*I have intention of visiting my root before I pass on – Shadiat
*I’ll support moves to promote Ilupeju’s devpt – Wasiu Ayinde
For the Ilupeju-Ekiti community in Ekiti State, it was an occasion that called for celebration as Fuji maestro Ayinde Wasiu’s mother, Alhaja Halima Boluade Shadiat, recently played host to them at her residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State in a reunion pursuit.
This celebration became a more especial moment for the community as the get-together came after several attempts in the last two decades to reunite with the Ilupeju born fabrics trader.
Alhaja Shadiat, who was born over 10 decades ago into the Akeredolu’s family, Ule Oloye Compound, Isiwo Quarters in Ilupeju-Ekiti in Ifeloju LCDA of Ekiti State, had left the community at about age eight.
The National Public Relations officer of Ilupeju-Ekiti Development Association (IDA), Mr OSKA Seyi Aiyeleso, said the move to unite with the mother of the Fuji legend over the years proved abortive after several attempts by the community.
Ayeleso, in a communique, said, “But in 2019, the EXCO of the IDA, again muted an idea of inviting Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde to Ilupeju-Ekiti Day celebration and as well honour him with chieftaincy title, but the official invitation could not go beyond the booking office of the Fuji veteran, and thereafter COVID 19 set in, which put on hold social gatherings.
“The new President of IDA, Mr Banji Ogungbemi, on assumption of office constituted a delegation to continue with the frantic efforts of ensuring the reconnection of Alhaja Shadiat with her root in Ilupeju-Ekiti, and the move yielded positive results.
“The Ilupeju-Ekiti delegation led by the National President, 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, with nostalgia, went down memory lane on how she, in company of her two siblings, left Ilupeju Ekiti with their mother to Osogbo at the age of eight years, before she finally settled down in Ijebu Ode.
“The mother of the Fuji legend, a fabrics trader in Lagos before she resigned, made inquiries about Brigadier Daramola (retd), the Akeredolus and her other relatives, revealed that the last time she visited Ilupeju was in1995.
“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,” the communique stated..
In his remarks, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, who is the Mayegun of Yoruba land and new Olori Omo Oba of Ijebu land, said the reunited moves by the Ilupeju community was remarkable, noting that he had been yearning to receive the people of his mother’s town over the years.
Ayinde said that the link that the visitation has established would be solidified and sustained.
The Fuji maestro described Ilupeju as his second home and promised to continue to support various moves toward 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.
Ogungbemi praised Alhaji Ayinde for making the state proud and prayed God to grant Alhaja Shadiat more years in sound health.
