By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde
The Lagos State chapter of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) put together a grand 70th birthday celebration in honor of Sir Kayode Otitoju, a distinguished former Chairman and leader.
The event was held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island on May 5, 2025, and it was attended by friends, colleagues, and associates.
As Sir. Otitoju welcomed the guests, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for granting him the gift of life. Reflecting on his seven decades, he shared that despite facing numerous challenges in his career as a politician, grassroots mobiliser, and community leader, God’s faithfulness had enabled him to fulfill his life’s dreams. He was moved by the large turnout. He said, “I didn’t know the gathering will be of this great magnitude. It was a big honour done to me to see different people of diverse backgrounds coming here to celebrate with me. Even the Lagos State chapter of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association did wonders with the lecture and others. I couldn’t have asked for more.
The guest speaker, Mr. Joseph Edgar (Financial Expert & Theatre Producer), shared his thoughts about Sir Otitoju, stating the significant impact Sir Otitoju has had on his life and the lives of others. Edgar took the opportunity to urge the UI Alumni present to consider giving back to their alma mater, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to restore the institution’s former glory. He said, “I want to use this opportunity to urge all the UI Alumni here present to think of how to give back to that prestigious institution that produced all of us. The infrastructure in the school is dilapidated. The situation in the school is not good and we can all contribute as little as N1000 to change the narrative. It is not impossible because I did it with my primary school and the experience was great. Therefore, I am appealing to you all to do something urgently, so that we can restore the lost glory of our alma mater.
Notable attendees, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), paid tributes to Sir Otitoju. Falana described him as “a very focused and consistent man” who has lived up to the meaning of his name, Otitoju, which translates to “truth is supreme.” Falana also commended Sir Otitoju’s dedication, honesty, and uprightness as a politician, recalling their time together in the National Conscience Party (NCP) under the leadership of Chief Gani Fawehinmi. “As a politician, he is very dedicated, honest and upright. We ran together in 2003 on the platform of the National Conscience Party (NCP), under the leadership of the late erudite lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi,” Falana said.
Falana further urged the guests to support initiatives aimed at restoring the glory of the University of Ibadan, noting that he was part of the team that drafted the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) law. However, he expressed disappointment that the funds have not been fully utilized for their intended purpose.
Mr. Dare Babarinsa, a renowned journalist and publisher, Gaski Media Ltd., described his relationship with Sir. Otitoju as that of brothers, rooted in their shared ancestry and Ekiti heritage. He said, “Sir Otitoju is my brother. He is 70 today and I will be 70 in the next five days. Apart from that, as members of the Ekiti Parapo, we share the same ancestry with our roots in Ekiti. In all, Sir Kayode Otitoju is a great mobiliser, a grassroots man, whose passion for community service is next to none. He is always available to serve and that is exactly what is playing out today with the level of attendance of prominent guests that turned out to honour him.
Tosin Otitoju, the celebrant’s eldest daughter, spoke on behalf of her siblings, expressing gratitude for the values their father has instilled in them. “I am very lucky to have Sir Kayode Julius Otitoju as my father. He taught us the enduring values of truthfulness, honesty, hardworking and commitment to service. My younger siblings and I are products of his selfless service and dedication to humanity, and we are happy today that all his efforts are not in vain. On behalf of the family, I appreciate all of you for being part of our special day and I pray God to bless you all,” she said.
Dr. Dauda Salau, Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, attributed the impressive turnout to Sir. Otitoju’s selfless service, consistency, and willingness to contribute to worthy causes. He said, “Today, we have gathered here to celebrate our leader, a man of many parts and symbol of leadership. The Lagos State chapter of the UI Alumni is honouring him with this event, and we are pleased to tell the world that Sir. Kayode Otitoju is a blessing to us in UI, and to members of the alumni. In the Lagos State chapter of the UI Alumni, we always count on his wealth of experience, dedication and support. He is our pride, and it is my prayer that God will bless him with good health and sound mind, so that he can continue to be such a blessing to humanity.”
The event was professionally anchored by Alayande Stephen T., who doubled as the General Secretary of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Lagos Branch.
Other notable attendees who paid tributes to Sir Kayode Otitoju during the testimonials included but not limited to media icon Sony Irabor, Lagos State House of Assembly member Otunba Stephen Ogundipe who was the Special Guest of Honour, Ambassador Folake Marcus-Bello, the chairperson of the occasion, Lady Maiden Ibru (Publisher, the Guardian Newspapers), Dr. Kola Adeyina, (uncle to the celebrant and a lecturer, Duke University Teaching Hospital, North Carolina, USA), Captain Iheabacho Emmanuel) Former Honourable Minister of Interior and Chairman, Integrated Oil and Gas Company), Mr. Tolu Ibitola (represented Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Ekiti State Governor), Mrs. Sherifah Abiola Audi(Chairperson , Lekki Phase 1 Residents Association), Barr. Oladele Ojogbede ( President, Ekiti Parapo, Lagos), Dr. Bankole P. (Grand Knight, Knight of St. Mulumba, Catholic Church, Lekki) among others.
The event ended in the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake, accompanied by sumptuous meals ( Buffet) and light music supplied by the Hebrew Band. One of the highlights of the night was when a lady saxophonist by name Sax B from Knight of St. Mulumba Catholic Church, Lekki serenaded the celebrant to lovely tunes whilst he danced away and few friends joined him in appreciating the grace of God to join the elders at the 7th floor.
For the Otitoju family, it was a truly special day, filled with love, laughter, and gratitude.
The University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Lagos State chapter, deserves appreciation for their exceptional effort in organizing this remarkable celebration, bringing together the community to honor Sir Kayode Otitoju’s life and achievements.
