Sons and Daughters of family of the ancient warrior, Balogun Ibikunle, on Sunday converged on Balogun Ibikunle’s Palace, Ayeye, Ibadan to celebrate their forefather with the motive of building robost relationship amongst Ibikunle dynasty and also build on the contributions of their ancestors in the development of Ibadanland.
The event which had in attendance personalities from various disciplines featured drama , reflecting Balogun Ibikunle’s life history, cultural dance, award presentation amongst others.
The Cheif Host, Gbonka Balogun of Ibadanland, Chief Admiral Adetokunbo Akintola Ibikunle, while speaking at the event tagged “Ibikunle Day 2021 Celebration and Award Ceremony” said the celebration was meant to remember their great grand-fathers who according to him, fought relentlessly for the emancipation of Ibadan people.
He admonished the family members, both home and abroad to fashion out ways of empowering the youths within the family and ensure they sustain legacies of their ancestors.
“Today is Ibikunle day and it is in the continuation of the development of Balogun Ibikunle in Dynasty.”
” It is very important for everyone to take the development of youths as priority, whatever efforts you can put in place to empower our youths are expected of you for development of Balogun Ibikunle in dynasty in particular and Ibadand in general.
In their separate remarks, Chief Adeniyi Akintola, SAN and Prince Olayinka Gbolahan, while appreciating the organisers of the event for finding them worthy of the awards, said the recognition would further encourage them in their humanitarian services.
Chief Akintola, who affirmed that the award remains the best award received so far, harped on the need to sustain the event by making it an annual event.
“It is gratifying coming together like this, I have met many people am seeing today severally but never knew they are also Ibikunle.”
“Getting award from the source make me feel proud, in fact, it’s my best award . It is important we hold this event every year and also add necessary valves for its sustainability ”
Also speaking, Mogaji Oyedeji, Balogun Ibikunle, Dr. Abass Gbolahan, enjoined sons and daughters of Ibikunle family to emulate their forefatherë, Balogun Ibikunle, who was courageous, truthful and upright.