I rejoice with my friend, brother and benefactor, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi as he climbs elegantly with pride up the 7th floor of life and in good and sound health. Nothing can be more glorious and satisfying for a man that has devoted his life to community service, a man who is defined by hard work, tenacity of purpose and philanthropy. Perhaps the legendary Commander Ebenezer Obey had Fasuyi in mind when he waxed lyrical – “ká tó fìyàn jóyè láàrin ìlú, ó ní láti jẹ́ni rere”. The title and honour of Asiwaju of Ijeshaland fits him squarely and superbly.
Our paths crossed over 50 years at Ilesa Grammar School. He was my senior and I doubt if I interacted with him then. But he was both popular and notorious for his aristocratic pedigree and personal rascality in those days. It was at the University of Ibadan that I got to be close to him. I am not sure if he was attending our Old Students Association meetings then with the likes Fakolujo, Idowu Olayinka, Olaifa, Bimbo Ilugbo, Rotimi Oluborode, and myself, among others. It was during his postgraduate training in the Department of Agricultural Economics that I got closer to him. He was usually in company of Dr Foluso Okumadewa ( as he then was) while Professor Abiodun Falusi provided the father figure to all of us in the 1990s.
Yinka radiates ample self-confidence, personal dignity with unassuming disposition. He often looks like a lecturer himself! I became close to him because of his warmth and genial disposition towards people generally. I attended his mother’s birthday at Ilesa many years ago and I made it a duty to be at all of his social engagements to which I am duly invited. An enviable trait of Asiwaju Fasuyi is that of a joyful fellow. He enjoys celebrating the successes of his friends. At least, I attended such parties that he himself organised for Professors Adewole, Gbadegesin and Olayinka when they became Vice Chancellors. He also hosts parties for Commissioners of Police and General Officers Commanding, 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army. Apart from attending the wedding of my children, it was through him that I got Baba Ebenezer Obey to play during my daughter’s wedding in 2019. In order to attend my retirement and 65th birthday, he and his wife had to reschedule their flight abroad. I considered this a great honour from a honourable man. I am also eternally grateful to Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi for providing employment to my nephew shortly after his NYSC.
In the last fifteen years or so, Asiwaju Fasuyi has shifted attention to Ilesa, thus depriving some of us, his friends, the opportunity of his joyful personality and due attention. When all is said and done, Yinka Fasuyi’s life has been a success story vertically and horizontally, in all directions. He himself has fully documented his exploits and remarkable community service. The last word belongs to his darling and highly supportive wife Dr. Mrs. Yeye Asiwaju Fasuyi, a paragon of beauty and humility personified.
Hearty congratulations, once again. May the good Lord continue to prosper you and your family. Ire o!
Dr Gani Adeniran
