The Most Revd. Prof. G. Latunji Lasebikan, Archbishop

ARCHBISHOP G. LATUNJI LASEBIKAN

TRIBUTE TO ASIWAJU YINKA FASUYI @ 70

1991 was the year I started my journey with him and his Church at All Souls Anglican Church, Bodija and he was attracted to me by his mien and ability to jocularly react to issues, yet with persuasive seriousness. As his Pastor, I watched him with prayerful curiosity turned into great joyfulness as he ploughed through life’s challenges as a young man with his wife once my student in the University.

His founding of the Supreme Management Training and Consultancy Services Ltd in 1992 was the manifesting time because I commissioned the program and I witnessed its stupendous growth as it impacted the lives of many who availed themselves of the availability of the services at the facility. It was only after that event that I discovered that Yinka had a praying mother as a huge asset, a woman who gave me a life experience of dignified spirituality when we dedicated Yinka’s palacious house in Iyaganku, Ibadan. I therefore never had a doubt that Yinka would be a success in life especially because he was a man who accepted challenge, reproof, advice and encouragement put together. Our years of relationship no doubt have birthed good responses anyone will be proud of. Aided of course by his distinguished wife, they have both waded through challenging waters to swim out triumphantly clean.

His contributions to the growth of his native country, Ilesa, is for me very mind blowing and these underscore why he is many things to the Church and Society such as Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Balogun of Ijebu-jesa, the Baba Oba of Iwaraja-Ijesa and Balogun Ijo of the Cathedral Church, Omofe, Ilesa among many other titles as it will be practically impossible to itemize his landmark contributions to this God’s own country ie, Ijesaland.

Now, turning 70 is an appropriate period of eulogizing an Ijesa man in whom there’s no guile and to thank God for his life which he shall live fully for long. His is the fulfilment of scriptures contained in Proverbs 22 : 29

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men

This confession is so prophetically appropriate for Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, a man of esteem, hardworking, resilient, a goal getter and free giver and certainly accomplished.

Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi deserves every accolade on this occasion as we trust God for him for longer life and increased prosperity.

The Most Revd Professor Lasebikan