*Photo L-R:The Asiwaju of Remoland, Dr. Solomon Kayode Onafowokan, OON; former Governor and Senator Gbenga Daniel, Akarigbo of Remoland; His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Adewale Ajayi; Sir Dr. Kensington Adebutu GCON and Chief (Mrs) Kofoworola Adebutu; the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu; Mrs. Bola Obasanjo; former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR; and former Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom*
The ancient town of Iperu-Remo was on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, spiritually aglow as faith, culture, leadership and philanthropy converged at The Marble House for the 19th edition of the Sir Dr. Kensington Adebukunola Adebutu, GCON, KJW Annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carol. The revered annual gathering once again affirmed its place as one of Nigeria’s most profound faith-inspired events, blending Scripture, choral excellence and national reflection in a manner that transcends denomination and politics.
*Ambassador Isola OFR extending felicitations to Sir Dr. Kensington Adebukunola Adebutu GCON, KJW*
Held under the coordination of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Remo Central, at the instance of the Wesley Methodist Cathedral, Akesan Road, Iperu-Remo, the programme bore the spiritual imprint of the Bishop of Remo Central, The Rt. Rev. Amos Kayode Olu Ogunrinde, JP, FICT, whose pastoral leadership ensured a solemn yet uplifting celebration of the Christmas message.
* Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola sharing a warm moment with the Akarigbo of Remoland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Adewale Ajayi Torungbuwa II, at the event.*
The event attracted an exceptional constellation of national and traditional leaders.
* Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola with former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel*
The former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and former Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR, joined former President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, former Governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Gbenga Daniel FNSE, the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Modupeolu Dipeolu, FICMC, FHNR, and a formidable array of royal fathers led by the Akarigbo of Remoland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Adewale Ajayi Torungbuwa II.
*L-R: the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Arinola Dipeolu; the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Dr. Sonny Folorunsho Kuku; and Ambassador Isola*
The cosmopolitan depth of the gathering was further underscored by the representation of Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, through his distinguished chiefs bearing the staff of office, alongside captains of industry, community leaders, political office holders, and members of elite social clubs including Abeokuta Club, Abeokuta Sports Club, Ikoyi Club, Eko Club and Eko Lawn Tennis Club.
The air was filled with sacred harmony as the Iperu Circuit Mass Choir, Melodious Choir, Tabernacle Chorale (TC), Great Remo Chorale, Olabisi Onabanjo University Choir and The Chamber Chorale (TCC) rendered carols of rare depth and refinement. Their performances transformed the Marble House into a sanctuary of praise, stirring hearts and reminding the audience that music remains one of the most powerful vessels of divine truth.
The Nine Lessons, meticulously read from Genesis 1:1–5, 25–28; Genesis 3:1–15; Micah 5:1–5; Isaiah 9:2, 6–7; Luke 1:26–38; Matthew 1:18–23; Luke 2:8–16; Matthew 2:1–12; and John 1:1–14, traced humanity’s journey from creation and fall to redemption through Christ. Each passage resonated with contemporary relevance, offering moral guidance in an era yearning for light, justice and compassion.
Speaking to the media shortly after the programme, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR described the festival as “a living sermon that speaks not only to the soul of Christmas but to the conscience of the nation.”
He reflected on the enduring message of hope embedded in the Scriptures and reminded Nigerians that leadership, whether political, traditional or spiritual, must be anchored in humility, service and the fear of God. Drawing strength from Scripture, he cited Micah 6:8, which declares: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” According to him, this verse encapsulates both the essence of the festival and the pathway to national renewal.
While giving thanks to God Almighty for the life and enduring impact of Sir Dr. Kensington Adebukunola Adebutu, GCON, KJW, Ambassador Isola extolled the patriarch’s legacy of quiet philanthropy, faith-driven generosity and unwavering commitment to humanity. He urged Nigerians, especially those in positions of influence, to emulate Adebutu’s model of success without arrogance and wealth without noise.
He noted that Sir Adebutu’s life teaches that true greatness is measured not by what one accumulates, but by the lives one uplifts. In his words, the Adebutu legacy challenges the nation to build institutions, empower communities and invest in values that outlive material possessions.
On religious harmony and tolerance, the Baba Adinni of Ogun State and Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Ambassador Isola delivered a message that drew resounding approval from the audience. He emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity is not a burden but a divine design, insisting that peace, love and unity must remain the common language of all faiths.
He urged adherents of Christianity, Islam and traditional beliefs to see one another as partners in nation-building rather than competitors for supremacy. He stressed that no society can prosper where religion is weaponized, and no nation can endure where faith is divorced from love.
As the final carols faded into the Iperu night, the overwhelming mood was one of gratitude, reflection and renewed commitment. The 19th edition of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carol did more than celebrate Christmas; it reaffirmed the power of faith to heal divisions, the responsibility of leadership to serve selflessly, and the timeless relevance of Scripture in guiding a complex nation.
The evening stood as a testament to the vision of Sir Dr. Kensington Adebukunola Adebutu, GCON, KJW, the moral clarity of the Church, and the statesmanlike grace of Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR—a reminder that when faith, legacy and leadership walk together, society is elevated and hope is restored.