Otunba Abass – When A Socialite Becomes A Reluctant Birthday Boy

BY CAMI EZENWA

In all, it reminds you of the saying, that there is no hiding place for the gold fish. That a man not lacking the financial wherewithal, should opt for a quiet birthday, in deference to the mood of the times, foisted by the ravaging Covid-19, is a resolve deserving of commendation.

But, such a socialite not even expecting sterling greetings for the gratitude of witnessing another birthday reads like taking the matter to the extreme.

But that was truly his state of mind literally all day: part of which he had spent crafting dirges, and penning a tribute to another illustrious son of the soil of Epe kingdom, KLM, – for Kamorudeen Lanre Mabinuori whose departure, as evidenced by his emotive mood had been most painful, to think of a personal birthday anniversary.

What he did not reckon with, was the determination in his well-wishers, some who had before now, drank from his well of goodness. They were the ones to set the wheel of birthday greetings rolling quite to his surprise. Why not? If they cannot gather round a table of rich wines and delicious dishes, much of which he would have made possible anyway – they can at least, explore media of sending greetings. .

For all you know, and in a most ironic way, a service provider had been in the waiting, whom he had contacted to assist prepare and arrange giveaways, to as usual, mark his birthday, without desiring that he himself be celebrated.

Welcome to the world of Otunba T.J Abass, the Aremo of Epeland , unsung philanthropist, publisher, socialite, national issues’ commentator, influencer par excellence, cultural crusader and great respecter of the traditional values and institutions of our land.

Here is one intriguing man of many parts who’s always seeking to celebrate others, but never wanting to make a fuzz about being celebrated.

A number of times, he would facilitate grand platforms for others, only to retreat to the background and watch his carefully orchestrated game plan unfold. And his expression would tell it all – that he derives his own fulfilment from seeing others made happy.

Particularly, the thought of a greater Epe and economically and politically dominant Lagos seem to consume him, inevitably making him a strong advocate and ambassador of the two.

His viewpoints and submission are not just influencing for the sake of it: they flow from a deep knowledge and refreshing insight, from who is on the cutting edge of learning. Otunba Abass is knowledge thirsty and submits to any teacher worth the tag, age and location notwithstanding.

In fact, being the publisher of Ekohotblog, and a member of the Advisory Board of The Eagle Award, have helped to further fertilise his ideas and expand his horizon of influence

But then, for Otunba Abass, it is beyond just having a hand in beautiful pies, but levering on opportunities of a good life, available to one to make real impact in the life of others. You need only to encounter him on any of these foyers of service to be adequately reassured.

And it is for the above reasons this writeup. Because, here is a man with an exceptionally premium value for relationships, and given to helping make others’ day, his presence has a way of electrifying venues and introducing glamour to your event. No matter how modest the event, he would mobilise, usher; he would entertain.

Otunba, willingly lends to its success without any fuzz whatsoever. All of these are despite his exposures by virtue of years of sojourn in the United States of America, membership and service in reputed organisations, like the Eko Clun International, honourary titles like the Aremo of Epe land, and business and social liaisons with other high networth bodies and individuals.

In fact, in any of these, he could give his all; this you could tell dispassionately observing from the side, his infectious passion for their wellbeing.

Yet, he would rather that you did not even talk about any social worth, as, for him, what is worth the while is a life of service, a life of impact.

READ ALSO: How Eti-Osa People Mobilised In Remembrance Of Oba Elegushi

Otunba Abass is an ambassador in the true sense of the expression for any organisation he is associated with, which is why you easily grab his attention, with potential ideas of bringing about Epe economic and socio-political renaissance, and of stabilizing Lagos as Nigeria’s led cosmopolitan state,

If you wonder why his perspectives about these are rich and his approach talking about them forceful, it can only be because he is truly fully persuaded that only the best can be good for the land.

As he commemorates another birthday this year, it is worth the while letting those who had been observing from the distance, have a better appreciation, a better insight of this man, – Otunba Tajudeen Gbenga Abass.

It is to say, congrats sir and may you have many more years in the land of the living.