The Alara of Ara Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Olubayo Adesola Windapo, has marked his 65th birthday with a thanksgiving service, recounting how he survived a serious road accident which he said could have claimed his life.
The monarch shared the testimony on Sunday during a thanksgiving service with the theme, “Praise the Lord of Second Chance.” held at the First Baptist Church, Ara, Osun State, organised as part of activities marking his birthday.
Oba Windapo said the accident occurred while he was travelling abroad and described his survival without any physical injury as an act of divine intervention.
He said the experience strengthened his belief that he had been preserved for a purpose and still had responsibilities to fulfil.
The monarch also recalled other dangerous encounters he had experienced from childhood, saying he had continued to witness what he described as God’s protection throughout his education and later years.
He mentioned his time at Lagelu Grammar School and the University of Lagos School of Medicine as periods during which he believed he experienced divine guidance and protection.
According to him, becoming a traditional ruler further deepened his appreciation of leadership as an opportunity to serve God and humanity.
Oba Windapo said his 65th birthday was therefore not merely a celebration of age but an opportunity to thank God for preserving his life and giving him opportunities to fulfil his responsibilities.
He said he remained committed to serving the people of Ara and contributing positively to the community, adding that his continued survival had reinforced his sense of purpose.
The monarch expressed appreciation to his family, the people of Ara, traditional rulers, friends and other well-wishers who joined him in marking the milestone.
He urged people not to take life for granted, saying difficult experiences could sometimes create opportunities for a new beginning.
Oba Windapo encouraged those facing challenges to remain hopeful and recognise the importance of appreciating God for life and protection.
Delivering the sermon, the Reverend Kayode Olanrewaju of First Baptist Church, Ara, urged traditional rulers and other leaders to prioritise their relationship with God.
Olanrewaju drew inspiration from Psalm 90:12 and prayed for God to preserve the monarch and strengthen him for the responsibilities ahead.
The Head of the Alara-in-Council and Bara of Ara, Chief Akinjide Isola, described Oba Windapo as a God-fearing monarch whose reign had contributed to the development of the community.
Isola said the monarch had consistently supported the developmental agenda of Ara since ascending the throne and prayed for his continued good health, wisdom and longevity.
In his own remark, the President of the Rotary Club of Gbagada, Mr Adeyemi Lawal, also commended Oba Windapo for his contributions to humanity.
Lawal recalled the monarch’s tenure as president of the Rotary Club of Gbagada, noting that he facilitated projects, social amenities and intervention programmes during his tenure.
The thanksgiving service was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, family members, friends and well-wishers who joined the monarch in celebrating his 65th birthday.
