Olawale Fasuyi, Lagos

Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi: An Enigma of Visionary Leadership and Community Transformation

The entire family of late Pa Jacob Olowookere Fasuyi is proud of the enormous strides that the current Asiwaju of Ijesaland Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi has made, since he was bestowed with the honour in 2020. Even before the honour our Asiwaju had made his marks in different capacities and endeavours as a thorough bred professional, visionary leader, propagator of the Christian faith and a sign post for culture and tradition. Born on October 25, 1955, in Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi’s life’s journey, is marked by academic excellence, professional distinction, and philanthropic endeavours. This underscores his enigmatic persona that continues to inspire many especially we the younger members of the family. Asiwaju is the current Balogun of the Holy Trinity Anglican church cathedral, Omofe Ilesa, an honour in recognition of his numerous services in the Lord’s vineyard.

Professional Excellence

Professionally, Asiwaju’s career commenced at Total Nigeria Plc, where he served as a marketing executive. This is after his multitude of educational laurels, achievement and honours with several post graduate degrees and awards. In 1992, he founded Supreme Management Training and Consultancy Services Ltd, a firm that has provided consultancy services to global organizations such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, UNDP Federal and State Governments. His contributions to management consultancy are further exemplified by the establishment of the Ibadan Business School in 2011, aimed at enhancing human capital development in Nigeria’s public and private sectors.

Community Development and Philanthropy

Asiwaju Fasuyi’s impact transcends professional realms, deeply rooted in community development and philanthropy. He is a member of various socio cultural and economic societies within and outside Ilesa. His political affiliations remains unknown though, which is the hallmark of a non-self-serving and non-partisan leader who views development only from its impact on humanity. some of Asiwaju’s initiatives, in collaboration with other well-meaning Ijesas, include but not limited to the listed below

• Restoration of Electricity in Ijesa land: Following a crisis that led to the destruction of electricity infrastructure in 2019, Fasuyi orchestrated negotiations and mobilized resources to restore power within three months, averting a potential five-year blackout.

• Construction of the Owa Obokun Adimula Palace: He spearheaded the rebuilding of the paramount ruler’s palace, mobilizing 102 Ijesa indigenes and completing the project within nine months during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Establishment of the Ijesa Geriatric Centre: Utilizing surplus funds from the palace project, Fasuyi initiated the construction of a N1 billion geriatric centre, the largest community-funded project in Nigeria, completed in ten months.

• Leading the initiative to convert the former Osun State college of education Ilesa into the current University of Ilesa, the first university in Ijesaland

• Advocacy for Safe Mining Practices: Through the Ijesa Mineral Resources Development Forum, that promotes safe mining practices to protect the environment and public health.

• Educational Support: His foundation, the Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi Foundation, has consistently paid WAEC fees for over 2,000 students annually across six local government areas in Ijesa land.

A source of inspiration to future generations.

Asiwaju Fasuyi’s leadership is characterized by strategic vision, effective mobilization of resources, and a deep-seated commitment to community welfare. His ability to galvanize support for large-scale projects and his dedication to education, health and agricultural initiatives have left an indelible mark in Ijesa land. His recognition of education and vocational training as tools for emancipation of the youth and agriculture as a driver of economic growth, has also been brought to bear in his investment drives and support for the community. Asiwaju encapsulates his role as a unifying figure and a catalyst for positive change.

In conclusion, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi embodies the qualities of an enigma—complex, inspiring, and transformative. His life’s work serves as a beacon for aspiring leaders and underscores the profound impact of dedicated service to humanity. Only a man of this personae could have achieved all these in a short spell of time, and still willing to take on more, for the benefit of mankind.

We the entire Fasuyi clan are proud to have him as one of our own we salute his doggedness and foresight He is no doubt a source of inspiration for all of us. May he untiringly continue to grow in strength under-God’s armour and guidance.

Ki e pe fun wa, Asiwaju, we salute your vision, courage and determination.

Olawale Fasuyi.

Lagos, Nigeria