Dr. Oyewole Ajifolokun, Professor, University of Illinois Extension, USA
ASIWAJU YINKA FASUYI- AN IJESA ICON AND A PATRIOT
My family and I heartily congratulate you, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Chief Olayinka Fasuyi on the attainment and celebration of your 70th birthday.
Chief Fasuyi, you have left a lasting legacy in nearly every area of your life: in academics—having attended the best university in Nigeria; in business—as a self-made and successful entrepreneur; and in social leadership—as arguably the best human and financial mobilizer of our time and a world-class traveler! You have truly lived life to the fullest by using the gifts that God has given you in the service of humanity. You have an incredible entrepreneurial and resilient spirit. You are kind, loving, jovial and generous, and it is my privilege to celebrate you today.
Although our acquaintance only began recently, it feels as if I have known you for decades. I can vividly recall my first encounter with you. I was driving to my office a few years ago when my very good friend, Rev. Adewolo Adebiyi, called and said my phone number was given to Asiwaju Fasuyi and I asked who that person was (because I never knew you then). Not too long after my conversation with Rev. Adebiyi, a call came through, and truly, it was Asiwaju who was on the line. Your voice was gentle, cordial, and convincing. We only spoke for a few minutes, but it was as if we had known each other for years.
A few months after our first phone call, and even though had not met you physically, I invited you to be the chairman at the commissioning of Prinaj Hotel, Resort and Suites, Ere-Ijesa. You told me you and your wife were on vacation overseas, but you would cut the family vacation short and personally be in Ere-Ijesa to be the chairman of the occasion! We were truly honored. The Ere-ijesa people would never forget your presence at that momentous event and for the message of hope and assurance you delivered on behalf of the then Imperial Majesty, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran. I am yet to encounter a person who is so patriotic, compassionate, and dedicated to all the good causes of Ijesaland like you. No doubt, you are a man of the people and a remarkable trailblazer of our time.
Today we celebrate not only the years you have lived but the life you have led—marked by purpose and an unwavering service to God and humanity. While you may still have some unfinished aspirations, there is no doubt, Asiwaju, that you are a great man and an achiever. I congratulate you again, most warmly, on this memorable occasion of your 70th birthday. May the good Lord continue to bless you with long life, sound health and abundance of prosperity.
Sincerely,
Dr. Oyewole Ajifolokun
Professor of Biological and forensic science,
University of Illinois Extension, Chicago, USA.
Chairman, Prinaj Hotel, Resort and Suites, Ere-Ijesa.
