The historic Obafemi Awolowo Auditorium at Federal University of Technology Akure, Akure, was filled with dignitaries and admirers as eminent scholar, cultural advocate, and elder statesman, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, celebrated his 87th birthday with the public presentation of two books and his investiture into the College of Fellows of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
A press statement from the ANA media team disclosed that the event drew a distinguished gathering of political leaders, academics, monarchs, clerics, writers, students, and other prominent personalities from across Ondo State.
The occasion was chaired by renowned legal luminary and former Minister of Defence, Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, who praised the celebrant for his outstanding intellectual contributions and lifelong commitment to scholarship, public service, and Yoruba cultural heritage.
Kayode described Arogbofa as a statesman whose life embodies dedication to truth, education, and leadership.
In attendance was the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Ayedatiwa, who served as the book presenter and chief launcher.
The governor formally launched the book titled Understanding Afenifere: A Journey through the Yoruba Leadership Organisation, authored by the celebrant.
In his remarks, Ayedatiwa eulogised Arogbofa and commended his immense contributions to the development of the state, particularly in the area of education.
He also expressed appreciation to ANA for honouring the elder statesman with induction into the College of Fellows.
According to him, the fact that Arogbofa has authored 21 books is a testimony to his intellectual dedication and confirms him as one of the most distinguished literary figures produced by Ondo State.
Another highlight of the ceremony was the presentation and launch of a second book by the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Aminu Yusuf. Although he was unavoidably absent, he was ably represented by the wife of a former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mrs. Kemi Iyantan, who described herself as a daughter of the celebrant and shared personal reflections about her encounters and experiences with him.
Serving as Special Guest of Honour was Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, the Executive Director for Corporate Services at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Asiwaju of Akureland.
He commended Arogbofa’s enduring commitment to Yoruba cultural advancement and intellectual engagement.
The President of ANA, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, described Arogbofa as one of the pillars of the association who has played a significant role in its growth over the years.
According to him, the celebrant was the pioneer Chairman of the Ondo State Chapter of ANA and remains a central figure in the development of the association within the state.
Akanbi explained that the honour bestowed on Arogbofa was in recognition of his pioneering role in establishing and nurturing the Ondo State Chapter of ANA, as well as his remarkable contributions to literature and public service.
He noted that the elder statesman has consistently demonstrated commitment to the advancement of writers and literary culture in the state.
He further revealed that over the years, Arogbofa had hosted numerous meetings of the association and provided unwavering support whenever the need arose. Such dedication, he said, has made the celebrant a respected mentor and benefactor within Nigeria’s literary community.
Akanbi also highlighted the significant contributions of Ondo State indigenes to the history of the ANA, pointing out that the late Prof. Kole Omotoso served as the first General Secretary of the association and later became its second President, while Arogbofa brought the organisation to Ondo State and served as its pioneer chairman.
The book review was delivered by renowned political scientist and former Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Prof. Femi Mimiko, who offered a detailed appraisal of Understanding Afenifere: A Journey through the Yoruba Leadership Organisation.
Mimiko described the work as an important historical and intellectual contribution that provides deep insight into the evolution and ideals of the Yoruba socio-political movement.
The Father of the Day, respected Yoruba leader and elder statesman Chief Dr. Reuben Fasoranti, was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary General of Afenifere, Chief Sola Ebiseni
The event also featured the presence of prominent royal fathers, including Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, the Deji of Akure Land, Oba Olu Falae, former SSG and former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
Others who were unavoidably absent but were represented at the occasion included Oba Ajibade Gbadgesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Oba, Oba Dr. Victor Kiladejo, the Osamawe of Ondo.
The Royal Host of the occasion was Oba Adebori Adeleye, the Olubaka of Okaland, while notable academic personalities such as Prof. Adebiyi Balogun, a former Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, and Prof. William Aderounmu, the Pro-Chancellor of Federal University, Kashere, were also in attendance.
The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, served as the host of the memorable ceremony, which celebrated not only the literary achievements of the celebrant but also his enduring influence in academia and cultural leadership.
In his closing remarks, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa expressed deep appreciation to the governor, dignitaries, and guests who honoured him with their presence.
He used the opportunity to passionately appeal to the government to take urgent steps to rescue the Yoruba language from decline and called on the Ondo State government to consider endowing a special fund dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the language.
He also extended heartfelt gratitude to the ANA for inducting him into the College of Fellows, describing the recognition as a great honour and a source of encouragement for his continued commitment to literature, culture, and national development.
The ceremony concluded on a celebratory note as guests paid tribute to a man widely regarded as one of the enduring intellectual lights of Ondo State and Nigeria.
