Segun Atanda/
An atmosphere of gratitude, music and tributes filled the air on Monday, December 22, 2025, as friends, family members and dignitaries gathered for an in-house reception organised to celebrate the 65th birthday of former Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Leye Oyebade mni.
The intimate but classy celebration was marked by deep reflections, thanksgiving and warm fellowship, as DIG Oyebade used the occasion to acknowledge those who stood by him through the various phases of his personal, professional and spiritual journey.
Speaking emotionally, the retired police chief thanked God and appreciated friends, family and associates who, in his words, “touched his life physically and spiritually.”
He paid glowing tribute to the steadfast support of his wife, Adebimpe, whom he described as a testimony and his pillar of strength, noting that her unwavering encouragement sustained him through the most demanding years of his policing career.
He expressed deep appreciation for the support of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, who encouraged and prayed for him during two of his most challenging assignments, when he was deployed to supervise elections in Edo and Ondo states.
He also celebrated his prayerful mother, Pastor (Mrs) Yinka Oyebade, sharing a humorous but deeply touching anecdote that drew laughter from guests. Recalling a duty tour in Abia State, Oyebade said his mother once called him while he was eating and quipped: “Leye, you’re eating while I’m fasting because of you.” The story perfectly captured the depth of her intercessory support and sent the gathering into peals of laughter.
He recalled how former Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, his schoolmate at African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta, played a pivotal role in his career by introducing him to the late Gov. Abiola Ajimobi when he was posted to Oyo State as Commissioner of Police.
DIG Oyebade noted that Ajimobi’s support went beyond official duties, extending to his private life, especially when he began developing his 50-hectare farmland in Oyo State, an endeavour he described as life-shaping. He extended his appreciation to Ajimobi’s successor, Gov. Seyi Makinde who provided much-needed infrastructure to support Rontol Farms.
He was also profuse in his appreciation of his long-time friend, Pastor Israel Olajumoke, whom he fondly described as a “militant pastor” who made significant spiritual impact in his life, alongside Pastor J. A. Bolarinwa and Pastor J.P. Odesola, who was represented at the event by Pastor Kalejaiye Jnr.
Pastor Bolarinwa, who attended the event with his wife, delivered the short but stirring exhortation.
In a moment of solemn reflection, Oyebade celebrated the memory of the late IGP Solomon Arase, while also acknowledging the contributions of retired AIG Lanre Bankole, who designed his residence and encouraged him to pursue the development to completion.
He mentioned the contributions of his mentors, former Inspectors-General of Police Alhaji MAK Smith and Otunba Sunday Gabriel Ehindero who moulded him as an officer.
Guests were treated to a wide array of sumptuous meals, choice wines and lively entertainment from Segun Rockers and Jide Chord (from London), setting a relaxed and celebratory tone for the evening.
Several dignitaries took turns to extol Oyebade’s virtues, describing him as disciplined, humane, spiritually grounded and worthy of honour, while wishing him many more years of God’s blessings and mercies as he marked 65 years.
Speaking at the event, the ex-Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun harped on what he described as DIG Oyebade’s quality of character. “He is cerebral and very brilliant,” he said. “He has always displayed a high sense of responsibility and hard work.”
The event was graced by prominent personalities including Rear-Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha mni, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command; the celebrant’s uncle and the wife – Dr Adelaja and Olori Adetoro Omofade, the Omogbadela and Yeye Omogbadela of Owu Kingdom; Barr. Babatunde Ogala SAN, Pro-Chancellor, Lagos State University; Barr. & Mrs. Sola Ojutalayo SAN; Mrs. Kenny Ayodele; Aare Adetola Olaniyi Emmanuel-King, Chairman/CEO, ADRON Homes; Prince Adekolade Gbogboade, Dr. Tobi Abiola mni; Prof. Sola Adeyanju (representing the DG, NIPSS); Alhaji Saka Afolabi of Sea Cargo Air Ltd; Mr. Jide Ogunleye of Denaro Properties; Mr. Biodun Okesanjo, Mr and Mrs Okelowo, and Chief John O. Nwabueze, the M.D. Caretimes Cosmetics, a brand of hair and body care products made by Olite Manufacturing Company Limited, Asaba, among others.
The guests also included accomplished sports, media, and Public Relations guru – Mr. Gboyega Okegbenro, retired AIG Lanre Bankole, Alhaji Saka Afolabi of Sea Cargo Air, Elder Rasheed Adegbenro, Elder & Mrs. Ajibola Afun, Capt. Adetokunbo Adekunbi of Arik Air, Mr. Jim Obazee, and the celebrant’s sister – Dr Toyin Opesanmi, a Physician who flew in from Baltimore, USA.
The family presence included DIG Oyebade’s wife, Adebimpe, his mother – Pastor (Mrs) Yinka Oyebade, children – Ronke and Tola, with their husbands – Ayowole Ayodele and Tayo Ojutalayo, the grandchildren, and the celebrant’s siblings – Dapo, Deola, and Barr. Sola Badmus from the UK.
Church leadership and ministers were well represented, with choruses led by A/P (Mrs) Feyijimi and Deaconess Adeola Oyebade.
The celebrant also acknowledged staff of Rontol Schools, Rontol Foods, and Rontol Security in attendance, bringing the evening to a fitting close as a memorable blend of thanksgiving, humour, music and celebration of a fulfilled life and distinguished career in public service.
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