Fadahunsi Urges Obaleye Children to Sustain Mother’s Legacy, Says Her Life Inspired Obokun University

Senator Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has called on the children of the late business magnate and philanthropist, Dame Eunice Olayinka Obaleye, popularly known as Dame Yinka Obaleye, to sustain and build upon their mother’s enduring legacy of enterprise, philanthropy and community development.

Fadahunsi made the call during the concluding thanksgiving service marking the end of the one-week burial programme for the late businesswoman at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Otapete Ilesa Cathedral.

The senator described Dame Yinka Obaleye as one of his role models, revealing that her achievements, commitment to community development and entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to establish Obokun University, Ilase-Ijesa, which is now nearing completion.

According to him, the passing of the respected Ijesa matriarch was a great loss to Ijesaland, particularly at a time when the kingdom has a prominent Paramount Ruler who could have benefited greatly from her wealth of experience, wisdom and counsel in advancing the development of the land.

Fadahunsi urged the late businesswoman’s children to ensure that her investments continue to thrive, stressing that preserving their mother's business empire should go beyond protecting her wealth to extending her legacy of giving back to society.

He encouraged them to use their resources and influence to positively impact their communities, just as their mother did during her lifetime.

The senator also called for peace and unity across Ijesaland, noting that a peaceful environment is essential for attracting investors and creating the conditions necessary for businesses to prosper.

He stressed that sustainable economic development could only be achieved where investors feel secure and confident about committing their resources.

Earlier, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, described the late Dame Yinka Obaleye as an exceptional woman whose contributions to society would be difficult to replicate.

The monarch disclosed that he had decided not to install another Yeye Owa of Ijesaland following her death, describing the position she occupied as virtually irreplaceable.

Owa Haastrup praised her humility, philanthropy and contribution to the economic development of Ijesaland, noting that the Yinka Oba Group of Companies had become one of the largest employers of labour in Osun State after the state government.

He said the decision to name the Ajanaku axis roundabout along the Ilesa-Osogbo road after her was a fitting recognition of her remarkable contributions to the development of Ilesaland.

The thanksgiving service brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, business associates, family members, religious leaders and other dignitaries to celebrate the life and legacy of the late business leader.

For Senator Fadahunsi, however, the greatest tribute to Dame Yinka Obaleye will be for her children and the people of Ijesaland to keep alive the values she represented—enterprise, generosity, peace, service and commitment to community development.