Dr. Adeoye Akinwunmi Adeniji: More Than A Decade After His Passing, His Legacy Of Generosity, Humanity, Purposeful Living Lives On

Tribute:

…Dedicated Service To Ilaro-Yewa and National Development

… Champion of Culture and Intellectual Excellence

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The statement “True is the remembrance of the faithful” is aptly credited to the late Dr. (Chief) Adeoye Akinwunmi Adeniji, the Fiwagboye of Ilaro-Yewa, and former Programme Manager of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-assisted Cassava Multiplication Project (CMP) in Nigeria.

A proud son of the soil from Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State, Dr. Adeniji also retained his leadership position during the second phase of CMP, which evolved into the Root and Tuber Expansion Training and Seminars.

Throughout his work life, Dr. Adeniji remained a committed development professional and ambassador of his roots.

Dr. Adeniji was not only known for his professional contributions, but also for his unwavering commitment to humanity. He selflessly supported his birthplace, Ilaro-Yewa, and touched the lives of everyone who crossed his path with his kind-hearted and generous disposition.

A prolific academic writer, Dr. Adeniji authored numerous journal articles and publications.

When called upon to lead the Oronna Ilaro Day Planning Committee, the organizing body for Ilaro-Yewa’s annual cultural celebration, Dr. Adeniji invested his time, intellect, and resources to ensure the event was embraced by sons and daughters of the historic town.

Born into the esteemed and renowned Iga Bada lineage of Modeolu area of Ilaro-Yewa, Dr. Adeniji’s journey was marked by excellence.

His work took him across various parts of the world, and he garnered numerous awards, recognitions, and accolades in academics, public service, and community leadership.

Though it has been over 12 years since he departed from this world of toil, many – including Yours Truly – still hold onto the cherished memory of his philanthropy and warmth.

Theres no doubt of the fact that Dr. Adeoye Akinwunmi Adeniji, the beloved Omo Oronna of Ilaro, left golden footprints that time will never erase.

Dr. Adeniji was survived by his loving wife, Chief (Mrs.) Olayinka Adeniji, three children, grandchildren, and a close-knit family including his elder brother Chief N.A. Adeniji, the ……. of Ilaro-Yewa.

The international recognized agricultural expert was a devoted husband, responsible father, and a generous benefactor to many friends and relatives. He remains celebrated as a rare gem who embodied love, duty and humility.

Dr. (Chief) Adeoye Akinwunmi Adeniji passed on to glory in the early hours of Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, after a brief illness.

His burial rites were held between Thursday, February 14 and Friday, February 15, 2013 in Ibadan, with interment on Saturday, February 16, 2013, in his hometown of Ilaro-Yewa, the administrative headquarters of Ogun West Senatorial District.

About Idowu Hamed

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