A former President of the prestigious Ibadan Recreation Club (1902), Chief Olumakinde Oni, has penned an inspiring tribute in honour of the Patron of the First Cosmopolitan Club in Africa Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, describing him as “a multidimensional personality and one of the forces that made Ibadan Recreation Club what it is today.”
In his goodwill message marking the 70th birthday of the distinguished leader and philanthropist, Chief Oni, who is also the Atayese of Ido, Ibadan Land and Baba Ijo of St. James Church, Imo–Ilesa, expressed profound appreciation for Asiwaju’s leadership, generosity, and lifelong commitment to unity and development.
Recalling his early years in the Club, Oni narrated how he was admitted into the Ibadan Recreation Club in 1998 while Asiwaju Fasuyi served as the Membership Secretary.
“I will be forever grateful to him for identifying me and recommending me for membership,” he said.
He went on to highlight Asiwaju’s illustrious service within the Club, including his election as Chairman of the Snookers and Billiards Section, and later as President — a tenure marked by enduring reforms and generous contributions.
Chief Oni listed several of Asiwaju’s outstanding impacts: the introduction of lasting policies that strengthened the Club’s structure, over two decades of annual sponsorship of snooker competitions, donations running into millions of naira to various Club sections, and the complete renovation of the family and children’s gardens — now named in his honour.
“For over 20 years, he has sponsored yearly competitions that foster friendship and unity among members. His N2 million donations to each Club section for development projects remain unmatched,” Oni remarked, adding that Asiwaju’s leadership continues to promote peace, harmony, and excellence within the Club.
He described the celebrant as “a man of unity, generosity, and vision” and extended heartfelt prayers for his continued health and divine favour.
“Ladies and gentlemen, you will all agree with me that Asiwaju is one of the forces that made Ibadan Recreation Club reach the level that it is today — the best Club in Ibadan and the second best in Nigeria after Ikoyi Club (1938).
May God continue to keep you for us in particular and for humanity in general,” Chief Oni said.
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