On Sunday, 24th September, famous herbal medicine practitioner, Prince Dr Akintunde Ayeni hosted a colourful celebration in his Gowon Estate, Lagos home on the occasion of his 60th birthday. Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and former Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State were among the dignitaries present the Ekiti-born businessman who once donated to the herbal medicine industry like a colossus -as he celebrated 60th with his family. Many of his business and social friends also graced the celebration.
Prince Ayeni for so many years, bestrode the alternative medicine industry in Nigeria. His company, Yem Kem International was a leading name in the country, with multiple products that broke the market. Dr Ayeni also hit international fame with his achievements. International media organizations (including BBC, CNN, and others) featured him prominently. He also went into hospitality business. He built one of the then-biggest hotels in Ado Ekiti in 2007. Ayeni hit gold with his business, from which he built his first house at 36 in 1996. His 40th birthday was a carnival with King Sunny Ade on the bandstand.
Some years later though, Prince yielded the space and was missing from the scene for a prolonged period. Tongues wagged in different directions during then. When he eventually resurfaced, the Yem Kem boss even rubbished in clear terms "baseless, nonsensical rumour" that some people peddled against him about links to drugs and detention. Some even said he had quit the business due to competition from international companies who made an influx into the country.
Dr Akintunde Ayeni however, has continued to do his business, on his terms. He is currently the National President of the Herbal Society of Nigeria.
Cityscoopng
