The mother of Fuji Maestro, Ayinde Wasiu, Alhaja Halima Boluade Shadiat recently played host to her relatives from Ilupeju-Ekiti at her residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, after several attempts in the last two decades to reunite with the Ilupeju born fabric trader.
Alhaja Shadiat born over ten decades ago is from the Akeredolu Family, Ule Oloye Compound, Isiwo Quarters, Ilupeju-Ekiti in Ifeloju LCDA of Ekiti-State.
In a communique issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the Ilupeju-Ekiti Development Association, IDA, Mr OSKA Seyi Aiyeleso, the move to unite the mother of the Fuji Legend over the years proved abortive after several attempts by the community. However, in 2019, the Exco of the IDA, again muted an idea of inviting Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde to “Ilupeju-Ekiti Day Celebration” so as to honour him with a chieftaincy title, but the official invitation couldn’t go beyond the booking office of the Fuji Veteran, owing to the intrusion of COVID-19 which placed a hold on the social gatherings.
The Spokesperson of the IDA explained that the New President of IDA, Mr Banji Ogungbemi on his assumption to office, constituted a delegation to continue with the frantic efforts to ensure the reconnection of Alhaja Shadiat with her root in Ilupeju-Ekiti which yielded positive results.
The Ilupeju-Ekiti Delegation led by the National President and accompanied by Mr and Mrs Sunday Saye Oni was welcomed at the Ijebu Ode Palatial Home of Chief Wasiu Ayinde where Alhaja Shadiat resides before proceeding to Mayegun Resorts to pay courtesy visit to King Wasiu Ayinde.
Alhaja Shadiat who was exceedingly excited to see her kinsmen from her source went down memory lane, on how she left Ilupeju Ekiti along side two of her siblings with their mother to Osogbo at the age of eight, before finally settling in Ijebu Ode.
The mother of the Fuji Legend, who resigned as a fabric trader in Lagos, made inquiries about Retired Brigadier Daramola, the Akeredolu’s and her other relatives revealed that the last time she visited Ilupeju was in 1995.
The Centenarian explained that she had the intention of visiting the community before joining the Saints as she prayed for peace, development and progress of Ilupeju-Ekiti.
In his remarks, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, who is the Mayegun of Yoruba Land and the new Olori Omo Oba of Ijebu Land, said the reunion move by the Ilupeju Community was remarkable, noting that he had been yearning to receive the people of his Mother’s Town over the years.
He maintained that the link established with the visitation would be solidified and sustained.
Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde described Ilupeju as his second home and promised to continue to support various moves towards promoting the development of the community and Ekiti-State in general.
The Leader of the Delegation, Mr Banji Ogungbemi who delivered a goodwill message from the Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti, Oba Sunday Awe and other members of the community, said that the visit was long overdue.
He commended Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde for making the State proud and prayed to God to grant Alhaja Shadiat more years in sound health.
