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Bode Akindele: Ibadan has lost a legend – Ige laments

Published

6 years ago

July 1, 2020

The Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ademola Akeem Ige on Tuesday said that with the demise of the business mogul and philanthropist, Chief Bode Akindele, Ibadan has once again lost one of its very best and illustrious son.

Hon. Ademola Ige stated this while reacting to the death of Chief Akindele which occured early yesterday morning, describing the death as a colossal loss not only to Ibadan land but to Oyo State and the entire nation as a whole.

Hon. Ige, who lamented the passing of high profile Ibadan indigenes such as Chief Richard Akinjide, Dr Lekan Are, former Governor Ajimobi, the Babaloja of Ibadan, Alhaji Adisa Oladapo and the very recent one,Chief Bode Akindele, called on every sons and daughters of Ibadan to be prayerful to God against death that is taking Ibadan’s superstars on quick succession.

Hon. Ademola Akeem Ige who is the former Minority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Baameto Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, described Chief Bode Akindele as an exceptional entrepreneur and philanthropist who has contributed immensely towards the development of Ibadan and humanity.

He added that Chief Akindele, who is the Parakoyi of Ibadanland came to this world, saw, conquered and had left an indelible mark as an astute businessman.

Hon. Ademola Ige expressed his condolence to the immediate members of the deceased, the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji and the entire sons and daughters of Ibadan.

He prayed God to grant all the departed souls eternal rest and their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

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Alli hails Arapaja at 68, calls him pride of Oyo

Published

14 hours ago

November 10, 2026

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The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has described former Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja as a brave citizen and a source of pride to the state as he marks his 68th birthday.

Alli, in a birthday message personally signed on Tuesday, praised Arapaja for his contributions to democracy, public service and good governance, describing him as a statesman whose impact on Oyo State and the country remained significant.

He said the former deputy governor had distinguished himself in various public offices through courage, loyalty, wisdom and commitment to the welfare of the people.

Alli also described Arapaja as a rare gift to Oyo State, Nigeria and humanity, noting that his record of service reflected his dedication to leadership and nation-building.

He traced Arapaja’s political journey from his tenure as chairman of Ibadan South-East Local Government to his election into the House of Representatives and subsequent appointment as deputy governor of Oyo State between 2007 and 2011 under the late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.

The APC governorship candidate also recalled Arapaja’s diplomatic service as Nigeria’s ambassador to Iran and later Jordan, where he served until 2015.

According to Alli, Arapaja has excelled as a family man, politician, public administrator and diplomat, earning respect through his conduct and commitment to public service.

“Ambassador Arapaja has excelled as a family man, a politician, a public administrator, a diplomat and as a patriot. In every assignment, he has demonstrated the courage to speak the truth, the commitment to serve and the passion to lift others,” he said.

Alli further described the celebrant as a bridge-builder and political mobiliser whose experience and political sagacity had continued to shape the state’s political landscape.

He added that Arapaja had remained consistent in leadership, character and service, noting that his contributions deserved recognition.
While wishing him many more years,

Alli prayed for good health, long life and renewed strength for the former deputy governor to continue contributing to the development of Oyo State and Nigeria.

“As you add another year today, I celebrate the enigma, the bridge-builder and the mobiliser. Happy 68th birthday, Your Excellency. Oyo State is proud of you,” he added.

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Oseni Hails Arapaja’s Public Service Record at 68

Published

16 hours ago

November 10, 2026

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, on his 68th birthday, describing his years in public office as a significant chapter in the political history of the state.

Oseni, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, acknowledged Arapaja’s contributions to public administration, legislative duties, governance and international diplomacy.

He said the birthday was an opportunity to reflect on a career that had taken the former deputy governor through different levels of public service and leadership.

“At 68, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja has every reason to look back with gratitude on a journey that has taken him through different responsibilities in public service. His experience in local government administration, the National Assembly, the Oyo State Government and international diplomacy speaks to a life shaped by service and public responsibility,” he said.

The federal lawmaker noted that the value of leadership should not be measured solely by the offices occupied but by the impact made on people’s lives and the institutions strengthened for the benefit of future generations.

He added that Oyo State needed the wisdom of experienced leaders, stronger institutions and a collective commitment to development beyond political affiliations.

“Public service is a responsibility, not a personal entitlement. The enduring worth of any leader lies not simply in the offices occupied but in the positive difference made in the lives of the people. Our state needs the wisdom of experience, the strength of institutions and a shared commitment to development beyond political affiliations,” he added.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), wished Arapaja good health, renewed strength and many more years of fulfilment.

He also prayed that God would continue to grant the former deputy governor the wisdom and grace to contribute to the progress of Oyo State and Nigeria.

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Ibadan Mogajis Back Oseni’s Senatorial Bid

Published

2 days ago

November 9, 2026

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The Ibadan family heads known as Mogajis have thrown their weight behind the 2027 senatorial ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, saying his support would be needed in the Senate to advance the agitation for the creation of Ibadan State.

‎The Mogajis made their position known when they received Oseni at the historic Olubadan Palace, Oja’ba, Ibadan, over the weekend.

‎They commended his contributions to the development of Ibadanland and said his experience, capacity and performance informed their decision to support his ambition.

‎This development was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Head of the Remi Oseni Media Office (ROMO), Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan.

‎Speaking on behalf of the Mogajis, their president, Mogaji Asimiyu Adepoju Ariori, described Oseni as a friend of the masses who had made contributions to the lives of individuals and communities.

He said their decision was not based on party affiliation but on their assessment of Oseni’s character and record of service.

‎“Our support for Hon. Aderemi Oseni is not driven by party affiliation but by our conviction in his character, generosity and commitment to the development of our people.

‎“The struggle for the creation of Ibadan State requires credible voices and committed advocates in the National Assembly. We believe that having him in the Senate will give our aspiration the needed representation and legislative support,” Ariori said.

‎The President of the Mogajis recalled that Oseni was the first to support the Ile-Eke building project with a donation of ₦10 million. He added that the project was ready for commissioning.

‎Ariori also mentioned Oseni’s contributions to other initiatives aimed at promoting the social, cultural and economic development of Ibadanland.

He expressed the hope that Oseni’s election to the Senate in 2027 would provide an opportunity to give the agitation for Ibadan State greater attention at the National Assembly.

In his response, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, who currently represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), thanked the Mogajis for their endorsement. He described them as an important part of Ibadan’s traditional institution and cultural heritage.

He said he appreciated the confidence they had expressed in him and would not take their support for granted.

“I do not take this confidence and endorsement for granted. The Mogajis represent an important institution in the history, culture and traditional administration of Ibadanland.

“If elected to the Senate, I will regard the mandate as a call to greater service and will work with critical stakeholders to advance the interests of Oyo South,” he said.

‎Oseni assured the people of the senatorial district that he would not let them down, pledging to provide purposeful and people-centred representation.