- By Demola Atobaba
Three scores and ten was the age prescribed by the scripture for every living being born of a woman to live. But for every rule there is an exception. This is the reality of some who are exceptionally favoured to cross the borderline even though not without its attendant inescapable harrowing challenges of ageing.
It is undoubtedly a settled matter that Chief Moses Adewumi Adetunji, the ‘birthday celebrant is among the lucky few divinely favoured to live to a row age of 80 and still counting.
It is the Lord’s doing in a country where life expectancy is at the lowest ebb, hovering around 45 to 47 years!
Chief Adetunji, has many reasons to thank God; most especially, for sparring his life to witness the elaborate ceremony of eight decades, a milestone age in robust health, peace of mind, soul and body, even as his children’s children now surround him at the table in his old age.
The crew of the editorial team of Topnews broadcast, in an encounter with the celebrant on Saturday the 28th of February 2026, saw a man who is contented with life, unassuming, prayerful and bubbling with good health and like a distant runner, he was not in a hurry to quit the stage. He remains a reporter’s delight as he responds to questions with tact and incredible sharp memory, remembering names and events with clinical accuracy.
His hard to believe humble beginning in the rustic Okemesi community was an experience that the present crop of unfortunate generations that success in life could only be achieved through hard work, perseverance, focus and determination. These attributes, which propelled Chief Adetunji’s life, appeared to be lacking in today’s world as the craze to get to the top by cutting corners seems to be the order of the day among youths.
The grace of God has also bestowed upon the celebrant the rare privilege of living to see his children doing wonderfully well in their chosen careers in his lifetime as they are all living up to the billing of a humble thoroughbred homegrown sons and daughters of a school teacher.
If not God in action, the 80th birthday celebration could have been impossible as feelers from the family were not favourably disposed months ago which made the celebrant preferring a low key shindig, but thanks to the Almighty God for the success story!
This gesture is nothing but the hallmark of humility which the entire Adetunji’s family has always symbolized and exhibited.
Our crew was in attendance to celebrate him on this special day. Chief Adetunji, in fulfillment of our core mandate to honour all Ekiti sons and daughters, deserving the honour, those who had lived exemplary life worthy of emulation such as this great man!
Truly, it was a monumental display of glamour blended with different fabrics, most especially the cherished aso òkè last Saturday when a Prince of Obajimo Royal family of Okemesi-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Chief Moses Adewumi Adetunji celebrated his 80th birthday amidst pomp and pageantry.
The lucky retired School Principal and elder Stateman joined the league as he clocks 80.
The ceremony kicked off with the arrival of guests, followed by church service praise and worship anchored by Saint John’s Anglican Church Okemesi-Ekiti, witnessing “who-is-who” in the society as the celebrant with his elegantly looking wife, Chief Mrs Comfort Adetunji. She led the convoy, joined by the entourage headed straight amid heavy traffic to the venue, St. Micheal Anglican Event Hall, Odoowo street, Okemesi.
The heavy traffic caused by well-wishers, no doubt portrayed Chief Moses Adewumi Adetunji as a man loved by the people. On entering the venue, cameramen, including journalists, bombarded the celebrant and his family. As a reporter’s delight, Prince M.A Adetunj did not disappoint them and even when his arrival was announced the MC, the hall was already jam- packed with dignitaries from within and outside the country.
Chief Adetunji was very impressed by the turn out of many great personalities who showed solidarity and as he prayed they too would be celebrated.
Probably, because the celebrant was from Obajimo Ruling House in Okemesi, the traditional drummers did not spare any effort to give their own befitting outing. With various types of drums and talking drums, it was a sight to behold and good sound to hear.
Dignitaries at the epoch event include; political officeholders, captains of industry, Chairman of Okemesi Ido-Ile LCDA, Hon. Chief Sunday Owolabi Ajibade, High Chief & Chief Mrs Odunmorun of Okemesi; All Progressive Congress chieftain; Hon. Segun Asubiojo, community leader; Chief MAO Oyeniyan, APC stalwart; Elder Yemi Ibiloye (Alesese) and an in-law; Mr Amos Ajanaku, representatives of Okemesi Grammar School Old Students Association (OGSOSA) and ANCOPSS VETERANS among others.
Chief M.A Adetunji and his spouse, Comfort were quite excited as they moved from one table to another, greeting guests and acknowledging cheers from well-wishers.
It was indeed a great and memorable day of glory for this amiable Okemesi Prince. There were lots to eat and drink.
Our crew was in attendance to celebrate him on this day, Prince Adetunji in fulfillment of our core mandate to honour all Ekiti sons and daughters, deserving the honour, those who had lived exemplary life worthy of emulation such as this great man.
From the editorial team and the entire Management of Topnews Multimedia Global Koncept, we wish the lucky Chief M.A Adetunji a happy 80th Birthday.
