo state, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, Governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki and wife, Betsy Obaseki, Deputy Governor of Edo state, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, Chief Judge of Edo state, Justice Esohe Ikponwen, Former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, Dr. Felix Omobude,  Superintendent of Gospel Light International Ministries, The Otunba Adekunle Ojora and his wife, and Emir of Borgu Kingdom, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Haliru, Danladi Bako.