Bayo Bankole: When the world gathered to celebrate an ‘Iroko tree’ on 80th birthday (PHOTOS)
Jeremiah OYELEKE
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Hon Adebayo Johnson Bankole, a political titan of Ogbomoso origin, born in Ajinapa, Oriire local government area, recently marked his entrance into the prestigious Club of Octogenarian. A big shindig held at Henlia Event Centre, was graced by the “Big Guys,” from his primary constituency – politics.
Among the guests are Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, Chief Segun Ogunwuyi; Alhaji Abdulrazak Gbadegesin, Deputy Chief of Staff to former Governor Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala; Chief Akinwole Akinwale, chairman Oyo state Local Government Service Commission; legislator representing Oriire state constituency, Hon Johnson Ogundele; and Prince Felix Akande, a former chairman of Ogbomoso South local government.
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Pa Bankole received a lot of accolades from politicians, children, proteges and the clergymen.
Extolling his virtues, Rev’d. Dr Jacob Adewole Opadokun, pastor of Christ Life Baptist Church and who is chairman Sons & Daughters of Cathedral of St. David in the Diasporas, says of Pa Bankole, a former Commissioner of Finance in the state, “Baba is an advisor, a good man, useful to the youths and God. He has been faithful as a civil servant, politician, philanthropist, church person, father and husband. Baba deserves all the accolades and the joy he is receiving today.”
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His daughter, Mrs, Labisi Bankole-Fehintola describes him thus, “Daddy is very generous, Daddy is kind, accommodating, a disciplinarian, loving, but as much as he is loving he doesn’t tolerate indiscipline, he ensures that we are living a godly life and he has trained us well to follow in his footsteps. Daddy is a very loving person, a grassroots politician.”
Hon Johnson Ogundele also asserts, “l knew Baba Bankole in February 2001 through Baba Bayo Oyewusi. God has used him for me a lot. He helped me secure appointment as Special Assistant to Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala on Due Process during his eleven month and four year tenures. Also Baba helped me dropped many vices. He is a man worthy to emulate. Even my present position, Baba assisted me.”
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Deji Oyetunde, who came to attend the event from Lagos “because Baba requested me to,” says of the “Birthday Boy, “He takes me like a child. He is full of wisdom, he is full of direction, he is an encourager, he is like an Iroko tree, which spreads its shades and shelters all others underneath protecting them from scorching sun. That is the impression Baba has given me since meeting him about three years ago. It is an honour to have met him, no regret. We don’t really talk but his actions teach a lot. He handles things with great wisdom, he should make sure to pass his wisdom to the next generation.”
EVENT IN PHOTOS
Niyi Fehintola (son-in-law) publisher of influential FEAT magazine
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