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President Bola Tinubu, former Military Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, statesmen and other leaders yesterday described National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) Secretary Ayo Opadokun as an icon of democracy worthy of celebration.
Paying tribute to him at 80, the President said the contributions of the Offa, Kwara State-born journalist, lawyer and pro-democracy crusader to nation-building and development cannot be forgotten.
Gen. Abdulsalami said Opadokun served the country as a global icon of popular rule who made sacrifices for democracy to thrive.
Former Ogun State governor, Olusegun Osoba said Opadokun was betrayed in his hiding place and latest arrested by the military.
He added: “The democracy we are enjoying today, we must go to history and his name will be written in gold as one of those who made it possible.”
Opadokun, accompanied by his beloved wife, Mary Nike, children and relations, was full of praise to God at the birthday ceremony held at the Ikate Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos.
The service was officiate by the Lead Pastor, Dr. Joseph Adetutu, assisted by Rev. Kehinde Babarinde, President of Fishermen Maximum Output Ministries, Lagos; Rev. Ade Opadokun from Ogbomoso, Rev. Olusegun Ogungboye and Rev. A.G. Odediran from Offa, and Mrs. Taiwo Adetutu.
Apart from musical renditions by the congregation, a documentary on the life of the celebrator detailing his involvement in all spheres of life was shown at the event, where a book, “Ayo Opadokun at 80: Testimonies of impacts,” was presented by Dawari George, a former Commissioner for Energy in Rivers State.
Opadokun is a former music director of the church.
At the event were former University of Lagos Deputy Vice Chancellor Duro Oni, Nojeem Jim oh, a veteran journalist; Bola Akintobi, an engineer, Dr. Niyi Oyelese, Ladun Iwajomo, Michael Ogundero, Dimeji Osadare, Kayode Akano, a lawyer; Yetunde Aare, Bayo Adesanya, a politician; Deacon Taye Opaleke and members of the Ojomo Arojojoye from Offa; Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin of ‘Women Arise,’ David Ogunniyi, a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Pastor Gboyega Oloriade, Lanre Adeyemo, Foluso Aminu, Afolabi Alimi, a chartered accountant; Nelson Ekunjumi, and Oluyemisi Oluwagbemi.
President Tinubu said: “Chief Opadokun’s consistency, wisdom, and commitment to national unity continue to inspire
younger generations. He remains unrelenting in his advocacy for a true federal constitutional democracy.”
The president added: “I recall that his 50th birthday was marked in the cell where the anti-democratic forces detained him over his agitation for democracy.That ugly situation was what moved me to gather our people together to celebrate his 60th birthday during my time as governor of Lagos State.
“Chief Opadokun’s life of sacrifice, courage, and patriotism in the struggle for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria is a testament to his character and conviction. From the trenches of the June 12 struggle to the conference hall of national discourse, Chief Opadokun has remained consistent, principled, and unwavering in his commitment to good governance, federalism, and the rule of law.
“As a comrade-in-arms in the fight against military dictatorship, I recall with pride the shared sacrifices and the resolve that ultimately birthed the Fourth Republic, now in its 27th year and still counting.
“Chief Opadokun was a leading voice and organiser for NADECO and Afenifere in their struggle against military dictatorship.
Owing to his activist stance, he suffered persecution, detention and targeted crackdowns by state security operatives during the Abacha military regime. I commend him for his continued role as a moral compass and voice of reason in our polity.
“The recent books he authored, including “Gun Hegemony” and his memoir “The NADECO Story,” detailing historical accounts of military interventions and civil-military relations, reminds of the events of the dark era and point the way forward to a more glorious Nigeria.”
Ogunniyi paid tribute to the eminent politician, describing him as a man of honour and integrity and a guiding light to young politicians.
The Secretary of the Bible Society of Nigeria, Rev. Samuel Adeola, described the celebrator as a disciplined soul who groomed disciplined mentees, adding that he has built legacies.
He presented to Opadokun a specially customised bible.
Dr. Okei-Odumakin paid tribute to Opadokun, an encyclopedia of positive activism, describing him as a people’s general, consistent with deep moral character, and always demonstrating courage in the trenches.
She added: “During that period, he spoke truth to power. He is a great patriot; a warrior of democracy. He has remained incorruptable.”
Dr. Babarinde, who gave the sermon, said while human beings give awards, God gives reward.
He said the greatest reward is to make heaven after all the travails and struggles of life.
The cleric said Opadokun was called to break barriers through political advocacy, noting that he has been upholding values and the cause of justice.
Acknowledging his role in the church, Rev. Babarinde said the celebrator has responded to the call to build lives through musical empowerment.
