Chief Abiodun Ilo: Banker, Community Leader, Entrepreneur Committed To Community Empowerment, Youth Engagement

Chief Abiodun Ilo, a retired bank manager, is the Adele Olu of Ilaro-Yewa and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Unique Suites & Bar. In this interview with Abu-Satar Hamed of StarTrend Int’l magazine and online platform, he shared insights into his background, his new hospitality venture, and his commitment to community development.
Excerpts:

Can you share your background, origins, and experiences that have shaped who you are today?

I was raised by disciplinarian parents, though I still managed to exhibit a bit of youthful rascality. I attended the prestigious CMS Grammar School, Lagos, where our principal, Chief Olowu, emphasized that only the best is good for a Grammarian.

I spent close to two decades in the banking sector, where integrity and professionalism were our guiding principles. These experiences shaped me to always give my best in everything I do.

I am solution-oriented, empathetic, detail-conscious, and a good team player. All these traits have shaped who I am today – Chief Abiodun Ilo, the Adele Olu of Ilaro-Yewa.

On Sunday, May 31, 2025, you opened Unique Suites & Bar in Ilaro-Yewa. How did the event go, and what were the highlights?

The event was modest, but successful. The turnout was impressive for a 6-room hotel equipped with both an executive bar and a general bar. We created these two types of bars intentionally – some people prefer a quiet, cosy space, while others enjoy a vibrant, social atmosphere where topics like football and politics can be discussed. We made sure both preferences were accommodated.

What inspired the decision to establish your business in Ilaro-Yewa instead of a commercial hub like Lagos?

Our anthem says, “Yewa ni mi mo yo…”, and that guides me. I’m a High Chief in Ilaro-Yewa and it’s only right that I contribute to the growth of my community.

I’ve retired from banking and returned home. It’s not about money for me; it’s about honouring our forebears and laying foundations for future generations. Unique Suites & Bar is just the beginning of bigger things to come in Ilaro.

In your view, what makes Ilaro-Yewa unique in terms of lifestyle and social engagement?

Social life in Ilaro is on the rise, especially after the dark period of cult-related violence between indigenes and students. Thankfully, things have improved.

The resuscitation of the Recreation Club and emergence of new spots like Frontier Hotel, Ile Ijo, IBD Hotel, and others have transformed Ilaro’s social scene. Also, thanks to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, many streets have been tarred and fitted with solar lights, making movement easier and safer. The future is bright.

Could you walk us through what guests can expect from Unique Suites & Bar?

This hotel is just a pilot project. We’re operating with 24-hour power, powered by a combination of solar, a medium generator, and a 40kva generator.

We offer a 1-Hour Happy Hour with free peanuts and discounted drinks – our way of showing hospitality. Our rooms are top-notch: specialised mattresses, fully tiled floors, air conditioners, fans, desks, and chairs. The kitchen operates on request, and we maintain a steady Asun Spot for grilled meat lovers. Security is paramount – we have round-the-clock security personnel and CCTV surveillance.

Also, we provide laundry services, both for in-house guests and as a commercial laundry for the community. At Unique Suites & Bar, you truly feel “home away from home.”

What are your expectations from the people of Ilaro-Yewa regarding patronage of Unique Suites & Bar?

Naturally, I expect support from our people – asowo jere ni (business must thrive). I encourage people to come out and make the place lively.

We also host small birthday bashes on request with a manageable number of guests. We’re mindful of our neighbours and maintain orderly, responsible operations. My appeal: E tu yáyá; E tu yàyà lo si Unique Suites & Bar! Support us and enjoy yourselves.

Do you have plans to support local development, youth empowerment, or other initiatives?

Yes, we initiated Yewa Power Plus about three years ago. It focused on empowering widows, and we started by supporting five women. I worked on this with Chief Shafarudeen Popoola and Alhaji (Prince) Lamidi Elegbede, both of Recreation Club, Ilaro-Yewa.

Later, when Senator Solomon Olanrewaju Adeola (Yayi) launched a mega empowerment programme, we paused our own efforts to avoid duplication.

But we’re planning other community engagements. For example, I sponsor the Annual Adele Olu Table Tennis Competition at the Recreation Club, Ilaro-Yewa. We may expand this to include wider community participation next year. It’s all about keeping our youths positively engaged and away from crime.

For the record, kindly give us a brief personal profile.

I am Chief Abiodun Ilo, from the immediate family of Chief Mowande Kolawole Ilo and Chief (Mrs.) Eunice Ilo. I have two sisters — Mrs. Bunmi Ogunshina and Mrs. Bola Salami. I’m the man between them.

I’m married to Mrs. Fatimat Abiodun Ilo, and I also have form former union amazing twin sons, Elisha and Elijah Ilo. I come from the MaleFamily of Ilaro-Yewa, the family responsible for producing the Adele Olu of Ilaro.

I lived most of my life in Lagos but relocated to Ilaro after retirement. I attended CMS Grammar School, completed my A-levels at Anwar ul Islam College, earned my first degree from the University of Ibadan (1984), and an MBA from the University of Ilorin. I’m also a member of several professional bodies.

I worked with First Bank (FBN), Magnum Trust Bank and Sterling Bank, and retired peacefully from Sterling Bank, Abeokuta, Ogun State, after 20 years in banking. I became the Adele Olu of Ilaro-Yewa in December 2021, and I now run Unique Suites & Bar along with other genuie ventures.