ARISEKOLA’S MEMORY LINGERS ON
It is a truism that the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Azeez Alao Arisekola, who passed on at 69 in June, 2014, didn’t gain prominence in life solely because of his stupendous wealth. In many ways, he was loved by all because he didn’t relate to anyone who came his way based on tribe, religious belief or ethnic background. Besides, his business acumen endeared him to many.
No wonder, in appreciation of his impactful lifestyle, family, friends, business associates and others recently honoured him when they organised a three-day event for him. The event, which included a prayer session, Fidau in his Olowo-Kekere, Bodija, Ibadan ,Oyo State residence, was chaired by a prominent Ibadan high chief, Oloye Lekan Alabi.
While he was in his 20s, the Ibadan, Oyo State-born industrialist had established a chain of businesses under the Lister conglomerate, which cut across food production, real estate management, insurance, transport and publishing. For many decades the foremost industrialist was a pacesetter as he ruled the business sector in the country with his wealth of experience. He was indeed a leading light in Nigeria’s business circle.
Quite intriguing, despite his limited Western education, he helped to develop and nurture other people’s dreams of acquiring education. He never blinked an eye, while making donations towards their education. Many universities, polytechnics and other higher institutions of learning received huge boost from his generosity. He was magnanimous enough to even make huge provisions for some of them in his Will.
Aresekola, born on February 14, 1945 to the family of Alhaji Abdur Raheem Olatunbosun Olaniyan Alao and Alhaja Rabiatu Olatutu Abegbe Alao who hailed from Ajia in Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, died at 69 in June 2014, after battling with cancer in a London hospital.