Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has called on prominent indigenes of Ibadan to rally round the family of the late Abdul-Azeez Arisekola-Alao who died a year ago.
The governor made the call during a special prayer and books presentation held to commemorate the first year anniversary of the death of the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land at his residence in Ibadan.
The one year anniversary event was attended by prominent Yoruba musicians King Sunny Ade and Evang. Ebenezer Obey, Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, who was represented by one of his aides, Bashir Lawal; the Olubadan of Ibadan land, who was represented by the Ekerin Olubadan, High Chief Tajuden Ajibola; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oyewumi Ajagungbade, who was also represented by Baale of Taraa, Kolawole Akinyele; and Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Lanipekun. The Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Tunde Badmus, was also present.
In his remarks, Ajimobi eulogised the late philanthropist, while also calling on those who were present at the event to emulate Arisekola-Alao’s humility and godliness.
He said, “Today, we remember Arisekola-Alao and we must take a lot from his way of life. He led an exemplary life and without being a king, he ruled Yoruba land. Humility, godliness and philanthropic gesture were his three main features. Aare unified Ibadan with his money and humility and Ibadan people should learn how to rally around his family and establish love among his children. I am not speaking as a politician but as someone who cherishes his way of life and does not want what he lived for to be destroyed”.
