Renowned Lagos Businessman, Bolaji Jaiyesimi, Laid To Rest In Epe

• “The family felt his absence so much because he’s like a bridge to the family”

By Babatunde Kaka

Bolaji Jaiyesimi, a reputable and brilliant businessman, was on Friday buried in his Epe country home at Igbooye.

The interment and final burial ceremony of Bolaji took place on Friday, 14th May 2021 at St Paul Anglican Church, Igbooye, Epe, Lagos State.

Families, friends and well-wishers trooped into Eredo LCDA, Epe to grace the burial and pay last respect to the highly revered entrepreneur.

After the funeral service which comprised service of songs held at St Paul Anglican Church Igbooye, the remains of Bolaji Jaiyesinmi was interred at his Igbooye country home.

Speaking with Ekohotblog, Popoola Jaiyesimi,  a staunch associate of ex Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, said that Bolaji, his elder brother, was his backbone.

Popoola, an international entrepreneur based in the UK and Nigeria and Social Engineer, said his brother ensured that the family remained tightly knitted and was also on hand to ensure swift resolution of any conflict among family members.

His brother’s death, he said, has battered his confidence and endangered his safety, as he’s the backbone of the family.

He said “I lost a gem, I lost a backbone and I believe it’s God’s doing and so we just have to accept it.
His memories are unquantifiable because he watches my back 24/7. He’s there dealing with a lot of issues in the public domain especially within the family and the community without my knowledge. These are issues that can derail my career prospects. The family felt his absence so much because he’s like a bridge to the family. We had a video chat and just 20 minutes later, I was called that my brother is dead.”

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Though painful, Popoola, a former Managing Director of Lekki Free Trade Zone Lagos, also noted that his late brother is a bridge-builder, a peacemaker, a lover of men. He took solace in the fact that his unexpected death was God’s doing.

Notable guests who graced the burial include Hon Adeniyi Saliu, Eredo LCDA Chairman, Alhaji W Taiwo, Eredo LCDA Vice Chairman, representatives of Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Oba Dr Babatunde Ogunlaja JP, Mrs Adewunmi Ogundeko, Scholars International School Proprietress, Chief Mrs Macdonald (MFON) Okon (Ben) and Mr Bayo (Germany). Others are friends and family of Ranti Jaiyesimi, Mrs Dotun Jaiyesimi, the Jaiyesimi and Ayantuga families and others.

Speaking also in an interview with Ekohotblog, a Lagos State Permanent Secretary, Barrister Sesan Ogundeko, described the demise of Mr Bolaji Jaiyesinmi as colossal. He revealed that he had to honour the burial having being out of Lagos for over 4 months, stating that his death and sudden. He noted that prior to his death, he had meaningful discussions with Uncle Bolaji, a reputable Auto dealer, about repositioning the youths and developing the community. Having thanking God for a life well spent, Barrister Ogundeko who is presently at the National Institute of Policies and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, Plateau State, however, disclosed his fond memories of the deceased.

 

“He has lived a good life, a life of selfless service to the people, ensuring that everybody is happy. He will be remembered for being a jolly good fellow. He’s a peace lover who’s not prone to fighting, and when there are issues, he’s always there to mediate and resolve them amicably.

“Above all, he has developed so many people of which my friend, Popson, is one during his developmental stages. Even for me, whomever I share a problem with him, he’s able to provide an array of solutions. He made sure every one of his siblings and children has quality education,” he said.

The father of wives, children and grandchildren, was reported to have been a leader of repute who died in the midst of his people when he came home earlier this year to celebrate with his family.

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