The President of Epe Ogunmodede Club, Barr. Omodele Ibrahim, has described the late Otunba Bola Taiwo Odebiyi, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Epe Club, as a unifying figure whose life embodied community spirit, humility, and leadership.
Speaking during the grand final burial ceremony held at the prestigious Jubilee Chalets, Epe, on Saturday, October 19, 2025, Ibrahim joined a host of dignitaries from all walks of life to honour the memory of the revered statesman, family man, and philanthropist. The massive turnout, he said, was a testament to the enduring love and respect Otunba Odebiyi commanded in his lifetime.
In a heartfelt interview on the sidelines of the colourful event, Ibrahim reflected on the late Odebiyi’s contributions to communal growth and unity across Epe Division.
“Otunba Odebiyi did a lot for Epe through his laudable contributions towards the growth and development of this division. He was a unifying factor; he actually cut across every spectrum of this division and brought everybody together,” he said with deep emotion.
The Epe Ogunmodede Club President, who also holds the traditional title of Alakoso of Epe Kingdom and serves on the Kayokayo Advisory Board, noted that Odebiyi’s greatness transcended the borders of Epe Division.
“He was a wonderful man, a great man, an exemplary leader that should be emulated in all ramifications. I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to interact with him during his lifetime,” Ibrahim stated. “I learnt things of inestimable value from the character, exposure, capacity, and capability of the deceased, who was well respected across the division. Even in death, he has not lost his dignity and honour; that is why you can see this mammoth crowd from all walks of life celebrating the good life he lived.”
The atmosphere at the event was both joyful and reflective, as Odebiyi’s wives and children basked in the warmth of tributes and the shared pride of a family whose patriarch left indelible footprints. In true Yoruba fashion, the ceremony was not just a farewell but a celebration of legacy.
Offering words of encouragement to the family, Barr. Ibrahim urged them to uphold the late icon’s values.
“My advice to his children and family is to keep his legacy alive, and they should never in any way compromise that,” he added.
As the sun set over the Jubilee Chalets that evening, it was clear that Otunba Bola Odebiyi’s story had not ended, it had simply become a legacy, one that continues to inspire unity, service, and leadership in Epe and beyond.
