The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said that his administration would immortalize the late Alaperu of Iperu, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo, for bringing unprecedented development to the town during his 23 years of reign.
Abiodun, who stated this at the funeral and farewell service organised for the late monarch at the Alaperu Palace, Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area on Friday, said the government would contribute to the development of a Diaspora Housing project and mapping of the entire town.
He also disclosed that a drainage project that would take care of erosion in the town has been approved.
“Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo was an epitome of success whose reign brought about a lot of monumental development and growth to the ancient city of Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, and Nigeria.
“He served Nigeria as a Customs Officer. At 44, he left the Customs to serve his people at the grassroots. His concern for the development of Iperu was non-negotiable.
“He was passionate about the growth of all sons and daughters of the town. His legacies are there for all to see. There is no better way to preserve the enduring legacy of selfless service of Oba Idowu-Basibo other than to immortalise the late monarch to serve as a memorial for generations coming behind,” he said.
While thanking the Alaperu in Council for maintaining peace and unity in the town since the demise of the monarch, Abiodun maintained that his 23 years’ reign would be remembered for the construction of the Gateway International Cargo Airport, the location of the Operation Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service and other legacy projects in the town that are feasible.
Commiserating with the monarch’s family and the entire people of the ancient town, Abiodun assured that the monarch would be immortalized in appreciation of his positive contributions to the town.
Prince Bola Idowu-Basibo, who spoke on behalf of the family, said his late father gave his all to the people of Iperu, a development that has transformed the town to the envy of all in Ogun State.
The Diocesan of Remoland, Bishop Olusina Fape, in his exhortation, thanked the indigenes of Iperu-Remo for organising the programme, stating that the late Alaperu was a committed Christian whose life was characterised by humility and dignity.
The clergy compared life to vapour, dream, sleep and shadow, reminding the congregants that life is a temporary gift that should be used to better the lives of the people.
The late Alaperu, the Archbishop noted, has done his bit and left, adding that his legacy would continue to linger in the minds of the people of Iperu-Remo and Remoland in general.
The late monarch died on February 6 at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan Remo. He was aged 67.
Credit: punchng.com
