Permit me to start this write up by giving thanks to the almighty God who has made this season of our lives to become a reality. There are so many reasons why I strongly have the feelings that God must take His first place here just like every other thing we do in life.
The writing in Jeremiah 1:5 simply states; “I knew you before ......and ordained you to be.....
This write-up is about a precious and authentic brother who God had known even before we met and whose life God had planned and one who continues to live at the center of God’s plans for his life without fail.
It may be easy to keep calling out the number 70 but if truth will be told, not all those who were born 70 years ago are still alive and many had met with circumstances that had made them to become victims. Asiwaju L O F is not one of them.
To add to this, is the fact that I am not writing something he would not be able to read and his pictures are not on obituaries.
Our elders have a saying that twenty children cannot play together for twenty years but we are blessed of the Lord to be part of the survivors who have not just been together for twenty years but between us we have memories of not less than fifty six years. To God be all the glory.
Writing about A.L.O.F is nothing but writing about a special human being whose dreams and desires about life have come into manifestations just as he envisaged right from when he was nowhere near where he is today. Quite unlike Joseph in the bible, God’s grace that makes the race of life so easy for him has been at work in his life. Every step that had been taken had always moved him into the reality of the kind of lifestyle that he had carved for himself long ago.
We came across each other when we were both in Primary four at Otapete Methodist Primary School, Ilesa and since then, we have remained so close that both of us have witnessed every season of life that we have been through.
In our Primary school days, he commanded so much affluence that he became the “go - to” student for every student in need. Even as at then, he took a special affection in me that he became my shield and the champion under whose command, no other strong man could mess up with anyone who was attached to him. The blessings of having or enjoying the supply of very freshly fried Puff-puff from Monday to Friday remained intact. Apart from monetary influence, Yinka’s strength was without equal.
In his secondary school days, he coined an alias for himself which people still call him by up to date. The name, “young millionaire” was born and this came with a special walking style that made him noticeable wherever he was. In his university days at Ibadan, he remained in his own lane as he had a special way of dressing which was unique to him. As a matter of fact, our mantra then, that was created by our friend; Sanni Mohammed, was; “ No one like you”.
Asiwaju stayed in his unique lane and truly there was no one like him. There had been a lot of hard times on the way especially in moments when some of our close pals had gone to be with the Lord. Amongst many close pals, the death of Pekun Komolafe was difficult to come to terms with and so also that of Dejo Fasuyi who was his junior brother from the same mother. May the souls of all our mates and siblings who had gone to be with the Lord continue to rest in peace.
When I met with my future partner then, ALOF was the first that I hinted and he had just escaped from Maita Siene enclave where he was serving his youth service and stayed with me at Ijebu Ode. His time in Total was something else and there, he was in a class of his own too. Laziness has never been part of Asiwaju and whatever he does up to date, all he strives for, is excellence.
He had the best’ run fuel stations nationwide and all his Station Managers held special places for him in their hearts.
An achiever of a sort and a goal getter at all times. Over 33 years ago, after his stint at the CMD, Ketu for Train the Trainers course, he suddenly called me and told me of his plan to resign from Total Oil Ibadan. As a lecturer, Yinka was far better, comfortable and all was working well hence my quick reaction was to beg him against this plan. Haa! why would you leave the known for the unknown? He remained adamant and the process of registration for Supreme Management Consultancy Ibadan was hatched.
With a hindsight, he couldn’t have made a better move. It was actually what he was born for and a season where his hard work would begin to yield serious dividends for him. If there is any word to put forward, it is to say that; “success is not by accident”.
The grace of God combined with serious had work and flare for details have all contributed to the success that we are celebrating today.
Asiwaju’s dressings over the years have remained unique and he has not just become a fashionista now but that is what he has always been. On many occasions, I have challenged him over his latest styles but he has consistently rebuffed every attempt. He gave me one of his “agbadas” to carry once and the weight was frightening. Those clothes are not clothes that anyone who is fasting can wear.
Regarding what he would be wearing for his 70th, I sent him a message that the costume should not be less than 70kg and according to him, that would be the least. I am sure, God will give him the grace to carry the dress whatever weight it is.
I cannot draw the curtains on this write up without giving my appreciation to Yeye, Dr Bisi Fasuyi. You have done very well and my prayer is that God will give you and your husband the grace to enjoy the works of your hands. Love truly is patient, gentle , and provokes further love according to 1 Corinthians 13.
I join you in thanking God that, that which you saw in Asiwaju when you came newly into his life as an undergraduate has not been in futility. You also stayed with the dream of your life and you are reaping from your sowing. You will continue to enjoy the fruits of your labour. You will not build for a strange woman to come and inhabit.
Thank God for all the wonderful children that God has given you. May they continue to bring joy to the household.
Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, omo baba Fasuyi,
Omo oke baba okuta, olore ku, asiwere gbagbe re
Omo oko yan, oko ka,
Oko ohun gbogbo suni suni
Gbami gbami, aboju mugo mugo ....
Asiwaju, you have almost always been a trailblazer, and whatever mountain remains to be conquered, may your strength be renewed as in your younger years to subdue and rule in the mighty name in Jesus. In the words of Caleb in Joshua 14:11-12; who recalled that as his strength was over a period of 45 years so it still remained. May your testimonies after 70 be the same. Your body will not become an abode for any ailment or disease in the mighty name of Jesus.
Keep winning, keep keeping strong.
My wife, Adedoyin Siyanbola and children are all celebrating with you on this special day of yours.
With all our love.
Babakolade Oluwafiropo Siyanbola & Family
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