CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PAPA SIMEON ADEYEMI ASHIRU, 30TH REMEMBRANCE.
Pa Simeon Adeyemi Ashiru January 1st 1904 – January 17th 1996.Papa Simeon Adeyemi Ashiru (formerly Alhaji Saka Ashiru) was born on 1 January 1904 at Idepo Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, to Baba Okenla Ogunnusi and Madam Sinatu Adefowoba Ashiru. His mother was a renowned dyer and trader in assorted fabrics and head ties at Imushin, near Ijebu-Ode, where she was popularly known as Mama Alaro.He was a member of the 1918 set of the Ijebu-Ode Grammar School Old Boys and rose to become a legendary figure in his community and beyond. Born a Muslim, Papa Ashiru fathered approximately 90 children from about 23 wives, with his last children—a set of twins—born in 1988. His life stood as a testament to exceptional discipline, organization, and an unwavering commitment to education and personal development. Remarkably, nearly all his children attained higher education up to university level and beyond. Many have distinguished themselves in senior positions within Nigeria and internationally, while several of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren now occupy prominent roles in the corporate sector, public service, and government. Among them are professors, doctors, lawyers, engineers, architects, and administrators. Notably, Ambassador Otunba Olugbemiga Ashiru served as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.His conversion to Christianity after more than 90 years as a Muslim profoundly surprised the Muslim community in Yorubaland and beyond, particularly given his active involvement in the appointment of imams and alfas in Ijebuland. Following a dramatic recovery from illness while singing a Christian hymn, Pa Ashiru chose, in the twilight of his life, to embrace Christianity at the age of 91. He was baptized and confirmed by the then Archbishop of Nigeria, the Most Revd. Abiodun Adetiloye, and took the name Simeon in place of Saka. He passed away on 17 January 1996, less than six months later, approximately 17 days after his 92nd birthday. Through the Bishop of Ijebu, the Rt. Revd. Olowoyo, he requested that his children build a church in his memory.Professionally, Pa Ashiru served as Chief Tax Officer and Senior Accountant in Ijebu Province, a role that earned him the popular nicknames Saka Onirisiti and Ashiru Onirisiti. After retiring from public service in 1952, he continued to contribute immensely to community development as Chairman of various committees and boards, including those for Education, Health, Establishment, the Board of Management of Schools, and the Police Constabulary Board. He was a Member of the Board of Governors of Adeola Odutola Comprehensive College; Chairman of the Board of Governors of Ijebu Mushin Education Mission; Manager of all Ijebu Muslim Primary Schools; Chairman of the Board of Governors of Ijebu-Ode Grammar School and its Parents–Teachers Association; and a Judicial Member of the Rent Tribunal at the Ministry of Justice, Ijebu-Ode High Court.Pa Ashiru placed profound emphasis on discipline, education, and strong moral character in all his children, both male and female, and his efforts yielded enduring results. Thirty years after his passing, his legacy of faith, service, and excellence continues to resonate.To commemorate his life and enduring impact, a 30-year memorial service will be held on Saturday, 17 January 2026, in Ijebu-Ode. The memorial service will take place at the Simeon Adeyemi Ashiru Anglican Church at 12 noon. Earlier in the day, at 10:00 a.m., a statue erected in his honour by the family will be commissioned at the Oke-Oyinbo Saka Ashiru Roundabout.All roads lead to Ijebu-Ode as family, friends, and well-wishers gather to celebrate a life that continues to inspire generations.
Signed: Prof Oladapo A Ashiru OFR, FAMedS Chairman Simeon Ade Ashiru Dynasty ltd.
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