Ex-Oyo First Lady Sustains 22-year old Spiritual Legacy
KEHINDE AKINPELU,ILORIN
The former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, recently set Ibadan aglow as she hosted the 22nd edition of her annual Unlimited Praise programme.
Themed “Worship His Majesty,” this year’s edition reflected the heart of an event born from a personal vow that has now become a spiritual landmark across the state.
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According to Mrs Akala, the journey began in 2005 when, after years of waiting on God for the fruit of the womb, she made a solemn covenant to hold an annual thanksgiving if blessed with a child. That prayer was answered with the birth of her son, Olamikunle Alao-Akala, and since then, the programme has grown from a private home gathering to a citywide celebration of faith, hope, and divine favor.
The atmosphere at the Dome was electric from the opening prayer, drawing some of Nigeria’s most revered ministers. Pastor Austin Ologbese, Lead Pastor of BreakForth Church, Senior Prophet G.F. David of Faith and Miracle International Church, and Bishop Henry Praise of the Sought Out Ministry led powerful ministrations, setting the tone for a night of prophetic worship. Pastor Ologbese’s sermon, titled “Where Did They Put Him?”, challenged attendees to seek the risen Christ in their lives, reminding them that praise can reshape destinies.
Music and worship took center stage, captivating hearts and minds. The Tabernacle of Praise Choir from BreakForth Church and True Worshippers Choir from Ogbomoso delivered soul-stirring harmonies. Bam T. Dancers, a children’s worship group, added a visual display of devotion. Delight Omotosho, the gifted young saxophonist, lifted spirits with his anointed melodies, while Mista Olamilekan closed the session with a spontaneous flow in the Spirit that had the audience on their feet, dancing, praying, and raising their hands in gratitude.
Moving gracefully among the congregation, Mrs Alao-Akala reminded attendees of the true purpose of the gathering. “In 2005, I stood before God with empty hands and a barren womb,” she said, her voice steady with emotion. “Today I stand with children, with peace, with purpose, and with a testimony that He is still the God who answers by fire. This is not my programme; it is His. I am only the convener of what He started.”
For many, the event went beyond music and sermons. Testimonies poured in from participants whose lives had been transformed: women cradling babies after years of waiting, businesses revived, and young people discovering clear direction for their future. Over two decades, Unlimited Praise has become a sacred gathering point where faith meets tangible miracles.
As the final benediction echoed and the worship faded into the night, one truth remained evident: Chief Mrs Oluwakemi Alao-Akala has built more than an annual event; she has cultivated a living altar of gratitude and hope. Two decades on, Unlimited Praise continues to draw the faithful, proving that keeping a covenant with God can ripple blessings far beyond one’s personal life, touching all who join in heartfelt worship.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, APRIL 10TH 2026)
