…Ekiti monarchs, dignitaries, and well-wishers celebrate Mrs. Tolulope Ojudu
By Wole Balogun
Veteran journalist and maverick politician, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has paid glowing tribute to his beloved wife, Mrs. Tola Ojudu, as she celebrated her 60th birthday recently. Describing her as the pillar of their home, Ojudu praised her resilience, grace, and unwavering strength, especially during the turbulent years of military rule in Nigeria.
“She single-handedly raised our children while I languished in jail,” Ojudu said in an emotional tribute. “She is not just an adorable wife, but an amazon who held our family together while I was constantly away—hounded, detained, and imprisoned by military regimes during the 1980s and 1990s for practicing what we called quirella journalism.”
Senator Ojudu, whose compelling memoir series “Adventures of a Quirella Journalist” chronicles his daring journalistic career under oppressive regimes, recalled the immense sacrifices made by his wife during those dark days.
“Today, I celebrate my darling wife—a woman who stood firmly for me and for our children when life was at its harshest,” he said. “She nurtured them alone while I was locked behind bars, and they’ve all grown into exceptional individuals thriving in their chosen careers. I deeply appreciate her love, devotion, and extraordinary commitment to our union. As she clocks the diamond age, I pray God continues to bless and keep her.”
To honour her, Senator Ojudu hosted a lavish celebration in Ado-Ekiti, which also marked the birthdays of two other members of his royal family. The event drew a large crowd of well-wishers, including traditional rulers, community leaders, and political associates.
Notable guests included Oba Olusegun Aderemi, Atayero of Aramoko-Ekiti; Oba Victor Bobade, the monarch of lre-Ekiti; Retired Colonel Adeyeye; members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Ekiti State Chapter, led by Dr. Daramola Olugbenga; the Ekiti Book Club led by Elder Adeola; as well as journalists, political allies, and many others.
Ojudu described his family as “responsible, capable, and caring,” joking with the audience: “We’re always looking robust, fresh, and full of life! We are the celebrants of today, and we thank you all for celebrating with us and sharing in our joy.”
It was an evening of heartfelt tributes, cultural performances, and joyful reunions—one befitting a woman who stood strong through storm and sunshine, and who continues to inspire all who know her.
