Encomium, Tributes As Adebowale Family Remembers Patriarch, Chief Amzat Beyioku

By Babatunde Kaka

December 4th, 2020 witnessed the gathering of sheer love and unbridled affection as political associates, state government cabinet members, party stalwarts, party faithful, government officials, family members and well-wishers converged to celebrate the life and times of an industrialist, philanthropist, political leader and business mogul, Alhaji Chief Amzat Beyioku Adebowale.

The remembrance event, which was a low key and laid back one, took place at the palatial edifice of the late septuagenarian.

The event was hosted by the daughter of the inimitable business man, Princess Adebowale, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Civic Engagement.

The event which coincided with the eve of Lagos East Senatorial Election, saw the guests share their views on the likely outcome of the election.

The event was graced by Hon. Sylvester Dahunsi Ogunkelu, Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Epe Constituency II; Hon. Shakiru Adebanjo (John Bull), former Eredo LCDA Executive Secretary and Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Epe Constituency II; Hon. Shamsideen Adeniyi, former Eredo LCDA SLG and Hon. Warith Temitope Odeyemi, Eredo LCDA APC Chairmanship aspirant.

In what was emotionally sated atmosphere, guests took turns to pay glowing tributes and shower encomium on the personality of rare dimension.

Speaking with Ekohotblog, Hon. Shamsideen Adekunle Adeniyi, the former SLG of Eredo LCDA extolled the virtues of Chief Adebowale and also gave kudos to Princess Adebowale, SA Civic Engagement for being a decent ambassador of the Adebowale lineage.

” It is a commemoration of the 12th anniversary of the demise of a great philanthropist, an industrialist per excellence, and a great community leader whose name is synonymous with progress and stupendous wealth. You honour a great man by the honour you give to them, a lot of people are here today because by one way or the other, even though I was never opportune to meet him, we have all benefited from his largesse.

“Our good sister, the SA Civil Engagement is a promising progenitor of the Adebowale family. She’s been carrying the torch and she’s been living up to the name of the Adebowales because they are known for courage, innovations, entrepreneurship, and beautiful things.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t meet him, but from what I heard from my parents, his name and Epe are like two sides of a coin. The first electric bulb factory situated in Africa was established by Chief Adebowale, Adebowale electronics is a household name even up till now. These are powerful industrialist that sets up businesses that outlive them. The man was larger than life in his lifetime”, he said.

Hon. Adeniyi, when quipped about his expectations in the Lagos East Senatorial election said; ” We’ve never lost before and we can not now. You see, some things can not happen. The lightning seldom strikes at a place twice, that is one in a trillion chance and that’s what’s gonna happen tomorrow “.

Another notable dignitary who spoke with Ekohotblog at the event was Hon. Shakiru Adebanjo a.k.a Johnbull, former House of Assembly member representing Epe Constituency II who described the late industrialist as an impeccable personality and a reputable leader.

” I have come to celebrate with our amazing SA, Civic Engagement, Princess Adebowale. She is the one fortunate to represent our community at the state level, so, we need to rejoice with her and to at least show some fraternity with her.

Chief Adebowale was a great leader and a Philanthropist, he stood by his people and he championed so many projects here. He brought in a factory, although the factory became defunct immediately he died but at least, he tried his best to support his people.

On whether other people can replicate Chief Adebowale’s business prowess in terms of industry and entrepreneurship in Epe Division, Hon. Johnbull said;

” Very well, we even have some who are still alive. We have Onward, Chief Obagun, Chief SO Bakare Oluwalogbon, they have also tried their best to support the community “.

He further expressed high hopes for victory for the APC at the polls. He asserted that the victory is non-negotiable in the Lagos East Senatorial Election as APC is the party to beat at any time.

Also at the 12th year remembrance of Chief Amzat Adebowale, Ekohotblog spoke with Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu Oluwadahunsi, Member representing Epe Constituency II and Chairman, House Committee on Sustainable Development Goals and Investments.

” Let me first congratulate the family of Late Chief Adebowale for finding it worthy to celebrate their father’s 12th anniversary. This is not common in many wealthy families. I appreciate the fact that the SA on Civic engagement deemed it fit to remember her father.

As regards the life and times of Chief Adebowale, Hon. Ogunkelu said: ” Though I was very small, he is a politician, a businessman and a philanthropist as well. He is a kind of person that loves his family the way I see it. He loves his community and the good people of his community.

He also has this to say on the Lagos East Senatorial Election: ” We are going to deliver the two Local Government in my constituency which is Eredo and Ikosi-Ejinrin. We are going to deliver, we don’t believe we have PDP in my constituency. By this time tomorrow, we will be congratulating one another “.