CAN, Muslim Community, Market Leaders Plan Big Ahead of Ilaji’s 55th Birthday

The Oyo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), a cross section of the Muslim Community; the market men and women; artisans and a host of other groups are planning a special birthday bash for Chief Dotun Sanusi ahead of October 17, next week Tuesday when he will clock 55years.

Dotun Sanusi, the Ibadan-born billionaire businessman reputed to be the foremost philanthropist in the State was last Friday elevated from Mogaji to Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland by the Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun. This Jagun title signals his official entry into one of the two lines of Olubadan traditional institution.

Sanusi’s legendary philanthropic contributions to the State and Nigerian society has attracted millions of people to him, a development that is making this year’s celebration a special occasion for the man many accords special importance and recognition for his humanitarian efforts to all; including the haves, have-nots and other less privileged in the society.

The State Chairman of CAN, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju on Monday confirmed that the Christian body has special plan for Dotun Sanusi’s 55th anniversary.

He was responding to a request by a journalist concerning the Magazine being planned for Sanusi’s birthday. He simply replied a message sent to him and wrote, “ Seen and beautiful but I have to discuss with the members of my Executives. There’s our own arrangement for us to celebrate him on ground. Thanks.”

His position also coincided with the donation of seven Cows as at Monday afternoon to Sanusi, who had earlier expressed his unreadiness towards any celebration for now.”

A close aide to Dotun Sanusi who didn’t want his name in print confirmed to newsmen that, “Chief does not want any celebration for now and that’s why when last Friday after he was elevated to Jagun Olubadan status, he simply appreciated those who came to rejoice with him at the Olubadan palace to go back to their respective homes that he wasn’t throwing any party because of the mood of the country.

“He is someone very close to the grassroots and can feel the pulse of his people. He feels that the birthday should be low-keyed devoid of any colour or fanfare whatsoever.

“But it was this afternoon (Monday) that his business colleagues all the way from Portharcourt, Rivers State sent a truck with five Cows ahead of his celebration. Like a ‘palace coup’, no sooner than they dropped the Cows that some Artisans in the State alongside traders and Pepper Seller Association also came with Cow donation ahead of Chairman’s birthday.

“Information also suggested that the Iyaloja-General of the State, Chief Mrs Sidikatu Aduke Konibaje is planning special celebration to mobilise all market men and women across the markets to celebrate him.

“Unfortunately for these people, he doesn’t have any plans to celebrate still. But the way things are, Chairman may be left with no option but to make arrangements to receive visitors from within and outside the State on Tuesday.

“A renown author had also published 500 books in our Chairman’s honour in addition to a special 55th Birthday Magazine being packaged to celebrate his birthday.

“As if that is not enough, some Christian groups from across denominations sent letter for a 55-hour praise and worship in honour of the Chairman’s 55th birthday.

“Curiously, as we speak, he is yet to put any Committee in place towards this celebration. But as things stand now, the Chairman as an emotional person would have no choice than to throw all the gates open for well wishers to come around and enjoy all the items provided by his friends and admirers.

“As an employee here, one lesson I have learnt from all these going-on is to always do good and exemplify empathy for those in need. He has done well for humanity and I think that’s the reason why people are gearing up to celebrate his recent Chieftaincy with this 55th birthday. I can safely say that all roads would lead to Ilaji stadium because we are also looking forward to it to celebrate our boss and father of all,” he added.