Before the advent of religion, before the coming of missionaries with their books and bells, our forefathers had a way of naming men who walked among them with the grace of the divine. Such men were set apart. They did not eat like ordinary men, they did not think like ordinary men, and they did not live for themselves alone. Before the advent of religion, people would have classified him a god — not in worship, but in awe. A living embodiment of destiny, wisdom, and the spirit of enterprise.
Today, we bow our heads in gratitude to the Almighty who has kept and preserved Sir Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion CFR, The Esama of Benin, as he clocks 92 glorious years on earth. Ninety-two years of impact. Ninety-two years of building. Ninety-two years of giving.
Esama — A man who does not need to be told what to do. You have lived that name in full. You saw gaps and you filled them. You saw darkness and you brought light. You saw a young nation yearning for industry and you became one of its earliest and most daring architects.
Your virtues are written in the skies and on the earth.
You have a heart of gold — large enough to accommodate an entire kingdom, a nation, and strangers from across the world. You give without remembering, and you forgive without keeping records.
You have a functional conscience — the inner compass that has never allowed you to trade integrity for gain. In boardrooms and in palace councils, your word has remained your bond.
You are a man of peace who would rather let go of anything than hurt anyone. That is why enemies become friends in your presence, and why disputes die the moment they enter your gates.
You are a builder of men. You do not raise buildings alone; you raise people. You pull the young up, you sponsor the forgotten, and you create platforms where talent can bloom.
And the blessings of the Lord upon your life are numerous and undeniable.
The Almighty blessed you with immense handsomeness — a royal bearing that announces you before you speak, a countenance that reflects dignity, grace and the glory of Benin.
He blessed you with immeasurable wealth — not wealth that was hoarded, but wealth that was deployed. You took risk when others feared. You invested in aviation, in education, in media, in hospitality, in agriculture. You created jobs when there were none, and you put Nigeria on the map as a nation that could dream big and deliver.
He blessed you with robust health — strength to travel, to work, to counsel, and to stand tall at 92 as a colossus who still speaks with clarity and vision.
He blessed you with illustrious children — a generation of leaders, trailblazers and patriots who are extending your legacy across law, business, politics, and service. What a father must feel to see his seed become forests.
He blessed you with uncommon service to the kingdom and to the country. As the Esama of Benin, you have been a bridge between the ancient and the modern. You have defended our customs, promoted our culture, and reminded the world that Benin is not just history — Benin is alive. To Nigeria, you have been a patriot who invested at home when capital was flying away.
Most importantly, you have immortalized yourself while alive. Schools bear your name. A university bears your name. Institutions that will outlive generations. Songs will be sung, and stories will be told, and yet you are here to see it. That is the rarest blessing — to eat the fruit of your labor with your own hands.
Esama, you are not just a title. You are an institution. You are not just a man. You are a movement. You remind us that industry, humility, and faith can turn one man’s vision into a nation’s pride.
On this your 92nd birthday, we pray that the God who has kept you will continue to keep you. May He renew your strength like the eagle’s. May He grant you many more years in peace, in sound health, and in honour. May your home never lack joy, and may your name continue to shine brighter with each passing year.
Benin is proud of you. Nigeria is proud of you. We, your children and admirers, are proud of you.
Enjoy it baba.
Proudly celebrated by
Chief Owen Chamberlain Obaseki JP
Otaifoh of Uromi
The post Tribute to Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion CFR, Esama of Benin Kingdom @92 appeared first on Vanguard News.