I have much pleasure in joining his many friends, admirers and others in paying this short tribute to Asiwaju.
I have actually only met Asiwaju once at a social event in Lagos. But over 20 years ago, he assisted me in resolving a little problem in my house in Ilesha. The electricity supply to the house was cut off and I needed someone reliable to handle the matter for him. Someone suggested him to me. We had never met and I knew very little about him. I called him and his response was not only positive but enthusiastic. In two days, he had sorted the problem out and electricity supply to my house was restored. I was even more surprised that he turned down my offer to pay him for his assistance, saying he did it pro bono. That gesture was unusual and it impressed me a lot naturally.
Several years later he emerged almost suddenly on the scene in ljesaland as a formidable leader, an incredible social mobilizer and an impressive ljesa visionary. He was the initiator and leader of such laudable projects as the new Owa's Palace, the Geriatric Hospital and the impressive agricultural project in collaboration with the Leventis Foundations in Ilesha.
The development of his immense leadership qualities has not come.to me as a surprise. He has changed the economic and developmental landscape in ljesaland in so many ways that as ljesa we all owe him a debt of gratitude. And it must be acknowledged that it is not easy to lead our ljesa people. They are proud and do not like to be pushed around by anyone. But under his leadership and transparent leadership people are today more united than ever before.
And it is even more remarkable that he achieved this feat without being a politician. The individualism among the Ijesa has given way under his leadership to a spirit of cooperation and unity.
As he turns 70 it is my prayer that God will continue to bless him and his family abundantly and that He will continue to reward him for his excellent service to our ljesaland in so many ways.
Signed:
Amb Dapo Fafowora OON FNAL
A Trustee and former President of the Ijesa Society, Lagos. Otun Sobaloju of Ilesa.
.png)
.png)
%20(1).png)
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment