When a man has packed so much into his 70 years on earth, he cannot but be celebrated. Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi can be described in so many fashions; leader, entrepreneur, management guru, thinker, traveler, founder, peripatetic teacher and a man of the universe.
One thing you must give to him is his organisational abilities and relentless and bountiful energy. His presence is constantly felt, literally on a daily basis. He keeps in touch constantly and his ability to mobilise Ijesa in supporting a cause is unmatched and legendary.
He is a man who can squeeze water out of stone. As he demands from you, he is leading by example and giving first. Between him and his delectable wife, they are quick, not only to support a cause, but to lead by example.
There are far too many of such causes to reel out, but permit me to mention a few:
1.Owa’s Palace Project
2.Geriatric Centre Project
3.Youth Empowerment Project
4.ICDA
5.Disaster Relief Funds to Communities
6.University of Ilesa Endowment Fund.
On a personal note, when my daughter got married in Lagos in 2017, Asiwaju sent his wife to be present, as he had multiple engagements in Ibadan and outside Nigeria. We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived at the Catholic Church on Unilag campus to see Yeye Asiwaju already seated, long before the service was to begin! That’s the nature of the kind of discipline and attention to detail exemplified by the Fasuyis.
In a similar manner, though far from the profession of Theatre Arts, I placed a call to Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi to support the 2023 University of Ibadan 60th Anniversary of the department. One only needed to ask and Asiwaju had sent his support!
On another occasion, some relief was required in my Iwoye-Ijesa Community and unprompted, Asiwaju had arrived on the scene with words of encouragement and support.
Giving Asiwaju’s personality and what some may consider overbearing and intimidating appearance, he would naturally be embroiled in some controversies. What you can’t take from him is his bundle of energy and his willingness to step forward at all times. This is only natural as he performs his role as Asiwaju.
God has also endowed him and his wife with the financial resources to make a difference in several spheres of human endeavour; in the human resources and management sphere, social space, education, health, chieftaincy affairs, entrepreneurship and youth development.
I have often wondered how Asiwaju travels with his wardrobe! There must be a separate vehicle that moves the suitcases of his enormous embroidered agbadas, complete with gold chains and coral beads!
As Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi marks an outstanding 70 years, we cannot but wish the illustrious resident of Oke Baba Okuta well. With over 100 countries tucked under his travel belt, we certainly do not see our Dear Asiwaju slowing down soon with his heavy itinerary!
Here is wishing Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi a happy 70th birthday in continuous good health and more service to Ijesa land, Osun State, Nigeria and the World! Best wishes and regards to Yeye Asiwaju, Dr. Olubisi Fasuyi and the entire Fasuyi family as they bask in the glory of an illustrious husband and father.
Happy birthday, Asiwaju of the Universe!
Signed:
Professor Duro Oni, FNAL
(Fellow, Nigerian Academy of Letters)
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