Pa Simeon Adeyemi Ashiru January 1st 1904 – January seventeenth 1996.Papa Simeon Adeyemi Ashiru (previously Alhaji Saka Ashiru) was born on 1 January 1904 at Idepo Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, to Baba Okenla Ogunnusi and Madam Sinatu Adefowoba Ashiru. His mom was a famend dyer and dealer in assorted materials and head ties at Imushin, close to Ijebu-Ode, the place she was popularly often called Mama Alaro.He was a member of the 1918 set of the Ijebu-Ode Grammar School Old Boys and rose to grow to be a legendary determine in his neighborhood and past. Born a Muslim, Papa Ashiru fathered roughly 90 kids from about 23 wives, along with his final kids—a set of twins—born in 1988. His life stood as a testomony to distinctive self-discipline, group, and an unwavering dedication to schooling and private improvement. Remarkably, almost all his kids attained greater schooling as much as college degree and past. Many have distinguished themselves in senior positions inside Nigeria and internationally, whereas a number of of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren now occupy distinguished roles within the company sector, public service, and authorities. Among them are professors, medical doctors, attorneys, engineers, architects, and directors. Notably, Ambassador Otunba Olugbemiga Ashiru served as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.His conversion to Christianity after greater than 90 years as a Muslim profoundly stunned the Muslim neighborhood in Yorubaland and past, significantly given his lively involvement within the appointment of imams and alfas in Ijebuland. Following a dramatic restoration from sickness whereas singing a Christian hymn, Pa Ashiru selected, within the twilight of his life, to embrace Christianity on the age of 91. He was baptized and confirmed by the then Archbishop of Nigeria, the Most Revd. Abiodun Adetiloye, and took the title Simeon instead of Saka. He handed away on 17 January 1996, lower than six months later, roughly 17 days after his 92nd birthday. Through the Bishop of Ijebu, the Rt. Revd. Olowoyo, he requested that his kids construct a church in his reminiscence.Professionally, Pa Ashiru served as Chief Tax Officer and Senior Accountant in Ijebu Province, a task that earned him the favored nicknames Saka Onirisiti and Ashiru Onirisiti. After retiring from public service in 1952, he continued to contribute immensely to neighborhood improvement as Chairman of assorted committees and boards, together with these for Education, Health, Establishment, the Board of Management of Schools, and the Police Constabulary Board. He was a Member of the Board of Governors of Adeola Odutola Comprehensive College; Chairman of the Board of Governors of Ijebu Mushin Education Mission; Manager of all Ijebu Muslim Primary Schools; Chairman of the Board of Governors of Ijebu-Ode Grammar School and its Parents–Teachers Association; and a Judicial Member of the Rent Tribunal on the Ministry of Justice, Ijebu-Ode High Court.Pa Ashiru positioned profound emphasis on self-discipline, schooling, and powerful ethical character in all his kids, each female and male, and his efforts yielded enduring outcomes. Thirty years after his passing, his legacy of religion, service, and excellence continues to resonate.To commemorate his life and enduring affect, a 30-year memorial service shall be held on Saturday, 17 January 2026, in Ijebu-Ode. The memorial service will happen on the Simeon Adeyemi Ashiru Anglican Church at 12 midday. Earlier within the day, at 10:00 a.m., a statue erected in his honour by the household shall be commissioned on the Oke-Oyinbo Saka Ashiru Roundabout.All roads result in Ijebu-Ode as household, pals, and well-wishers collect to rejoice a life that continues to encourage generations.
Signed: Prof Oladapo A Ashiru OFR, FAMedS Chairman Simeon Ade Ashiru Dynasty ltd.
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