Kakalistiq.com reports that the Epe community has come together to pay tribute to the late Chief Adebayo Osi-Efa, a renowned achiever and unifier who dedicated his life to the betterment of the community. During the solemn fidau prayers held today, June 4, 2024, in Epe, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, represented by Dr. Hakeem Shittu, Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), led the outpouring of condolences and tributes to the Octogenarian who lived an extraordinary life.
Dr. Shittu described the deceased as a “unity champion and community development frontliner” who served as the first president of the premier club in the Epe Division, Epe Club. He extended the Deputy Governor’s condolences and offered prayers for the repose of the deceased soul. The Deputy Governor also wished the family a better life after the loss of their father. “He told me to tell the family that he is here with them in spirit, that he feels their pain, and that he wishes them a better life after the death of their father. He asked me to console them and wish them the best,” he said.
Otunba Bola Odebiyi remembered the deceased as a reputable family man who preached family unity and cohesion. He was instrumental in the establishment of the renowned Epe Club, which has now blossomed into the Epe Division Club, uniting the two ethnic tribes in Epe.
“He told us the vision he had was to form a non-tribalistic club at a time when the dichotomy between the Ekos and Ijebus in Epe was very severe. He said he wanted a club that would unite the two ethnic tribes in Epe, and that’s how it started. That Epe club has now blossomed and transformed into the Epe Division Club, and he made sure that those who were members of all the divisions. We will always be grateful for that idea,” he stated.
Otunba Adisa Osi-Efa, who had known the deceased for over 80 years, relived memories of his lifetime and legacy. He expressed gratitude for the deceased’s good life, despite the sadness of his passing. “You know I’ll miss him, for sure. That’s somebody I was seeing every day and now he’s gone, but there’s no regret; we thank God. He died at the age of 87,” he said.
Dr. Hassan Adeyemi Sanuth, Vice President of the Oke-Balogun descendants association, echoed the numerous impacts of the deceased, noting that his passion for peace, progress, unity, and cohesion in Epe was unparalleled. He urged the family to uphold his legacies. “It’s on record that the first meeting of the Epe Club was held in their family parlour. He’ll be missed,” he averred.
At the Fidau prayers, the Epe LG Vice-Chairman, Hon. Sikiru Owolomoshe, the Mogaji Ngeri of Epe Kingdom, High Chief Adio Oduola, Epe Division’s Grand Chief Imam, Sheikh AbdulRahmon Sadala, Engineer Adebola Shabi, Associate Professor Nosiru Onibon, and other notable dignitaries were present.
The Epe community has lost a unifying force, but his legacy will continue to inspire and unite the community for generations to come.
