The Simeon Adeyemi Ashiru dynasty of Ijebu-Ode lost one of its illustrious sons, a rare gem, Chief Adebola Olayiwola Olukayode Ashiru, who completed his earthly journey at 12 noon on Monday June 21st 2021 at the age of 77 years.
Chief Adebola Ashiru was born on October 7th 1943 at 2am in Ijebu-Ode. His father was Pa Simeon Adeyemi Ashiru (of blessed memory), who resided on Olisa Street, Ijebu-Ode. His mother was Mrs Janetsolabomi Ashiru, J. P (nee Onadeko), who hailed from the Oworu dynasty of Ishara, Ijebu-Remo. He attended Christ Church Porogun School, Ijebu-Ode for his primary education and had his secondary education at the iconic Ijebu Ode Grammar School (JOGS). His higher education was at Salford Technical College London and the University of Lagos.
He worked with the Nigerian Breweries as Chief Chemist and then moved on to Cadbury Nigeria Limited in the same position.
Chief Adebola Ashiru rose rapidly through the ranks at Cadbury eventually moving into the Executive Management position. He was appointed to the Board as a Director. There he had different stints as Operations Director and Marketing Director.
Upon his retirement from Cadbury, Chief Adebola Ashiru established his private consulting firm, Ashmark Ventures and once again put his marketing skills to use there. He subsequently joined the advertising industry, with positions on the Board of Media Space and Creative Plus, where he served as Chairman until his death.
Born and raised as a Christian, Chief Adebola at the prompting of his mother became heavily invested in service to the Lord as a member of the Parish Council of Christ Anglican Church Porogun, Ijebu-Ode from 1990, and became the Otun Balogun of the Church till his transition. He was a major catalyst in the design, funding, and construction of the Simeon Adeyemi Ashiru Anglican Church SIMAAAC, thus helping to enshrine the legacy of his father. He spent the last 30 years of his life in the service of Church development and the propagation of the kingdom of God in Ijebu Ode.
He helped in building and was an active member of the Fountain of Hope International 3ng. He was a past president of this FOH 3ng.
He was one of the brains behind the establishment of the Heritage Group. This group is made up of sons and daughters of Christ Anglican Church, Porogun who were based in Lagos. They sought to raise funds and supported the church with other logistics so that the work of God can progress. He was the Chairman of this group till he breathed his last.
He is survived by his lovely wife, Mrs. Teresa Ifeanyi Ashiru; his children: Chukwugoziem and Ada lbonye, Abayomi and Elizabeth Ashiru, Olaseni and Ogochukwu Ashiru, Charles and Omobola Ike and Temidayo Ashiru. And his Grandchildren: Oluwaseun Ashiru, Olaseni Reilly- Ashiru, Solabomi Reilly- Ashiru, Zara lbonye, Olaoluwayimika Ashiru, Zuri Ibonye, Oluwatoyosi Ashiru, Victoria and Beatrix Ike.
The Night of Praise & Tributes was held last Wednesday 28th July, 2021 at the Anglican Church of Ascension, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos. This Night of praise was facilitated and supported by The Heritage Group of Christ Church, Porogun, Ijebu-Ode, in honour of Chief Adebola Ashiru who was their Chairman. This group consists of men and women who are descendants of founding members and early worshippers at Christ Church Porogun and who are mainly of Ijebu origin.
The main objective of the group is to give support to Christ Church such that the Church will continue to achieve its fundamental objectives of serving as a conducive place of worship for those who seek God and as a center for Evangelism.
The group was convened by the elders of the Church led by the late Otun Baba Ijo, Chief A.A.K Degun and the late Balogun Ijo, Otunba Tunji Ogunyemi, while late Chief Adebola Ashiru was nominated as the pioneer Chairman and Leader of the Group.
Chief Adebola Ashiru continued to serve diligently in this position until his death.
Members of the group
• Adm Sunday Olukoya • Otunba Femi Ogunyemi • Mr. Oluseyi Odejayi • Mrs. Buky Adeniran • Prof. Dapo Ashiru • Arc. Katibi • Bishop Kay Adebogun • Mr Koye Adekoya • Akin Olusoga • Tomi Sangowawa • Muyiwa Odejayi • Hon. Femi Ogunbanwo • Tpl Emmanuel Owokade • Barr. Yinka Adeyemi • Femi Osilaja • Buky Orekoya • Bunmi Oloke and •Simi Onabanjo.
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