Olomu of Omu-Aran, personalities attend thanksgiving service in honour of Gbenga Makanjuola

….as the ex-lawmaker bags another chieftaincy title

On Saturday, the 7th day of September, 2024, a former member of the House of Representatives, Sir, Hon. (Barr.) Gbenga Peter Makanjuola made history as traditional rulers (the Olomu-in-Council), led by the His Highness, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba AbdulRaheem Adeoti, religious leaders, political associates and friends honoured him with their presence at the Thanksgiving service held in his residence, Omu-Aran, Irepodun local government area of Kwara State.

It was a day Omu-Aran stood still for their illustrious son who invited all and sundry for what he called a fulfillment of promise made to God in appreciation of the Almighty for weathering a turbulent storm which has overwhelmed him for over eight years.

Hundreds of family, friends, and well-wishers, as well as supporters, converged at his country home, Omu-Aran, to rejoice with him on his “victory against all odds”.

Recall Makanjuola made a pledge that he would honour God with a Thanksgiving service if the burden of eight years let off him.

THE THANKSGIVING:

Hon. Makanjuola said he had made a promise before the Almighty that, if given the privilege of surmounting the hurdle, he was going to have a Thanksgiving session. Therefore, the “Thanksgiving service held on Saturday was an act of honouring God.”.
However, a visitor to Makanjuola’s abode in Omu-Aran on Saturday would acknowledge that “no one was left out” at the programme as it had traditional, religious, and political leaders, including family and friends of the ex-Reps Member in attendance.

The interfaith Thanksgiving prayers were led by Chief Imam of Omu-Aran, Alhaji Sodiq Afolayan, and Rt Reverend Festus O. Shobanke, Bishop of the St. Paul Anglican Diocese of Omu-Aran. Both men of God, after their sermons, prayed fervently, seeking Almighty’s protection and blessings for him. It was an emotional moment for Hon. Makanjuola, as he began to shed tears, while the prayers reigned supreme.

THE ROYAL REMARKS/BLESSING:

Without any iota of doubt, Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola is extremely loved by his people. This is evident in the comments and remarks of His Royal Highness, Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba AbdulRaheem Adeoti, while extolling the virtues of Honourable Makanjuola. He described him as a perfect gentleman, God-fearing, and an unrelenting contributor to the development of Omu-Aran community, citing from the revelation of the Anglican Diocese Bishop who said Makanjuola singlehandedly built a church in Omu-Aran and handed over the keys to worshippers. The Kabiyesi eqully referenced Hon Makanjuola’ continous support for the mosque project in the community. He described Makanjuola as a pride and blessing to Omu-Aran, a noble son of the soil who deserves all the blessings of the Royal stool. The monarch prayed for his protection and elevation in his chosen careers.

“Honourable Makanjuola is one of the illustrious sons of Omu-Aran. He has contributed immensely to the development of this society, and we are here to thank God for him. Our wishes are that Almighty God will continue to take him to higher places,” the monarch said.

THE GRATITUDE:

Responding, Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola thanked God Almighty for the divine grace and love. He appreciated Oba Adeoti and the Olomu-in-Council for the honour and support. He equally expressed gratitude to the clergymen, the Chief Imam, and the Bishop for their love and prayers.

“I wouldn’t want to waste your time with rhetorical stories.. I convened this session to appreciate God Almighty, for His overwhelming love and grace I have enjoyed in the past trying years. I have journeyed through hills and valleys, and I came out victorious. That is worthy of praise.

“I have experienced tortuous moments for the past eight years, and this event represents the fulfillment of my promise to God Almighty that I will return all glory and adoration to him for his redemption of my life against all the challenges.

“Men pay sacrifices and labours only to receive AWARD, but God Almighty gives REWARD. I pray God reward our sacrifices, dedication, and loyalty,” Makanjuola said.

The ex-lawmaker concluded his vote of thanks with songs of praise while the reception follows immediately.

THE CHIEFTAINCY TITLE:

Just immediately after the Thanksgiving service held in his honour, Makanjuola and his team of well-wishers proceeded to Ikotun-Ile, where he was installed as the Otun-Oba of Ikotun-Ile in Oke-ero local government area of Kwara State.

The installation was the highlight of the 100th birthday celebration of Obadofin of Ikotun-Ile, Oba David Ajibola Omope, who also used the occasion to mark his 50th coronation anniversary.

Speaking after receiving the prestigious title, the former lawmaker thanked the traditional ruler and community for finding him worthy of the title, which he said will spur him to do more for the community.

“I really appreciate the community for this recognition, which resonated with what Almighty God has used me to do for the community in and out of office. Ikotun-ile is my maternal home, and I will continue to do my best for the community,” he said

THE ADDENDUM:

Speaking with Newsmen after he returned to Omu-Aran, Hon. Makanjuola said he was fulfilled as the programmes recorded success.

“The thanksgiving ceremony was a fulfilment of my pledge to God. I have experienced tortuous moments for the past eight years, and this event represents the fulfillment of my promise to God Almighty that I will return all glory and adoration to him for his redemption of my life against all the challenges.”

On his political life, Makanjuola, who was the deputy governorship Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general election, confirmed his resignation from the party and revealed that he is waiting on God’s guidance to make his next move.

“I have resigned based on personal convictions. I’m waiting for God’s guidance to shape my next move politically. He has always been the designer of my destiny, and I am sure he will guide me on the right path,” he stated

On his Chieftaincy title, Hon. Makanjuola said, “chieftaincy title seems nothing to him but a challenge and motivations to do more in terms of development and growth for humanity and community..