Ask me for an incredibly made human being, I will show you Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, ask for an outstandingly sound and intelligent person, I will waste no time in mentioning the name of Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, ask me for a man who thinks about his community ( Ijeshaland) 24/7, I will not hesitate to raise the hand of Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, ask me for a man who can multitask so effortlessly, I will, without any hesitation, unreservedly point to Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, ask me to nominate a man with a limitless capacity of storage gigs in his medula oblongata, I will win a 100meter race senior boys for the purpose of bringing out Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, make an enquiry about a man who can extemporaneously deliver a beautiful speech without any preparation for same, I will show you Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, ask me for a man who has the ability to recall names off hand without any difficulties, I will show you Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi. I can go on and on to mention your incredible talents and virtues which are rarely embodied in a single person. As if all those gifts were inadequate, God has also given you a physique and a handsome look that announce your presence anywhere. Are you not lucky?
Asiwaju, leaders are born, made or have leadership bestowed on them. I think you are a combination of the 3 processes. 2 things initially endeared me to you. The first one was the time you called me out of the blues to come and join ICDA. You spoke to me as if you had known me from the day I was born. I felt safe and home and immediately ready to be your student and follower. This was easy, because I had heard of the gigantic projects you and others have accomplished in Ijeshaland. I must confess to you that I have been your silent admirer before then and I still remain an ardent one, hence it was a thing of joy when I heard from you. The second time which totally swept me off my feet was when you invited me to come and head the team that will swear in the important personalities appointed to monitor local government chairmen and councillors in Ijeshaland. This was basically for the purpose of ensuring that the budgetary allocations meant for their constituency are utilized for the purpose for which they are meant, thereby taking effective governance and dividend of democracy directly to the people. At the said occasion, you mentioned the names of all the Obas in Ijeshaland in accordance with the way they were seated without you having a piece of paper in your hand and without recourse to anyone for assistance. That singular act gave me goose pimples and made me feel so humble, but yet appreciative of the fact that some people are special breeds. You are indeed a special breed. The other 2 personalities I have had the fortune of meeting who had performed the same feat are Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the former Vice president of Nigeria and late Professor Idowu of the faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife.
Asiwaju, the truth is that God has created you in a way that you can no longer be ignored. Your hard work and intellect have been met with grace. Grace is only given by God. I have always told people but many have always disagreed with me that grace will not manifest and if it manifests, it will vanish in no time if there are no other intrinsic values like hardwork, intellect, integrity, wisdom and other virtues to allow it fester. You are indeed a blessing to all of us.
I must again confess that I have not been able to achieve traction that much in the noble assignment you gave me, and this is primarily because I am not like you and I do not have your strength and capabilities. Please be patient with me, I will get there slow and steady and you will be proud of me.
I am not known to be a praise singer but a critic of note. However, when I see exceptional people, I celebrate them and vomit my truth about them.
Asiwaju, on the occasion of your birthday today, I wish you long life and good health. Wealth, you already have, God will not take it away from you. I sincerely do not know how Yeye Asiwaju is coping with various activities competing with the time meant for her, but I must commend her for being a strong support system to you. Asiwaju, you will reap the fruits of your labour on Ijeshaland and on your children. Amen.
Long live Asiwaju
Long live Ijeshaland
Long live Osun State
Long live Nigeria.
Bamidele Ibironke, SAN
