It was a tribute galore as dignitaries across the globe joined the people of Ijesaland at the weekend to celebrate their leader, High Chief Olayinka Fasuyi, the president, chief executive officer, and founder of Ibadan Business School, who marked his 70th birthday in Ilesa, Osun State.
The week-long event climaxed with a Thanksgiving service and book lunch attended by Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), former Osun governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, sister to Osun Governor, Mrs Modupe Adeleke, Asiwaju of Osogboland, Justice Moshood Adeigbe, and former Osun Commissioner for Works, Hon. Remi Omowaye.
Royal fathers from within Ijesaland, across the state, and beyond also attended the event, which was massively graced by Ijesa people from the six local governments, family members, friends and associates of the celebrant.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Tola Faseru, described the management consultant as an epitome of good leadership that has impacted tremendously on Ijesaland through the Ijesaland Community Development Assembly (ICDA) and Ijesaland Development Fund (IDF)
Adeleke noted that celebrating his life is a remarkable testament to the impact of his work and contributions to society. He added that anyone truly desirous of making the right impact on the people must seek guidance and make efforts to emulate him.
In his goodwill message at the event, Chief Wole Olanipekun, who described Fasuyi as a ‘builder’ and ‘role model’ to even people older than him, said the country needs more people like the Asiwaju of Ijesaland.
The legal icon who chaired the event said, “Asiwaju gave me a year’s notice for this event. I travelled out of the country, but said I must be here. Asiwaju is the central attraction of this country. He is so amiable, caring, empathetic, and productive.
“Now you are 70 years old. Shakespeare said some are born great, some attain greatness by themselves, and some have greatness thrust upon them. The signs were there from your secondary school days at Ilesa Grammar school that you would get to where you are today.
“Let me go back to Shakespeare again. He was born great; his father was an illustrious businessman. He didn’t suffer when he was in school.
“Yinka attained the greatest by himself, and here we are, all of us trusting greatness in him. He has the Midas touch. He brought people together. You are a builder. You are giving lives even to dead people in this country. Nigeria needs people like you, and I pray you continue flourishing.
“You are a role model to so many people. Even to those older than you, one thing about you is that you cultivate the friendship of your friends. You don’t lose your friends.
You are a pride to Ijesaland and Yorubaland, and you will continue to blossom,” Olanipekun said.
