June 25, (THEWILL) – Exactly one month after Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu threw a low-key soiree for his wife, Salamatu’s 56th birthday celebration, in turn reciprocated the gesture and organised a party in celebration of his 62nd birthday.
But there was a twist to his party; it was a surprise gathering that caught the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, unawares. Salamatu had made sure all the guests which included; close family, friends and political associates didn’t breathe a word of the party to him while making sure that they all gathered together at exactly 6.30 pm to await his arrival while she navigated him coyly to Salamander Cafe located at Parakou Crescent, Wuse 2, venue of the celebration.
While that was going on, Bamidele Yusuf, the chairman of Surulere Local Government Area, Lagos State, threw a party for him in absentia. Gbajabiamila’s picture was a placeholder during the party as he was in Abuja enjoying the company of his guests at his wife’s surprise party for him. Cows and rams were slaughtered and choice drinks flowed as guests who were mainly residents of Surulere including political associates were feted.
The chairman felt compelled to throw a party because of Gbajabiamila’s huge influence and impact on Surulere which he represented in the lower chambers for five consecutive terms of 20 years.
He was re-elected for a sixth term but had to resign his position after he was appointed Chief of Staff to the president. As a result, Gbajabiamila is considered Lord of the Manor, sort of and single handedly decides who gets what politically and what development comes to Surulere.
The party was also a way for the chairman to thank Gbajabiamila for backing his chairmanship aspiration. Sources close to THEWILL revealed that the immediate past chairman, Tajudeen Ajide had attempted to stage a comeback but was allegedly stopped in his tracks. He had sought an audience with President Tinubu, who allegedly told him to do as he is told by Gbajabiamila.
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