“Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it” so said a wise man.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, we are gathered here today to pay tribute in honour and celebration of the life of a General and a gallant soldier in the Ajumose Marines; a General worthy and truly deserving of his stars – General Isaac Ajiboye Omodewu who served actively and meritoriously as an Ajumose Marine between 2011 – 2019.
According to the late Mahatma Gandi “Death on the battlefield is welcome to a soldier” Very true for our dear colleague whose has encountered death on the battle field of service to Oyo State.
Isaac Omodewu’s strides in the political landscape and service to Oyo State preceded his enlistment in the Ajumose Marines. Born into a political family of progressives, Isaac Omodewu was fathered by a man who himself was the Chairman of the then Alliance for Democracy popular referred to as A.D in Itesiwaju Local Government Area Of Oyo State.
Consequently, having trained in the political jungle of Itesiwaju and by nurture, swam in the ocean of the progressives, Omodewu had undergone his tutelage as a political cadet emerging not only as a strong member of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) but a dependable ally and lieutenant to our Commander -In – Chief in the Ajumose Marines – His Excellency, Late Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Isaac Omodewu, then a political battalion commander played a very prominent and significant role on the political battle field of the 2011 elections mobilising and coordinating the political artillery of human and financial resources for victory in that memorable election.
This victory in the Oyo State political warfare birthed the emergence of Governor Abiola Ajimobi in the 2011 Gubernatorial elections bringing back the progressives to the seat of power in Oyo State with the ACN as the ruling party.
For his bravery, gallantry and strategic contributions to the political victory of the ACN, Isaac Omodewu was enlisted into the Ajumose Marines with a first posting as Honourable Commissioner in the Oyo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Operating under the globally shared vision to make Oyo “A State in which people can be the best they can” and a mission “To improve the quality of lives of our people” Omodewu at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, distinguished himself as an astute administrator and manager initiating policies and activities that improved the lives of the people at the grassroots as well as the traditional rulers.
Lest we forget, this was the Ajumose Era when Local Government Councils were funded; constructing and rehabilitating roads, renovating schools, a time when Local Councils received tractors for mechanised farming, the season of free medical mission across all Local Government Areas in the state to highlight a few. Omodewu marshalled resources and deployed his organisational skills in the realisation of the corporate objectives of the Ajimobi Administration in a most commendable manner.
Needless to say, his contributions and those of other lieutenants in the Ajumose Marines earned the Ajimobi Government and the APC an unprecedented second term in Oyo State.
His posting during the second term was as Honourable Commissioner in the Ministry of Lands and Housing where again, he shone like a 5 star General revolutionising the systems and operations of the Ministry under his competent leadership with the Geographic Information System – Data capturing and Lands Ministry Automation, 60 Days Electronic C of O, Home Owners Charter and establishment of Housing Estates to list a few.
After public service he became the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Oyo State Chapter, engaging diplomacy, conflict and people management skills to steer the ship of the party. It is also noteworthy that his insatiable thirst for knowledge and continuos education earned him a degree in Law after his sojourn in public service. This is a mean feat considering the age at which he became a lawyer; epitomising the goal getting spirit of our departed colleague.
A loyal, dedicated and committed party man, it is no wonder but very remarkable that this General in the Ajumose Marines, son of the AD Chairman in Itesiwaju Local Government ended not just his political career but indeed his life as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Oyo State Chapter.
In Politics and Governance, Isaac Omdewu stood tall displaying uncommon and sterling qualities of loyalty, dedication and commitment.
Today, the Ajumose Marines therefore stand at attention to salute the courage, doggedness and chivalry of one of its own; Isaac Ajiboye Omdewu, a warrior in the political battlefield, a gallant soldier and distinguished serviceman who has taken his final salute…. marching on to meet the saints in the heavenly marines.
May the gallant spirit and gentle soul of our dear colleague – Isaac Ajiboye Omodewu rest in peace.
- Toye Arulogun, former Commissioner for Information, Culture & Tourism under Late Governor Abiola Ajimobi sent this in on behalf of ‘Ajumose Marines’ from Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State
