Friends, Family Felicitate Chief Ayo Dawotola On His Birthday, Describe Him As Seasoned Administrator, Bridge Builder

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – Members of the Recreation Club, Ilaro (RCI), together with friends and family of Chief Ayo Dawotola, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, gathered at the club’s premises to celebrate the Otun Aguro of Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State, on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.

The event, which turned out to be carnival-like, was used by many to reflect on the qualities of the Secretary of the Olu Ilaro-in-Council.

The first tribute came from Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Alani Hamed, veteran journalist and Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa, described Chief Dawotola as an intelligent personality who, through his versatility, has earned respect everywhere.

He noted that though they sometimes disagreed on political issues, it never disturbed their brotherhood as sons of Modeolu, Ilaro, and as members of the Olu Ilaro-in-Council.

A devout Muslim, Abu-Satar prayed for the celebrant with Ayyatul Qurisiyu, asking Allah to grant him long life, health, and joy.

In his remarks, Alhaji Rafiu Ogundipe, fondly called Alagbada, revealed that he first knew the Dawotolas through another family member before meeting Chief Ayo personally at the Recreation Club.

Since then, he said, he has known him as a complete gentleman and a very humble personality.

Alagbada offered prayers for long life, health, and abundant blessings.

Chief Dapo Oke, Registrar of Tai Solarin University of Education and Ajiroba of Imasayi-Yewa, described Chief Dawotola as a “resource personality par excellence” who distinguishes himself in every capacity.

He fondly referred to him as “Chief Caterer” – his interpretation of the Otun Aguro title – and congratulated him on his birthday, praying for good health and continued service to humanity.

Chief Idowu Onifade, the Otunba Onimo-Ero of Ilaro-Yewa, congratulated Chief Dawotola, describing him as a bridge builder who has successfully fostered unity among chieftaincy title holders.

“As a subject of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, MFR, the Olu Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, I am happy to serve alongside Chief Ayo Dawotola in the Olu Ilaro-in-Council”, he said.

Renowned broadcaster Mr. ‘Deji Adeyemi recalled that he and Chief Dawotola are blood relations and have maintained that bond since childhood.

He shared how Dawotola encouraged him during his career at Radio Nigeria, Ibadan, by frequently checking up on him.

‘Deji Adeyemi congratulated Chief Ayo Dawotola and prayed for many more years of health and joy.

Mr. Biodun Ogunbona described Chief Dawotola as an enigma blessed in human resource management. He testified that he has never seen him lacking in morals, attitude, or socio-cultural values.

Similarly, Mr. Biodun Olakanmi congratulated the celebrant, wishing him many happy returns in good health and happiness.

Prince (Alhaji) Lamidi Elegbede, fondly called Emperor, called Chief Dawotola a kind family man. He recalled fond experiences they had shared; saying he never regretted their closeness.

Emperor thanked God for Dawotola’s life and prayed for divine blessings and protection over him and his family.

Chief Shafarudeen Popoola, the Bobatolu of Ilaro-Yewa, fondly known as “Baba Iyami”, described Dawotola as a true lover of his roots.

He praised him as a committed community leader who dearly loves Ilaro-Yewa and its people.

Chief Popoola prayed that God grant the celebrant many more years in good health and happiness.

Octogenarian broadcaster Pa Wole Owoseni, a former and regular voice on the Ogun Radio described the celebrant as the Opomulero (pillar) of the Dawotola Dynasty.

He said Dawotola is a carbon copy of his late father, an educationist who founded Emmanuel High School, Ilaro, which provided higher education to many youths in Ogun State and beyond.

Pa Wole Owoseni prayed for the celebrant’s continued joy and long life.

Mr. Kayode Salako, President of Recreation Club, Ilaro, thanked God for the life of Chief Dawotola, describing him as God-fearing, down-to-earth, and a true lover of his community.

Salako emphasized that their decades-long friendship and confidant relationship had never given him regret.

He prayed for divine mercy and blessings upon Chief Dawotola and his household.

Responding to the many tributes, Chief Ayo Dawotola was visibly moved. He said, “I am marveled and emotional at the array of encomiums showered on me today. I am grateful to God for allowing me to see another beginning in my life.

 “My thanks go to my family, friends, and members of Recreation Club for organizing this celebration. By God’s grace, I will not relent in the good deeds that earned me these accolades.”

Chief Ayo Dawotola also expressed gratitude to members of Recreation Club, praying that God replenish their resources abundantly.

The event which ended with a toast and clinking of glasses was anchored by Messrs. Tajudeen Salami and Shola Ojo, who added humour and fun to the atmosphere, leaving everyone with lasting memories of the colourful celebration.