NIGERIAN ELITE CELEBRATES OBAFEMI OLOPADE AT 88

-Why He Is Called Mr Integrity Personified
-Why His Best Friend of 50 Years, Olusegun Obasanjo Does Not Joke With Him

Ageless debonair, Chief Jonathan Adio Obafemi Olopade recently turned 88 and the event was marked by his family, friends and loved ones. It was a fun evening at the venue, which was the Penthouse of Eko Hotel and Suites, Sky Restaurant & Lounge. The host, former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke played his role to perfection as Olopade was celebrated in the most befitting manner. The party kicked off with cocktails and a sumptuous buffet. Dare Alade played MC, and serenaded the guests with a special number, dedicated to the celebrant. He also belted out a series of hit hit soul songs. Guests were then entertained by Donald Duke, who took the audience by surprise as he sang and played his sax beautifully

Looking very dapper, stylish and well-groomed in his classy maroon velvet dinner jacket, Olopade was all smiles as he was absolutely delighted and thrilled by the huge turnout of guests who took time out to share this special milestone with him. 

 Olopade is one of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities. A Structural Engineer by training, Olopade runs a chain of business ventures and he is still actively involved in the running of these ventures at 88. A well-travelled man and thoroughbred man, the essence of Olopade’s personality is his integrity. He is also blessed with an attribute which is very rare to find in our time and clime-a display of unalloyed loyalty to his friends. Notable among some of his close friends are former President a Olusegun Obasanjo, Asiwaju Alex Duduyemi, Chief John West and many others. 
It is pertinent to add that the bond of friendship between the celebrant and former President Olusegun Obasanjo was established almost 50 years ago. Since then, they have remained very close. And so strong is their friendship that they both share a filial love which can only be found between two brothers. The friendship between these two men survived the period of incarceration that President Obasanjo went through, during which Chief Olopade remained a close friend, paying visits and providing succour, as well as, doing what he could behind the scenes to help get his friend released; enlisting the help of foreign diplomats. The celebrant is so much loved by President Obasanjo that he has his ears on every issue. Moreover, Chief Olopade is the god-father of Segun, the first son of Olusegun and Remilekun Obasanjo, while his first daughter Aderonke is the god-daughter of Obasanjo. And among the friends of the former president, Olopade is known to be the only one who gets on well with his women.

Also, one of the celebrant’s longest standing friends is Chief John West, the American born industrialist. The friendship between the two men was established over 40 years ago, and it it has been sustained even after Chief West relocated to his country. They have a very strong affection for each other and they share many fond memories together. To show how much he appreciated their bond of friendship, Olopade facilitated West’s emergence as a chief in Egbaland in 1996. He was bestowed with the title of Baba Alaja of Egbaland

 The Egba born chief is happily married to four wives and he is blessed with 15 lovely children. His son, Akin Ire Olopade is the Group Managing Director, GMD of Afromedia Plc, Nigeria's out-of-home media organization. One of his daughters, Debola is married to Senator Musiliu Obanikoro's son, Gbolahan.