The 19th of December, a date celebrated annually in Mushin and Odi Olowo to honor the Garrison Commander and Apex Leader of this historic political stronghold, took on a grander significance this year. The 65th birthday celebration of Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS) was marked with a lavish carnival-style event held at High Point Events Centre, Ikeja.
The Central Business District of Ikeja was brought to a standstill as dignitaries from Lagos, Ogun, and beyond gathered to honor the former Chairman of Mushin Local Government, former House of Representatives member, two-term Senator, ex-Governorship aspirant, APC Director General for Lagos State’s 2023 General Elections Campaign Committee, and a member of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body in the state.
Arriving alongside his wife and children, Senator Solomon was visibly elated as he entered a hall adorned with his portraits and regal decorations befitting the occasion.
The event commenced with Quranic recitations and prayers led by esteemed Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Abdul-Rahman Ahmad, the National Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Movement of Nigeria. Also present were Sheikh Sulaimon Abunolla (Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque), Sheikh Zakariya Thanni (Chief Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Lagos State), and numerous divisional Imams and scholars.
In his sermon, Sheikh Abdul-Rahman Ahmad urged Senator Solomon to uphold the Islamic values instilled in him by his late father, Alhaji Rafiu Ishola Solomon. He commended the late Baba Adinni for laying the foundation of political and spiritual success evident in the senator’s life and contributions.
Among the notable dignitaries present was former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola. He recounted his first encounter with Senator Solomon during his tenure as Chief of Staff to then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now President of Nigeria.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who shares familial ties with the celebrant, referred to Senator Solomon as “Egbon mi” (my senior brother) and extolled his fearless political stance and unwavering loyalty to the APC.
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, highlighted the celebrant’s invaluable contributions to party stability and governance, drawing on their shared history at Archbishop Aggey Memorial High School.
The Lagos State Executive Council, led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Tayo Ayinde, attended in large numbers alongside members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), led by Chief Tajudeen Olusi, to celebrate one of their own.
Other dignitaries included Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Governor of Ogun State; Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Ogun State Deputy Governor; Otunba Femi Pedro, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State; and Senators Gbenga Ashafa, Olorunnimbe Mamora, and Musiliu Obanikoro, among others.
Prominent political leaders from Mushin, including Hon. Adeyemi Alli, Hon. Toyin Fayinka, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Hon. Yinka “Esho” Kazeem, and Hon. Funmi Tejuosho, led the local delegation. Other political stalwarts such as Hon. Seye Oladejo, Dr. (Mrs.) Ayoola Oyeyemi, and Hon. Kenny Ajinni Babalola were also present.
Traditional rulers, including HRM Oba Fatai Aileru (Olu of Mushin) and HRM Oba Tajudeen Odubiyi (Onitire of Itire Land), attended alongside business moguls such as Chief Kola Ayanwale and Chief Olawale Cole.
Market leaders, community chiefs, and grassroots representatives turned out en masse, led by Alhaji Babatunde Shitta-Bey, APC Chairman of Mushin LGA. Women leaders, youth representatives, and party faithful filled the venue, which remained lively until late in the evening.
The event showcased Senator GOS’s profound impact on politics, governance, and community development, underscoring his enduring legacy as a leader deeply connected to the people.
•Text and pictures culled from Isokan Mushin Media Platform.
