The serene town of Ejinrin came alive on Saturday, November 1, 2025, as the crème de la crème of Lagos politics, business, and community leadership gathered for the 8th-day Fidau prayers held in honour of the late Chief Ganiyu Adio Akintola, the pioneer Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA.
The event, hosted by the incumbent Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, Otunba Wale Raji Anomo, was described as a befitting tribute to a man whose name remains etched in the annals of grassroots governance. “Alhaji Akintola was a visionary leader, a dedicated public servant, and one of the foremost architects of the modern Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, whose legacy of service, humility, and community development will remain evergreen,” Anomo said, noting that the vacuum his passing left behind “will be very difficult to fill.”
The Fidau, which drew notable dignitaries including Rep. Wale Raji of Epe Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Abiodun Muritala, Lagos Accountant-General, Dr. Hakeem Shittu, LASUBEB Chairman, and Hon. Segun Olulade, Galaxy Bone Director of Customer Centricity, was both solemn and celebratory, a blend of remembrance and gratitude for a life well lived.
Adding his voice, Chief Olayemi Dada, President of Epe Club, described Akintola’s death as “a painful loss.” In his condolence message, he wrote: “Alhaji Akintola was a visionary leader, a respected elder statesman, and a man deeply committed to the progress of his community and humanity at large. His pioneering role as the first Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA and his contributions to public service in Lagos State stand as enduring legacies of excellence and humility.”
Echoing the same sentiment, Dr. Bakare Isiaka Adeyinka (Eruobodo) described the deceased as “a father, mentor, and source of inspiration to many.” He stated, “His pioneering efforts and selfless contributions to the growth and development of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA will forever remain in our hearts. His wisdom, humility, and integrity distinguished him as a man of honour.”
From across the Atlantic, Dr. Sidikat Olabisi, a U.S.-based daughter of Ejinrin and entrepreneur, paid glowing tribute to the late statesman. “He was a leader par excellence and a true gentleman who knew how to make peace with his people. Throughout his tenure as Executive Chairman, he turned things around for good,” she said.
Representing Hon. Ogunkelu Sylvester (Sketel) of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Okeowo Adewale, APC Secretary of Eredo LCDA, described Akintola as “a true democrat whose legacy cannot be easily forgotten in the political landscape of Epe.”
Similarly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, former Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, praised the late leader’s enduring influence. “Baba was a true leader who contributed greatly to the development of Ikosi-Ejinrin and Epe as a whole. His loyalty to the APC and passion for the success of his people were unmatched,” Ikuforiji said.
Also paying tribute, Aare Olusegun Olulade, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, said: “Alhaji Akintola was our father not just in politics but in everything. He united us and made sure we remained one family.”
For the family, the ceremony was both an emotional and prideful moment. One of his sons, Mr. Adesoji Akintola, said with gratitude, “My father was a true leader who was loved by his people. He never segregated himself and was a unifier par excellence. I pray the Almighty forgives him and accepts his home call.”
Capping the glowing tributes, Hon. Bamidele Ajenifuja, APC Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin, reaffirmed the community’s collective loss. “Baba Akintola was our father not just in politics but in all aspects of life. His legacy will remain forever in Ikosi-Ejinrin,” he said.
As the prayers echoed through the air and memories of his service filled the hearts of those present, one thing became clear, Chief Ganiyu Adio Akintola was not just a man of his time; he was a pillar upon which Ikosi-Ejinrin’s progress continues to stand.
