— Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Yesterday, the ancient city of Ijebu-Ode was a beehive of activities, colour and pageantry as the Ashiru family rolled out the drums to commemorate the 30th posthumous anniversary of their patriarch, Pa Simeon Adeyemi Ashiru, fondly remembered as Baba Oniwe.
The well-attended event brought together eminent personalities from government, traditional institutions, academia and the business community, all united in celebrating the enduring legacy of a man widely regarded as a business mogul, respected community leader, disciplinarian and an uncompromising advocate of education.
Speaking at the event, Professor Toyin Ashiru paid glowing tribute to his late father, describing him as the foundation upon which the family’s achievements were built.
“Whatever we are today is because of our father,” he said. “He placed premium value on education, rewarded academic excellence and deliberately encouraged healthy competition among us. Despite his entrepreneurial commitments, he always created time for personal engagement with his children.”
In his remarks, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, the Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Ltd described Pa Ashiru as a man of discipline, unity and strong family values. According to him, the cohesion enjoyed by the Ashiru family today is a direct reflection of their father’s principles.
“We all ate from the same pot; there was no discrimination among the children,” he noted. “He taught us unity, fairness and the importance of living as one family and most importantly education.”
Also speaking, Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, MD/CEO Ogun-Osun River Basin described his grandfather as an indefatigable worker who instilled the fear of God and a deep respect for education in all members of the family.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of a giant statue erected in honour of Pa Simeon Adeyemi Ashiru, performed by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Her Excellency Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who represented the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON at the occasion. The monument, according to the family, is meant to immortalise the values and contributions of the late patriarch to humanity and community development.
The event attracted a distinguished array of guests, including Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Angel Adelaja; Hon. Dare Alebiosu, the Executive Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Chief Bisi Olatilo and other notable personalities.
Royal fathers in attendance included the Awujale Regent, Chief Kuku; Kabiyesi Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, Oba A. A. Oguntayo; Kabiyesi Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, HRH Oba Rasaq Adenugba; and Kabiyesi Moyegeso of Ijebu-Itele, Oba (Engr.) Mufutau Kasali, among others.
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