By Prisca Sam-Duru “A man of impeccable integrity, humanitarian, renowned scholar of religious studies, a great writer, a true African man, spiritually endowed, institutional builder, and a man of grace.” These glowing tributes echoed in abundance as dignitaries, scholars, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate one of Nigeria’s most revered intellectuals, Professor Jacob Kehinde Olupona, on his 75th birthday. The landmark celebration began with a solemn and vibrant thanksgiving service at the All Souls Chapel of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. The service drew a massive, diverse congregation, featuring global academics, bishops, archbishops, researchers, and fellows of the Ife Institute of Advanced Studies—which Professor Olupona founded. Also in attendance were traditional rulers led by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; former OAU Vice Chancellor Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede; traditional religious leaders; international friends and associates from California; members of the Anglican Church from Cambridge where Olupona worships; and relatives from his hometown of Ute in Ose Local Government Area, Ondo State. Special musical ministrations by an Ibadan-based choral group and the All Souls Chapel Choir, highlighted by a moving rendition of Handel’s “Hallelujah” chorus, added a touch of celestial grandeur to the morning. A Mammoth Gathering at the Ojaja Arena If the turnout at the chapel was overwhelming, the reception that followed immediately at the prestigious Ojaja Arena proved even more monumental. The hall was filled to capacity with guests dazzling in traditional African attire, elegantly flaunting green and gold in compliance with the event’s dress code. As guests feasted on a sumptuous array of delicacies, eminent personalities took turns to eulogize the septuagenarian. This session was complemented by captivating cultural performances. A Celebration of God’s Grace and Mercy Delivering the homily, drawing from Lamentations 3:22–23, the Lord Bishop of Ogbomosho Diocese (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Titus Babatunde Olayinka, described Professor Olupona not only as a distinguished Harvard lecturer and renowned international scholar, but also as a devoted family man and a churchman to the core. “A true African man in whom there is no guile, a man of impeccable integrity with genuine compassion, and a man through whose intellectual contributions many have risen to the top of their careers,” the Bishop remarked. Reflecting on the milestone, Rt. Rev. Olayinka noted that every birthday is a testament to divine grace. “Life is not sustained by human strength, intelligence, or wealth, but by the unfailing grace of God… Prof, your being here today at this age is not because your doctors are perfect, or because of your academic attainment, or your chair at Harvard University, but because you carry God’s grace.” The cleric also commended the celebrant’s dedication to the church, noting his vision and contributions to the All Souls Chapel endowment fund, while praising Olupona’s wife for her unwavering support and care. “She has made you look as if you are under 40,” he quipped warmly, before extending appreciation to the couple’s children for making the family proud. He is a selfless person, very family oriented- Modupe Olupona, wife Beaming with excitement, wife of the celebrant Mrs. Modupe Olupiona said, “I’m so happy, so excited because a lot has happened in our lives. It’s a big blessing for him to see 75. When he was almost turning 59, I was really anxious but thank God we scaled through and he got to 60, 70 and now 75. Between 69 and 75, a lot happened but the Lord fought our battles and won on our behalf. So, we have every reason to be grateful to God that he is alive.” Mrs. Modupe who disclosed that they’ve been married for almost 50 years, described her husband as “a selfless person, very family-oriented man. He wants everybody to be happy all the time, and he is extremely giving. He will do anything to make sure that members of his family are happy; just complain about something, he will find a solution to that problem immediately.” Prof Olupona is very firm, principled but very kind-hearted- Prof Bamire, OAU VC The Vice Chancellor of OAU, Prof Adebayo Simeon Bamire who first, commended the good work going on at the Institute of Advanced Studies as well as the fellows in attendance at the celebration, gave God all the glory for his grace upon the life of prof Olupona. He said, “The Obafemi Awolowo University celebrates prof Olupona. We say a big thank you for all your contributions to the university.” The Vice Chancellor who was represented by his Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research Innovation and Development, Prof Akanni Akinyemi, said, “If you want to describe prof Olupona in words, it will be a man who is very firm, p
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