In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

…In their stories are points of reflection for those imbued with understanding (Quran 12:112)

OUR paths never crossed before; though his has traversed the world in-between the two seas. I did not know him personally though I have been privileged to know some of those who are close to him. He is a friend to the high and the mighty. He is a confidant to the emperor, the only idol that bestrides the political landscape of Nigeria. The octogenarian who is of interest to us in our sermon today is a close friend to the first letter-writerin-chief, in “United States” of Nigeria. He is equally a bosom friend to the legal icon and luminary, the former chief justice of Nigeria, the veteran of the world court in Hague, Prince Bola Ajibola. He is an idol in the world of many other ornaments of that city on the rock most of whom have become the exemplars in their various callings in life. Perhaps the first lesson one could take away from this union of the successful within which this octogenarian finds himself is this- if you want to be successful be in the company of the successful. The converse is eminently true- if you want to be an underling, an occupier of the space under the bridge, join the company of those whose spirits look down, not up.

Brethren, destiny took me to the event; to the birthday ceremony. Before that day, I have always held an extremely unpopular opinion