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It was a day a joy for prince Raphael Akinyemi ,the son of the first class Oba in Ogun State, the Eselu of Iseluland, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi as the Senate of the United States of America honoured the 18-year-old Nigerian for for winning a basketball championship the State of Maryland.
Akinyemi who was born in Iseluland in Yewa-North local government area of the state left Nigeria for the Us at age seven .
The 18-year-old Akinyemi stood tall among his colleagues during the honour held on Saturday as the Senators gave him and colleagues accolades .
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the Yewa indigene played important roles in securing victory for his school.
PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that the feat led to the invitation of Raphael and his colleagues by the US Senate.
Speaking with newsmen on the honour , Raphael’s father who is also the Eselu described the development as a thing of pride for Iselu, Yewa, Ogun State, Nigeria and the black race in general.
Oba Akinyemi said nobody could have believed that an indigene from Iselu in Yewa North Local Government would be standing for an honour at the US Senate.
He said ” this is a testimony that the nation has many talents and potentials lurked in the rural areas.”
He however charged the government to create an enabling environment for the younger generation to thrive.
Asked how he feels about the honour on his child , Eselu said ” I feel great and fulfilled that good things can come out from my community. Most especially, for my son to be honoured in the US Parliament with all senators seated.
” Even, the US president clapped for them all for winning the basketball championship.”
When asked whether his son was born in Nigeria or overseas ,the monarch said “he was born in Iselu, Yewa-North,Ogun state. I took him there( US) at the age of seven together with his siblings”
Asked if he would allow his son to play for Nigeria ,Eselu said ” I would not object to my son playing for Nigeria’s basketball team if the need arises.”
