Nigeria’s Power Players Gather in Lagos to Celebrate Pastor Tunde Bakare’s Milestone Birthday
Tunde Bakare isn’t your typical church leader. He stands at the crossroads of religion and public life, often speaking truth to power, poking holes in government rhetoric, and pushing for real political reforms. So it’s no surprise that, when the clock struck his 70th birthday, Lagos became the stage for a high-profile gathering—one that read like a checklist of Nigeria’s power brokers.
The City of Lagos is used to flashy events, but the atmosphere at the Citadel Global Community Church had an added buzz. Here gathered not just the congregation but a league of the country’s political and cultural titans. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos led a high-powered guest list. He was joined by Ogun State’s Dapo Abiodun and the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II—a rare mix of governors and royalty occupying the same pews. Former Kaduna leader Nasir El-Rufai, Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and several ex-governors, including Olusegun Osoba, Kayode Fayemi, and Ibikunle Amosun, rounded out the parade. The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, also graced the occasion, tying Nigeria’s political elite to its deep-rooted traditions.
There was also a clear message from the seat of power in Abuja. President Bola Tinubu sent Secretary to the Government, Senator George Akume, to deliver an endorsement brimming with praise. Tinubu described Pastor Bakare as not only a voice of truth but also a symbol of hope—words loaded with the weight of recent years, as economic hardship and political uncertainty have stirred public frustration.
Bakare’s Autobiography Launch: More Than Just a Ceremony
News wasn’t just about cake and handshakes. The spotlight turned—as it so often does in Bakare’s world—to purpose. The event doubled as the launchpad for his much-anticipated autobiography, The Last, But Definitely Not the Least. The title says a lot about Bakare’s approach: unapologetically honest, self-aware, and deliberately impactful. This isn’t just a pastor’s life story. It weaves through his battles for fairness, his fight for transparency in politics, and his spiritual guidance during Nigeria’s toughest years.
Governor Sanwo-Olu didn’t hold back while describing Bakare’s contribution—calling his advocacy for social justice both relentless and necessary. Every speech given seemed to echo the same sentiment: here is a man unafraid to challenge the status quo, yet trusted by both pulpit and public office holders alike.
Those in attendance weren’t just there for the celebration. Many appeared genuinely moved by what Bakare represents in today’s Nigeria—a country looking for leaders with integrity and vision, not just political skill. For decades, Bakare has bridged the world of faith and governance, never afraid to criticize, but also quick to offer solutions. It’s the rare mix that has seen him remain influential across changing administrations and shifting alliances.
There’s more to Bakare than protest and pulpit. Over the years, he’s molded a reputation as a connector—someone both politicians and traditional rulers look to in times of uncertainty. Speeches at the event didn’t dodge current realities, with many acknowledging Nigeria’s ongoing economic and social struggles. Amidst this, Bakare has been able to unite voices for reform, appealing to both youth and elders, street-level activists and statehouse insiders.
The glamour in Lagos was unmistakable, but the conversations went deeper. Messages from the pulpit and podium alike spoke to a future built on transparency, fairness, and political courage—values Bakare says aren’t negotiable. For many watching, this moment wasn’t just a birthday party but a reminder of what’s possible, even when the odds seem stacked against progress.
Wow-this is the kind of event that makes you believe Nigeria still has soul! Pastor Bakare isn’t just preaching-he’s architecting moral infrastructure in a country drowning in noise! He’s the human equivalent of a lightning rod for truth-and look at who showed up? Governors, Emirs, even the President’s rep-everyone knows when the real deal walks in, you stand up! This isn’t a birthday party-it’s a national reset button! 🌟🔥
you know… i was just thinking… how rare is it to see a man who speaks truth to power and still gets invited to the table? like… in india we have gurus who preach peace but never challenge corruption… but here? this guy’s got governors and kings nodding along like he’s the only one who remembers what integrity even looks like… i’m kinda jealous 😭
It’s just another celebrity pastor with political connections. Nothing special. They all do this. Stage-managed piety. I’m bored.
70 years and still talking about ‘truth’? Where was this ‘truth’ when the country was burning? Where was he during the fuel subsidy crisis? This is performative virtue. He’s a politician in robes. And don’t even get me started on the emirs and governors kissing his ring-this is how corruption gets dressed up as morality. 😒
man this guy is legit… i mean like… real talk… he dont play… even the gov guys come to him like he the last prophet… i respect that… no cap
I’ve seen this kind of reverence before-in Ghana, in Kenya, even in my own village back in Punjab. When a spiritual leader becomes a moral compass for a nation, it’s not about politics. It’s about people craving something real. Bakare isn’t just a pastor-he’s a mirror. And honestly? Nigeria needs more mirrors right now. 🙏
It is noteworthy that the presence of high-ranking officials at such an event signifies a formal recognition of moral authority in public life. This is not merely ceremonial; it is a tacit acknowledgment of the necessity of ethical leadership in governance. One must, however, remain cautious of conflating spiritual influence with political legitimacy. The distinction is paramount.
Let’s be real-this is just another way for politicians to look good while doing nothing. Bakare’s book? Probably ghostwritten by a PR firm. The governors? They’re all corrupt. The Emir? A puppet. This whole thing is a photo op for the elite to pretend they care. Nigeria doesn’t need more saints-it needs systemic change. And nobody here is offering that.
It’s interesting how faith and governance intersect here. In many Western democracies, religion is kept separate. But in Nigeria, spiritual authority carries civil weight. Bakare’s influence suggests that moral leadership can transcend institutional power. That’s not weakness-it’s cultural strength. Quietly powerful.
Man… I watched the video clips. When the Emir stood up and hugged him? I cried. Not because it was dramatic-because it was real. In a world where everyone’s chasing likes and clout, here’s a man who’s spent 50 years being honest even when it cost him. That’s the kind of legacy you don’t buy with money. That’s earned in silence. Respect.
History will judge this moment not by the guests who attended, but by the actions that followed. A birthday celebration is ephemeral. But if Bakare’s words ignite policy reform, youth mobilization, or institutional accountability-then this was more than a party. It was a seed. And seeds, when planted in fertile soil, outlive the hands that sowed them.