President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate have paid heartfelt tributes to Senator Solomon Ayodeji Otegbola, the Asiwaju of Aworiland, whose death occured on February 17 at the age of 91.
In a condolence message released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Otegbola, describing him as “a man of immense dignity, principle, and dedication to the service of his people and country.”
“Senator Otegbola was a devoted public servant, a respected legislator, and a patriarch whose influence spanned generations. His commitment to developing Aworiland and Nigeria remains deeply appreciated and widely acknowledged,” the president said.
Tinubu recalled a personal connection to the late senator, noting his role as Chairman at the wedding of Otegbola’s son, Wale, over two decades ago, a testament to the enduring bond between their families.
“Nigeria has lost a patriot. The Awori nation has lost a guiding light. And I have lost a noble elder whose life embodied sacrifice, wisdom, and service,” the President said, offering prayers for the repose of the statesman’s soul and comfort to his loved ones.
The late senator, fondly referred to as the Asiwaju of Aworiland, will be laid to rest on April 24, with burial rites beginning on April 23.
On the floor of the Senate, a resolution was passed to honour Otegbola with a minute silence and for the Senate to dispatch a high-powered delegation to the bereaved family and the Ogun State government.
The revolution followed a motion by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Ogun West, to honor Otegbola’s legacy, praising him as a consummate legislator, grassroots politician, and patriot who dedicated his life to the cause of effective representation and nation-building.
Born in Lagos on December 14, 1933, Otegbola’s life was a mosaic of excellence in public service and professional distinction.
“The Senate received with great shock and sadness the news of the demise of our colleague, Senator Solomon Ayodeji Otegbola, the representative of Ogun west Senatorial District of the Third Republic Senate, who passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at his Bagada residence in Lagos at the ripe age of 91 years.
“Aware that Senator Solomon Ayodeji Otegbola was born in Lagos on December 14, 1924, he started his education in Yaba Methodist School, Yaba, and proceeded for his secondary school education in Ofa Grammar School between 1951 to 1956.
“For his tertiary education, he went to Alibon Law School between 1962 to 1965, and later studied estate surveying at the West London College between 1965 to 1968. Note that Senator Solomon Ayodeji Otegbola started his public service career as a survey assistant in the Ministry of Land and Housing in Nepal, in the western region between 1957 to 1961.
“He also worked overseas as a cadet valuer for property tax at the Board of Internal Revenue London, as well as senior estate surveyor at the British Railway Property Board between 1969 to 1970, among other following work experience.
“In his private practice, he was a senior estate surveyor at the Knight, Frank and Rutley Nigeria Limited between 1973 and 1976, and later became a partner in the company in 1977.
“He was the chairman of the Gateway Industrial and Technical Company Limited, OTA, from 1980 to 1983, as well as managing partner Osage Okiki Otegbola & Company.
“He eventually established his popularly-renowned firm, Ayodebola & Co., a firm of estate surveyor and valuer. Further note that Senator Solomon Ayodeji Otegbola was elected as the Senator of the in the Third Republic and dedicated his life for effective representation to his people in the Red Chamber, as well as contributed to lawmaking and good governance in his time as a federal legislator.
“He was the Auguste Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party at the inception of the Fourth Republic between 1999 to 2000, as well as the Chairman of the Federal Housing Authority.
“Aware that Senator Solomon Ayodeji Otegbola is a fellow of the Nigerian Bureau of Estate Surveyor and Valuers, as well as a member of the Federation of International Real Estate Corporations, among other international professional bodies affiliation.
“He is a member of the Igoyi Club Lagos, a premier club of Nigeria Lagos, a five-star general, a Rotary International, as well as the Paul Harris Fellows, the Rotary Club of Lagos. Recall that Senator Solomon Ayodeji Otegbola, for his contribution to the social economy and cultural development of the society, was made the Baba Laje of Otaogun State, the Baba Kwan of Ijaniki, the Lagos State, the Baba Ijo of St. Michael African Bethel Cathedral, Igbo Uluri, Otaogun State, as well as the Ashwagandha of Awuri Land,” he said.
Adeola described Otegbola as “a perfect gentleman, a devoted Christian and a grassroots politician by excellence, a long-serving public officer with an unblemished record of public service, a large-hearted philanthropist and a committed nationalist.”
