Lagos Socialite, Adebola ‘Akinsiku’ Dosunmu Hits Golden Age

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

Within the social and cultural milieu of Lagos, one name that has gained currency among the elite and the hoi polloi is that of Chief Adebola Dosunmu. Aside from his personal achievement as a successful real estate mogul, Dosunmu is the Akinsiku of Lagos (Olori Eyo: the arrow head of Eyo) and the custodian of Lagos most popular cultural festival known as Adamu Orisa. However, this Lagos Chief is in a celebratory mood.

He will be turning 50 on Monday March 21. For this notable socialite, hitting the golden age is a big deal. He is grateful to God for all he has been through in life and found it worthy to celebrate the landmark age in grand style.

“From my humble background in Isale-Eko, to my days at Methodist Boys High School, where I was mates with my friend now father, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, to my sojourn in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada, up on till I was selected to become the Supreme Head of the Adamu Orisa, God has been faithful. All praises to Almighty God,” said Dosunmu. 

As the custodian and supreme head of the Eyo festival, Dosunmu leads thousands of performers anytime the Adamu Orisa play is staged in Lagos, usually at the behest of the Oba of Lagos.  

“I am happy to lead the Eyo clan, this is what my forebearers have done for hundreds of years” Akinsiku said enthusiastically.

“The last Akinsiku of Lagos was Chief Taoreed Ibikunle, before him was my grandfather, Chief Olayinka Dosunmu. So I am happy to step in the shoes and continue to make the Eyo masquerade and its festivals, the pride of Lagosians and one to be identified with by our friends from outside of this city,” he added. 

He said reaching the age of 50 is a big deal, “considering all the challenges that we have faced individually and as a people. It is indeed worthy of celebration.”  

As part of the golden celebration on that day, Akinsiku will be hosting a fete for the less privileged in the society, followed by a special Eyo Festival in Isale-Eko with his people and members of the Eyo.

“I will be celebrating with my people at Isale-Eko, on my birthday, which is the 21st March, where we hope to host our people and members of the Eyo festival. We also have some arrangement for the less privileged in the society,” the Akinsiku promised.

He will cap the celebration with a special grand ball to be hosted by the birthday boy’s friends led by his bosom buddy, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi with music artiste, Wasiu Ayinde on the bandstand, supported by other stars including Davido, Naira Marley and Lil Kesh in what promises to be an evening of festivities.