Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, community leaders hail High Chief Akinwande Akinola’s humility, generosity, wisdom and enduring service to Ijesaland
Tributes have continued to flood the Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA) WhatsApp platform as High Chief Akinwande Ayinde Akinola, the Sawe of Ilesa, popularly known as Baba Sawe, celebrates his 87th birthday on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The outpouring of goodwill from community leaders, traditional title holders, professionals, mentees and admirers has highlighted the remarkable qualities that have endeared the elder statesman to generations of Ijesas and earned him enduring respect across the community.
Beyond the birthday felicitations, the messages have painted a portrait of a man whose life combines professional excellence with humility, generosity, integrity, wisdom, philanthropy, mentorship and an unwavering commitment to the unity and development of Ijesaland.
In its official birthday tribute, the ICDA Executive Council and membership described Baba Sawe as an icon of Ijesa heritage, a towering traditional pillar, a pioneer of the Greater Ijesa vision and a consistent builder of men.
The Assembly, through Engr. Busayo Aluko, recalled that Baba Sawe assumed a significant leadership responsibility at the newly established International Breweries Limited, Ilesa, in 1978, at the age of 37. His role in the company's development was described as a landmark contribution to the industrial and economic advancement of Ijesaland, creating a legacy of enterprise and opportunity for generations of Ijesas at home and abroad.
A quiet builder of people and institutions
Chairman of the ICDA and Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, in his birthday message, celebrated Baba Sawe as a distinguished industrialist, revered Agba Ijesa and community development advocate whose life exemplifies the relationship between personal achievement and collective progress.
Fasuyi acknowledged his contributions to the mobilisation of human, intellectual and financial resources for the advancement of Ijesaland, as well as his involvement in development platforms such as the Ijesa Development Council and the ICDA.
He noted that Baba Sawe's positions as Chairman of the Ijesa Elders Forum and a member of the ICDA Board of Trustees reflected the confidence placed in his experience, wisdom and leadership.
According to Fasuyi, true elderhood goes beyond age, titles and personal accomplishments. It is demonstrated through wise counsel, the promotion of harmony, the preservation of cherished values and the ability to inspire decisions that advance the common good.
These attributes, he observed, remain particularly important to the future of Ijesaland, where unity, purposeful collaboration and the commitment of experienced leaders are essential to sustainable community development.
Humility and generosity beyond professional success
Another tribute by Oladimeji Alo highlighted what he described as Baba Sawe's authentic leadership, particularly his readiness to support worthy causes without seeking recognition or public acclaim.
Alo observed that despite his professional accomplishments and towering reputation, the celebrant remains approachable, accessible and willing to offer guidance, encouragement and support to those committed to the progress of Ijesaland.
He praised Baba Sawe for lending his stature, network and credibility to emerging leaders, helping them gain acceptance and providing opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to community development.
His generosity, Alo added, extends to supporting development projects across Ijesaland, irrespective of whether they are privately or publicly initiated.
He also described the celebrant as a man who respects commitments, keeps his word and treats people without discrimination on the basis of age, gender or social standing.
These qualities, according to his admirers, distinguish Baba Sawe as a leader whose influence is expressed not through noise or ceremony, but through consistent actions and the lives he has helped to shape.
A distinguished industrialist with a heart for Ijesaland
The birthday messages also celebrated Baba Sawe's professional accomplishments as a chartered accountant and former Managing Director of International Breweries Limited, Ilesa, as well as his involvement in the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria in the Oyo and Ondo States area.
His career was recognised as an example of competence, sound judgement, purposeful administration and commitment to institutional growth.
Dr. Toyin Olalemi recalled that Baba Sawe's emergence on the socio-economic development scene of Ijesaland about five decades ago made him a prominent figure among Ijesa patriots seeking to move their homeland forward.
Olalemi further noted that the celebrant's 80th birthday, seven years ago, provided a renewed platform for Ijesa sons and daughters at home and abroad to unite around the collective advancement of their people.
Prince (Sir) Samson Adebanjo Ataiyero also praised Baba Sawe's enterprise, wisdom, humility, philanthropy and selfless service, describing him as a rare personality whose generosity has touched families, empowered individuals and brought hope to many.
Other well-wishers, including Henry Femi Osobukola and Prince Lufadeju, described him as a leader of leaders, a fatherly mentor and a source of inspiration whose contributions to Ijesaland and humanity remain deeply appreciated.
The attributes that define Baba Sawe at 87
A recurring theme in the tributes is that Baba Sawe's legacy extends beyond his professional accomplishments, traditional title and leadership positions.
His admirers have consistently highlighted humility, integrity, generosity, wisdom, moderation, accessibility, punctuality, philanthropy, mentorship, patriotism, unity-building and selfless service as defining attributes of his life.
They also recognise his willingness to support other people's aspirations, encourage younger leaders and identify with initiatives designed to improve the social and economic wellbeing of Ijesaland.
Together, these qualities present the image of an elder whose influence has endured through decades of service and whose commitment to his homeland has continued beyond his years of active business engagement.
As the birthday celebration unfolds, the tributes on the ICDA platform are serving not only as expressions of goodwill but also as a reminder of the value of leadership that combines achievement with humility, influence with generosity and experience with a genuine concern for the common good.
Adding to the stream of tributes, the Ijesa Development Council (IDC), through its President, Ezekiel Olasupo Shadiya, FNMGS, FNAPE, also celebrated Baba Sawe at 87 on behalf of its Board of Trustees, Executive Council and the people of Ijesaland. The Council praised him for his uncommon leadership, wisdom and selfless dedication to the unity, peace and development of Ijesaland, describing his fatherly guidance, commitment to community development and enduring love for his homeland as sources of inspiration. As Chairman of the IDC Board of Trustees, Baba Sawe was further celebrated as a beacon of service, a custodian of Ijesa values and a rallying point for progress. The Council expressed gratitude for his life of impact and exemplary stewardship, while praying for his continued good health, renewed strength, peace of mind and many more fruitful years of service to Ijesaland and humanity.
The messages continue to buzz in as KAKAKIOODUA Online Media, itself a beneficiary of Baba Sawe's benevolence, joins family members, community leaders, associates, mentees and admirers in celebrating the distinguished elder on his 87th birthday.
Happy 87th birthday, Baba Sawe!
ADVERTISEMENT
Click 👆 on the image to watch
ADVERTISEMENT
No comments:
Post a Comment