ILLUSTRIOUS SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF ILOBU, (VOLUME TWO) 9TH EDITION

Here comes a man who could stand alone come rain, come shine instead of joining the majority, as much as he was sure that his position was correct. He is such a unique person; fearless, articulate, calculative, humane and possessed a commanding power of oration. His life was a clear demonstration of how best to live, so that others could live better. His activities, supports and encouragements pulled the trigger and fired many ambitious politicians to the actualization of their dreams. He was a warrior with an absolute command over his soldiers. His reign as a great politician, an honest artisan and a dependable community leader was historically remarkable.

Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Babawale was born in 1947. He hailed from Alayan’s Compound, Ilobu. He was privileged to acquire just primary education at the St Michael’s Primary School, Ilobu. This primary education was the needed solid background that stood him tall amongst his peers. His 6 years sojourn in the primary school did prepare him for the challenges that the future presented unto him. He was so audacious in challenging cheats, maladministration and disregard for human welfare.

After his primary education, he learnt carpentry and joinery as a vocation. With this, he set up his own outlet and soon became a force to be reckoned with. His vocation was good enough to put food on his table. In the Association of Builders and Carpenters in Ilobu, he was indefatigably responsible to issue that moved the association forward.

Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Babawale joined politics and later became the Local Government Treasurer of DPN. In 1998, the pre 1999 electioneering activities took him to PDP and he incidentally became the Local Government Chairman of the party. He used his position as the party Chairman to bring together people from different factions. He facilitated the election and appointment of many politicians; he was the chauffeur in control of PDP affairs in Irepodun Local Government especially when PDP got into power in 2003 in Osun State. He showed then that he was a political calculator, strategist and perfectionist. His support for “your mission” as a politician in PDP can be likened to a done deal. As my uncle from the same family with my paternal grandmother, I approached him and told him I wanted to move from the Teaching Service to the Local Government Service Commission. He did not only agreed to help but put me in his car and drove down to Major Omotara Rtd.; who was the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission. His worthwhile effort did not materialize but his place in my heart is a special one. This kind gesture was extended to many hustlers like my humble self who needed a lifeline to sail to their glory.

In recognition of his immeasurable contributions to the growth of numerous natives, His Royal Majesty, the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Asiru Olatoye Olaniyan II and the Ilobu traditional council, unanimously bestowed on him the first-class title of the Otun Olobu of Ilobu on the 25th of May, 2005. He became a member of the Olobu Traditional Council. As a titled chief in the palace, he injected his very best to the service of the community. He was a formidable Chief with perfect understanding of the voice of the people. He was very pleasant bridge builder who would not give in to issue easily. But no matter how well we lived, there is always a time to say goodbye. Thus, in July 13, 2013, the cold hand of death seized him and took him away after a brief illness.

Therefore, considering his immeasurable service to the community, either as a politician or as a traditional title holder cum community leader, I humbly present Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Babawale posthumously to the whole world for appreciation and recognition as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

Dare Alabi,
Project Director