SIR OLUREMI FESTUS OMOTOSO (1945-2020)
By
Seye Adetunmbi
After the call came at 9:45 am on Friday June 5th 2020 from a fellow Ekiti kinsman who wanted to know if what he heard was true about Chief Remi Omotoso, I went straight to check his WhatsApp number. I became apprehensive when I saw that it was on the 25th of May 2020 that oga was last seen on WhatsApp. Apparently, he must have been indisposed since then. I told the Ekitipanupo chieftain who called me to let’s wait because I didn’t want to come to terms with the disturbing news by calling anyone and that if indeed oga Remi has left us, the news will get to the forum before noon. Alas, at 11:50:46 am, the sad news was posted to the forum.
A member of Ekitipanupo called me from the USA after the reading the breaking news in the forum. The person was crying while recalling how he was asking after the children and the family after the loss of their beloved one. Another person also got in touch from USA who wanted to know if indeed it was true. Sir Omotoso was always asking after their family to encourage them because of the challenges they were facing and this endeared him to their family.
Right from the time I first met him through my Chairman, Chief Rufus Giwa at Lever Brothers, Sir Remi Omotoso had taken me as his younger kinsman. He encouraged and supported me on whatever I was involved with. He will back it with his substance and resources at his disposal as the situation demands. Virtually all the books I wrote and have published are in his library at home.
Naturally, he joined us in Ekitipanupo on January 24th, 2006 that was barely a year old then and was active till the end. One of his seminal posts and several interjections in the indigenous intellectual Roundtable is posted at the bottom of this webpage for ease of reference. At the early days of Igbimo Ure Ekiti, I was involved in the project with him and our revered Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi.
During the Inestiture of Sir Remi Omotoso as a Distinguished Fellow of Institute of Directors (IoD)
Now we are down by one in Ekitipanupo. A big tree in the forum has fallen. The minimum we can do in Ekitipanupo Forum in honor of the memory of the exemplary chieftain of the Roundtable is to sustain the integrity and resourcefulness of the platform for posterity. While mourning the transition of a prominent member, we should nevertheless celebrate his memorable time with us. We should take solace in the fact that heaven is home; whether we live or die, we belong to God. Also to the glory of God, all his children survived him.
A good hearted man with an infectious smile and ever ready soothing jovial words in rich Ekiti dialect that come to him naturally and fluently. A family man to the core with a strong passion for God’s work in the Methodist Church where he served as a Lay President and was honoured with the exalted knighthood of John Wesley. He kept good company of distinguished Nigerians which complemented his decent and inimitable character. Apart from working with Oodua Investment as the Group Managing Director after leaving Unilever PLC as an Executive Director, his reputation earned him board seat in a number of international companies of repute. He loved community service which made him to serve as a president of Ekiti Parapo Lagos and was visible in Odo Aiyedun-Ekiti community development initiatives and Ekiti-State in general.
![]()
One was expecting that Sir Remi Omotoso will be around with us longer than this, but man proposes, God disposes. The inevitable happened earlier than we thought. This is a message to those of us left behind to live in preparation for our last resting place. Be prepared! “A le ro wipe a pe, ko ma pe. A si le ro wi pe ko ni pe, sugbon ko pe”. Let's ask after one another. Use optimally, every interactive forum you belong to in this internet age that has turned the whole wide world into a global village, to reach out and keep in touch with your loved ones. "Iku o d'ojo, arun ko d'osu". Be prepared brethren, hmmm!
The irrevocable debt we all mortals owe has manifested itself again! Death where is thy sting! Our beloved and distinguished technocrat has gone with all his virtues, we are now left with the memories of those beautiful moments together here. We will surely miss him. I won’t hear his sincere and gentle voice calling me Okanlomo Elekole, any more. Yes, exit of oga Remi is a painful loss. May God rest his soul. Our Lord will console madam and the children. Till will meet to part no more, fare thee well sir.
One was expecting that Sir Remi Omotoso will be around with us longer than this, but man proposes, God disposes. The inevitable happened earlier than we thought. This is a message to those of us left behind to live in preparation for our last resting place. Be prepared! “A le ro wipe a pe, ko ma pe. A si le ro wi pe ko ni pe, sugbon ko pe”. Let's ask after one another. Use optimally, every interactive forum you belong to in this internet age that has turned the whole wide world into a global village, to reach out and keep in touch with your loved ones. "Iku o d'ojo, arun ko d'osu". Be prepared brethren, hmmm!
The irrevocable debt we all mortals owe has manifested itself again! Death where is thy sting! Our beloved and distinguished technocrat has gone with all his virtues, we are now left with the memories of those beautiful moments together here. We will surely miss him. I won’t hear his sincere and gentle voice calling me Okanlomo Elekole, any more. Yes, exit of oga Remi is a painful loss. May God rest his soul. Our Lord will console madam and the children. Till will meet to part no more, fare thee well sir.
Sir Omotoso at Anglican Church of the Ascension Opebi on 10/10/10 during Ekiti/Ondo State harvest Thanksgiving
Ayo Oladapo, Seye & Sir Omotosho
Sir Omotoso with Prof Filani (1st left) and Dr Ayo Ajayi (1st right) at Ikole-Ekiti in 2008
A Tribute to A Man of Great Character: Sir Remi Omotoso MFR KJW DFIoD
By, Mrs Folusho Olaniyan OON FIoD
Sir Omotosho joined the saints triumphant on June 5, 2020 having lived a remarkable life.
I met Sir Omotoso in person when I joined the institute of Directors over a decade ago. He was a member of council IOD, but prior to that, I had read a lot about his remarkable professional career in several literature. I want to highlight just a few of the character qualities that I first thought of when reflecting on Sir Omotoso’s life:
Responsible
Responsibility was at the core of his being — shouldering the responsibility of leading his family and guiding his children, from childhood through adolescence and into their adult lives; taking responsibility to provide leadership in most of the organizations he was committed to like the Institute of Directors, the Ekiti state Covid19 Response and Resource mobilization committee where I was privileged to serve on with him in the last two months of his life, and just in general daily life. If Sir Omotoso saw something that needed to be done, he would make sure it got done.
Faithful
Sir Omotoso was “Mr. Reliable”. If he made a commitment, he kept it. You never had to wonder if he was going to show up; he was always there. He followed through on commitments made — in fact, you would never think of Sir Omotoso not following through. He was rock solid. You wanted him on your team - and he was sought out by organizations because they knew he would help you achieve your goals.
Investing in others
I’m not sure of the best way to put this, or of a good singular term, but Sir Omotoso gave his life in the service of others. He was not self-promoting. He did not seek positions of leadership — he was seen as a leader and asked to take leadership positions by those around him. After his retirement, he spent much of his time and energy meeting with others - teaching, mentoring, listening and encouraging. During our last conversation about a month ago, he was in high spirits, and he shared with me an experience he had, a baptism of sort, when he relocated to New York for further studies many years ago, and how the relationships he developed then impacted on his life significantly. Oga was kind, he was a giver, and always wanted to help budding professionals. He was a man of integrity, who spoke up when he felt the truth had to be reiterated.
Sir Omotoso attended our daughter’s wedding 5 years ago, not only as our guest, but as a family friend and neighbor to our in-laws for about 4 decades.
Professional
He believed in structure, process planning and process reviews. He stood up for due process and accountability all the time with a sense of dignity.
Integrity
He was a man of integrity, who spoke up when he felt the truth had to be reiterated.
May God Almighty grant him eternal rest. May God Almighty take care of his beautiful family.
Rest In Peace Sir Omotoso. You have left a worthy legacy for your children.
Folusho Olaniyan.
June 6 2020
Gabriel Akinyemi wrote:
One of Ekiti's shinning stars has fallen from the firmament.
Sir Remi Omotosho was an Omoluabi Ekiti par excellence.
He has gone to rest with his creator, may his soul and the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Rev Felicia Coker wrote:
What a great loss to Odo Aiyedun, and Ekiti State. In November 2018, I left USA to join a group of Medical Team that was sent to Odo Aiyedun for a Medical Outreach, sponsored by Late Sir Remi Omotosho, we occupied his house for a whole week, he made provisions for feeding three times a day, and all the medications we used at Methodist Church Cathedral, Odo Aiyedun. People came from almost all the branches of the Methodist church in Ekiti. I could remember that the 2nd day of the program, we first attended to out of town, people who came with their Church big buses. My prayer for the family is that The Lord will heal the wound in your hearts and the Holy Spirit will be your Comforters. Ojo yio jinna sira o. Olorun oni se ni Akufa ninu ebi yin. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Rev Felicia Coker
Mrs Iyabo Obasa wrote:
Soft spoken, intelligent, disciplined technocrat, who excelled in everything God placed in his hand to do. Omoluabi Ekiti, rest in peace till resurrection morning.
Dr Abiodun Dada wrote:
This is unbelievable. When the May 9th zoom Ekiti Diaspora Leadership meeting ended formally, few of us remained online and talked and late Sir Omotoso joined us. He was very lively and jovial. That was my first time of interacting with him close to physically even though I invested in an Ekitiparapo of Lagos project on cassava flour plant to be built in Ikole Ekiti about 12 years ago based on reputation of Sir Omotoso as one of leading persons on the project. I canvassed for other Ekitis in Diaspora to also invest in the project. This is a great loss.
Emmanuel Abiodun Dada, 6/5/2020
Dare Ojo wrote:
Fare thee well......Sir Remi Omotoso
With heavy hearts but submission to the will of God, we announce the passing of one of our Patrons and Past President of Ekitiparapo Lagos, Sir Remi Omotoso which sad event occurred this morning.
Sir Omotoso was a builder of men, humble and a dedicated Ekiti Son. His contributions to the growth and development of Ekitiparapo Lagos will forever remain in our hearts. I still recall how he made us dance to Ekiti rendentions by Arawewe & Holy Faces at 2019 Easter Picnic held at Alausa Gardens.
We will sorely miss him. We pray that God will keep the family and comfort them through this loss. It is well with us all. Amen
Engr Dare Ojo
President, Ekitiparapo Lagos
05/06/2020
Chief Esan Ogunleye wrote:
SIR FESTUS OLUREMI OMOTOSO (MFR, KJW)
In my constrained grief and internal battle with the thoughts of you and our last chat, it is hard to accept the reality of your being no more.
Although you expressly indicated you needed a “rest “; little did I know that you craved for your last “Rest “from here on Earth.
For people close to you and even for those who were mere acquaintances, your infectious humility despite your life achievements and accomplishments remained pasted on our minds.
The corporate world of Nigeria will remember you for your successes and diligence as expressed by your career services to Lever Brothers, Odua Investment Group, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Standard Chartered Bank , DN Meyer Paints , Greenwich Trust, to name a few. You had influenced positively, a lot of lives along those career paths.
The one time Lay-President of the Methodist Church, Nigeria, you served the Church in various capacities and with passion. You left indelible mark on the Organization as well as your native community-Aiyedun Ekiti. Our people of Ilupeju Ekiti will never forget you and your good deeds.
You will remain a study in the passion and dedication to humanity, particularly in the pursuance of excellence in relationships. Your unwavering commitment for the upliftment of Ekiti has left a large vacuum that will be difficult to fill. Your foundational efforts in building Ekiti Parapo, Lagos for which you later became the President and until your death, a Trustee of the Association. I had the privilege of joining you and other compatriots to establish Igbimo Ure Ekiti and you remained supportive of all Government Administrations before and since the creation of Ekiti State.
Your post-retirement activities were renewed and re-energized. As Ekiti remained our common factor, we shared membership of the recently established Ekiti Covid-19 Response, Resource Mobilization Committee, on which you served actively as Chairman of the Funds Management and Evaluation Committee and Co-chairman of Federal Government Relations Committee. You actively contributed both by personal donation and resource investment.
You represented the best of Ekiti and remained our source of pride. You lived a truly good life and left behind, legacies of honor that would continue to service our pride as a people of Ekiti.
Your death is made even more painful as the dictates of Covid-19 environment would deny us the cultural mode of celebration of a life well spent which you richly deserve. We however take solace in our firm believe that you are on the right hand side of the Lord Almighty.
Egbon ‘Luremi , Ti o Ba D’orun , Ko S’orun Re o.
O di‘gba o. OLOYE ESAN OGUNLEYE .
Bode Ajayi wrote:
Those who walk uprighly enter into peace: they find rest as they lie in death. Isaiah 57-2.... I was devastated to learn of the death of Sir Remi Omotoso. A good person has stopped beating, a good soul soared to heaven! Someone so special can never be forgotten. You touched my life positively in many ways. You promoted Top Elegance Magazine to my amazement. Your support for me while I served under you as the Publicity Secretary of Ekitiparapo, Lagos was unparalleled. May your gentle soul rest in peace. May God comfort our Mummy(your beloved wife) the children, Ayedun Ekiti people and Ekiti State in general. Sun re o Baba.
SIR REMI OMOTOSO - AUDIEU TO A MAN OF IMPECCABLE CHARACTER
By, Professor Segun Ajibola
Oh My God!!!
How do I write about Sir Remi Omotoso in past tense???
I met him about three decades ago but I became close to him just a little over twenty years through Ekitiparapo Lagos. We have related in so many fronts since then - Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Institute of Directors Nigeria, etc and now Ekiti Committee on Covid-19
Oga Remi represents the best in personality Ekiti can offer. Broad minded, humane, passionate, reliable. He remains an epitome of discipline and integrity. Oga Remi leaves a mark wherever he goes. He lightens up everywhere he visits. He exhumes wisdom, knowledge and understanding. His foray in the corporate world remains legendary. Those who value experience laced with goodness of character seek after him.
Sir Remi Omotoso remains a source of inspiration to me. I used to call him even at odd hours to share some thoughts about career decisions, family affairs, industry matters and Ekiti Project. He calms frayed nerves with soothing words of exhortation. He listens with uncommon attention and would take no offence however odd the discussion may sound.
Oga Remi identifies with you. He was at my Investiture as the 19th President and Chairman of Council of The Chartered Institute Bankers of Nigeria alongside with another Pillar of Ekiti Project, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi on 14th May 2016 (picture above with Kabiyesis from Ekiti). He attended my Valedictory Lecture marking the end of my Presidency in CIBN on 18th May 2018 and made a speech on behalf of Ekiti Elders (picture above). He was the Chairman of the Reception Programme at my daughter’s wedding in Lagos on December 7, 2019 (picture above) Indeed, members of my church in VI and others who attended the Reception Programme keep asking about him as he brought life to the event of that day.
He is the Chairman of the Fund Management Subcommittee of Ekiti Committee on Covid-19 in which I am a member. His wisdom and intellectual prowess have again brought to bear on the activities of the Subcommittee and the Committee as a whole.
Words cannot describe the shock waves the sudden departure of Sir Remi Omotoso has sent to the corporate, local, ecclesiastical and other communities. But the consolation is that he departed a servant of the living God. His life and times were dedicated to serving God and touching lives.
Adieu the one and only one Oga Remi of Ekiti Dynasty of our time and age. It is an understatement to say that we will miss you. But we all pray to live a fulfilled life like you.
Deacon, Professor Segun Ajibola, B.Sc, M.Sc, PhD; FCIB, FICA, FCTI, FERP, F.IoD, FFAR, MNES, CRM, LLB, BL
Past President/Chairman of Council
The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
Dr Femi Orebe wrote:
Noooooo.
My God!
Death where's thy sting?
Remi without a doubt was the best of us; a self- effacing, deeply patriotic Ekiti son and leader, who spared nothing to see Ekiti grow, develop and prosper.
As Chairman, Ekiti Parapo, Lagos for so long, this Knight of the shining armour pioneered many industries, especially in the agro provessing sector, and his contributions to the establishment, and subsequent revival of Gossy Water was absolutely enormous.
In clear recognition of his sterling place among the Ekiti elite, no even amongst enlightened, dutiful and absolutely patriotic Nigerians, Dr Kayode Fayemi, our indefatigable governor could possibly not have overlooked Remi as he put together his rainbow coalition Ekiti Covid -19 Committee which has clearly outperformed many a state committee, garnering close to one billion naira in no more than two months. I know the governor will no doubt be lost for words, at Remi's untimely passing.
Remi and I had a unique way of addressing ourselves being co- in - laws to the Alfonsos; he taking a pretty damsel from them, a doctor, and I giving them my beautiful darling daughter, a lawyer.
Waoh!
How my wife and I will miss this absolutely outstanding gentleman who gave his all in the service of God as a distinguished luminary of the Methodist church, a top technocrat who once served as the Group Managing Director of the Odua Group, a serving Bank Chairman and an Ekiti son who, without question, would be described as the NUMERO UNO?
Remi, your place at the feet of your Lord and Master, our Lord Jesus Christ is certainly assured as Christ must have welcomed His son home.
You were 6 and 7 with our Mama, your darling better half of many decades. Being, herself, a woman of faith - a Pastor too, she will be doubly assured you have gone home to rest, at the feet of Jesus.
And the good Lord will comfort her and my dear aburos, his overachieving children, and grant children he left behind.
The good Lord will comfort us all in Ekiti , the LAND OF HONOUR, especially our brethren at Aiyedun who, no doubt, has lost their shining star.
Eternal rest will be yours, in Jesus mighty name.
Sun re o Remi.
A ku ara fera ku
FAYEMI MOURNS DEATH OF SIR REMI OMOTOSO
The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has mourned the death of boardroom guru and former Chairman of the Board of Standard Chartered Bank, Sir Remi Omotoso, who passed on Friday, after a brief illness.
Omotosho, a seasoned administrator and industry leader in Nigeria’s financial sector, hailed from Ayedun-Ekiti. He was aged 75 years.
Dr Fayemi, in a statement in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, described the late Omotoso as an illustrious son of the Land of Honour, a dynamic leader in the financial sector and a patriot who served his fatherland diligently and made Ekiti proud through numerous achievements.
He described the late Omotoso as a frontline investor, thoroughbred professional, seasoned administrator and impactful community leader who lived a life of service to God and humanity.
Dr Fayemi, who hailed the contributions of the late Omotoso to national development, noted that the deceased served meritoriously in several top management positions he held in the last four decades including as Chairman of the Board of Standard Chartered Bank of Nigeria, DN Meyer Paints and Greenwhich Trust Limited; as well as Group Managing Director of Odua Investment Company Limited and Director General/Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry at different times.
Omotoso was also chairman, PPP Committee of Ekiti State during Governor Fayemi’s first term and served actively in the State Covid-19 Response Resource Mobilisation Committee, where he served as Chairman of the Funds Management and Evaluation Committee and the Dederal Government Relations Committee.
Governor Fayemi said: “Despite Sir Omotoso’s busy schedule, he invested, his time and resources and energy on many laudable initiatives that impacted positively on the lives of the people and was always ready to support successive administration in the state with his wealth of experience and extensive national and global contacts.
“For us in Ekiti, this is a huge loss. Sir Remi Omotoso was an exemplar. He represented our very best in Ekiti and made great impact in almost every aspect of life. He remained a source of pride and inspiration to generations after him.
“Though we shall miss his wise counsel and positive disposition to developmental issues, but we are comforted by the fact he lived a good life and left behind legacies of service and honour. He remains our pride in Ekiti”.
“Our prayer is that God will grant him eternal rest and comfort the family”, the Governor added.
Yinka Oyebode
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekiti StateEkiti Speaker Mourns Remi Omotoso's Death
The Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Funminiyi Afuye has mourned the death of the Ekiti born industrialist, Sir Remi Omotoso
This was contained in a press release signed on behalf of the Speaker by his Special Adviser on Media, Akogun Tai Oguntayo.
"The news of the demise of Sir Remi Omotoso was received with a rude shock because of his invaluable services to our dear State in particular and the nation as a whole at this crucial time," he said.
The Speaker observed that the former Group Managing Director of Odua Investments Ltd brought glory to Ekiti State in all the places where he served as a business manager and administrator.
Afuye therefore consoled the family of the Oke-Ayedun Ekiti born seasoned administrator, not to be sad "because he died as a great man whose legacy cannot be forgotten in Nigeria as a whole in the area of commerce and industry."
The Speaker opined that "Sir Omotoso was not just a seasoned administrator but also a dedicated Christian and a great lover of his State."
Sir Omotoso who was at a time a Lay President of the Methodist Church of Nigeria was the Chairman of the Board of Standard Chartered Bank of Nigeria and DN Meyer Paints up till the time of his death. He was very passionate about Yoruba nation, particularly Ekiti, his state of Origin. He served the state in various capacities before his demise on Friday morning.
Sesan Adeleye wrote:
A TRIBUTE TO SIR OLUREMI OMOTOSO (kJW), Former GMD Odua Group Of Companies, Former Director at Unilever, Former Chairman Standard Chattered Bank, Great Representative of Ekiti State Government At All Time, and other different positions of honors.
Sir, the announcement of your death on the early hours of June 5th 2020 dazzled the entire world and bought tears to our eyes. Up to this moment the tears are still coming. There may be crying for several years to come whenever the need arises because of your leaving us when we least expected. We never prepared for your exit in the next several years ahead talk less of now nor June 5th 2020.
It’s very tough for me not to join the multitude of mourners and those who have to say one or two things about you at the mention of your departure from the planet earth.
In and around 1967-1969, I was living with my Father’s sister, Mrs Mary Omotosho and Madam Susana Omotoso, Sir Oluremi’s mother at the Omotoso family house at Ere quarters, Odo Aiyedun-Ekiti. My uncles were in the house with us, but Sir Oluremi was not in the house because he was schooling outside Aiyedun and always vacationing in Lagos or Ibadan. Wonderfully, whenever he came around to Aiyedun, he made me comfortable around him and never shied away from expressing his love for me. I now got entangled with this great soul and always looking forward to seeing him coming home on vacations.
Oga was all over the place building and collating all the ingredients required and necessary for the building of a man and his future home. Reading and advancing his careers so well. We can see how it turned out greatly well today. He started early and disciplined himself very well for this goal.
So I didn’t see him that much again until late 70’s when through my darling brothers; Akinwumi Areola and Akintunde Akinyemi who both invited me to join them at Sir Omotoso’s residence at Okupe section of Maryland Lagos. They were on vacation in his house together with Dewale, sister Ebun’s brother. I was also on vacation at Akoka at my Fatherly figure’s place. When Oga saw me, he was very delighted and happy, thinking that I came around to spend time with them also. But when I told him that I was at Lawyer Adekunle Adeyeye’s place another great man that Sir Omotoso adored so much, he was happy and delighted. He took time to counsel me on how to build a great character like Moses Adekunle Adeyeye. He acknowledged all the good things he had benefited from him in their brotherly relationships. He also introduced me to this gracious woman, his wife who accepted me warmly with uncountable and numerous smiles. Omokayode, Ireti, and Ibukun were in the house then. The very first day impression at the Omotoso’s residence clearly showed an epitome of Godly home that this man has put together.
Over the past several years, we never stop exchanging messages until the last two weeks to his death. I have this to share with the world which he sent on March 3rd 2020 “Glad to hear from you. We're fine here: thanks be to God. Please, keep yourself safe at this terrible time of the ajakale arun called Coronavirus. God will continue to be merciful to us and grant us His secure protection.” What a brotherly message indeed. There are others afterwards but they can’t feel the vacuum death has created now.
Whenever he was in the western world, I will be one of the people who had the privilege of knowing his whereabout. Very late at night, when he should be sleeping, he sent messages through messenger to all of us that he cares about. Several of us, that sometimes I wondered where he got the spirit and power to remember everyone like that. This was because oga was angelic in so many ways.
This man served in various big positions and capacities, that required time and energy to analyze and solve problems, but despite that he remembered us and never forgot to touch base with us as much as he could.
Oga was a special breed, our encourager, mentor of high caliber, a character of peace and joy, an entrepreneur, guru, time keeper throughout life time, a key success factor in so many lives, a man of God among so many ways to define him or things to say. This is a man who paid attention to details and never forgot anything that needed attention at home, with his wife or the children.
He was an inspiration to the wife he loved so much, protected so much, as well as the children he trained very well in the Godly ways. No wonder they all came out sound and good personalities to the glory of God.
Besides the academic and professional achievements that are so robust, he was a great fundraiser and cash flow manager who will never touch your dime for the sake of good name and Omoluabi nature of Oga.
He was The Baba Ijo (The head of the church) of Methodist Church of Odo Aiyedun the position he held so beautifull. He was a person who held a place of recognition in the overall management of Nigerian Methodist Church management at large.
Oga in the social front joined the traditional and local band of Odo Aiyedun called Egbe Aiyeyemi where he was made the patron. When you see him dancing with this group, you will want to ask him some questions on how he learned the technique and style of dancing to the beats of such a wonderful music.
In the circle of influence, Sir Remi Omotoso was robust and well respected. He was an influencer and a family man. There is always fire in my mind to see oga Olu and aunty Ebun together either at home or in the public place. You need to see them at Abraham’s wedding, the youngest son’s wedding the last time I saw them together. What a union! He managed and trained her to the best. I personally believe that it was the decision of God to bring them together as husband and wife to complement themselves. Iku! you are so dangerous to human existence.
An MD of so many positions and parastatals came home and still loved to participate in taking care of the home front in dishing food and loving his wife as God dictated, that was Sir Omotoso till the end. It was very and always very fascinating to see the way oga called “Ebun” a woman of God and a pastor. Oga had a sense of where he was going at the very beginning of time, and was lucky to have found favor from God in marrying a woman of his choice. Ha!!! Iku doro ooo!!!
I followed his life time and paid attention to him so dearly. He was a man who had the sense of whom God has called him to be. It’s hard to find a man with so many wonderful thoughts and perfect like oga Oluremi. He was such an encourager and supporter of good system.
He was a prayer warrior and a lover of God. He put God first in everything he did throughout his entire life. Your husband will make you or break you or your wife will break you or make you is not a problem in oga’s place of abode. Olu was perfect for Ebun, and Ebun was perfect for Olu. He was a man who lived the ambition of his wife and children with all intents and purposes.
This man touched people’s lives and made this place comfortable for mankind. Oga was a key success factor to so many lives, young and old. Oga was cool, tall and handsome inside and outside, minding his businesses very well at all the time. Near to the real perfect man because no one is perfect no matter what. Oga used that power of God in him to lighten the world he lived and those of the people around him. He singularly use his God given power to raise fund for the building of a cathedral for God in Odo Aiyedun, the legacy that will be there forever. He helps other communities like he did in his own community.
Good night sir!
A TRIBUTE TO SIR OLUREMI OMOTOSO (kJW), Former GMD Odua Group Of Companies, Former Director at Unilever, Former Chairman Standard Chattered Bank, Great Representative of Ekiti State Government At All Time, and other different positions of honors.
Sir, the announcement of your death on the early hours of June 5th 2020 dazzled the entire world and bought tears to our eyes. Up to this moment the tears are still coming. There may be crying for several years to come whenever the need arises because of your leaving us when we least expected. We never prepared for your exit in the next several years ahead talk less of now nor June 5th 2020.
There is no time to respect the Yoruba adage that says “iku ko lojo, iku ko losu, ti iku ba ti de, o ya niyen”, than now.
I struggled so much in the past few days to agree that you have actually passed away and will no longer be with us again, talk less of receiving phone calls or your regular messages on messenger app. Despite these facts, I find it difficult not to write, or react to the news of your death like several hundreds of people whom you have touched their lives one way or the other while you are here on earth.
I saw you last four weeks ago on a zoom conference where you greeted warmly as usual “ Okun o Sesan, Aku ipade, ma ke si o later”.
When I woke up in the morning of your departure and the news had just begun trending, I was thinking that it must be a fake news or April fool! But I quickly realized that we are in the month of June.
The confirmation of your death finally came when I saw the picture of your memorial, set up in front of your house in Lagos, where people were signing the register for condolences. My attitude of Thomas the unbeliever in the Bible denying the resurrection of Jesus Christ when He arose from death disappeared from me.
Sir Remi, I never knew it could come fast this way even at the age of 75 years. It’s very tough for me not to join the multitude of mourners and those who have to say one or two things about you at the mention of your departure from the planet earth.
In and around 1967-1969, I was living with my Father’s sister, Mrs Mary Omotosho and Madam Susana Omotoso, Sir Oluremi’s mother at the Omotoso family house at Ere quarters, Odo Aiyedun-Ekiti. My uncles were in the house with us, but Sir Oluremi was not in the house because he was schooling outside Aiyedun and always vacationing in Lagos or Ibadan. Wonderfully, whenever he came around to Aiyedun, he made me comfortable around him and never shied away from expressing his love for me. I now got entangled with this great soul and always looking forward to seeing him coming home on vacations.
Oga was all over the place building and collating all the ingredients required and necessary for the building of a man and his future home. Reading and advancing his careers so well. We can see how it turned out greatly well today. He started early and disciplined himself very well for this goal.
So I didn’t see him that much again until late 70’s when through my darling brothers; Akinwumi Areola and Akintunde Akinyemi who both invited me to join them at Sir Omotoso’s residence at Okupe section of Maryland Lagos. They were on vacation in his house together with Dewale, sister Ebun’s brother. I was also on vacation at Akoka at my Fatherly figure’s place. When Oga saw me, he was very delighted and happy, thinking that I came around to spend time with them also. But when I told him that I was at Lawyer Adekunle Adeyeye’s place another great man that Sir Omotoso adored so much, he was happy and delighted. He took time to counsel me on how to build a great character like Moses Adekunle Adeyeye. He acknowledged all the good things he had benefited from him in their brotherly relationships. He also introduced me to this gracious woman, his wife who accepted me warmly with uncountable and numerous smiles. Omokayode, Ireti, and Ibukun were in the house then. The very first day impression at the Omotoso’s residence clearly showed an epitome of Godly home that this man has put together.
Aunty Ebun was so amazing that day the first time I got to meet her, with her numerous smiles calling her husband’s name more than thirty times. Remi, you want this, Remi, you want that? Remi are you ok? Remi I have done this and that.... so amazing at the first meeting.
Since that day and moment, I never lost contact with this great man. When they moved to Apapa, I traced the house and followed him there, I will take Molue to go and see him in his office at the then Lever Brothers now Unilever office without announcement, he would welcome and attend to me with brotherly love.Over the past several years, we never stop exchanging messages until the last two weeks to his death. I have this to share with the world which he sent on March 3rd 2020 “Glad to hear from you. We're fine here: thanks be to God. Please, keep yourself safe at this terrible time of the ajakale arun called Coronavirus. God will continue to be merciful to us and grant us His secure protection.” What a brotherly message indeed. There are others afterwards but they can’t feel the vacuum death has created now.
Whenever he was in the western world, I will be one of the people who had the privilege of knowing his whereabout. Very late at night, when he should be sleeping, he sent messages through messenger to all of us that he cares about. Several of us, that sometimes I wondered where he got the spirit and power to remember everyone like that. This was because oga was angelic in so many ways.
This man served in various big positions and capacities, that required time and energy to analyze and solve problems, but despite that he remembered us and never forgot to touch base with us as much as he could.
Oga was a special breed, our encourager, mentor of high caliber, a character of peace and joy, an entrepreneur, guru, time keeper throughout life time, a key success factor in so many lives, a man of God among so many ways to define him or things to say. This is a man who paid attention to details and never forgot anything that needed attention at home, with his wife or the children.
He was an inspiration to the wife he loved so much, protected so much, as well as the children he trained very well in the Godly ways. No wonder they all came out sound and good personalities to the glory of God.
Besides the academic and professional achievements that are so robust, he was a great fundraiser and cash flow manager who will never touch your dime for the sake of good name and Omoluabi nature of Oga.
He was The Baba Ijo (The head of the church) of Methodist Church of Odo Aiyedun the position he held so beautifull. He was a person who held a place of recognition in the overall management of Nigerian Methodist Church management at large.
Oga in the social front joined the traditional and local band of Odo Aiyedun called Egbe Aiyeyemi where he was made the patron. When you see him dancing with this group, you will want to ask him some questions on how he learned the technique and style of dancing to the beats of such a wonderful music.
In the circle of influence, Sir Remi Omotoso was robust and well respected. He was an influencer and a family man. There is always fire in my mind to see oga Olu and aunty Ebun together either at home or in the public place. You need to see them at Abraham’s wedding, the youngest son’s wedding the last time I saw them together. What a union! He managed and trained her to the best. I personally believe that it was the decision of God to bring them together as husband and wife to complement themselves. Iku! you are so dangerous to human existence.
An MD of so many positions and parastatals came home and still loved to participate in taking care of the home front in dishing food and loving his wife as God dictated, that was Sir Omotoso till the end. It was very and always very fascinating to see the way oga called “Ebun” a woman of God and a pastor. Oga had a sense of where he was going at the very beginning of time, and was lucky to have found favor from God in marrying a woman of his choice. Ha!!! Iku doro ooo!!!
I followed his life time and paid attention to him so dearly. He was a man who had the sense of whom God has called him to be. It’s hard to find a man with so many wonderful thoughts and perfect like oga Oluremi. He was such an encourager and supporter of good system.
He was a prayer warrior and a lover of God. He put God first in everything he did throughout his entire life. Your husband will make you or break you or your wife will break you or make you is not a problem in oga’s place of abode. Olu was perfect for Ebun, and Ebun was perfect for Olu. He was a man who lived the ambition of his wife and children with all intents and purposes.
This man touched people’s lives and made this place comfortable for mankind. Oga was a key success factor to so many lives, young and old. Oga was cool, tall and handsome inside and outside, minding his businesses very well at all the time. Near to the real perfect man because no one is perfect no matter what. Oga used that power of God in him to lighten the world he lived and those of the people around him. He singularly use his God given power to raise fund for the building of a cathedral for God in Odo Aiyedun, the legacy that will be there forever. He helps other communities like he did in his own community.
Shortly before he fell ill, he sent out a message through a video of a choir group singing a song of thanksgiving to many of us “Emi a dupe ore Jesu”. directed by Tunde Adenugba. Meaning I will be thankful to God for all he has done for me. That Message came in the middle of the night on May 7th. I now went back to listen to that song over and over again, concluding that Oga was actually thanking God for all he has been able to do and achieved. Meaning that he was getting ready for the transition to the heavenly places where he will continue the most assignments with our God Almighty.
Oluremi Omotoso was our pride till the end of time. He served God and the world. He stood for Aiyedun Ekiti, particularly the down town side of the community. He was a sincere person that one can boast of. He lived a good life and was God’s pride to us. He left a legacy of a honorable man. For us in Aiyedun, this is a very big loss and may linger on for so long.
To all of us that Sir Oluremi Omotoso left behind, we have work to do in making sure that we put our best together to keep up with the good work sir Omotoso did for Aiyedun, Ekiti, and Nigeria at large. Life is short and death is certainly certain. What have we done so far that will promote our image and dignity? We can only benefit from loving our neighbors and friends, help others in any capacity we can, and put the love of God in our minds. The end matters than the beginning. Keeping doing good. Oluremi has done his part and he is on his way to heavenly places where his joy will be forever with God. Stop your hateful and destructive attitudes. It doesn’t pay at all. Bow your head down daily to allow God to be in charge of all things.
I pray that God will console our amiable wife and sister, Mrs Ebun Omotoso, the children from Omokayode to Abraham, the entire Omotoso families and Aiyedun Ekiti, particularly in the passing away of this very wonderful and heroic soul, a trailblazer, and a hall of fame Icon of our time.
Sir Oluremi Festus Omotoso. I love you forever death or alive.Good night sir!
On Tuesday, 19 November 2019, Remi Omotoso wrote to Ekitipanupo Forum:
My dear compatriots, Ekiti kete,
Please, bear with me as I come back still on the EKITI AIRPORT. I have an urge to state that there is a place for a passenger business if we do the right things, if we, as a people, use what we have to get what we need.
I say without any fear of contradiction that Ekiti is lavishly endowed with natural resources that can be turned into huge and enviable assets. They differ from crude petroleum and other gaseous minerals as well as solid materials which, over time, can be exhausted. On the other hand, we have IKOGOSI PHENOMENON, Ikere inselbergs, the sprawling and rolling hills, cols, passes, valleys and other God's craftsmanship, so to say, exhibited in Ekiti land and are there for as long as it pleases His Majesty, God Almighty. He created everything at His pleasure and for His pleasure, praise and adoration. He also gave man the right to exploit these resources for man's survival in all its ramifications. We, in Ekiti, marvel at the Almightiness of God and so praise and adore Him in and through these marvelous work of creation, but we have largely failed God by not exploiting these natural endowments for our meaningful and sustainable development. In those climes where people have put their own type of Ekiti natural resources into good use, they have prospered and continued to prosper.
My view, based on my experience across continents over the years, is that IF EKITI STATE UTILISES THESE NATURAL ENDOWMENTS TO PROMOTE TOURISM, HUGE WEALTH WILL BE CREATED FOR A MUCH BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR HER CITIZENS SUSTAINABLY. Let me highlight some potential money spinners but before I go ahead, I wish to submit that an AIRPORT, as close as possible to tourist attraction centers, WILL BE A CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR.
1) MEDICAL TOURISM.
IKOGOSI WARM AND COLD SPRING is one of very few of its type in the world. One writer actually said it's the only one of that type in the world. That's arguable. A two-man team of tourism experts I invited to pay a see-for-yourself visit to Ikogosi in 2002 from Budapest, Hungary, described the temperature of the warm spring as excellent for a natural spa. According to these Hungarians, the whole of Ikogosi warm/cold spring environment is an integrated tourism haven. Those who bring prescriptions from specialist skin Doctors to come bathe in Ikogosi spa( like the River Jordan in the days of Jesus) would take advantage of the value chain associated with spas, the types I saw in Budapest: manicure, pedicure, hair care and massage.. I also saw similar spas in Bath, UK, some years back. Women flood these spas particularly at weekends. The businesses of providing lockers for clients' clothes, shoes and other articles, car parking and security, are sources of jobs creation for the locals.
These Hungarians saw great wealth creation potential in Ikogosi in Health Tourism, apart, of course, from the geological and botanical wonders, and the business of pleasure and relaxation. I booked appointment with Gov. Otunba Niyi Adebayo who hosted them to lunch and the Hungarians betrayed their excitement by stating that there should be, through a PPP or pure Private investment, a business venture to arrest the daily loss of revenue arising from the lack of making assets of these natural resources. The Hungarians promised to produce a business plan as soon as the Land Survey Map of the area by Government was made available. Gov. Adebayo repeatedly requested for this map from the relevant Dept in Ekiti Civil Service but was not provided before he left office in 2003. A business of this type built on enhancing women's well- being, particularly skin care, if well managed is, more often than not, a very successful one from end to end of the value chain. Women who patronize spas are in the middle to the top of the socio-economic spectrum. So, no one should be surprised if women from various parts of the country who have the economic power find Ado-Ekiti Airport, being so close to Ikogosi, an incentive to go out and enjoy a natural spa, the only one available at least, in West Africa.
2) THE 7 CASCADES OF IPOLE-ILORO EKITI.
My compatriots, these cascades are a seven-step waterfall, about 20 minutes away from Ikogosi Warm/Cold Spring. It's a beauty to behold.. You must be really adventurous to climb from the last cascade near the foot of the hills to the first cascade near the hilltop but at every level you appreciate more and more the beauty of nature.Curiously, on the other side of the hill is the Erin-Ijesa 7 cascades. I have visited the Erin-Ijesa falls: simply awesome.
My interest initially in the Ipole-Iloro cascades was to see whether there could be a possibility of power generation. I was looking for captive source of power to help the fortunes of the initial company producing Gossy water at Ikogosi. I was told by an experienced power generation Engineer that a 1.5 megawatts power plant was possible which I was told should be adequate for the Gossy water plant operations and also the Ikogosi Warm/cold Spring Hotel and its facilities. I organised a meeting of a group I was chair of to be held at Ipole-Iloro Cascades. It was an all-Ekiti group. I sought their views. Opinion was divided between leaving the place purely for tourism or trying to get power supply from there. In the meantime, the Cascades are there waiting for exploitation one way or the other. These CASCADES on Ekiti and Osun States sides form part of the IKOGOSI PHENOMENON, a huge potential tourist attraction and destination. The Ado-Ekiti Airport would incentivize tourists to look the way of this phenomenon.
3) THE ALLURING LANDSCAPE OF THE EFON HILLS AND IKERE INSELBERGS.
I must first of all thank those Ekiti men and women Group known as DISCOVER EKITI TOURISM CLUB, A SUBSIDIARY OF DISCOVER EKITI PROJECT. The Club organised the first #Hike Ekiti 2019. The Club's own words: "Through the event, we aim to project, showcase and market Ekiti as a choice destination for mountain Hiking Adventures". Kudos for the initiative entirely private and its actualization completely out of Government control. One would expect an enabling environment and motivational support( not sponsorship) from Ekiti State Government, something similar to Ojude Oba annual sociocultural event in Ijebu Ode, presided over and driven by Oba Sikiru Adetona and organised by a Committee constituted by representatives of the "Regberegbes".
The rolling Hills in and around Efon are a beauty to behold.. Many countries of the world have continued to leverage on their natural endowments to generate income which impacts their GDP noticeably. Jamaica is one of such countries. The whole town called Ocho Rios attracts tourists in their thousands every year. It combines the unique Dunn's River Fall, a few kilometers from the Bay into which the River discharges its water. The River runs through a rain forest. There is an airport in Ocho Rios which is between Kingston and Montego Bay. Apart from Bob Marley Center, the narural endowments exploitation forms a bulk of Revenue generation in Jamaica. I should also add that sports development centers are integrated into tourism. Any wonder the highly rated athletes of Jamaica?
I believe most of us Ekiti compatriots welcome the new focus Ekiti State Government is putting on CULTURE. The dances, arts and craft and the original and genuine Ekiti life and personality. We are drawing the world attention to who we are: simple folks, industrious, humorous and yet fiercely defensive of their values. By the way, I hope the Ministry of Culture will bring back "Ujo Apiiri", famous in those days around Efon. There is also the "Ajagbo", absolutely hilarious in its 2-man back to back, turn around style of dancing. Honestly, Ekiti has so much to offer the world in Culture if we put our arts and acts together.
CONCLUSION
My compatriots, a facility like an airport has a lot to offer in the socio-economic development of a land-locked State so richly endowed like our own. I have given good reasons while we should key into the Agribusinesses Cargo Airport Ekiti State Govenment has embarked upon. I expect the Government to take onboard those helpful suggestions offered by those who have given conditional nod to the Project. Even the value in some genuine fear of a number of naysayers should not be ignored. They are no less patriotic than those of us in support of the Project. From my own perspective, I am submitting that Passenger business is possible in the ongoing Airport Project medium term if we the stakeholders, mobilized by Ekiti State Government, adopt a can-do approach. The ingredients for a palatable "OBE ILA ALASEPO" are available, staring us in the face. The firewood is there, and the "ADIRO" is waiting to be stoked.And so is the "UKOKO". My people, let's get together and use what we have to get what we need: EKITI SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.
In the language of our own Okanlomo Ekole, Seye Adetunmbi, A JUSE O.
Remi Omotoso
