By, Olawale Ogunbusola
Family members, friends, in-laws, and other dignitaries have described Madam Deborah Azeez-Oke as a woman of faith, resilience, and generosity, as she celebrated her 70th birthday in Oyo Town on Saturday.

The surprise event, organized by her child and cousins at Aduratomi House in Oyo drew relatives from nuclear and extended families to honour the matriarch.

Born 70 years ago in Ogbomoso to the Oke Mountain dynasty, Madam Azeez-Oke has faced life’s challenges, guests said she remained steadfast until victory.

In her welcome address, her only child, Mrs. Omowumi Ogunbusola, wife of Silverbird TV Correspondent, Olawale Ogunbusola, thanked family members who supported her mother over the years. She especially, acknowledged Mr. and Mrs. Ojo for standing by Madam Azeez-Oke during difficult times.

In their separate tributes, her elder sister, Mrs. Modupe Akinwale, paid a glowing tribute: “I know God specifically made her after me. She upkept my first child in marriage while in Lagos. My ‘Oladeebo’, ‘Agbeke’ is a good-hearted younger sister. She is a prophetess. She made my children educated. What a glorious sister!”

Her younger sister, Deaconess Dolapo Ojo, who was a retired principal of Alaafin High School, Oyo, described her as “prayerful, loving, and openhearted”. She also praised their late husband, Sir Matthew Ojo, for strengthening family bonds during his lifetime.

Other family members, including son-in-law, Olawale Ogunbusola, nephews: Mr. Precious Ojo, former Prime FC Lagos player Covenant Ojo, Goodness Ojo, Mr. Muritala, and cousin Mr. Goke Oke, Mr. Quadri Oladapo lauded her virtues of hard work, prayerfulness, and security consciousness. They urged young Nigerians to emulate her for a stable future.

Earlier in his short message, Deacon Biodun Oyatokun of Agunpopo Baptist Church, Oyo, as quoted from Psalms 28:7, Psalm 90:1-17, prayed for Madam Azeez-Oke to continue in strength and grace beyond 90 years.

Highlights of the event included prayers for the Oriire abducted victims, a moment of silence for late Sir Matthew Ojo, and the presentation of gifts to the celebrant.

The event was anchored by Dayo Edu, popularly known as DJ DY.