It was a moment of heartfelt reflection and gratitude as the lawmaker representing Epe Federal Constituency, Rep. Wale Raji, paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Ganiyu Adio Akintola, describing him as a “Master of Projects” whose legacy of service and mentorship would never fade.
Speaking during the 8th-day Fidau prayer held in honour of the pioneer Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Saturday in Ejinrin town, Rep. Raji announced plans to immortalize his late mentor through the commissioning of a school building.
“If I am Mr. Project, Baba Akintola was Master of Projects and I’m grateful to him for his inspiration,” Raji declared before a gathering of illustrious sons and daughters from across the Epe Division and beyond.
Recounting his last conversation with the late statesman, the lawmaker revealed how the deceased had been excited about the planned commissioning of a block of six classrooms at Lofi Ogunmude Junior Secondary School, a project he had promised to name in his honour.
“I called and told him about it and he was excited but he told me that he wasn’t feeling well,” Raji recalled. “He opted for one of his sons to represent him at the commissioning if he wouldn’t be able to make it. By the special grace of God, between one or two weeks, I’m using this opportunity to notify Doctor that he will represent Baba during the commissioning of that project.”
Offering prayers for the repose of Chief Akintola’s soul, the federal lawmaker asked Almighty Allah to grant him Aljanat Firdaus, describing his death as “an irreparable loss to Ejinrin and the entire Epe Division.”
In his written tribute, Rep. Raji reflected deeply on the profound influence of his former teacher, mentor, and father figure. “It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I pay this tribute to an extraordinary man, my teacher, mentor, father figure, and a revered statesman, Alhaji Ganiyu Adio Akintola,” he wrote. “His passing is not just a personal loss to me, but an irreparable loss to the Ejinrin community and the entire Epe Division.”
Raji described the late Akintola as “a rare gem, a man of great intellect, humility, and foresight” whose footprints in education and public service remain indelible. From his days as a dedicated Biology and Chemistry teacher to his tenure as Principal of Epe Grammar School, Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Education, and later Pioneer Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, Akintola’s life, he said, exemplified “diligence, integrity, and purpose-driven leadership.”
“He lived for others,” Raji added, “nurturing young minds, inspiring generations, and laying solid foundations for grassroots progress and governance. His selflessness, discipline, and commitment to the greater good remain an everlasting lesson to all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
On behalf of the people of Epe Federal Constituency, Rep. Raji extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the Ejinrin community, and all residents of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus, and comfort all who mourn his departure,” he prayed.
“Adieu to my beloved teacher, inspiring leader, and community pillar. Your legacy of service, humility, and excellence will forever remain a guiding light to us all.”
