ILLUSTRIOUS SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF ILOBU - VOLUME ONE

ILLUSTRIOUS SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF ILOBU

BY

ALABI DARE SULAIMAN

1.      DR OLUFEMI MUIBI SAIBU

This young, amiable, good looking and highly academic personality was born on September 15, 1972 to the family of IMAM SAIBU of Olokuta’s Compound Ilobu.

After his primary and secondary education, he proceeded to the Osun State College of Education Ilesa where he studied Economics/Mathematics Education and graduated with distinction in Mathematics and Credit in Economics. He crowned this brilliant academic display by becoming the overall best student in Economic/Mathematics combination in 1992. In furtherance of his academic pursuit, he enrolled for a B.Sc (Ed) in Economics programme at the greatest Obafemi Awolowo University Ile -Ife in 1994 and graduated in 1996 as the overall best student in the Faculty of Education in 1995/96 graduating set. In 1999 after his NYSC programme, he returned to OAU for his Masters in Economics Degree and graduated in 2001 with distinction, in a record time of two years. Above all he bagged his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in March 2006.

After serving as Graduate Assistant for three years, he was employed as a Lecturer in the Department of Economics in 2001 and rose to the position of a Senior lecturer in 2007. He left OAU in 2011 for University of Lagos and became an Associate Professor in 2012 at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Nigeria. He has published over fifty papers in referred journals and co-authored four books. His research interest is on Development Macroeconomics and Finance with focus on Poverty and Growth, Energy Policy, Financial Markets Capital Flows and Trade Policy with emphasis on African Economies comparative analysis.

Dr Femi Saibu is a consultant to many national and international organizations. He is a member of several professional bodies and indeed a key supporter of youth organizations. He was one of the highly rated Nigerian Economic scholars on Google Scholar, researchgate, academicedu and Research in Economics (REPEC) a website that published the rating of economic researchers. He was part of technical committee on green environment components of Vision 2020, Card payment system for FSS 2020 and currently working with Developing Agenda for South West Nigeria (The Dawn) on financing options and SMES employment generating capacity in Southwest. He is also coordinating a project on Unemployment Duration and Employability of Graduate of Nigerian Universities and baseline studies and strategies for developing rural communities in south west Nigeria. He has led a team of research on options and strategies to kick-start the economic recession in oil dependent economy in a project to be coordinated by UNDP in Nigeria.

He was one of the pioneer set of Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Department of Economics and Econometrics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa in 2012/ 2013. He is a resource person and consultant to government agencies, corporate bodies and many international organizations.  He specializes in development of Intervention Programmes, Curriculum Development, Programme Evaluation, Career Coaching and Mentorship.  He is a member of Nigerian Economic Summit Group and Nigerian Economic Society as well as Economic Society of South Africa. He is a Senior Research Fellow in many research centers in South Africa and Germany.

Despite his love for academics, he also engaged in student politics. He was the Assistant Senior Prefect in his secondary school days. He contested and won the post of Financial Secretary in 1990 at Osun State College of Education, Ilesa and because of his performance, he was voted in as the President of the Economics Student Association in 1991, while he also acted as the Secretary of the College students’ Union. While at Obafemi Awolowo, he was the Clerk of the House of Nigerian Universities’ Education Student Association (NUESA), OAU Ile-Ife Chapter and the Secretary of Ilobu National Student Union (INSU) in 1995/96 Session. He was the Assistant Financial Secretary of OAU Muslim Community and the Financial Secretary of OAU Alumni Association, Home Branch. He is a humanitarian and philanthropist to the core despite finding himself in the academics.

All his life, he has developed a great passion for youth empowerment and community development even while in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, he was a staff adviser and coordinator of many youths’ organization; one of which won recognition for the University and the development of communities in southwestern states of Nigeria. Indeed one of such projects started the current mobile banking platforms being used by banks in Nigeria today.

His love for his home town; Ilobu is unquantifiable. His zeal and determination to help the needy speaks volume about his God fearing personality.

Dr. Femi Muibi Saibu is one of the finest young brains that Ilobu has ever produced. I therefore present him for recognition as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         PEOPLES COMRADE – Many thanks for celebrating this humble icon. It is good we let them know how well they are being appreciated and cherished.

He is so humble and helpful. He has facilitated admission and advancement of many. He has done so humbly, selflessly and silently unlike politicians.

It is an uncommon example and a positive challenge to all of us. God bless his household.

·         OLUWOLE OMONI – Thank God for blessing our town with many of the likes of Femi. Thank God for such “silent achievers” who have been working with every humility to lift up others in our time.

Thank you Dare for this your write-up on this illustrious son of Ilobu.

Let me congratulate Femi also for his humble contributions to the development of humanity in his own way. More power to his elbow.

·         WAHAB ADEMOLA FALOWO – This amiable handsome and intellectually endowed gentleman is a great asset to our community, Ilobu, Osun State and Nigeria as a whole.

While I pray that Allah continues to uplift him higher, I wish he relates more with his root for us to enjoy his robust contributions to the advancement of our community.

May Allah bless him amply, guide and guard him, amin!

I love Professor Femi Saibu and doff my hat for him. More blessings for him, his family and all Ilobu sons and daughters at home and abroad, amin!

·         AKINOLA NURUDEEN ADEWALE – I met him when he came to my secondary school, St Pauls Grammar School, Ilobu around 1990 for his teaching practice. He was my Mathematics and Further mathematics teacher. He was very knowledgeable and was a cool headed young man….I can never forget his effort in seeing that we improved in his subjects which are still my best subjects till today.

Though I have never met him again since my secondary school days but here in Qatar, where I live, I still meet many of his former students in the university, both from OAU and Unilag who are very proud of him.

I can never thank him enough for his personal effort on me and I pray to almighty Allah to spare his life, so that he can eat the fruits of his labour.

·         OLUWOLE ALABI – Professor Femi Saibu is silently extraordinarily patriotic to our beloved town.

2.      DR. ADEREMI SULAIMAN AJALA

This erudite scholar and politician was born to the popular Ajala family of Olobu’s Compound on August 15^th 1964. After his secondary education at Ilobu Secondary Commercial Grammar School, he proceeded to the Premier University; the University of Ibadan where he bagged a PhD, MA and BA degrees in anthropology. He is well loaded with degrees; he also has in his kit an LL. B, LL. M in International Law and Development from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and an M.Sc in International Relations also from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Dr Ajala became a Lecturer II with the University of Ibadan in 2002, Lecturer I in 2005, a Senior Lecturer in 2008 and an Associate Professor of Anthropology in 2011. He has since been due for a full Professorship since 2014. He has also engaged himself in international assignment as Humboldt Professor in the University of Mainz, Germany in 2009 and in Marx Planck Institute of Advance Studies in Anthropology, Halle in Germany in 2014. He also worked as Director, University of Ibadan Equipment Maintenance Centre between 2014 and 2015.

Dr Ajala’s passion for sound and qualitative education led to the founding of his Unique Children School, Apiponroro, Ilobu. The school was the second privately owned school after Orosun Nursery and Primary School along Council, Road, Ilobu in the whole old Irepodun Local Government Area comprising, ILobu, Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun. His quest for further studies and that of his wife made the school to die naturally. This Unique Children School, equipped very many young ones who are now pride to our community with the needed solid foundation to build on.

He co-founded Ilobu National Students’ Union and was elected the National President in 1996. He handed the leadership baton of the union unto me as the National President of INSU in 1997.

Uncle Bisi as he was fondly called in those good old days is a veritable instrument for accelerated growth wherever he finds himself. His selfless contribution to the growth of Ilobu community and Ilobu Development Union at the National level in various capacity is worthy of commendation. He is presently the Legal adviser to Ilobu Development Union and a Special Assistant to Rt. Honourable Olasunkanmi Yussuf, the Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representative, Abuja.

Dr Aderemi Sulaiman Ajala is therefore recognized as a catalyst for growth, a pride to Ilobu and a role model to the up-coming youths.

I therefore humbly submit that he is presented for posterity sake as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         OLOGUNDE KEHINDE WILLIAMS – Uncle Bisi is such a unique breed. His contribution to educational development in Ilobu is beyond measure. I remember very well the extra mural classes at Ilobu Secondary Commercial Grammar School then, it helped to forge many progressive minded friendships. Before then, there used to be a kind of rivalry between students of Ilobu Secondary Commercial Grammar School and St Paul’s Grammar School. The extra mural classes erased this senseless rivalry and promote knowledge sharing. Many of us became lifelong friends even till today.

Another positive thing about Uncle Bisi is his generous spirit. When I registered for the extra mural class, he said he can never collect money from me that my father, Pa Solomon Ologunde has contributed so much to the educational development of Ilobu, so I should enjoy his own “scholarship” and that was it, throughout my attendance, I didn’t pay a dime. That is Vintage Uncle Bisi. May the Almighty God continue to bless him and his family.

·         SHINA ALABI – I was interacting with a Professor at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife one day and he got to know in the course of our discussion that I am from Ilobu. He then asked, “Alabi, are you from Ilobu?” “Yes.”I answered. He asked further, “Do you know Dr. Ajala?” I said “Yes” again. The Professor then said “Ha! Dr. Ajala can go to any length to acquire and contribute to knowledge”. Honestly, this man Dr Bisi Ajala is academically loaded.

·         KUNLE ODEYEMI – The day I came across his complementary card where his academic qualifications were clearly arranged, I was amazed. I absolutely created an image of someone slightly above an angel for him. He shocked me the day we met at the First Bank, Erin-Osun, when he almost prostrated to return my greetings. What I learnt from his life; “the higher you go in life, the humbler you should become. More grease to his elbow.

·         ADEJUMO OLUMIDE – Uncle Bisi…a rare breed intellectual. He belongs to an entirely different academic phylum. I can’t but mention his name to my colleagues anytime I have cause to talk about Ilobu. I am yet to see his match academically. The lecture he delivered in Ikirun at the Oba Adeyemi Annual Memorial Lecture still reverberates in my memory. I actually invited him. I am still very proud of Ilobu and her natives and I will always do. Good job sir, Egbon Dare.

·         MIKAHIL ADEJARE ADEBISI – Good write up Dare. I am of the opinion that you could have delved a little more into his entrepreneurship acumen for our juniors to emulate and know that no matter what, with commitment and dedication, you can always get there. How then as a university graduate, he ventured into car washing business, farming, mini supermarket etc to further his academic pursuit. We were (both) co-distributor to Abiola Bookshop Limited, Ibadan in the early 90s. Well done!

3.      OLUFEMI SALAKO

This gentleman is indeed a silent achiever and a lover of his home town, Ilobu. Olufemi Salako hails from Ododo’s Compound, Ilobu.

He studied Accounting from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and went further to bag the highest certificate in the Accounting field, C.I.A as a Chartered Accountant.

He works in the top management cadre of Chevron Oil. He has quietly used his position and wealth to organize series of programmes to uplift the up-coming youths and Ilobu community as a whole.

He had in the past through Ilobu National Students’ Union, Obbafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Chapter, given bursary awards to several Ilobu students studying at the university.

He also has a scholarship programme, quietly managed and sponsored by himself. With this scholarship programme, he has quietly financed students at both the undergraduate and post-graduate levels. This has in no small measure silently helped and nurtured the zeal, quest and determination for further studies among Ilobu youths, many of whom have become pride of the community in their chosen fields.

He so much believes in giving back to the society for bringing him this far. He has initiated and facilitated bore-hole projects at St Paul’s Grammar School, now St Paul’s Middle School, Ilobu to ease the challenges of portable water faced by the school community. Olufemi Salako is a devoted Christian: a Pastor in the Redeem Christian Church of God but with a high sense of religious tolerance. His support and love for people is never based on religious considerations. He is very humble, receptive and soft spoken. Despite his huge status as a senior staffer in an oil company, he has succeeded in keeping most of his childhood friends till date.

I therefore present Olufemi Salako as an illustrious son of Ilobu that is worthy of appreciation, recognition and celebration.

COMMENTS:

·         OLALEKAN IDOWU OLADAPO – Egbon Femi is an exceptional giver, astute technocrat, dogged patriot, dedicated Christian and humanist. I was consulted decades ago by a Parish of the RCCG in Ilobu to lead them to Bro. Femi’s house in Lagos. The Church needed a permanent building at Ilobu. It was the period when GSM was not available. I took them to Lagos without prior notice. The journey of this nature was risky; I could have been tongue-lashed for dare leading the team without prior notice. We got to his house late only to discover that he has moved to his permanent residence. Heavens Knows where! We however traced the nearby Redeem Church where he worshiped. Luckily, Mrs Salako drove in and the magic wand was “we came from Ilobu to see bro.” It was a warm reception. The Pastor from Ilobu slept in his house that night and the request was granted. The Church is in Ilobu today, the first Redeem Church to be built.

·         IGBAYILOLA AKEEM OLALEKAN – Mr Olufemi Salako is a quiet achiever and a disciplined man. I happened to be his Secretary when he was the President of the New Moon Club ’81, Ilobu. He is a rare breed. May he live long, so that people will enjoy his goodness for a very long time.

·         SHINA ALABI – The story of my life is incomplete without appropriately mentioning the name; Femi Salako. This man SILENTLY gave me scholarship for my M.Sc Programme at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife without making it known to anyone, including his wife. I pray he forgives me for mentioning this to the public because it is totally against his principle and lifestyle. Honestly, Femi Salako means a lot to me; he is a friend, a confidant, a benefactor, a mentor, a role model and a god-father….Oh my God! Femi Salako…Femi Salako…Femi Salako, many thanks sir!

·         ALABI OLALERE KAMORUDEEN – I am one of those people who had the privilege of knowing this great man very well and benefited from his pool of experience and knowledge. He is an icon. Best wishes, Uncle Femi!

·         ADEREMI SULAIMAN AJALA – Highly humbled by this presentation. I appreciate the kindness and modesty life of Femi Salako

4.      DR. OLUWOLE YEKEEN ALABI

I humbly present the ever smiling Dr. Oluwole Yekeen Alabi as the focus of this profiling series. He hails from Jagun’s Compound, Ilobu. He is the first child of a public health officer; Ibrahim Oladepo Alabi, whose death shook Ilobu to its foundation on a day commonly referred to as a black day; this sad incident occurred in 1973. Many of his patients who have benefitted immensely from his free medical care thought the end has come but his death and health care support for his people really  inspired the young Oluwole to pursue Medicine as a career.

 Oluwole Yekeen Alabi had an MBBS degree from the University of Lagos, Akoka despite all odds in 1998. He was a very active member of IDU, Lagos Branch even as an undergraduate in Lagos. He was the Secretary General of the Lagos Branch of Ilobu Descendants’ Union between 1992 and 1996 and a member of the National Executive Council in 1993/1994. He was also the Editor-in-Chief of the popular but now rested “Ilobu Asake News”, a publication of IDU Lagos chapter on the activities within the community.

He is a medical doctor with specialization in gynaecology and obstetrics; the branch of Medicine that focuses on childbirth and wellbeing of pregnant women and those in search of children. Upon graduation from the Medical School, he worked at Razar Hospital, Ilasamaja, Lagos where he used his God given simplicity to care and cater for so many pregnant and nursing mothers particularly from Ilobu. Between 2000 and 2001, he took his medical practice to the Republic of South Africa where he was for about two years before relocating to the Republic of Ireland where he is now an NHS Professional.

Today, Oluwole Alabi has acquired various certificates and degrees on the job including Diploma in Obstetrics and Women’s Health (RCP), 2004, Membership of the Royal College Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, United Kingdom, 2008, Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology), 2009 and a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Education, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow, 2003.

He has shown an unconditional support to many Ilobu sons and daughters who needed his assistance in quest for a better future. He is one of the founding fathers of Ilobu National Students’ Union and became the National President in 1993.

Dr. Oluwole Alabi emphasized in one of our several discussions that, his coming into politics in Nigeria is to prepare an interface where he can be more useful in the service of humanity and to Ilobu in particular. As the Chairman of the Oranmiyan Movement, Republic of Ireland, his aspiration as a member of the Federal House of Representative under APC was predicated on his zeal and determination to serve humanity.

He is the brain behind the annual Itesiwaju Summer School of which its maiden edition at ADS Grammar School, Ilobu recorded an unprecedented attendance of over 1,500 students from Ilobu and environs.

His Itesiwaju Movement, which is a social-political group, has continued to put smiles on the lips and faces of its members.

His service to humanity is also expanding all over Nigeria with his introduction of Kiwi to hospitals in Nigeria. Within the last 2 years, he has engaged in free training of Obstetricians in Nigeria on the use of the earlier mentioned Kiwi – a hand-held device that assists greatly in safe vaginal delivery, thereby reducing both child and mother’s mortality during child’s birth.

I hereby with all sense of service and recognition present Dr. Oluwole Yekeen Alabi; a meticulous writer and speaker, a bridge builder and a frontliner as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         DAUDA ADEBISI-BALOGUN – He was my able Secretary at IDU Lagos then, where he spent all he had for the uplift of the Union. Apart from the fact that he was the Editor of the then famous “Ilobu Asake News”, the history of the much celebrated “Ilobu Day” can’t be completed without mentioning his name. A cheerful giver, hardworking and a good Muslim. May Allah continue to be merciful to him.

·         SANUSI RAHEEM KOLAPO – Yekini is a patriot of the highest order. Since our early days at A. U. D. Primary School, Laaro to our sojourn at the University of Lagos, he has consistently symbolizes everything that is good. May Allah continue to protect and elevate our own kind-hearted illustrious son of Ilobu.

·         OLANIRAN MUTIU GBOLAGADE – He is a very good leader. He has reflected one of the qualities of those old good leaders by putting pen on paper for his account of stewardship after leaving office as INSU National President, so that the generations yet unborn could milk from it. I doubt if any INSU leader has done this till date.

He made the union to be very strong; he equipped it as a veritable tool capable of suppressing both internal and external oppressors to either Ilobu or the union. Kudos to him. I see him in various political positions come tomorrow.

·         ALABI AZEEZ IFADAYO – Succinctly put, Dr. Oluwole Alabi can best be described as “Like Father, Like Son”. I can confidently say late Ibrahim Ishola Alabi of blessed memory was a household name throughout the old Irepodun Local Government during his lifetime when it comes to touching lives. I had come of age then to accurately give account of what his biological father did to help the community in terms of health care delivery. May the good Lord back him up in all his endevours as he continues to help as many people that come his way.

·         OLUFEMI SALAKO – In two years, I have followed his writings on Facebook, I doff my cap for his fruitfulness and humility. The elders say a seed grows with no sound but a tree falls with huge sound but creation is silent.

Kudos Doctor, more grace for more fruitfulness.

5.      OLALERE LIASU ADEYEMI

A click on my viewfinder brings to fore; OLALERE LIASU ADEYEMI, a glittering personality whom I considered worthy of being an illustrious son in this serial profiling project.

This very energetic, articulate, hurdle-crosser and silent achiever hails from Imam Arohun’s Compound, Ilobu. He had his primary education at AUD Primary School, Olode between 1973 and 1979, got admitted to RCM Modern School, Olode in 1979 and graduated in 1982. After his modern school experience, he went to Olode Grammar School, Olode between 1982 and 1986. He gained admission into Oyo State College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife for his Higher School Certificate (HSC) in1986 and graduated in 1988. He graduated from the African Language Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife with a second class upper division in 1994 and at the convocation ceremony for his sets, he won the prestigious J.F. Odunjo Award for the best student in Yoruba Literature.

Olalere Liasu Adeyemi was born on the 25^th of June, 1967. He has distinguished himself as “Rock of Gibraltar” as a staffer of OLAM NIGERIA LIMITED, where he has risen to the position of a Zonal Manager; the most senior black man in the company, covering the entire Northern axis of the country. Worthy of note is that he has been a staffer of this reputable company since 1996.

His love for his community may be difficult to capture with words. Echoes down the northern axis of the country revealed that his heart bubbles with delight when Ilobu is mentioned or anyone introduces himself as a native of Ilobu.

Records showed that he has helped to fix many Ilobu natives in core positions in his work place. Whenever there is difficulty in getting placement in his work place, he makes contact with his friends and associates and get them fixed up in other viable companies in Nigeria.

This illustrious son is reported to have a big farm here in Osun State where most of the workers are from Ilobu.

He has also served as a good problem solver to people in the community; helping to solve one domestic problem or the other.

Olalere Adeyemi was quoted to have said “his greatest asset in life would be to be blessed with ample opportunities to create chains of human investment, especially in reinvigorating the production of growth process in our community.

With a deep sense of modesty, I hereby present Olalere Liasu Adeyemi; a catalyst for growth to the whole world as an illustrious son of Ilobu.

COMMENTS:

·         OLANIYI ALABI – No doubt, he deserves every encomium anyone might think of. The little time I was privilege to have a closer assessment of him, he is just too simple and straight-forward a person, he is patriotic and friendly. May God preserve him and many of his likes for the benefit of Ilobu and the entire human race.

·         OLOKUTA OLA KABIRU – Mr Adeyemi Olalere is a man that I shall continue to thank for opening me to new stage of opportunities and strength. I will forever be grateful for his guidance and kindness.

I am proud of him.

·         OLANIRAN MUTIU GBOLAGADE- Glory unto God. I am one out of those who reaped from his benevolence. This ebullient man did not know me from Adam. After completing my NYSC programme in Kano State some eight years ago. Somehow, I got his contact, we met and chatted. Two things endeared me to him, we are both from Ilobu and the “Great Ife” fraternity…

As wealthy as he is, he just developed interest in me (a very poor youth), tracking me with calls each time he was to come home. I felt very ecstatic about this.

At Ilesha…ruminating and gazing at what the future might hold, alas, the life changing call came from Otunba Olalere Adeyemi, urging me to do the needful towards the already perfected arrangement to fix me up with Cashlink Leasing PLC in Lagos. He followed me up and got the result of the interview before I left the venue. He was very impressed with my performance. I got the job eventually. Mr Dare Alabi is one of my guarantors.

Succinctly put, Otunba has made me. I remain thankful for this. We have learnt a lot from your goodness to people. Your footprints and virtues shall be upheld in all ramifications.

·         WAHAB ADEMOLA FALOWO – Mr Olaere Adeyemi is a real silent achiever who does not make noise about his numerous contributions to the progress of individual citizens of Ilobu and the overall development of the town as a whole. His humility and warm personality is undoubtedly a product of his noble family background – the famous Imam Arohun Dynasty of Ilobu!

May the Almighty Allah preserve him for us, so that he can do more for the advancement of Ilobu Asake.

Ride on!

·         OLUFEMI SALAKO – Humble to a fault, you are our pride brother!

6.      OLUREMI WILSON O.

This edition is featuring a big fish in form, stature, colour, status and size. She is a rare Amazon of special breed, a great mobilizer, an astute political icon and a versatile social commentator.

Madam Oluremi Wilson O. was born on the 13^th day of August, 1956. She hails from Yibiri’s Compound, Ilobu. She is a product of the University of Lagos, African language Department. She graduated as the Best Student of the Year with a B.A. degree in Yoruba Language in 1987. She also graduated with a Masters degree from the University of Ibadan in 1989. Her entrepreneurial skill and well packaged but stubborn positive pursuance of success, fame and recognition as a purely homebred person is enough to ignite the sense of seriousness and determination in many young ones, aspiring to be great in life. This perhaps and with many other salient good qualities of her is responsible for the mammoth followership which formed the nucleus of her political weight and strength.

The journey of life has taken her in and out of many professions; teaching, hairdressing, translation, nylon cutting, catering, meat butchering, politics, farming etc.

Deploying vignette to capture her role in youth development – she is indeed a great youth mobilizer, enduring, supporting and most importantly, investing willingly both her material and financial resources into the uplift of youths’ Clubs and Association. Her physical presence when needed, moral instruction, material and financial support for Ilobu National Students’ Union (INSU) during her formative years are greatly appreciated.

Her zeal, determination and hunger for political success and fame could be seen in her various political appointments and activities. Firing powerfully at all fronts, she was appointed the Commissioner for Finance in the State of Osun between 2003 and 2005, Commissioner for Information between 2005 and 2006; the only woman to have risen to such enviable positions from Ilobu. She was the immediate past State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Osun State and presently a Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker, Federal Republic of Nigeria. She holds the following traditional tittles from different communities – Yeyeluwa of Awolowo Town, Garrage Olode, Erelu of Erin-Osun and Yeye Balogun Sobaloju of Ifon Orolu Kingdom.

With these intimidating portfolios and traditional tittles, she has wholeheartedly served Ilobu; lived here with us in Ilobu; a metaphor depicting that people who lived at home can also achieve greatness. She is a model and a mentor to youths and women. She has invested heavily into human relations, conflict resolution amongst the women folks and remained very committed to every developmental move taken in the community.

I therefore with every sense of modesty, present this female Iroko breed; a woman of great virtue and an outstanding political icon as an illustrious daughter of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         OLAWALE MUIDEEN ADEKUNLE – Aunty Remi really deserves these encomium and honour, going by her track records. She has been a source of inspiration to many in the community. May you never be tired.

·         SAMSON ADERENLE – She has always being a role model, her ways of life depicts a Great Iroko…loving, lovely and cares. God will continue to uphold her.

·         SANUSI RAHEEM KOLAPO – Our great Aunty is a liberator; motivator, coordinator, organizer, stabilizer and a great mobilizer. Those who know her very well will attest to this, thank God for her valued life.

·         DAUDA ADEBISI-BALOGUN – Aunty Remi’s exposure in life made her to be able to comprehend life issues. She has a unique quality of impacting positively on people’s life quietly. A hardworking “man”. Her entrepreneurial ability knows no bound. She rarely hides her feeling. I wish her long life, good health and prosperity.

·          OLUFEMI SALAKO – One unequaled quality of her is, she has time for everyone that knocked her door. I have met her in some places that left me humbled.

7.      WAHAB ADEMOLA FALOWO

This edition is featuring another big catch; a man whose fame, status and worth is bigger than his actual size; irrespective of the type, capacity and position of your viewing lens.

Alhaji Wahab Ademola Falowo was born on 28^th May, 1951 to the family of Late Pa Shiekh Muhammad Raji Falowo and Late Madam Simbiat Abeke Falowo of Kuelu Dynasty, Kuelu’s Compound, Ilobu. He has grown to become a household name in Ilobu, with a gigantic recognition likened to that of an Eagle in Nigeria and beyond, dating back to over 3 decades.

A quiet and easy going achiever, he is inspiration personified. Records showed that after he had settled for and acquired a thorough Islamic and Quaranic education, he took it upon himself to search for a greener roll of parchment in Western education. He obtained a General Certificate in Education form (G.C.E.), took the examination, passed in flying colours and proceeded to the prestigious University of Ilorin, where he became the students’ Imam (Amir).

This rare gem of inestimable value has done the community proud by being the very first person in Nigeria to wax an Islamic album (E ye pe musulumi l’onimale). With this, he has won many souls; converts and returnees to Islamic religion and also won for himself several awards in Nigeria and abroad, thereby positioning our community elegantly in a crystal ball with vivacity and sparkles for world view.

His exploit as a staffer of the West African Examination Council, where he meritoriously retired as Deputy Registrar in May 2011, showed an unflinching support for Ilobu affairs. He derived utmost pleasure in helping natives who needed assistance at the West African Examination Council, Yaba, Lagos.

Without mincing words, he was a very strong member of IDU, Lagos Branch. He and many others invested huge human, financial and material resources into the resounding success story of IDU, Lagos Branch in those days. They were solidly in support of any developmental drive from the palace and the National body of IDU. His love for Ilobu can also be captured from his relocation home after his retirement from WAEC for communal service, youth mentorship and Islamic propagation.

Alhaji Wahab Ademola Falowo is now a member of the Teachers’ Establishment and Pensions Board, a position he has used to secure teaching and non-teaching employment for some Ilobu sons and daughters.

In his retirement, he is a force to be reckoned with amongst Islamic Clerics in Nigeria. His various activities at home also present him as a veritable inspirational tool for the up-coming youths.

I therefore with all sense of humility present him to the whole world as an illustrious son of Ilobu.

COMMENTS:

·         AYO BUNMI – Very inspirational personality and a successful father to everyone that come across him either biologically or socially.

·         MUIDEEN OLAWALE – Baba Falowo is an inspiration to all, an icon of nobility, an epitome of humility. He is a pacesetter and a pathfinder. He is a sincere and a dedicated son of Ilobu.

·         YUSUFF OLALEKAN RAFIU – He is talented and this had given Ilobu first in the world of Islamic music. He was and is still accommodating people. In fact, I enjoyed my stay with him at Somolu, Lagos for months in the mid 80s. He is a wonderful mobilizer and people love to follow his good steps. This reflected in the formation, operation and sustenance of Istijabah Prayer Group of Nigeria. Alhaji W. A. O. Falowo loves to assist people. His immense contribution to the process of securing my present job in the late 80s is commendable. May Allah continue to bless him and his children, amen!

·         ALABI AZEEZ IFADAYO - Honestly, time will fail me to adequately describe Alhaji W. A. Falowo. Precisely in February 1984 when I secured a job in IBWA/AFRIBANK in Lagos through the help of another father among fathers: Alhaji Hassan Olasupo Arogundade. I needed a guarantor who could execute Fidelity Bond on my behalf without which I cannot possibly start working then. I approached Alhaji Falowo for this purpose and without any further enquiry; he agreed to favour me with anything that may serve as an impediment to my first job in life as a young man. He had absolute confidence in me then that I will never disappoint him and Alhaji arogundade. I can boldly say that I benefited immensely from his generosity as I remained relevant in the banking industry for more than three decades, even till date. May the Almighty God in his infinite mercy continue to promote, strengthen and lift him higher and favour him with long life, with sound health.

·         AJIMOT ASHOGBON – I feel I should sue the Project Director of this pet project, Mr Dare Alabi and all daughters and sons of Ilobu for the hijack of this man from the entire Yoruba youths but I have pardon you all. Many people thought I and my sister were his daughters because of his high accommodating spirit. I learnt the sense of humility and selflessness from him. He was a father to all of us at Hudaatullah, Somolu Area, Lagos. It is my prayers that Ilobu will not weep over him and other shining lights of the town.

8.      CHIEF OLUWOLE OMONI

This edition is featuring a personality that is a major key player in whatever Dare Alabi must have grown to become. He is a retired member of the academics, a shinning beacon of hope, a sincere frontliner, a perfect lubricant for youths’ advancement and a quintessence education manager.

Chief Oluwole Omoni was born in Agbesoso’s compound, Ilobu on June 18^th, 1943. He had a B. A (Hons) degree in History from the university of Ibadan in 1968 and a Distinction in Post Graduate Diploma in Education from University of Ife in 1973 and a Masters of Art degree in History also from the University of Ife in 1984. His administrative experience blended with humility, high sense of responsibility, dutifulness and readiness to serve is unequalled.

This amiable personality worked as Class teacher/Headmaster at various primary Schools; Olufon L. A. Primary School, Ifon-Osun in 1962,  Gbonmi L. A. Primary school, Osogbo in 1963, Gbobamu L. A. Primary School, Ilobu also in 1963 and A. U. D. Primary School, Isoko-Ejigbo in 1964. He also worked at L.E.A. Osogbo/Irepodun between 1968 and 1974, taught at Offa Grammar School between 1974 and 1978. Still in that progressive order, he worked as a lecturer at the History Department, University of Ife between 1974 and 1978. He became the Provost (Ag), College of Education Ilesa between 1978 and 1992. He rose to become the Deputy Rector, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree between 1993 and 1999. He retired voluntarily in 1999. After his retirement he also served as the Provost (Ag), Best Legacy College of Education Ogbomoso. By God’s design, he worked at all the available levels of education in Nigeria; Primary – 1962 to 1964, Secondary – 1968 to 1974, University – 1974 to 1978, College of Education – 1978 to 1992 and the Polytechnic – 1993 to 1999.

Research into his activities in his prime showed that he was not only a model to the up-coming lads but a rare gem and mentor to even the older generation; many who strive to wear his size and colour of shoe. His gentleness and quiet style of doing things may not really be overtly visible to many without a third eye. No doubt, he is the pillar upon which geometrical boost in the number of students of Ilobu in higher institution was built on.

As the Acting Provost of the Osun state College of Education, Ilesha, he created a passage for admission of many students of Ilobu origin via Preliminary Studies and Direct Entry into the core NCE programme of which I benefited from and thus, my voyage in and out of many things in life was kick-started. Having performed excellently well as the Acting Provost at the Osun State College of Education, Ilesha, he was appointed the Deputy Rector of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree. This opened up another opportunity for students aspiring for Polytechnic education from Ilobu. The opportunity of admission enjoyed by Ilobu students at Ilesha was more than double in Iree. You can hardly walk through the streets of Iree town at any given time, even at night without coming across a composite chain of students of Ilobu origin. This act helped in no small measure to populate and position Ilobu National Students’ Union as a vibrant and veritable tool for growth and development amongst youths. INSU then became very strong in voice, number and actions.

Today, to the glory of God, many of those who secured admissions through his dedicated service to his home town are now doing beautifully well in their chosen careers either as a distinguished civil servants, gurus in the private sector, captains of industry or as erudite tutors at various levels which has invariably projected the image and name of our community enormously.

Now that he is retired, he has continued to preserve his integrity as a super-model and mentor.

With a deep sense of appreciation and commendation, I therefore present Chief Oluwole Omoni as an illustrious son of Ilobu.

COMMENTS:

·         WOLE ADEYEMO – I so much cherish his quiet and simple lifestyle. He is indeed in the world but not of the world. He is worthy of emulation.

·         MUIDEEN ADELEKE – He is unique, amiable, gentlemanly and unassuming in every sense. Chief Oluwole Omoni is a silent and humble achiever who is equally an epitome of simplicity. He is truly an ideal role model, whose love for education is second to none. Chief Omoni eminently qualifies for these accolades in all ramifications.

·         KUNLE ODEYEMI - Although quiet in his look but tough and thorough to a fault. My best description of him is a great follower of Christ, whose life teaches humility and simplicity.

·         FEMI SAIBU – This great man was my first motivation. He made me to identify with my home town while I was a student at the College of Education, Ilesha between 1989 and 1991. His contribution and dedication remained standard for bench-marking in schools’ management. I appreciate you sir, God bless you sir!

·         WAHAB ADEMOLA FALOWO – “Buoda” Oluwole Omoni has been the pride of many of us – his younger brothers in Isale Imole and Ilobu as a whole. We his admirers and relations at Isale Imole (Kuelu) area are proud of this our good brother of Agbesoso clan. We learnt a lot from him and we emulated him in humility, cool-headedness and pursuit of excellence. He is my role model and torch bearer, we love you dearly sir. May the Lord Almighty grant him long life and good health, amen!

9.      ALHAJI JAMIYU ISOLA ADEPOJU

This is an octogenarian who can be best described as super-hero; a well grounded educationist, a great achiever, a public commentator, an orator, an historian, a forecaster a master planner and a perfect executioner. He is completely crafted with wings to fly to his destination, when and how he so desires. Not many people are this blessed.

Alhaji Jamiyu Ishola Adepoju is from Akeyo’s Compound in Ilobu. He was Headmaster at L. A. Primary School, Gbobamu before his decision to proceed for further studies at the University of Ife in 1966 where he studied Economics/Geography. He is perhaps if not the first or one of the first sets of people to attend the prestigious University of Ife when it was founded.

Worthy of note and appreciation is the communal effort involving Alhaji Adepoju and many other illustrious sons and daughters of Ilobu, which gave birth to Ilobu Secondary Commercial Grammar School in 1972. The school was the very first High school in the whole of Irepodun and its environs.

While building and construction works were on at the present site of the school, academic activities took off at Aromiwe Primary School, Ilobu with Alhaji J. I. Adepoju as the pioneer Principal. The School elevated and positioned Ilobu rightly amongst the committee of towns with a well planned and structured high school system and thus, students came from far and near. This in no small measure boosted economic activities in the community.

In his career as a teacher and school administrator; he succeeded in mending so many souls, making people and expanding Ilobu’s visionary drive through his teachings and mentorship.

After Alhaji Jamiyu Ishola Adepoju had retired, he was appointed a member of the Muslims’ Pilgrim Board and later as the Chairman of the Board in the old Oyo State where he used his good office to assist many people who certainly needed one form of assistance or the other. He was also appointed as a commissioner in the Oyo state Civil service Commission and when Osun was created in 1991, he retained his position in the Osun State Civil Service. He used this position to maximize favour for some Ilobu sons to secure permanent appointments into the main stream of the Osun State Civil Service.

This man captures the happenings around the town from his ivory tower at Akeyo’s Compound, Ilobu. He is an encyclopedia of knowledge, facts and figures on religion, politics, social, communal, national and general issues. His unique inputs and touches are visible on different communal projects -i.e IMA High School, Ilobu. His oratory power is superbly excellent; his writings are perfect creative work with appropriate definitive words knitted together. At 81, his quintessential analyses laced with good possession of history and cognitive process can only be found in logic class.

I therefore humbly present Alhaji Jamiyu Ishola Adepoju as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         DAUDA ADEBISI-BALOGUN – I perfectly agree with the description of Alhaji Jamiyu Ishola Adepoju, but I wish to add the following:

a)      He is a staunch Muslim but not fanatical. He has Christians as friends and he gets along well with them.

b)      He is highly principled. He calls a spade a spade, no matter whose ox is gored. His role in making Lawyer Omoni whom people thought was from Ogbomoso to build a magnificent house in Ilobu is exemplary and worthy of commendation.

c)      He is fanatical about Ilobu affairs. Say anything derogatory about Ilobu…he would fight you with all his might.

d)      He is an encyclopedia…I thought he read History, until I read your presentation on Facebook that he studied Economics/Geography.

e)      He is a great lover of the youths and would do everything he can to defend them and uplift their welfare.

·         OLAYINKA RAZAQ OLAJIDE – Words aren’t enough to describe Baba Jamiyu Ishola Adepoju. He is highly talented and creative. He is very good at sketching out beautiful designs of proposed projects. He is a very influential personality. He is a blessing to our generation.

·         SHINA ALABI – Alhaji Jamiyu Ishola Adepoju is like a proverbial elephant that the six blind men touched with each believing that he had touch the biggest part of the giant animal. People would describe him from different perspectives. To me, he is a sage who within the context of Ilobu and its environs is bigger than his generation. He thinks faster than the moment and project easily for the future. I am greatly in love with him.

·         FOLUKE SHOBOWALE – Headmaster of Headmasters. I appreciate the glory of God in your life sir. You still follow up on me and my family. This is what great leaders are made of.

10.  DAUDA ADEBISI-BALOGUN

It is a great honour to present for appraisal a well articulated banking guru; a man who is a shining example and a reflective mirror for the evaluation of a successful managerial position in the banking industry. He holds a B.Sc degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos, an MBA from Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso. He is a member of the prestigious Chattered Institute of Administration and a fellow of the Chattered Institute of Public Management.

Alhaji Dauda Adebisi-Balogun hails from Toki’s Compound in Ilobu. He has worked with the Afribank PLC for several years before he was specially invited to join Trans International Bank PLC (TIB) based on his expertise in Foreign Exchange Management.

As a banker resident in Lagos, he used his God given wealth to support Ilobu youths who were either schooling or striving to achieve the acquisition of a particular vocational training. His doors both at home and in the office were always open not only to the youths but all Ilobu sons and daughters who needed to see him for one form of assistance or the other.

It is also on record, that as a vibrant member and Chairman of IDU, Lagos Branch, his administration with the effort and support of some committed members of the Union, produced the first ever community oriented magazine called “Ilobu Asake News”. The magazine periodically produced a pathway to information dissemination to both natives and non-natives. It also provided many people with happenings around the world. Its primary mission is to showcase facts and figures about Ilobu community and her natives.

Apart from his roles at IDU, Lagos Branch, his romance with the IDU National headquarters was superb. He was visible and active in most of the programmes organized by the IDU National, particularly during “Ilobu Day” celebrations which usually bring all Ilobu sons and daughters together.

His relocation home after a meritorious service in the banking industry has further afforded him that glittering opportunity to display his innate love for youths and youths’ activities.

This quiet but highly intelligent man is seen at different fora, attending youths’ programmes and on many occasions supporting them with his widow’s mite which usually go a long way to position their programmes appropriately.  Alhaji Dauda Adebisi-Balogun is tolerant, receptive, accommodative, understanding and ever ready to share his wealth of experiences with the up-coming ones.

As the Managing Director of OSPOLY, Iree Venture, a unit saddled with the responsibility of looking outward and resourcefully generate fund for the citadel of learning, he has used his position to assist and secure admissions for natives. He has also helped them to resolve the usual unavoidable discords witnessed by students on daily basis. Thus, his actions and support has greatly enabled a password to the actualization and fulfillment of dreams.

I therefore with all sense of modesty present Alhaji Dauda Adebisi-Balogun as an illustrious son of Ilobu.

COMMENTS:

·         AWODELE TAOFIQ – My testimony…I stayed in his rented apartment in Lagos for 2 good years. His doors were always opened to everyone. I also appreciate his good wife, who ensured my comfortable stay with her family. May you live long to reap all that you sowed.

·         MOJEED ALABI – We thank God for his life. We would strife to emulate him.

·         AFOLABI JOSEPH OLANREWAJU – Egbon Dauda as I do call him is a unique breed; mentor to many youths and humble to the core. His humility and experience as a senior colleague in the banking industry has earned him an empire in the State of Osun.

·         IGBAYILOLA LUKMAN – He is our role model. My prayer for him is that Allah gives him long life with sound health to reap the fruits of his labour.

·         ARULOGUN NIKE OLATUNJI – I am not a native of Ilobu but since I knew him at the Osun State Polytechnic Iree, he has shown extreme kindness to people, accept people’s mistakes and correct them with love. He is a rare gem. May Allah continue to uphold him and his household.

He is truly a shining ambassador of Ilobu.

11.  SHEIKH MUAHAMADU JAMIU OMOTOSHO

This gracious day, my search engine has picked on a personality, whose name even in death opens door of opportunities for people, create a peaceful atmosphere for growth and development and reminds us of the beauty of doing good to mankind.

Sheik Muhamadu Jamiyu Omotosho (Baba Alurin) was born as a gift to the world in the year 1930. With a fulfilled career as a teacher in some primary schools around: ADS Primary School, Erin-Osun, Baptist Primary School, Ilajue and Aromiwe Primary School, Ilobu. He retired to become a full fledge Islamic scholar and teacher.

He was an Islamic scholar of note, a world class peace maker and a tolerant spiritual leader. His teachings and practices revolved round making a new man: a man who would not only be useful to mankind but secure a green card to paradise. Baba Alurin as he was fondly called established a free Quranic school. Many natives and people from neighbouring towns passed through his distinctive Quranic tutelage without paying a dime.

Even as an Islamic scholar and teacher, he did not only encourage his students to further pursue western education but assisted them in securing admission both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. Amongst his students who made it to the top with the combination of Islamic and western education are Professor Abdul-Ganiyu Oladosu of the University of Ilorin, Ambassador Harun Bidmus (deceased), Proffessor Mustapha Babatunde of Bayero University, Kano (deceased), Alhaji Wahab Ademola Falowo, Imam Lere Yussuf, Alhaji Najeemdeen Bidmus (Chief Imam, ADS Mosque, Erin-Osun), Alhaji Abdulrasaq, a serving High School Principal, Mr. Lere Shitu – a senior officer in the Nigerian Army etc. In one of the publications of Sheikh Adam Al-Ilori, Sheikh Muhamadu Jamiyu Omotosho was ranked as one of the top hundred Islamic scholars in Nigeria.

Unlike other Islamic teachers, he never used his students for farming or any household chores. He was generous and philanthropic within his financial capability. He promptly paid for his post office box, so that it could be used by all his students, members of his extended family, friends and associates. The Quranic graduation ceremony in his school called “Walimot Quran” was never used to exploit parents like some other Islamic tutors do. He was a specially created being; simple, religious, contented and filled with the passion to re-create many more like himself.

At a point when his sight started failing him, he did not stop, he continued to teach in fulfillment of his determination to prepare mankind for the membership of a better “morrow here on earth and hereafter. Unfortunately, the cold hand of death gripped him and pulled him away from us on the 26 of August, 2001.

In his honour and to appreciate his immeasurable benevolence to mankind, ALURIN FOUNDATION was launched by the old students of Alurin Quranic School. The Alurin Foundation has kept the dream of Sheikh Muhamadu Jamiyu Omotosho alive by seeing to it that the Islamic school that “Baba”” left behind is adequately funded and managed. They have put up new buildings, enshrined and ensured all the tenets that “Baba” believed in.

I therefore posthumously, in recognition of his immeasurable contributions to our world, present Sheikh Muhamadu Jamiyu Omotosho as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         ABIODUN ABIOSUN (Osun State ANCOPPS Secretary) – very illustrious, commendable and selfless character indeed. Yes he deserves all the honour and accolades. May his great soul rest in peace.

·         OLUREMI WILSON O. – Alhaji Alurin is an household name in Islamic religious circle and in the education sector. A family man and a friendly person to all which does reflect at every mention of his name at functions. Rest in perfect peace Baba Alurin.

·         OTUNBA RASHEED OYELEKE – There is no better time to concur that time indeed flies like a speed of light. This reminds me of my days in his unique Quranic school, precisely some two decades ago. Baba taught us the need to fear Allah and respect constituted authority. Baba maintained a world class standard for the school which navigated ways for his products to compete with their peers anywhere in the world. I am so proud to be one of his numerous products – there is no doubt about it, Baba is in paradise.

·         OLOGUNDE KEHINDE WILLIAMS – A great life he lived, that even death could not rob him of victory over hatred and primordial sentiments that are the bane of our society. Baba Alurin lives on!

·         FOLASHADE RILWANAT AJAGBE – Baba was indeed a rare gem. Am happy and glad to be a product of his Quranic School. May Allah grant him aljanah firidauz and reward him all his good deeds.

12.  ALHAJI HASSAN OLASUPO AROGUNDADE

This edition has its focus on a personality that is rock-big, strong and tall amongst his peers. His name rings bell within and outside the country. He is such that has openly allowed very many natives not only to drink with ease from his God given jar of wine but  has painstakingly taught them how to make wine for the comfort of themselves and those around them.

Alhaji Hassan Olasupo Arogundade is a name that needs no introduction in Ilobu and Osun State as a whole. Notwithstanding, for the records, he is from Alayans Compound, Ilobu. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Accountant of Nigeria, Fellow of other numerous professional bodies. He is a banking guru and retired as the Managing Director of Trans International Bank PLC, Nigeria. No doubt, he is well organized, articulate and highly intelligent.

He is instrumental to many developmental projects in Ilobu. His love for Ilobu and her natives can be easily pictured through his selfless financial and material contributions to Ilobu affairs, which can’t just be quantified with mere words. His status and influence in the actualization of so many communal demands can be likened to that of the mother hen, finding food for her chicks.

This rare gem was and is still for everybody, though age has taken that known agility and strength away from him; he is always readily available to the religious groups, social organizations, students’ unions and professional bodies. His support for the palace was unconditional and his mansion at Ojutu was and is still open to everyone. His likes are indeed very rare!

Fund raising at the annual Ilobu Day celebration in some years back rested perfectly on the shoulder of Alhaji Hassan Arogundade. Aside the fact that he was always actively involved in the planning of all the programmes of Ilobu Day, he ensured that people that matters were invited from the array of his friends all over the country with fat donations. Alhaji is a front-liner, a motivator, a role model and anything good that man can think of.

I find no adjective to match his passion and zeal to secure employment for many natives at International Bank for West Africa (IBWA) which later metamorphosed into Afribank PLC and as the Managing Director of Trans International Bank. This gave an open-ended passage for many Ilobu sons and daughters to work in the banking industry. Some were absorbed from other banks to join him at TIB. Those concerned became relevant and built for themselves a self sustained and fulfilled life. He also helped many other natives to secure enlistment into the force; Nigerian Army, Police etc. I later analyzed and realized that hardly can you find a compound in Ilobu without that unique benevolence of Alhaji Hassan Olasupo Arogundade in terms of employment and support. No wonder, he is the Aare Musulumi of Ilobu and the ASIWAJU of Ilobu land; the two biggest honours in the town for one weighty man. He is indeed the Asiwaju in all ramifications.

At a point, his house was almost turned into admission office. Parents seeking for admission for their wards exploited his connection with many Vice- Chancellors to ensure that their wards gained admission. This he did by making calls and giving out his complementary cards with notes at the back. He is God sent and I make bold to say that he judiciously used all his possessions for the benefit of Ilobu and mankind in general.

This presentation, which is limited by space and form, is just a tip of the iceberg about the status, stature, weight and contributions of Asiwaju Hassan Olasupo Arogundade to the growth and development of natives and Ilobu as a town.

 I therefore humbly submit that he is an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake worthy of our adoration, encomium and celebration forever.

COMMENTS:

·         SALAM LEBENTIS AKINWALE – Baba is a rare gem! Well known in the state and beyond, even abroad. He is indeed a big philanthropist, who is ready to do everything within his capacity to help people, religious groups and social organizations. Long live Baba!

·         ROFHEE ADEKUNLE – Good look fades but a good heart remains beautiful forever. Baba has a beautifully good heart. My success today is attributed to his support and guidance which gave me the confidence that led me to where I am today. May God grant him more blessings, happiness and peace all the days of his life.

·         DAUDA ADEBISI-BALOGUN – Baba is a white man sent to Ilobu by Allah and we are very proud of him anywhere in the world. He is pleasant, easy going, highly corporate and religious. I am proud to say he is my benefactor. Whatever level I attained today is to the glory of almighty God and him. May Allah continue to enrich him with good health, long life and prosperity, amen!

·         OLUWOLE OMONI – No doubt, he is a “big fish” from a “mighty ocean”. We thank God for blessing Ilobu with this philanthropist and lover of his people and his hometown. Alhaji Hassan Arogundade led the Board of Directors of Ilobu Microfinance Bank at a critical stage in the administration of the only functional finance house in our hometown. No doubt, his contributions to human empowerment and community development will be difficult to match not to talk of being easily surpassed. Long may you live sir, the Asiwaju of Ilobu, to give us more purposeful leadership.

·         ABDUL-RAZAQ ZAKARIYYYA – At 56 Milverton Road, Victorial Island, Lagos, where Alhaji Hassan Arogundade always play host to many youths and elders every Sundays, many of the youths who attended the lectures that often took place in his house in those days are now Islamic Ulamas spread across the country. He never failed to entertain the gathering. May Allah bless his life, wealth and progenies, amen!

13.  RT. HON. YUSUFF OLASUNKANMI SULAIMAN

I am pleased to present a product of a compound-complex struggle, from contraction to self expansion.  He is a gallant soldier, marshalling his destiny with swift moves, worthy efforts, unmatched articulations, extraordinary feats and visible participations at every stage of human and communal development.

Rt. Hon. Yussuf Olasunkanmi Sulaiman is from Woru’s Compund, Ilobu. He attended Ifon-Erin High School, Ifon-Osun, the University of Ife and the Premier University of Ibadan. He holds a first and a second degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is the Ikolaba of Ilobu land, the Agbaakin of Ilare and the Balogun of Obaagun.

He started flashing his leadership qualities and burning desire to create channels for growth ways back in his days in the university. He was known for embarking on self teaching of the up-coming ones in the science oriented subjects in Ilobu. He was really a home grown man; “papped and bean-caked” in Ilobu not breaded and buttered because he was never of the “alakowe stuff”.  He is very good at calling younger people by their first name, an indication that he knows them very well.

This self made man, has used himself to proclaim a commanding statement that you can be whatever you wished to, irrespective of your background. Life has not only taught him lessons but has also taken him through several routes; rough, smooth, sharp, hilly, sandy and straight to his present position - the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative, Federal Republic of Nigeria and the 1^st Vice Chairman of ECOWAS Parliament.

He had been the Chairman of Capital City Development Authority in the past in Osun state and some natives benefited from this, by way of appointment as junior staffers in the Osun State Civil Service. As the Public Relation Officer of the Alliance for Democracy during the Chief Bisi Akande’s era as the Governor of Osun State, he also facilitated the appointment of some Ilobu natives into the Teaching Service of the State of Osun. As a member of the 6^th Assembly in Federal House of Representative, many Ilobu sons and daughters were presented for employment at different Federal Ministries and Parastatals.

Need to add that, he was actively involved in Ilobu affairs as IDU National Secretary during the reign of Alhaji Hassan Arogundade as the National President. The Ilobu House Project was started and supervised by his administration. Now, as the Deputy Speaker in the 8^th Assembly; he has used his position to empower many natives, supported individual’s growth and facilitated the Federal Government presence in Ilobu Community.

Ilobu now has a brighter ‘morrow in the numbers of natives who have secured employments at the Federal Civil Service, viz- Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Police and as we speak, some are presently in the camp for enlistment into the Nigerian Army. Many numerous natives and non-natives from other towns and Local Governments are on the pay roll of the Federal Government as Legislative Aids, Senior Legislative Aids, Special Advisers and Senior Special Advisers to the Deputy Speaker. The new look of Laarosin Middle School and IMA High School, Ilobu in terms of modern and well structured buildings are his handiwork.  Soonest by Allah’s grace, River Ojutu will have a new bridge that can take two vehicles at a time to replace the over 100 years old bridge which usually caused undue traffic jam on daily basis. This is mentioned because it was clearly captured in the budget for the very first time.

Aside these, he has continuously made himself available for any progressive or developmental issues in the community; donating cash and materials when needed. He has also decided to assist Ilobu Development Union in facilitating the presence of a standard commercial bank in the community. His presence at home at regular intervals clearly affirmed him as the real “Home Boy”. He detests deceit and say things according to his view. Those who wrap up lies and present it as the truth may not really be on the same page with him. He calls a spade a spade.

I therefore with a deep sense of responsibility and appreciation, present Rt. Hon. Yussuf Olasunkanmi Sulaiman as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         PRINCE JAMES OLUSOLA AKINPELU – may God enlarge his coast, so as to be able to impact more on humanity. What a loaded profile!

·         SADEEQ LEKAN – Rt Ho. Lasun Yusuff has made his mark in the history of Ilobu as a true son of Ilobu who is not in politics for his own selfish interest but to make a difference in the community and in the lives of people and to teach the up-coming politicians how to use political positions for the uplift of people and community.

·         OLANIYI JULIUS – Wow! A dogged fighter with a search beam that radiates round the state of Osun and not Ilobu alone. I can see a shining light at the end of the tunnel.

·         OLUSEYI QOZEEM SOLADOYE – Rt Hon. Lasun Yusuff is someone that I know very well for his hard work and love for his community. I pray that God gives him the strength to continue his good work.

·         OLOYE BUNMI OBISESAN – A pride to his people and a good example to the coming generations.

14.  DR ADEYEMI ALANI KOLAWOLE

Everything good must certainly pass through a strenuous process. The man I am presenting is a quiet, easy going, calculative, highly cerebral with commanding leadership qualities.  His look is sometimes deceitful: not showing what he is capable of doing. His voice, pen and actions will certainly daze anyone: he is indeed one out of a million that has that gentle look but harbours a vibrant vocal cord and a strong will to surmount obstacles and come out as a shining beacon to his generation and those coming after him.

Dr. Adeyemi Alani Kolawole is from Ododo’s Compound, Ilobu. He had his primary education at L. A. Primary School, Gbobamu, Ilobu and his Secondary education at St Paul’s Grammar School, Ilobu. He was the best student in his set all through his five years at St Paul’s Grammar School. He had his “A Level” at Oyo State College of Arts and Sciences, Ile-Ife and passed with distinctions. This qualified him for direct entry at the prestigious University of Ibadan to study Medicine and Surgery and he graduated in 1997.

Dr. Adeyemi Alani Kolawole was one of the heroes that God used to propel the foundation of Ilobu National Students’ Union in 1991.  INSU @ 25 which was colourfully celebrated on the 8^th and 9^th of September 2016 owes a lot to him and many others in his category. He became the National President of INSU in 1995, while I humbly served as his Vice President II. Working with him has kept indelible memories about him and his humble and submissive style of achieving volume within a very short period of time in my sub-conscious. He was also the National Assistant Secretary General of Ilobu Descendant Union in 1998.

Adeyemi Alani Kolawole does his thing quietly and silently; secretly supporting Ilobu natives financially and he is always ever ready to give his maximum support to Ilobu agenda, the youths and any youth development process in the community.

The quest for a better ‘morrow as depicted by the ‘motto’ of Ilobu National Students’ Union has taken him to far away Gombi in Adamawa State, where he has risen to become an institution.

His exploit at Gombi has so much projected the name of our noble community – ILOBU - in gloss beyond expectation in far away Northern part of the country.  At Gombi, he is the Proprietor and Medical Director of Trust Medical Centre, Director and Proprietor of Trust Photo Laboratory Services and Trust Table water. As a result of his sterling contributions to human development, he was installed as the SERIKI N YARKIN YORUBAWA in 2011(The Oba of the Yorubas in Gombi). This traditional title enabled him to also serve as the Secretary to the Yoruba Obas in the Nothern axis of Nigeria; covering the entire North East, North West and North Central.

No doubt, his contributions to both human and community development at home also fetched him the title of Aare Oluomo of Ilobu  at the 40^th Coronation Ceremony of the Olobu of Ilobu by the Olobu in Council in 2014.

For his love for Ilobu, outstanding and consistent contributions to the growth of Ilobu and her natives, Dr. Adeyemi Alani Kolawole is hereby presented as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         WOLE ADEYEMO - A shining light to the youth. I am proud of him.

·         KUNLE ODEYEMI – “Whatever man does on earth, he carves for himself an image, that image isn’t visible to him as a person, except he is such that wine and dine in self deceit”. I believe Dr Alani Adeyemi now has the opportunity to behold the image he has carved for himself and I hope this will encourage him to make more impacts.

·         OLUFEMI SALAKO – Talk of rugged, determined and grateful human soul, that is Alani for you. Congratulations brother for more fruitfulness.

·         JOHN ADEKUNLE – He is very humble and always loyal to any constituted authority.

·         HASSAN HISA OLALEKAN – Dr Alani Adeyemi is a man of impeccable integrity with due respect to everyone that cross his path. He is a complete gentle man. May God continue to uplift him

15.  ALHAJI ABDUL-RAHAMAN KOLA RUFAI

I have never been that close to an older person as I was to him. He gave me love, hope, confidence and cushioned my pain whenever there was one. He was like this to many of us, and for this cup-filled love, we have continuously mourn his premature exit till date.  Years after his death, 2009 to be precise, I fulfilled my promise to God by naming my only male child after him – ABDUL-RAHMAN; so as to keep him in mind forever. This should speak volume about the love that we shared and what true love is capable of doing.

Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Kola Rufai was born on the 25^th of December, 1937 in Lagos. He is from Imam’s Compound. He attended Government College Ibadan, courtesy of a scholarship of 20 pounds per annum that he won from the Oshogbo District Council, contrary to his father’s wish to travel to Mizra in Egypt for Islamic study. At the interview venue for the scholarship, he met with the Olobu Araoye for the very first time. Kabiyesi was impressed that a young lad from his community was dazzling with the Queen’s English before a white man. He prayed for him to attain greater heights in life.

At the Government College, Ibadan, his father was very pleased about his achievement because his fear of losing his son to Christianity had been conquered as his son became the students’ Imam. In 1960, he had to travel to London to study a course on Inertial Weather Forecast.

He attended the University College, Ibadan where he studied Physics with an open scholarship from the Federal Government of Nigeria. Records have it that he was not only the first university graduate in Ilobu but the first in the old Irepodun Local Government and its environ to graduate from a university education. He had his M.Sc in Dabos, Switzerland.  He worked at the Metrological Department of the Federal Ministry of Aviation for 35 solid years before he retired meritoriously as a Director.

Alhaji Abdul-Rahaman Kola Rufai, is well respected within and outside the country as a distinguished public servant, a religious person to the core and a lover of humanity.

After his retirement, he relocated to Ilobu from Lagos for more glorious opportunity to serve humanity. His love for community service made him to join Ilobu Progressive Union (IPU) in Lagos before the union metamorphosed into Ilobu Descendants’ Union. His contribution to the growth of Ilobu and her people was immeasurable. He did state on times without numbers, that “serving ones community…is like serving Allah”.

His passion and commitment to growth and youth advancement still baffles me till date. As the National President of IDU in 1996; he was extraordinary in his actions, policies and implementations of decisions taken by the National Executive Council. As the Grand Patron of Ilobu National Students’ Union, he was more than equal to the task. He supported Ilobu National Students’ Union with all that God has bestowed on him to the extent that after 10 years of exit from this sinful world, the great vacuum he left behind was still left unfilled.

He inspired us to greatness, we ate his food as we could not do in our homes, we slept on his bed and watch football via DSTV right in his bedroom. With him, there were no boundaries. We were so free to relate with him; he was everything to us. He was also a member of the moon sighting committee in Nigeria. On July 8, 2006, having told us before then that he has expired; death took him away from us after a protracted illness. His death was a colossal loss to us; his adopted children, the community, the entire youth force and the progressive minded natives who banked so much on his leadership style - perfected with methodical skills in fixing problems and settling disputes.

I therefore present my hero, friend and father; Alhaji Abdul-Rahaman Kola Rufai posthumously as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         SANUSI RAHEEM KOLAPO – My late boss, friend and mentor. He represented everything that is good when he was on this part of the world. He was humble, simple, generous, open, patriotic, deeply religious, brilliant and sincere. He was a rare breed from Allah. I missed him dearly.

·         OMOWUMI IGBAYILOLA – Daddy! How can I forget you? You were everything to me. I mourn and weep profusely for your death always- still crying as I write this now. Rest in peace Dad.

·         WOLE ADEYEMO – A quiet and peace loving man. He made an impact in my life and so occupies not just a mention but pages in my autobiography, which I am currently putting together. May his soul continue to rest in peace!

·         WAHEED OLUJIDE FAWOLE – Alhaji Kola Rufai was a father, mentor and personal friend to many of us. He demystified wealth and status in a society so given to hero worshiping. His receptiveness to all and sundry is something never heard of in the history of big men in Ilobu. He made himself a standard reference which will remain incomparable for a very long time. His calmness, unique personality with the readiness to be involved with you at any level stood him out among his peers. May the Almighty Allah continue to uphold his family, amen! Rest in peace.

·         SHINA ALABI – When Alhaji was sick and I went to visit him, surprisingly he was still asking me about a person who was also sick and hospitalized. He asked me to help him with his cheque book …wrote some amount on it in his sleeping position unable to sit up. He gave the tore leaf to me “Alabi, help me present this to him….That is Alhaji for you, helping people when his own life was even on the line. As God would have it, the person whom I gave the cheque to survive but Alhaji did not make it. He died few weeks later.

16.  PA OLOGUNDE SOLOMON ISHOLA ADEDOKUN

Just wondering where I could have been now. I could have easily transformed into a high-tech rogue, thug or criminal. After my aunt’s husband died while I was in form 3 at Ibadan Boys High School, Oke-Bola, we relocated from Iyanganku Police barrack, Ibadan to Ilesha. The dream of becoming someone in life, which had consistently been truncated with torture, hunger, maltreatment and abuse, was completely deleted. For two solid years I hawked petty things on the streets of Ilesha. Filled with that zeal to excel in life, I ran down to Ilobu in 1987 for a lifeline.

Pa Olgunde Solomon Ishola Adedokun gave me the needed lifeline. He wiped away my tears and admitted me into form 4 at Ilobu Secondary Commercial Grammar School. That singular act was good enough to push me upward and buy me a career, thus making available an opportunity for me also to rescue many whose stories would have been like mine. This has in no small measure generically helped to promote the peace of the world.

Baba Ologunde as he was fondly called had his primary education at St Michael’s Anglican Primary School, Ilobu, United Central Primary School, Ilobu and St David’s Anglican Primary School, Ogbomosho. He attended St Luke’s College, Ibadan and the University of Ibadan, where he graduated with a B.A. Hons. in English Language and the Christian Religious Studies in 1971.

My hero was very quiet but highly intelligent, humble and caring. He is a disciplinarian; he used the cane to make many of his students find their path to glories. As a public servant, he gave his all to the teaching profession. He worked at Ikirun, Ora and Ilobu. He got to Ilobu Secondary Commercial Grammar School in 1979, served as the extraordinaire Principal and retired in 1989.

After his retirement from the public service, people wanted him to use his Solomonic wisdom to steer the ship of Irepodun Local Government to the shore of excellence as the Chairman but politicians were afraid that he would stop their business as usual style. Hence, they collectively worked against his candidature. His honesty, truthfulness, impeccable integrity and utmost good faith could not secure him the driving seat of Irepodun Local Government but it did planted him in our hearts as a world class hero. We live because he lived, we are where we are today because he was there for us and thus, his death on the 27^th day of February, 2013 has not eroded his goodness to mankind, rather it has continued to hurt us; that he died when we were still drinking comfortably from his jar of wisdom.

Baba Ologunde was a very good Christian of the Anglican extract with love for everyone irrespective of your religious belief. His support for communal growth is immeasurable, He was love personified.

At retirement, when he was expected to be resting, he turned himself into a reading machine; importing values, morals, styles and ways of life from the experiences of several authors. His Holy Bible became his personal companion. Readers are equipped with great mind, they spot things wisely and differently from the way others suffering from myopia do. Baba was one; his reading style was yet another overt means of mentorship to people like me who used books to frog-jump.

I am so glad that many of his students at Ilobu Secondary Commercial Grammar School are doing great within and outside the country. Thus Baba Ologunde isn’t dead; he has succeeded in producing copies of himself while alive. I just wished he could come back again to continue his good work where he had stopped. The solace that we have is that he left a very good footprint that is indelible at death. His biological children and we his adopted children are doing greatly and have not forgotten him for a second. Rest on Baba, we love you dearly!

I therefore present Pa Olgunde Solomon Ishola Adedokun posthumously as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         OLUSEYI QOZEEM SOLADOYE – Baba Ologunde as we used to call him then was a Principal to my late father who served as a teacher under him. My father told us many good things about him. He said he was highly intelligent and was a disciplinarian to the core. Though he his gone but his legacies live forever.

·         AJALA ADEREMI SULAIMAN – A big fish in a deep sea caught in immortality by the Project Director. We live to the testimony of how he built us across many space of time. We live to remember him forever.

·         ALABI AZEEZ IFADAYO – I was fortunate and privileged to have benefited from his wealth of experiences, openness, discipline and academics to mention just a few. Pa Ologunde would be remembered for his positive contributions to our lives as individuals, families and the community in general.

·         OLUFEMI SALAKO – Nostalgically, I am numbered among those his cane helped steered to their destiny. His offering me a place in Ilobu Secondary Commercial grammar School in 1980 marked the turning point in my life, academically and socially. In a year, I met teachers that straightened me out; that same period afforded me the invaluable opportunity to build a robust social tie with Ilobu as an indigene. He has the word for the now each time you sit with him at home, long after his retirement.

·         TUNDE ALABI – Even without his canes, his voice which still remain loud and clear in my memory, was enough to caution you to the needful. Up till now, very many of us are still being guided by the ethical values and norms he instilled in us; we can confidently say we are products of his outstanding discipline. May his soul rest in peace.                        

17.  CHIEF DAUDA ADEMOLA ALABI

To me, he is more than a biological father. He is a mentor, a model, a facilitator, a front-liner and a bank of knowledge and experiences. My sojourn to the planet earth couldn’t have been better, if I had taken any other route. In him, I have seen and learnt the true value of existence; not in terms of wealth, might and material acquisition but in possessing master keys to people’s hearts and serving as lubricant for the wheel of progress wherever I found myself.

Chief Dauda Ademola Alabi was born on the 23^rd of March, 1942 to the family of Pa Jinadu Awoleye Alabi of Jagun’s Compound, Ilobu (The then Jagun of Ilobu). He ran the race for acquisition of western education through St Micheal’s Primary School, Ilobu in 1957, St Paul’s Modern School, Ilobu in 1960 and got trained at Z Oni and Sons, Shagamu as a Professional Public Letter Writer in 1962. He became a registered Public Letter Writer in 1962 with the Federal Republic of Nigeria and put into operation his Ademola Documentary Office at Ode-Lemo, Ogun State.

The man in focus succeeded in spending just 5 years outside Ilobu (1961-1965). He has spent the rest of his life for the service of people and Ilobu Community. His involvement in politics was dated back to 1954 when he was the Secretary of Afenifere in his ward. He had served in various capacities as Councilor, Supervisory Councilor and as the SDP Chairman, Irepodun L.G. and the overall Coordinator of all SDP Party Chairmen in Osun State in 1992.

For the records, he presented the memo for the creation of Irepodun Local Government to Brigadier Jemibewon in 1976 and the Local  Government was announced the 3^rd day after his presentation. He was the Secretary, Olobu installation Committee in 1974 and served as the Chairman of Olobu Advisory Committee for 10 solid years before he was installed as the Otun Jagun of Ilobu land on the 6^th day of November, 1995. Chief Dauda Ademola Alabi magical wand as a traditional Chief in the palace has been very active in settling discords amongst groups, elders and heads of family and clans. He has also served continuously as the spokesman of the palace.

His rapport with the Nigerian Police as the Chairman of the Police Community Relation Committee Irepodun Local Government for almost three decades now has in no small measures cemented a perfect bond between the community and the Police. His Ademola Documentary Office, formerly at Dagbolu but now at Jagun’s Compound has remained a pride to the community till date – His documents are sealed with “Jurat” in the last paragraph laced with exquisite professionalism dated back to the 60s. He has served consistently for years at the IDU home branch, showing unquenchable love for Ilobu Community.

His love for youth associations, programmes and education speaks volume about his charismatic investment into youth development. He is one man rolled into many facets of growth, peace and development as far as Ilobu is concerned.

Chief Dauda Ademola Alabi has also explicitly extended his service to the religious circle; he is the “Baba Egbe” of Alubarika Prayer Group of Nigeria, Ilobu Chapter. His support for the group is not only financial but involved his physical presence at and commitment to the group’s programmes within and outside the community.

No doubt, from birth till date, excluding the 5 years earlier highlighted, he has spent his entire life for the service of individual, the palace and Ilobu Community.

I therefore humbly present Alhaji Chief Dauda Ademola Alabi as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         MUIDEEN ADELEKE – Chief Dauda Alabi is undoubtedly foremost Ilobu elite, a frontline community leader, an age-long stenographer and father-figure to many others who are currently making their marks in their different chosen fields. May Allah grant him many more years of fruitful service to humanity.

·         TOLA AJAGBE- Daddy has millions of children through his kind and large heart towards human development. There is no way you will come across Baba Dauda Alabi and refused to be educated. He is a stimulus for many of us to shine and acquire sound and qualitative education. He is always concern about “we” his children. I pray that happiness will not seize from his home, amen!

·         WAHAB ADEMOLA FALOWO – Alhaji Chief Dauda Ademola Alabi’s life style mostly shown through his simplicity, humility, honesty, and integrity really distinguished him as a special breed among his peers and the educated men and women of his generation in Ilobu. I love this noble gentleman of noble parentage. May Allah preserve him in good health for many more years of useful service to Ilobu community and humanity at large, amen!

·         OLALEKAN IDOWU OLADAPO – Otun Jagun is Ilobu political and traditional administration personified. He is a leader with a large heart. I could recall “Agba iya ti e le ya le ya yi o…” a saga at the palace. Dare his son was sanctioned and I was banned from his house. Otun the generalissimo has forgotten all that now. He never remembered that we revolted against the palace authority of which he shared assault from our acidic confrontation. He is exceptionally gifted and I benefited a lot from his knowledge of law and politics. As a Law student in the 90s, he surprised me; delineating the statutory limitation of Local government and Power Provision.

·         ABBIS ADEDIGBA – People’s comments are clear testimony of his greatness. Despite all that he has achieved in life, he is humility personified. He is one of the greatest sons of Ilobu and when the history of Ilobu is written, he and his late father who was also a highly influential person; a towering figure, black, tall and handsome would not be forgotten. He bestrode Ilobu land with the gait of a benign giant. His late father was indeed a very powerful Jagun of his time. That he was able to step fittingly into his father’s shoe is heartwarming.

“Erin fon, omo re fun” To God be the glory. He has through providence, organizational skills and hard work taken the Alabis to greater heights educationally. They are no doubt doing well in all fields of human endeavours. Salute!

18.  ALHAJI MUIDEEN ADELEKE

He is very humble, calm and quiet, receptive and highly committed to the growth of Ilobu and her natives. His voice on the air either over the radio or on the television in the early 90s served covertly as a source of inspiration to the up-coming ones, especially those studying the Art subjects in the secondary school. To the older people, it was the pride of the community to listen to the sonorous voice of their adorable son on air; very many of them wanted their wards to be like him and speak through the radio or television.

Alhaji Muideen Adeleke hails from Akunsin’s Compound, Ilobu. He had his Primary education at Ikunsin District Council Primary School via Ogbomoso between 1972 and 1978 and attended Ilobu Secondary Commercial Grammar School, Ilobu between 1979 and 1984. After his secondary education, he proceeded to the then famous Oyo State College of Arts and Sciences (OSCAS), Ile-Ife in 1984 for his “A” Level and graduated in 1986. His quest for further studies took him to the prestigious University of Ibadan where he bagged a B.A degree in Communication and Language Art in 1990 and a Masters of Art degree also in Communication and Language Art in 1997.

His career as a Journalist commenced with a stint at Ultimate Links Communication Limited, Publisher of Osun News and Iroyin Osun in 1991/1992. He became popular as the first son of the soil on Osun State Broadcasting Corporation as a freelance presenter in 1992 and later became a freelance editor.  The road to the path of greatness in the field of journalism was kick-started with his employment as Editor into the mainstream of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation in 1993. I remember in my days at Obafemi Awolowo University, whenever the Newspaper Headlines are being reviewed on OSBC Radio, our roommates would start calling on us that our brother was on air; some would make jest of us for certain reasons but we were always very proud of him. No doubt, his exploits as a broadcaster and progarmme presenter has in no small measure helped in producing many natives now freelancing on different media and thus made Ilobu more popular within and beyond the State of Osun.

Within a very short period of time, he became a very strong pillar in sports journalism not only in Osun but in Nigeria and beyond. He has covered sports in various countries outside Nigeria; Brazil, Ghana, Togo, South Africa, Benin Republic etc.

Alhaji Muideen Adeleke is now a Deputy Director with the OSBC but his vast knowledge of the Islamic Religion and Arabic Language has made him to also excel in the coverage of several Hajj exercise, 1994, 2007 and 2013. He was among the 50 selected Nigerians for a Royal visit to the Saudi Arabia in March 2016.

This calm but well loaded personality joined the IDU in 1992 as the PRO and has since been at IDU, serving at the National Executive Committee and at different Committee levels under different Presidents. He is presently the National Secretary of IDU. He has functioned effectively in the planning and execution of many Ilobu Day Programmes. Altogether, he has given 24 uninterrupted years to the service of Ilobu community via IDU. Bravo big brother! Aside this, his support for youth activities both financially and morally is worthy of commendation and appreciation. He is the Patron of the most currently active youth club in Ilobu; Peak Focus Educational Club.

Worthy of our praise are those who give their very best for the uplift of mankind. I therefore humbly present Alhaji Muideen Adeleke as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         PRINCE JAMES OLUSOLA AKINPELU – So resourceful, inspiring, eloquent and professional in his chosen endeavour. His sense of humility is unparalleled.

·         PEOPLES COMRADE –

Can we?

Let’s count the number of indigenous student attaches who have had a stint on Radio/Television world simply because “he is always there”

Pay OSBC a visit and ask of Alhaji Muideen Adeleke, your mission may as well be a done deal.

He is not a Dasuki.

He is just humbly committed to his people and humanity at large.

Cheers to a worthy ambassador!

·         OLOYE BUNMI OBISESAN – Alhaji Muideen Adeleke has become a guru in the field of journalism. I think at a time, he was the Chairman of the Sports Writer Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State Chapter. He is a fan of Arsenal Football Club of London. Our prayer is that he reaches the very top in his chosen career.

·         ADJEUMO OLUMIDE – Alhaji Muideen Adeleke…one of the first strong voices on OSBC in the early days of Osun State. More of Allah’s wisdom and strength.

·         COMRADE ISMAHIL TIAMIYU ADEJARE – Wow! How great it is, seeing my mentor and our Patron at Peak Focus Educational Club feature as an “Illustrious son of Ilobu”. Alhaji Muideen Adeleke is a dynamic, diligent, accommodating, calm, benevolent, intelligent and humble personality. His unquantifiable contributions towards the development of the youth force and his professional and sagacious approach to any problem presented to him is worthy of commendation. He is also a philanthropist of no mean value. May Allah continue to enrich his knowledge and pocket.         

19.  ENGINEER WOLE ADEYEMO

This edition captured a dynamic and articulate young-old man. He is pictured as young for his dynamism and styles adopted in modeling and fashioning out his accomplishments with serious deviance for styles associated with people in his age bracket. His look is deceptive.  He is very agile, creative, vibrant and loaded with positive thoughts capable of rightly tilting events and episodes to achieve the desired success.

Engineer Wole Adeyemo was born into the Adeyemo Adebiyi family of Onileewe’s Compound, Ilobu on the 8th of December, 1950. His educational pursuit took him through St Michael’s Primary School, Ilobu between 1957 and 1962, St Paul’s Modern School in 1963 and Oke Iragbiji Grammar School, Iragbiji between 1964 and 1968, where he passed with distinction in his School Certificate Examination. He also graduated with distinction in his HND, Mechanical Engineering programme from the Polytechnic, Ibadan (Ise logun Ise).

“Teacher Kekere” as he was fondly called then taught at St Paul’s Modern School, Ilobu in 1969, Agbeye Baptist High School, Oyo in 1970 and Baptist High School, Ede between 1973 and 1974. After his National Youth Service Corps’ programme with the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) Bauchi in 1976/1977, he came back to his alma malter; the Polytechnic Ibadan to work as a Course Coordinator at the Vocational Skills Improvement Unit in 1978. This afforded him the privilege to assist Ilobu sons and daughters to secure both admission and employment into the polytechnic. In 1981, he left the Polytechnic for the Nigeria Machine Tools Limited, Osogbo. The work herein at Nigeria Machine Tools Limited took him to India at the Hindustan Machine Tools Limited for further training. He stayed for close to two years before returning to Osogbo. He worked in various capacities as Engineer, Senior Engineer and bowed out as a Manager at the Nigeria Machine Tools Limited, Osogbo in 1991.

After he had left the Nigeria Machine Tools, Osogbo, he went into self employment and floated Etiko Rentals. This self sustained and managed venture became visible at all ceremonies and thus afforded him the opportunity to humbly offer himself for community service via Ilobu Descendant Union, where he started as a foundation member. For the records, the decision to name the gigantic community hall known as and called “Ilobu House Complex” was his brain child.

He was a master planner and perfect organizer as far as Ilobu Day Celebration is concerned. At this period, he also ventured into active politics. His commitment to youth development was also very visible with his financial and moral support for Ilobu National Students’ Union, Youths’ Social Clubs and Youths’ activities in the Church.

His employment as a staffer of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa in 1998 created another thorough path for many up-coming ones, aspiring for further studies to secure admission into the Federal Polytechnic, Offa. The population of students from Ilobu in the school rose astronomically and Ilobu National Students’ Union, Federal Polytechnic Offa Chapter became very vibrant and active. I was at the school in 2012 to deliver a lecture at the EKO DAY of INSU, I was amazed with the number of students of Ilobu origin in the hall. He left the institution in the year 2013 and had since been appointed as a Commissioner of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC).

Apart from his dedication to work and community service, he is a devoted Christian of the Anglican family, very committed to church activities. He is a Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP, 2009) and a distinguished family man to the core. He and his wife were decorated as the BEST COUPLE of the year in 2011 by the Osun Anglican Diocese.

With a deep sense of humility and appreciation, I therefore invite the general populace to welcome Engineer Wole Adeyemo into the fold of illustrious sons and daughters of Ilobu.

COMMENTS:

·         AINA ABAYOMI – If a man could achieve so much and yet he is not proud, honestly, I have learnt humility from him. He relates with us like pals. Indeed, he is a role model. Long may you live in sound health!

·         OLALEKAN IDOWU OLADAPO – Engr. Wole Adeyemo and the late sage, Pa Obafemi Awolowo shared the same principles as politicians. Everything about him is principle, work, church and community. At every point he serves applying Spartan principle of accountability, integrity and bluntness. We met at Ogbomoso at the wedding of Abass several years ago and he advised me to be part of the project going on at St Peters Church, Pako, Ilobu. For the respect and trust that I had in him, I began sending my offering through him. I was amazed with calls from the church leadership at every time I sent my offering confirming its delivery. There are several testimonies about his honesty, prudence and love. May his days be long!

·         KUNLE ODEYEMI – Honesty, sincerity, simplicity, humility, pure generosity, absence of vanity, readiness to serve others and discipline are the foundation of his principles. He is the greatest diplomat I have ever known. Highly rigid, yet greatly flexible. He can afford to be alone than to be in a wrong company. He talks less and listens more. Larger percentage of the books in his library is authored by Tai Solarin, Obafemi Awolowo and the great Ghandi of India. These are people very close to his heart. He has associated with the eagles early in life. He has learnt to soar to great heights. This same principle he teaches people who are willing to learn.

·         PEOPLES COMRADE –

‘Etiko’ is everything to me….

He is proudly my best friend.

An adage says, show me your friend and I will tell you who you are.

How can I write about a figure that stands strategically at the centre stage of my resounding success? He is a silent achiever of the first order.

He is both valued onshore and offshore. His humanity knows no bound. If you need a template that can guarantee success in any sphere, surf his space.

I am proudly a product of his mentorship! The thought of how to write and the limitation of space have kept me indecisive….Suffice to say thank you for being my travel guide.

On this occasion, I really want to place on record my sincere gratitude for giving me a chance against all odds.

Against the background of coming from an apparent enemy’s camp, the fact that you have never allowed that to rear in our over 16 years of relationship makes me feel greatly indebted.

Against the pressure that your friends always whisper and wonder why you may be romancing a supposedly political antagonist.

That you chose to tow the path of humanity and refused to allow that impact on our “father-and-sonship” relationship remained a watchword.

 A great lesson indeed!

The same consideration you must have given to many….

Yours is a worthy life, lives on principles and not sentiments.

Wole Adeyemo!

Heaven would celebrate you.

·         AJOKE ALABI –

Daddy wa,

You are the first person to talk to me about buying shares as a means of saving. I know you can’t remember, it has being a long time, I was just growing up then, it shows how much you always strive to invest in everyone. I will come to your house to watch “Project Fame” without prior notice…you will welcome me with your warm smile and still find a way of helping me get home safely….Your house is always a rallying spot for us every Christmas.

I can keep going on and on. God himself has made his words come to pass in your life, for he makes the path of the just shine ever brighter until the perfect day.

Love you daddy!                                

20.  SHEIKH HASHIM SHAFIH IGBAYILOLA

This edition is bringing to fore, a man that stole my heart from childhood. His sermons at Islamic gatherings endeared me to him. His mastery and diction of the Arabic language also won my heart dearly. I grew up to know him as my god; even in death, he has a special apartment in my heart for his benevolence to mankind, erudition, simplicity, Godliness, abundant care for children and love for Ilobu community.

Sheikh Hashim Shafih Igbayilola was born to the Sadeeq’s family of Imam’s Compound, Ilobu in 1938. His search for success took him away from his home town in 1960 to Owo and later to Mefoworade.  He finally sealed his Islamic education when he settled for Sheikh Yunus Sanusi’s Arabic School, Ikirun in 1963. At Ikirun, he did not only study and passed in flying colours but became Sheikh Sanusi’s ‘Son’. Hence,  Hashim Igbayilola became a household name in Ikirun since then till date. It was reported that, to show how much love Sheikh Yunus Sanusi showered on him, he was quoted to have said at a forum that “I am Hashim and Hashim is me”. The volume inherent in this statement is inexhaustible.

After a meritorious service to Sheikh Sanusi, he relocated to Ilobu and in 1975 established the Center for Islamic and Arabic Studies, Konda, Ilobu. This school was the hub of Islamic studies and teachings for many natives and non-natives. People came from far and near to study and some of his students from other towns have made Ilobu their permanent home.

His Ibadullahi Group of Schools which has a nursery, primary and secondary section was more of a philanthropic gesture. Sheikh Hashim Igbayilola was always buffering up the fund generated from the school to settle the school’s monthly bills – teachers’ salary and purchase of instructional materials. The tuition fee charged was the cheapest when he was alive, considering the facilities available in the school compound and yet many people were not still paying and he was not bothered.

His lifestyle depicted that of a specially created soul. His love for up-coming ones is immeasurable. He was always willing and ready to support whoever comes his way with all that God has bestowed on him. He was an encyclopedia of Islamic and Arabic knowledge, a quintessential scholar of note and a superb blessing to mankind.

Sheikh Hashim Igbayilola never had a bank account, whatever comes in, is expended on his immediate and extended family, his students, who have become his adopted children and the have-nots.  I remember seeing him on the touch-line to watch us played football matches in those good old days at St Paul’s playing ground and I wonder what a special breed he was.

He was highly committed to individuals’ progress, supporting people with prayers, financial and material resources at their point of need. No wonder his house is always filled with people from all walks of life, far and near, old and young. Baba was exceptionally good; he was god to many of us.

For every voyage, there is time to alight from the bus. No matter how sweet and refreshing a jar of juice may be, it will be exhausted. Death’s wicked hands took Sheikh Hashim Igbayilola away after a protracted illness on the 6^th of October, 2015 and I have waited patiently for his one year remembrance - coincidentally, this edition is featured on a day a remembrance prayer is being organized for him at the compound of Ibadullahi Group of Schools, Konda, Ilobu (9/10/2016).

Therefore, in recognition of Sheikh Hashim Shafih Igbayilola outstanding contributions to the growth of natives and Ilobu community, I therefore humbly submit and present him posthumously to the whole world as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         ADEMOLA TAJUDEEN ADEBAYO – Hymn! I can’t forget the honour Baba gave me during my late mother’s Fiadau prayer at St Paul’s Middle School field, Ilobu. All the prayers he poured on me surely came to fulfillment and are still working in my favour. Baba was so simple, he normally address me as ‘Portugal Omo Daada’, he would then add ‘awon ore re feran re pupo ju’ Rest in peace Baba wa!

·         SANUSI RAHEEM KOLAPO – Baba came, saw and conquered. He was a pioneer in so many areas of Islamic religious propagation. He left huge legacies behind. Alhaji Hashim Igbayilola was a role model. May Allah forgive him of his sins and grant him aljanah firidauz.

·         MOJEED ADEBAYO IMRAN – Baba put smiles on the faces of many people who had lost the hope of ever becoming happy again in life. May Almighty Allah reward him abundantly and place his children in higher ranks.

·         ADEKUNLE SAHEED ADEBAYO – He was a family man and a pillar that held Imam Arohun’s Compound together. He was a leading light among Imam Sodeeq dynasty. May Almighty Allah forgive him of his short comings!

·         ABBIS ADEDIGBA – An erudite, colourful and charming Sheikh. A teacher, a philosopher, a celebrity who lived a life of simplicity in accordance with the tenets of the Holy Quran and Hadiths. That he is gone is the will of Allah. Being posthumously honoured and celebrated is an indication of his immense contributions to the development of Ilobu and its environs. Aljanat Firidauz for Baba!

21.  CHIEF STEPHEN AYOADE OJEWUMI

This is an x-ray of a man of too many colours; a political icon, a veteran journalist, a legal luminary, a frontline activist and a devoted community leader. In him is the body of a blue whale, the heart of a lion and the feet of Goliath. He was a one man battalion; a very-very rare gem.

Chief Stephen Ayoade Ojewumi, was born to the family of Mr and Mrs Adedapo Amoo Ojewumi of Oloso’s Compound, Ilobu in July, 1936. He had his primary education at United Central School and completed it at All Saints Primary School, Osogbo. He could not proceed to secondary school because of the poor financial status of his parents. He had to strive, work and study privately. He passed his GCE Ordinary Level in 1958 and Advanced Level in 1959. With these cetrificates, he was opportune to attend a 9 months course in Journalism in the United Kingdom under the auspices of the Commonwealth Press Union in 1966. He later gained admission to the University of Ife in 1978 to study law and graduated in 1971. He was called to bar in 1972.

In search for a greater tomorrow, Chief Ayoade Ojewumi, taught briefly at Olubi Primary School, Ibadan and various mission schools between 1948 and 1950. He also worked as a trade unionist with Ibadan Motor Owners’ Union between 1951 and 1955.

In 1960, he secured employment with an American News Agency and later with a West African News Services as a Senior Reporter to cover Ibadan and later Jos.  And in 1962, he became an Editor with the Nigerian Tribune. As Editor with the Nigerian Tribune, he was humiliated, harassed, brutalized, detained and sentenced. He was one of, if not the most detained and jailed journalist of his time. As a journalist, he was so versatile, innovative and prolific that he earned for himself a popular appellation in Nigeria; “Pen Atlanta”.

Chief Ayoade Stephen Ojewumi was a dependable, honest, loyal and reliable member of the Action Group until 1966 when the party was proscribed. He was also a founding member of the proscribed Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Having carried out different assignments for his political party, he was entrusted with the Chairmanship position of Osogbo Local Government when Irepodun was part of it between 1974 and 1975. At the creation of Irepodun Local Government in 1976, he was unanimously elected by councilors as the Pioneer Chairman of Irepodun Local Government. In July, 1979, he contested and won the Parliamentary election to the Oyo State House of Assembly on the ticket of the Unity Party of Nigeria to represent Irepodun Constituency IV. In October, 1979, the administration of Bola Ige (as the Governor of Oyo State) appointed him as the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, a position he held till September, 1983. He was detained at the Agodi Prison between 1984 and 1985 following the military coup led by General Muhammed Buhari in December, 1983.

No doubt, Chief Ayoade Stephen Ojewumi, devoted his entire life to the service of Ilobu Community. He was always at the forefront of any communal agitation and led an exemplary life worthy of commendation and emulation.  He died on the 15^th day of February, 1991 after a protracted illness living only his two buildings; one in Ilobu and the other in Ibadan as assets for his wife and children. With due reference to his bedside note when he was down with illness, written and signed by him on the 10^th day of December, 1990, he confirmed that he had nothing in his bank account and challenged his wife and children to be equal to the task ahead and be good ambassadors of Ilobu and Nigeria. May he rest eternally in peace, amen!

In recognition of Chief Stephen Ayoade Ojewumi outstanding contributions to the growth of Ilobu community and service to humanity all through his life time, I therefore humbly submit and present him posthumously to the whole world as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         AFOLABI JOSEPH OLANREWAJU –

Our thoughts are always with you, Uncle Ayo

Your place no one can fill…

In life we love you dearly

In death we love you still

There will always be heartache

And silent tears

But always a precious memory

of the days when you were here.

If tears could make a staircase

And heartaches make lane

We would walk the path to heaven

And bring you back home.

We hold you close to our hearts

And there you will remain

To walk with us throughout our lifetime

Until we meet again one day.

We are broken now

And nothing will be the same

But as God calls us one by one

The chains will link again.

Sleep on Ayoade

And continue to rest in the bosom of Jesus Christ

Your Lord and Saviour!

·         ENGR.WOLE ADEYEMO – My estimation of Ayo’s life, is that he cracked bones so that others may lick the marrow. He was too honest and loyal that many people thought that he would have done so much for himself when he had all the chances in this world like most mortals. Ayo preferred to crack bones not minding how the marrow tasted in the mouths of those who licked it.

I sincerely attest to his clean conscience. I admire his courage; I respect his integrity and loyalty. I cherish his dedication but I regret he never had his due reward for the much he put into life. He was valiant. As an editor, he faced ceaseless harassment and brutality. He put Ilobu his place of birth on the political map of the nation. He would continue to live in the hearts of the masses that he served. May his soul continue to rest in peace, amen!

·         ADEGBITE WASIU – You activated light for others to see, path find roads for others to take and role modeled your life for others to emulate. Never! Both the living and the coming generations would not forget you. Though you have left, the good works you left behind are much alive, radiating in our minds and as guiding spirit to us. Adieu!

·         OLUFEMI SALAKO – Even the current political climate makes replicating him a pipe dream. The hunters of today have vampire’s appetite.

·         KUNLE ODEYEMI – Chief Ayo Ojewumi lived when mediocrity has not mixed with leadership, when pen was stronger than gun, unlike now that ordinary money is stronger than pen. His name and his service to humanity were his inner drives. We learnt from him that a good name is to be desired more than gold or silver.

Now he is no more but his name still performs wonder. I only wish our brothers and sisters; the Ojewumis filled the vacuum that his death has created in the community.

                             

22.  CHIEF MOSES OJO-ODE ANWO

My search light is on a figure whose life is a beautiful exemplification of the phrase…”for those who work hard and hoped for better days…light awaits them at the end of the tunnel”. His travails in the general drama of life; from the classroom to the Army to the Civil Service and communal activities should inspire the up-coming lads that the race of life is meant to be won especially by those who work hard and  believe in optimism.

Chief Moses Ojo-Ode Anwo’s birth was not recorded. It was assumed with the events occurring at the time of his birth time to be around 1924 or 1925. His family later fixed his birthday for every January 1^st of the year. He was born with his placenta on his neck and naturally, he should be called Ojo. When Ifa Oracle was consulted, to know his godfather, Odebunmi, a cousin of Chief Anwo from Gbobamu’s Compound was chosen. Hence the new baby was named OJO-ODE (OJO the Hunter).

As a result of the continuous plea by the then Colonial District Officer to Olobu Ajayi Olujide, the father of Olobu Araoye to encourage the young ones to go to school, Anwo Ojo-Ode was “donated” by his grand-mother, Madam Iyolasemi, the then Iyalode of Ilobu land for schooling. Thus, he started his elementary education in 1933 at the United School, Ilobu and completed it in 1940 at All Saints School, Osogbo since the highest class then in Ilobu was Standard IV. While in the elementary school, he was converted to Christianity in 1936 and became MOSES OJO-ODE ANWO.

After his elementary education, he was appointed as a Probationary Teacher in 1941. His quest was to further his education to Teachers’ College in 1942 but when his parent could not afford to foot his bill; he bowed out and enlisted in the Army on the 30^th of January, 1943. As an Army Officer, he enjoyed Secondary Education via “Army Education Crash Programme”. He graduated as a Clerk Group “B”, Class IV on the 29^th May, 1943 and got discharged in the Army on the 3^rd of November, 1945, having been awarded WAR SERVICE MEDAL. As a soldier, he served meritoriously in Ibadan, Lagos, Zaria and Bauchi.

After his disengagement from the Army, he joined the Civil Service of Nigeria as a Temporary Typist at the District Office, Agodi, Ibadan on 18^th May, 1946. As a result of hard work, determination, good performance, coupled with resourcefulness and absolute loyalty to his superior officers and the Government of the time, to the glory of God, he rose to the position of Chief Executive Officer on 1^stJanuary, 1984 before retiring on 1^st May, 1984.

He exploited Ilobu Progressive Union which he co-founded and later metamorphosed into Ilobu Improvement League to achieve the following: the first Post Office building, a community centre, a library presently housing IBDC, a Youth Centre beside Chief Dauda Ademola Alabi’s house, Ilobu Secondary Commercial Grammar School and public sensitization for communal growth and development.

For the records, most of the files, minute books, receipts and cheque books of Ilobu Progressive Union and Ilobu Improvement league showing progressive deliberations and organized agenda for growth and developments of Ilobu are presently in the archives of the University of Ibadan library and available for inspection by the public.

For his outstanding and ever dynamic pursuance of communal goals and aspirations, the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan honoured him with a traditional title of AGBAAKIN OF ILOBU LAND in 1980. Chief Moses Ojo-Ode Anwo died on Sunday 13^th June, year 2010.

In recognition of Chief Moses Ojo-Ode Anwo outstanding contributions to the growth of Ilobu community and service to humanity all through his life time, I therefore humbly submit and present him posthumously to the whole world as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         PRINCE ARAOYE RASAK – Chief Anwo was a soldier, highly disciplined and does not tolerate nonsense. He opened a beer shop and sold at the cheapest rate. After you must have taken two bottles, if you request for the third bottle, Baba will order you to leave his shop immediately. He would say “why do you want to waste your money on beer, it means you are not responsible” May his soul rest in peace!

·         DURO AFOLABI – What our country needs most but seems to lack most are principled individuals like Daddy Moses Aremu Anwo. I however thank God that I have the opportunity of being exposed to his ideals and I also have his first daughter who has imbibed these ideals as my wife.

“Fading away like the stars of the morning, losing their lights in the glowing sun, thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling and only remembered by what we have done.

Daddy, we are proud of your legacy.

·         OLUFEMI GBEOLA – Baba Anwo was a rare gem. A courageous human rights activist. His hatred for cheat, dishonesty and high handedness cannot be quantified. May his soul continue to rest in peace.

·         MUIDEEN ADELEKE – Matter-of-factly, Late Chief Moses Anwo was an institution and a charismatic leader who bestrode his era like a colossus. Baba Anwo demonstrated uncanny love for his country-home, Ilobu and was known for his down to earth disposition to issues of communal interest. He was a disciplinarian and was never known for pitching tent with the hypocrites masquerading as patriots. Baba Anwo was a spotter of geniuses because only the deep can call to the deep. This is a well deserved posthumous recognition.

Adieu Pa Anwo!

·         OLUFEMI ANWO – He came, he saw, he conquered. He left his footprints in the sand of time. Who can step into his shoe? Rest in perfect peace our lion-hearted father.

23.  YUSUFF AYINLA AMUDA

Here comes a man, without a formal education but with an exquisite profile worthy of presentation to the public. His achievements in life and contributions to both individual growth and communal development in Ilobu is a clear indication that with or without education, some men are born great; exhibiting the strength of a tiger, the wisdom of Solomon and unmatched oratory prowess. He is one fine man with too many distinctive qualities. No doubt, he is a man of impeccable integrity, an encyclopedia of knowledge backed up with utmost good faith.  Mirroring him makes it evidently clear that heroism is an inborn act and can’t be purchased over the counter.

Yusuff Ayinla Amuda popularly known as “Amuda Woru” was born to the family of the late Shittu Ajayi of Woru’s Compound in Ilobu in 1933. His father was a great farmer and he was always assisting his father in the farm. At a point, he decided he was going to learn a vocation and chose carpentry in the early 1950’s. He became a successful carpenter and combined the vocation with politics by joining the Action Group.

As a carpenter, he exhibited extraordinary skills and professionalism. As a politician, he was a master strategist. For more than 50 years in politics, he rode on the train of a winning political party. Pa Yussuf Amuda retired from active politics, when some of his children have started doing beautifully well in politics. Yusuff Sikiru Ishola, his son was a very strong politician in Irepodun and her environ. Rt. Hon. Yusuff Olasunkanmi Sulaiman took politics as career and today as the Deputy Speaker of the Fedreal House of Representative, Abuja, he has glazed and glued Ilobu’s name permanently on the pages of Nigeria’s history book.

It is worth noting that Pa Yusuff Amuda was elected as a Counsellor in Irepodun Local Government between 1979 and 1983. He also proved his worth as a success in whatever he wished for by venturing into bakery business. His bakery is still standing at Woru’s Compound.

Pa Amuda’s love for Ilobu community is covertly felt in his involvement in all developmental moves by the elites, the youths and the palace. He attended Ilobu National Students’ Union programmes more than the elites. He donates regularly and handsomely to the purse of INSU and other youths’ bodies to support their course even at his old age.

Yusuff Ayinla Amuda is naturally blessed with unmatched oratory strength. Apart from the fact that he has a very good command of the Yoruba Language, he speaks to convince. His speeches are such that would not only wrap his audience up but would be loaded with truth, figures and actualities. On many occasions, his usually long and meaningful speech ends with applause and cheering ovation. He is fearless, honest and loyal to his home town. He is a worthy ambassador of Ilobu Community.

Pa Yussuff Amuda would expend his personal fund to solve individual’s problem without asking for refund. His fondness for little children has endeared him in the heart of many Ilobu youths.

With these selfless services to the Community, the Olobu in council after the demise of Chief Moses Ojo-Ode Anwo(the immediate past Agbaakin of Ilobu), unanimously agreed and installed him as the AGBAA AKIN OF ILOBU LAND.

Furthermore, the Chief Imam of Ilobu on behalf of the Muslim community turbaned him as the Balogun Adini of Ilobu land.

In recognition of his outstanding inputs into the growth of natives and Ilobu community and with a deep sense of humility, I therefore present Chief Yusuff Ayinla Amuda to the whole world as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         AMUSAN KASEEM AYOBAMI – What a big catch! Baba Amuda Woru is an encyclopedia of Ilobu affairs. He is highly intelligent and a problem solver.

When I was the INSU National President, he really supported me with his words of wisdom and money. When we were roofing the INSU ultra-modern secretariat, he stood by us from morning till evening, discussing issues about life with us as if we were age mates. He also attended almost all our educative programmes.

He is a great politician with great tactics and strategies. He is very courageous and strong. May God continue upholding him and his family, amen!

·         RAJI NAJEEMDEEN ADEWALE ABUTA – Baba Amuda is an embodiment of knowledge and wisdom. I was privileged to meet him while serving as the INSU National PRO. I can’t just quantify Baba’s love for Ilobu and the younger generations. May Allah continue to uphold him and spare his life to contribute to the development of Ilobu.

·         SANUSI RAHEEM KOLAPO – This is our own “Mr Fix It”. Here is a political master strategist, patriot of the highest order, a generous community leader and a pious religious leader. Baba has unequalled native intelligence and well versed in Ilobu social-political history. He has assisted many politicians to get to one position or the other and Allah is rewarding him handsomely now. May Baba live long so that more people can drink from his pool of wisdom.

·         ABDQOWIYU ODEWALE TOPE – Baba Amuda is an epitome of goodness, a moralist, mobilizer, industrious, and a pious soul. I am a close neighbor to Baba….He listens to people’s problem. Without a formal education professes better than a Professor and administer better than trained administrators. Indeed he is a rare gem. May Allah increase him in grace and age.

·         ABBIS ADEDIGBA –

A wise man and an orator.

A man who probably saw tomorrow and took maximum advantage of the opportunities it offered.

Today, he is arguably the most successful politicians amongst his peers.

I doff my hat for his monumental achievements in life.    

24.  MIKAIL ADEJARE ADEBISI

He is unarguably one of the very few Big Brothers who inspired us to whatever height we might have grown to achieve today. He is soft spoken, quiet, calculative and highly intelligent. Sometimes, his voice betrays what he is capable of doing – he is no doubt a master strategist matching plans with results and goals. In him, I have learnt a deviant pursuance and style of combining academics with entrepreneurship, which greatly helped to tow my boat to harbor as a student in the greatest Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Mikail Adejare Adebisi had his secondary education at Ilobu Secondary Commercial Grammar School, Ilobu. He proceeded for higher learning at the greatest Obafemi Awolowo University Ile, Ife, where he bagged a B.Sc Degree in Sociology/Anthropology, M.Sc. degree in International Relation and LLB.BL degree in Law. As a student, he was combining academics with entrepreneurial activities, a rare thing in our community then. This covertly gave impetus to many struggling students to add additional means of income generation to their desperate urge for higher studies.

His urge and that of many others for a desirable students’ body gave birth to Ilobu National Students’ Union. Right from the formative stage of the Union, he had given his all to it. He became the National President in 1994 after a keenly contested election between him and Dr. Alani Adeyemi. This election would go down in the annals of Ilobu National Students’ Union as a contest between two great Titans. The election shook the pulse of the community, encouraged many youths to embrace western education and inspired others already at different higher institution to partake in INSU activities. “I hail the Head of Cabals”

In quest for a better ‘morrow, he opted to combine politics with his legal practice. He was elected councilor as a UNCP candidate in 1999. His performance then coupled with his humility shot him into limelight and he continued to wax stronger and stronger as a politician. He was the Assistant Chief of Staff in the State of Osun.

No doubt, Mikail Adejare Adebisi is loved by both old and young for his sense of listening, support for individual, communal growth, Clubs and Association particularly Ilobu National Students’ Union. His ability to mobilize and strategize for his political party also added to his weight as a politician. Need to add that his contributions to the then Ilobu Descendants’ Union which has metamorphosed into Ilobu Development Union is worthy of appreciation.

Unfortunately, his illness for some time now had cut him off from some of these social responsibilities that he is known for. “Health is Life”, thus we give thanks to almighty God for his recuperation and further pray for total recovery backed up with resounding success.

In recognition of his outstanding inputs into the growth of natives and Ilobu community and with a deep sense of humility, I humbly present Barrister Mikail Adejare Adebisi to the whole world as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         GBENGA SALAWU (DUBLIN) – I attest to his doggedness, wits and wisdom. I attest to his compassionate nature being a childhood friend and I call him the ‘oracle’ in the politics of Osun for his deep insight and understanding of politics – how it plays out and how to play it.

·         ADEMOLA TAJUDEEN ADEBAYO – This is a very good brother. So kind and simple. I happened to be one of those Ilobu undergraduates that hijacked the apartment allocated to him when he was running his Masters programme at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He never complained for once. God bless you real good.

·         OLANIYAN LATEEF OLAYINKA – Barrister Adebisi Adejare is someone to be celebrated in all ramifications going by his contributions to the development of Ilobu and the encouragement offered to younger ones to develop themselves educationally. Let me also add that he has made a lot of people within the very short period that he was appointed as the Assistant Chief of Staff in the State of Osun.

·         DAHOOD ADEYEMI – He is one of those that we looked unto – very associative, progressive, passionate and facilitator of many development strategies that earn him accolades at home; in Ilobu and off the shore of Ilobu including his appointment as the Assistant Chief of Staff to the Governor – Rauf Aregbesola.

We are proud of you sir – you will celebrate more fulfilling achievement in life.

Well done Uncle Dare Alabi for refreshing our memories about some remarkable events of past years that motivated many of us to be on our toes on the road to success.

·         KOLADE LATEEF – He is more of a philanthropist cum benefactor than a politician. Politicians are known for lulling thousands of children with just one sweet. It is interesting to note that when one needs assistance or favour – family or friends would ask you ‘have you been to Jare Adebisi?’ And the moment you answer affirmatively, they remarked ‘be rest assured, it is a done’.

He is a rare gem, a benefactor to many of which I am one. May Allah bless him with sound health so as to continue his righteous deeds for the uplift of the younger generations.

25.  SULAIMAN HASSAN ALABI OLAJOKU

My focus is on a man that rode majestically into the heart of many within a very short period of time. His brand of affection was rear; not minding who you are, what you do and where you come from. He was always ready to solve whatever problem is presented to him. The kids fondly called him “Baba Elesin”.

Sulaiman Alabi Hassan Olajoku was born in Mushin in the year 1947 to Alhaji Kehinde Hassan, a cocoa merchant who hailed from Olosaoko’s Compound, Isale Imole, Ilobu but resided in Mushin, Lagos. As a young lad, he was filled with noticeable zeal and determination to lead his peers. He attended the famous Funmilayo Ransome Kuti Primary School in Lagos. He had his secondary education at ADS Grammar School, Surulere, Lagos between 1964 and 1968. He worked for four years at the National Bank of Nigeria, Broad Street, Lagos before travelling to the United State of America.

At the USA, he proceeded to the Virginia Community College and later to the prestigious George Washington University, where he bagged a degree in Business Administration in 1976 and a Masters degree from the same university in Finance and Investment in 1978. He returned to Nigeria for his NYSC programme in 1979.

His craze for self employment made him to quit his job at Industrial and Development Credit Corporation in Ibadan and floated Lone Star Consulting Limited with specialization in Management Consultancy in 1983. He was a complete business man with chains of businesses and companies.

Hassan Alabi Olajoku’s love and helpful heart endeared him to people and paved way for his huge political impact. He suddenly became a force to be reckoned with in the politics of Mushin Local Government, having joined politics in 1987. He worked with Asiwaju Hammed Tinubu, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and a host of other notable politicians to form Alliance for Democracy.

His determination to develop Osun State brought him to Ilobu where he suddenly rose to become the talk of the town with his philanthropic gestures to individual, groups and religious bodies. This willingness to bring smiles to the lips of people and rub tears off their faces made the entire Ilobu Muslim Community to turban him as the BABA ADINI OF ILOBU.

He was at the forefront of financing and campaign for the emergence of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as Governor of the State of Osun in the year 2004 before he was gruesomely murdered by unknown gun men on the 15^th of May, 2005 at the popular Gbongan Junction. May he continually rest in perfect peace, amen!

In recognition of his martyrdom and contribution to the victory of Alliance for Democracy in the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has built an International Park called HASSAN OLAJOKU PARK at the spot where he was killed to immortalize him.

With the little time he was privilege to spend with his people in Ilobu, he had a very good romance with them, particularly the needy. He took many off the poverty line, renovated religious buildings, placed some clerics on salary and allowed a free flow of people to and from his house.

With a deep sense of humility, I therefore posthumously present Alhaji Sulaiman Alabi Hassan Olajoku to the whole world for his outstanding inputs into the growth of natives, Ilobu community and the State of Osun in general as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         WAHAB ADEMOLA FALOWO – Just like the Yoruba race, the Muslim Community in the South-West and Nigeria as a whole suffered an irreparable loss with the death of Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola. Ilobu town, the old Irepodun Local Government, Orolu Local Government and the State of Osun lost a precious and priceless gem with the death of the Late Baba Adini of Ilobu  land. May his kind and generous soul rest peacefully in Janatul Firidauz, amin.

The most painful aspect of his death…ILOBU LOST, GBOGAN GAINED, where is JUSTICE?

·         MUIDEEN ADELEKE – Haaa! This was a foremost business tycoon, a humanist, a philanthropist per excellence, a devout Muslim and somebody whose murder still hurts Ilobu like a fresh wound. So much was heard about his exploits in many fronts before he became the first Baba Adini of Ilobu. It was quite unfortunate that he was cut down by the wicked, just when Ilobu was about to start eating the tasted pudding. I recall with a heavy heart the down-to-earth discussion I had with him inside the Central Mosque of Ilobu when he was being conferred with the tittle of the Baba Adini. May Allah keep alive all his lofty dreams and empower us to turn them into realities.

Chief Hassan Olajoku demonstrated love, bravery, industry, entrepreneurship, dedication to noble causes, loyalty and patriotism to his country-home, Ilobu. He sacrificed so much and paid the supreme price of death. May Allah continually grant him Aljanat Fridauz.

·         ALABI OLALERE KAMORUDEEN – You can only kill a man but you can’t kill what he stand for. This man within a short period made so much impact that made him to live on in our hearts. What is your own contribution like? How will people remember you? May his soul rest in perfect peace.

·         ABBIS ADEDIGBA – He was destined to be our veritable shining star but enemies of Ilobu snuffed life out of him.

His short span of life with us in Ilobu was laced with some remarkable and excellent deeds. If he had lived long here – Ilobu would have witnessed fast-tracked development than what we have today.

Rest peacefully, Baba Adini!

·         WOLE ADEYEMO – Hmnn! This life….A big human loss to Ilobu resulting to a big material gain for Gbogan.

May his soul rest in peace!       

26.  ALHAJI OLASUNKANMI LIADI ONILEWURA

He can be best pictured as someone who knows Lagos more than many Lagosians. He was the architect, pilot or chauffeur of the hopes, dreams, destiny and aspirations of many Ilobu sons and daughters who now reside in Lagos but have become gurus and captains in their chosen fields. Many never remembered what their first trip to Lagos looked like. Some he conveyed on routine basis to meet up with the needs of their clients and customers which could only be gotten in Lagos.

I remember my first trip very well. It was on the 23^rd of August, 1989, with just a soft press on the horn, I walked smartly with my luggage into his bus and to 23 Road, FESTAC Town I went for the very first time in my life. He was reserved and so perfect with his timing, very careful with his driving and present the best human relation ever. He is a hero who deserves our commendation and appreciation for the divine role of linking many of us with our future.

Alhaji Olasunkanmi Onilewura (Oluwa n be Transport) was born on the 7^th day of January, 1944. He hails from Akowonsin Compound, Oke-Ilata, Ilobu. He had his primary education at L. A. Primary School, Gbobamu and chose transport business after his primary education.

As a transporter, he opted to ply Oyo, Ilorin and Ondo between 1973 and 1976. In 1976, he switched to Lagos Metropolis; I guess he was preparing for the future. He did this for 3 solid years and returned home in 1979. From 1979 to around 2012 when he had trained some of his children who took over from him, he displayed a complete mastery of not only the route he was plying; Lagos to and from Ilobu, Okuku, Inisa, Ikirun etc but an exquisite professionalism coupled with the finest human relation uncommon to most transporters. He knows the nooks and crannies of Lagos and by 9:00 am or some minutes after, he was already in Lagos. In his bus, it was always good morning Lagos!

He was so popular amongst transporters that he was elected the Chairman of NURTW, Lagos-Ibadan-Sagamu, Irepodun Chapter for years. Baba Onilewura as he is fondly called is a household name in Ilobu, Ifon, Erin and Okini. On the 30^th day of November, 2009, he was turbaned as the Baba Adini of Oke-Ilata mosque in Ilobu.

Also in recognition of his outstanding and meritorious service to mankind, he was honoured with an award of Excellence by Abibulahi Islamic and Arabic Centre, Ilobu in 2014 and Ilobu National Students’ Union in 2015.

In fulfillment of my vision and mission to appreciate and celebrate outstanding Ilobu sons and daughters, I therefore humbly present Alhaji Olasunkanmi Onilewura as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         ADESHINA AROGUNDADE – I know him personally as an undergraduate of the University of Lagos between 1983 and 1986. I will travel from Ilobu with him in the morning and still make my 8:00 am lecture, incredible!

Then, he would leave Ilobu around 4:00 am with “chewing stick” (pako) in his mouth. The zeal and passion displayed is worthy of commendation. If you want him to deliver any message; letters, food items etc, either from Lagos to Ilobu or vice versa, he will deliver it at little or no cost. He was our courier then. He has a portion in his house where luggages are kept for collection. Just send your stuff and call your people to pick it up.

·         OLUFEMI ANWO – Alhaji Onilewura must have positively affected the life of not less than 98% of Ilobu sons and daughters living in and travelling to Lagos over the past 40 years. You can send any message or luggage through him and go to sleep. May God continue to preserve him for us, amen!

·         AKANDE SERIFAT – Alhaji Onilewura is a man of high integrity, he is a good man – ‘Baba daada’. My first trip to Lagos in 1984 was through him. I remember when my mother was alive; she would insist that I travel with Onilewura. He knows Lagos so well that he would get everyone to their various destinations without extra charges. You can send any item through him and be rest assured that he would deliver them as expected. May God grant him long life with good health, amen!

·         MUIDEEN ADELEKE – Dare Alabi…you have really touched my subconscious with your presentation of Alhaji Liad Olasunkanmi Onilewura as an illustrious son of Ilobu.

He was more than an Uncle to me; he is my mentor and benefactor. He trained me as a professional driver and obtained my first driver’s license for me in 1980. He was kind, generous, humane and industrious. He was a pacesetter and a touch bearer.

Under his tutelage, I learnt so much about life and the challenges associated with it. Through him, I fell in love with ‘bread and akara’ as a bus conductor…shouting ‘Eko, Eko’ intermittently in the early hours of the day, especially during holidays….He demonstrated uncanny love for me when I gained admission into the then Oyo State School of Arts and Sciences, Ile-Ife in 1984 because he was used to me. I pray Allah to grant him long life with good health, to enable him reaps the fruits of his labour. Oluwa Nbe!

·         NURENI OYEYEMI – Alhamdudilahi – the attitude of Alhaji Olasunkanmi Onilewura taught us an important lesson; that is whatever you know how to do, do it well to portray kindness. I was surprised one day when I went with him to Lagos, out of about 20 people waiting for him at Mangoro Park in Agege, Lagos, only 2 of them were traveling to Ilobu. The rest came to send him an errand to Osogbo and Irepodun at free of cost. What a marvelous kindness displayed!

Onilewura House is so popular in Irepodun to the extent of almost masking the real Compound name. This shows how nice and helpful this man is in the community. He is worthy of emulation. May Almighty Allah enrich him with long life and good health, amen

27.  CHIEF PAUL ODEYEMI

He walks briskly with smiles on his fair complexioned handsome face all the time. This smile depicts a lot of things about his personality. His honesty, dedication to duty, humility and high sense of leadership, love for ones community and care for fellow mortals and many other sterling qualities are all rolled into this one fine personality. Also, his respect for constituted authority, ability to stomach anger, passion for development and undiluted optimism explained the complexity in God’s creation.

Chief Paul Odeyemi was born on the 25^th day of August, 1951 to the family of Late Chief James Ojelade Odeyemi and Madam Felicia Adebisi Odeyemi of Aromiwe’s Compound, Ilobu. This amiable, charming and charismatic personality started his quest for western education at St Michael’s Anglican Primary School, Ilobu in 1956 and proceeded to St Paul’s Secondary Modern School in 1966 where he spent just a year. He enrolled at Osogbo Grammar School, Osogbo in 1968 and graduated in 1971. He also attended the Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, Ibadan between 1980 and 1981.

After his graduation from the cooperative college, he became a Cooperative Inspector and was first posted to Ago-Are in Oyo State in 1981. As a Cooperative Instructor, he worked at several other towns and Local Governments in both Oyo and Osun States.

As a civil servant, he saw the glimpse of a better future in civil work through the attainment of training and knowledge related to one’s work. Thus, while working he embarked on a determined pursuance of further studies. He got admitted to study Advanced Diploma in management Study at the prestigious Polytechnic of Ibadan between 1999 and 2001. Between 2003 and 2004, he bagged a Diploma in Cooperative Study from the Osun State Cooperative College, Odeomu. In the year 2007, he proceeded to the famous Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, where he had his Higher National Diploma in Accounting in 2009. Steadily, with utmost determination, he was able to equip himself academically and this was good enough to boost his career in the civil service.  From a Cooperative Inspector, he rose to the position of an Assistant Director at the Osun State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, Osogbo and bowed out honourably in 2012.

His passion for community service is immeasurable. He is a foundation member of Ilobu Descendants’ Union now Ilobu Development Union. He was the first Auditor of the Union in 1992, a position he held for several years. He has served at various positions and committees at Ilobu Development Union. He is presently the 1^st National Vice President of Ilobu Development Union. He has coordinated, organized and directed Ilobu Day activities as the Chairman of the planning committee since 2014 till date.

In recognition of his outstanding service to the community, his uprightness and fairness in handling issues with his outstanding leadership qualities which he has displayed on several occasions, the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan installed him as Baale Alata of Oke-Ilata on the 17^th day of April, year 2010.

Chief Paul Odeyemi is a devoted Christian who worships with the Anglican Church Pako, Ilobu but he is very receptive and associates heartily with Muslims. He is a Peoples Warden in the church and a member of the PCC, the apex body at the Anglican Church, Pako.

For his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Ilobu and her natives cum being a role model to the up-coming youths, I therefore humbly present Chief Paul Odeyemi as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         JOHN ADEKUNLE – Our big brother and daddy is an epitome of integrity, humility and uprightness. He will always say the truth wherever he finds himself. He cannot stay where there is hanky-panky. He is one of our role models. God Almighty will grant him more fruitful years in the service of humanity.

·         MICHAEL ALABI – Chief Odeyemi is an epitome of frankness and bluntness. He is always assiduous in every matter without mincing words. He is indeed a man of honour. His role as the Chairman of Ilobu Day 2016 Planning Committee is worthy of commendation. May you live long to witness more achievements, amen.

·         OLASUPO GANIYU – Chief Paul Odeyemi is a revered personality; well respected, dedicated, honest, trustworthy and a role model. I wish he could be given the opportunity to handle more strategic position like the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government to help Shepherd us to the promise land.

·         OLUREM WILSON O. –

 Booda Poolu! Very tough….

He doesn’t speak to issues but roar like a lion even when he agreed with what you are discussing.

Booda Poolu will raise his eye balls over you all when not in agreement and may keep on standing to register his protests, pocketing one hand or the two.

He is very friendly but may keep his distance if you do not agree with him on any sensitive issue.

His grandparents and mine belong to the Ijagemo Village as well as Baba Anwo. Thank God for his lovely, caring, humble, dedicated and hardworking wife. Thank God for his family as a whole.

I enjoy his social life, anytime he hosts our association in the church; I never missed it because he will spoil us with hospitality. I admire his friendly attitude regardless of age.

·         SANUSI RAHEEM KOLAPO – Baale Paul Odeyemi is an undisputable community leader and patriot. He is so committed to the service of Ilobu as a town even at his own risk. I had known him for over 25 years when he always visited our compound, he will not pass without greeting you. He is a devoted Christian at the same time an epitome of Yoruba culture. He is one of our few elites that wears “Dansiki and Abeti Aja” cap. I admire him so much. He relates well with you no matter the age difference but very sharp to disagree if he is not comfortable with any proposal. My prayer is that God give him long life with sound health and elevate him to an Obaship status with beaded crown.

28.  YUSUFF OLATUNDE OLADIMEJI ADEPOJU

He is a very young man, very-very intelligent, loaded with innate ability to score very high marks in whatever he ventures into. I remember many things that he did excellently well in those good old days. When he was in love with music, he was excellent with the mimicking of many foreign songs. When he went into graphic design to make ends meet, he was superb. I remember how he taught me some skillful ways of beautifying cardboards meant for the production of greeting cards. His exploit in GNLD, a networking business further confirms that he is always the best in whatever he ventures into. With the GNLD business, he was on top of the world at a very tender age.  No doubt, his success story today in the Academy of Islamic propagation, ACADIP speaks volume about him being a special creation, destined to rule the world and be the very best at whatever he is doing.

Yusuf Olatunde Oladimeji Adepoju was born on the 10^th of February, 1975 to the family of Alhaji Jamiyu Adeniyi Isola Adepoju and Alhaja Amdalat Ibidunni Adepoju of Akeyo’s compound, Ilobu. His father and mother are both retired Principals. He attended L. A. Gbobamu Primary School from 1981 to 1986, ADS Grammar School, Erin-Osun from 1987 to 1990 before proceeding to the Government College, Ibadan and he finally completed his secondary education at Fakunle Comprehensive High School, Osogbo in 1994. He studied Physics Electronics at the Federal University of Technology, Akure and graduated in 2001.

It was at FUTA, that he met some talented youths with whom he formed a Dawah group with the sole aim of checkmating the alarming rate at which Muslims were fast drifting away from the path of the believers as a result of ignorance and lack of knowledge. The Islamic propagation initially took off at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, the train later moved to Akure Township, Ondo State generally and today he has stood for what he believes and has defended it in virtually all the states of the federation with thousands of converts and reverts to Islam. He has taken this Dawah to 15 different countries; Germany, England, Belgium, United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rwanda, Morocco, Ghana etc. In the course of propagating Islam he has developed strong working relations with some great world Islamic Comparative preachers like Shiekh Ahmed Deedat, Professor Jamal Badawi, Dr, Dawood Amoo Alaga, Professor Buniyamin Banire, Late Alhaji Yunus Akewewugbajesu and many others.

After 21 solid years of open-air lecture series in the nooks and crannies of Nigeria and beyond, he is very proud to announce that ACADIP has displayed a new order of dynamic and captivating evangelism, projecting Islam in its natural and undiluted perspective, strengthening the faith of practicing Muslims and also awakening those unwary, lukewarm or rather, the so called nominal Muslims from their slumber.

Yusuf Olatunde Oladimeji Adepoju is currently the Managing Director of Islamic Cultural and Enlightenment Centre founded by his father in 1965. He has positioned Ilobu elegantly on world map with his Islamic preaching. He has also succeeded in refining and engaging many youths in his Islamic organizations. The security outfit of ACADIP alone parades so many able body youths as officers both native and non-natives. He is indeed a special breed, showcasing his talents with the mastery of the Bible and the Quran off hand. His command of the Arabic, English and Yoruba languages is enough to arrest his listener; he is one out of the very many finest young brains that Ilobu is blessed with.

In recognition of his invaluable uplift of Ilobu community and her natives via his Islamic Comparative lectures around the globe, I therefore present Alhaji Yusuf Olatunde Oladimeji Adepoju as an illustrious son of Ilobu asake.

COMMENTS:

·         GBADEBO SALAM (CBN) – It always pleases my heart that Shiek Yussuf Olatunde Adepoju hails from our darling town, Ilobu. It is an established fact that he is a blessing to the entire mankind all over the world. My prayer to the Almighty Allah is to nurture him to full adulthood, continue to protect him, reward him in this life and hereafter. I also pray that he be succeeded by more promising and heart-pleasing children than him. I also congratulate Alhaji and Alhaja Adepoju as the ones God used to convey this special gift to mankind to this world.

·         ALADE ISIAKA (MERCY HOSPITAL, ILOBU) – He is indeed a blessing to this generation. We live at a time when young men indulge in all manner of moral decadence such as alcohol, abuse, sexual immorality, 419 business etc but this young man chose to uphold the tenets of Islam and propagate the religion to the world. May the Almighty Allah grant him many more years of good health and prosperity, amen!

·         KOLADE LATEEF – All what Allah endowed this erudite scholar with are tempting; capable of turning one to be very arrogant, inaccessible, overconfident etc. However, Allah wonderfully covered or enveloped him with unparallel humility. May Allah, the best protector, protect him.

·         DAHOOD ADEYEMI – Histories are written to inspire good attitude. I am glad to witness many positive impacts of Ustaz Tunde Adepoju. He is undertaking one of the most difficult assignments; uniting men with their creator. Almighty Allah will reward you.

·         ADIO KAZEEM – Humble, generous and delight. A rare human with uncommon gift. I thank Allah for you and your ministry.

29.  HAMMED ADEKUNLE ADEGBITE

The story of his life should inspire those who easily throw away their hope, giving up when there are chances that they can re-shape their paths and climb very high to the top of the tower. He was a carpenter who saw tomorrow and fashioned out the need to tow the path of greatness via gradual pursuance of western education. Honestly, he came, he fought with all the forces he could muster and he conquered by leaving sweet memories of his indelible footprints behind.

Alhaji Hammed Adekunle Adegbite was born to the Balogun Adegbite’s family of Alaako’s Compound, Ilobu on the 4^th day of August, 1946. After he had been named, his parent took him to Amodo, an Ife village, where he was brought up. His parent never thought of enrolling him in school until he was almost 10 years of age. He therefore started his primary education at L. A. Primary School, Amodo in 1955. In 1958 his parent felt he was wasting his time in school, so he was withdrawn in 1958 while in Primary 4. They felt he would be a better carpenter, so he was sent home and enrolled as an apprentice carpenter with the Alabi’s family of Onileewe’s Compound in Ilobu. In January 1960, he got himself enrolled in Primary 4 at St Michael’s Primary School, Ilobu. He met Engr. Wole Adeyemo in the class and some other young boys. He was so brilliant and difficult to beat. The entire class was having headache to see him led the class. In December 1962, he graduated with “A” grade. In 1963 he proceeded to St Paul’s United Secondary Modern School, Ilobu and graduated in 1965. While many of his colleagues proceeded to the secondary school, he could not further his education for financial reason. Thus, in 1966, he joined the Nigerian Police Force. He attended several in-service training courses as a Police Officer.  He worked across the length and breadth of the country; Lagos, Rivers, Borno, Bauchi, Plateau. Ondo, Oyo, Kogi and Osun States.

As a Police officer, he sat for GCE ‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels and passed with flying colours. Still not satisfied with this, he proceeded to the University of Jos, where he bagged a Diploma in Management Studies. He went further and obtained a B.A. Arts degree in History from the University of Lagos. He had an outstanding career as a Police Officer. He was appointed Superintendent of Police in 1992 a position he held till he retired in December 2001.

As a Police Officer, he has used his position to assist Ilobu sons and daughters to sort out several issues relating to the Police. His love for Ilobu was immeasurable. When IDU was struggling to stand; particularly with his financial records, Alhaji Hammed Kunle Adegbite volunteered to serve as the Financial Secretary and had the singular honour of straightening IDU financial records. He served as the IDU President admiringly and diligently for 2 terms with indelible achievements.

This amiable and ever dynamic Ex Police Officer was endowed with a great sense of humour. His jokes usually expressed with the good command of the Yoruba Language can send ones jawbones and ribs cracking as result of laughter. He was really friendly and accommodating. As a result of his outstanding qualities and utmost zeal and determination to serve humanity, he was appointed by the State of Osun Government as Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Irepodun Local Government in February, 2011. Unfortunately, death caught up with him and seized him away from us in September, 2011. He is gone but his good deeds live forever. Adieu Baba Olopa!

I therefore with every sense of responsibility, present Alhaji Hammed Adekunle Adegbite posthumously as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         TOLA AJAGBE – Alhaji Adegbite was a father for all Ilobu sons and daughters wherever he meets them. He encouraged us in organizing the first ever “Eko Day” as members of Ilobu National Students’ Union at the Osun State College of Education, Ilesha in 1997. He chaired the occasion while Mr. Dare Alabi attended as the National President of Ilobu National Students’ Union. May Allah grant him aljanah fridauz, amen!

·         ABUBAKAR IBRAHIM OLOKUTA – He is my hero. In 2006, he helped with my next-of-kin entitlement occasioned by my mother’s demise in 2003. We travelled to so many places together, Ibadan most frequently before the entitlement was released. He never demanded a kobo; he never demanded anything for transport on all the occasions that we were on the move. I got to know a lot about my mother when I moved closer to him. He gave me a note which was meant for Uncle Femi Saibu at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife to help me with any gainful admission into the school…Baba would openly, before his friends and family members call me his friend. He would ask me to join him in political or developmental discussions that were meant for elders. I used to think that, that was where his policy went jejune and wrong until he told me that investing in the future must be the predominant theory of every policy. His kinds are rare. May his soul rest in perfect peace, amen!

·         ALABI OLALERE KAMORUDEEN – This man was and even in death a beacon of light and inspiration. It is on record that as Ilobu Development Union National President, he visited almost all the existing branches of the union. He loved Ilobu so much and did all he could to move it forward. May his soul rest in perfect peace. This platform, has not only brought to the fore the contributions of people but has succeeded in telling us the means and path used and followed by these people to achieve the reported contributions to the growth of Ilobu and her natives. This should serve as a roadmap for the upcoming ones. Kudos to my brother and mentor, Dare Alabi, the Project Director.

·         OTUNBA RASHEED ADELEKE – Baba Adegbite served the Nigeria Police Force meritoriously and retired ceremoniously. Records from the Police Service Commission confirmed that there was no single query in his file. He got numerous indigenes and non-indigenes of Ilobu enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Army. He was a promoter of ethics, corporate governance and professionalism. He was never a bribe taker. We missed those good deeds of his. May Allah grant him aljanah fridauz, amen!

·         ADEBAYO TAIWO OLATUNJI – Hmmmm, what can I say! I had the opportunity to meet with him for the very first and last time in September, 2011. Then, I was a very young secondary school student and a member of my School’s Press Club who had an interview with him during the compilation of the maiden edition of my school’s magazine.

While chatting with him, he was so impressed with the way I related with him that we both went off script and started discussing personal stuffs. I felt so comfortable talking to him; he was a very good listener. To cut the long story short, I couldn’t believe my ears when he said he would pay my school fees for a whole session and again I couldn’t believe it when I heard about his demise few days later….

He was a great man and I pray that Allah (SWT) forgives him and grant him aljanah fridauz, amen!

30.  ENGINEER ABDELGANIYU OLUSOLA AKINWUMI

He is a very dynamic personality, with gigantic form that needs little or no introduction. He is one fine old man with a very fine posture wherever he finds himself. From my overview, he is one man finely good and exceptionally outstanding in many things; engineering, administration, politics and community service.

Engineer Abdelganiyu Olusola Akinwumi is from Kuelu’s Compond in Ilobu. He started his engineering career in 1969 with Ove Arup & Partners, a British Engineering firm based in Ibadan. This invariably gave him all the necessary drill and rudiments needed to forge ahead as a successful engineer. He was exposed to design, detailing, supervision, construction, maintenance, surveying, structural, airport and highway engineering. He was actually involved in the construction of the Muritala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Kano Airport, Jos Airport and some rain protection and flood control projects across the country.

Having gathered enough experience, he voluntarily resigned his appointment with Ove Arup & Partners to establish his own Engineering Consulting Firm – HESHO and Associates. He also co-established some other companies like MATALABI Nigeria Limited, DOBEES Company Limited etc before he finally incorporate STYREX Nigeria Limited in 1994 of which he is the President. He is registered with COREN and he is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. He was honoured with the President Merit Award of the Nigerian Society of Engineers for his outstanding contribution to the Engineering field in the year 2002.

Aside engineering, he is an astute political icon. He was a staunch member of the Unity Party of Nigeria between 1978 and 1983, Irepodun Local Government Chairman of the Social Democratic Party between 1990 and 1992, Chairman, Board of Directors of WEMABOD Estates Limited, Lagos between 1992 and 1993 and the Secretary of Afenifere between 1992 and 2000. After the exit of the dreadful Khaki boys in government, Alliance for Democracy won the Governorship election in 1999 in Osun State and he was sworn in as the Secretary to the Osun State Government. His appointment brought jubilation to the community; it was a kind of dividend of democracy. This position positively affected the growth of the community and nurtured many up-coming politicians.  Some sons and daughters of Ilobu secured employment into both the public and the civil service of the state of Osun. Many of whom are doing beautifully well now including my humble self. Many also seized the opportunity not only to gain admission into the university but to study the course of their choice. Between 2012 and August 2016, he was appointed Non-Executive Director, Nigerite Nigeria Limited and in September 2016, he has just been appointed as Non-Executive Director, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Ibadan.

He is no doubt a big fish in the Ocean as far as the South- Western States is concerned. Therefore, in recognition of his outstanding projection of the name of our community and his immense contributions to the growth of Ilobu both politically and socially, the Olobu of Ilobu honuored him with a first class traditional title of the AKINROGUN of Ilobu land on the 28^th day of September, year 2002. The Muslim Community also capped it up by honouring him with the title of the SARAKI ADINI of Ilobu Central Mosque on the 5^th day of December, year 2011.

In recognition of his sterling contributions to the growth of Ilobu and her natives, I therefore humbly present Engineer Abdelganiyu Olusola Akinwumi as an illustrious son of Ilobu Asake.

COMMENTS:

·         ODEBUNMI ABIDEEN OLATUNDE - My father, my mentor, my everything. May you live long to serve humanity the more and reap bountifully, the benefits of this life and that of hereafter, amen!

·         BELLO SAHEED OLALEKAN - He is a good father, a political mentor and a devoted son of Ilobu. In the year 2000, he sent for me to come and give my name and particulars to Professor Salawu, the then Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho Vice Chancellor in his office at Abeere. Many may not know this, that singular act, made me a MEDICAL DOCTOR today. God bless and keep you sound and healthy for us in Ilobu.

·         AJOKE ALABI – Daddy mi, words are not enough to describe who you are to me. As a baby, I grew up in your arms. As an adult, you still feed me like a toddler. Everyone has a place in your home. You have a very large heart – always forgiving. I call you Papa and you call me, last born. Thank you for all that you sacrificed for other people’s kids to excel in life. Thank you for sending me to the make-up school when the horrible ASUU strike in my school turned me to an “orobo” in your house. Now it is the vocation learnt at the make-up school that is putting food on my table after graduation from the university. God bless you richly daddy!

·         SHINA ALABI – …Thank God the search light is finally on him. Among other things that Baba Akinwumi did for Ilobu which I can never forget is the restoration of electricity back to Ilobu after three solid years of blackout.

Between 1997 and 1999, it was indeed a terrible trying period for Ilobu…our artisans; barbers, vulcanizers, hairdressers, welders; who rely on electricity to work had to relocate to Erin-Osun where electricity supply was not only available but constant. As the Secretary to the Osun State Government in 1999, he ensured that provision of a step down transformer to serve Ilobu and Ifon-Osun was a priority for the new government. To me, this achievement was great and remained indelible as Ilobu was nearly becoming a shadow of itself.

As a young lad then, I made my little contribution to compliment other people’s effort, by writing an article “Ilobu in Blackout” in the Ilobu Asake Magazine, a publication of IDU Lagos with Dr. Oluwole Alabi as the Editor-in-Chief. Therefore, this singular achievement among others, qualifies Baba Akinwumi as an illustrious son of Ilobu.