The launch of ‘The Legend of All Time’, a biography of Shonibare family patriarch, Chief S. O Shonibare recorded an impressive turnout on Thursday, January 8, 2015 despite the PDP political campaign that caused a traffic gridlock in Lagos.
The turnout was testimony to the caliber of a man that many referred to as generous and a man of integrity. The event which took place at Metropolitan Club in Victoria Island, Lagos had in attendance advertising guru Mr. Biodun Shobanjo, Emzor Pharmaceuticals CEO Dr. Stella Okoli, veteran actress Joke Silva, Ndidi Nwunyeli of LEAP Africa, the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Akin Mabogunje, the governors of Lagos and Osun states who were represented, Prof. Alaba Ogunsanwo who gave the book review among other distinguished guests.
In her welcome remarks, Chief Taiwo Taiwo, daughter of S. O. Shonibare, spoke about the inspiration for commissioning the biography and some the challenges faced by the writers, especially that of finding the contemporaries of her late father who would have been ninety-five on the day of the launch. “Our intention was that the book would tell the true story of the remarkable life of our father who was a visionary entrepreneur and international businessman, a media mogul and a real estate pioneer, a timber merchant and shipping magnet, a political strategist and policy maker, a loving father and doting husband.”
“I confess that as one of the decreasing number of those who knew Chief Shonibare in person, I read the book with such delightful pleasure,” Prof. Akin Mabogunje, the chairman of the occasion said in his opening remarks. He went on to speak of S. O Shonibare whom he referred to as a “fantastic human being.”
In his review, Prof. Alaba Ogunsanwo, who borrowed heavily from the text of the book which he called ‘unique’, the erudite academic gave a rundown of the life and lessons to be learnt from S. O. Shonibare, a consummate businessman. “Shonibare’s activities also extended to the political arena where he was a stalwart in the Action Group. There he left a legacy. His sojourn in politics was not for personal gain or glory.”
The book was presented by Mrs. Olubusola Adekusibe who stood in for Otunba Subomi Balogun while goodwill messages were given by Chief Olu Adebanjo, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo and Ambassador Adeyemi.
The biography was written by award winning writers Peju Akande and Toni Kan.
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