Kunle Adelabu
It was emotional atmosphere on Wednesday, as participants on THE IMPACT WhatsApp platform paid glowing tributes in honour of Late Femi Adinlewa, who was an active member of the media loop until his death.
Adinlewa, 49 years old, died last Sunday as the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA.
In his honour and in recognition of his contributions to the platform and political development in Ikorodu Division, the administrators of THE IMPACT group, organised a session tagged “An Evening of Tributes”, for participants to share their experiences about him.
The platform is also raising funds to support his two wives and five children.
Oke Godwin Olaoluwa, an active participant, public commentator and a community builder, speaking during the session, described his death as a loss of a rare gem.
He lauded his principles and easy – going nature.
”Adinlewa was a maverick politician and a committed progressive. Once he believed in a cause, he stood by it steadfastly, even in the face of strong opposition.
“He was not a politician for politics’ sake. Rather, he was a true grassroots mobiliser, a passionate community development advocate, and an altruist who dedicated himself to the welfare of others. Easygoing and open-minded, he never allowed political differences to become personal, nor did he hold grudges over disagreements.
”His unwavering commitment to his principles, his love for the Ikorodu community, and his selfless service have left an enduring legacy. The people of Ikorodu will sorely miss him.”
Another participant and a grassroots mobiliser, Mr Ibrahim Olayinka Majekodunmi, who said that he was deeply saddened by the loss of his political colleague and friend, also acknowledged Femi’s dedication to his party and Ikorodu.
”His unwavering dedication to party service and the people of Ikorodu Federal Constituency has left an indelible mark on our community. He will be remembered for his fierce advocacy, his brilliant leadership, and the years of camaraderie.
”My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Femi Adinlewa.”
Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo, the Education Secretary, LGEA, Ikorodu LG, stated that:
”I had the best of @Femi Adinlewa when he was in opposition and those memories will live forever, especially in terms of his loyalty, braveness, doggedness and total commitment to the cause he believed in.
”The tributes are not my thinking for now but the four boys Adinlewa left behind. So sad!”
A co -administrator of THE IMPACT platform, Oluwaseyi Adelabu, also expressed that he got to know Adinlewa more through his political engagements on the platform and others.
”I came to know him more through our engagements on various political platforms, where he was a prominent voice for the PDP in Ikorodu before later joining the APC.
”Whether in the PDP or the ruling APC, Femi remained true to himself. He defended whatever and whoever he believed in, regardless of the number or strength of those on the opposing side.
”He was outspoken, fearless, and never intimidated. As long as he had the opportunity to speak and engage, he expressed his convictions with confidence and passion.”
Adelabu said that the news of his death came to him as a rude shock and added that the Ikorodu political space will not be the same again.
”The political space, and indeed the entire Ikorodu community, has lost one of its vibrant voices. Without a doubt, Femi will be greatly missed by all who knew him and had the privilege of working with him.
”Femi Adinlewa was a jolly good fellow, warm, jovial, and friendly.”
Barr. Adeleke Aroyewun, State NYCN Legal Adviser, in his own tributes, described him as:
”An absolute phenomenon that you cannot but notice.
“His style of politics was uncommon, not one that is rooted in bitterness or dependent on immediate gratification. Loyalty was his creed, he was intentional about it.
”He is that one person that won’t follow the crowd, he stands for who and what he believes in regardless of whose ox is gored.
”Even while in the opposition, he was the friend of the progressives because you cannot but love him for his humility and friendliness.
”He will be sorely missed by the entire Ikorodu Division. Rest on @Femi Adinlewa. AMEN.”
Oluwa_diaspora, another participant and public commentator, simply stated in his own tribute:
”The fact that we are holding a tribute for him, the first I’ve seen or heard in years, says all that needs to be said about him.”
Agricpreneur and media expert, Arinola Okeowo, also recalled her engagements with late Adinlewa who usually called her, ‘my daughter “, whenever they had banters on THE IMPACT platform.
”Had my first encounter with the deceased many years ago when he was still in the opposition party.
”We would banter and drag each other on various WhatsApp groups (especially The IMPACT WhatsApp group), and he would sometimes come to my DM to joke around.
She stated that the platform banter transcended into cordial physical relationships.
”Whenever we met in person, he remained cordial and friendly, so I stopped taking his banters seriously, and that’s how our fake “father-daughter relationship” started.
”Mr. Femi Adinlewe would always call me his daughter, and I would jokingly call him my fake daddy.
”He would always banter about how he had sent me money for food, even though I never received a credit alert from him. My last message to him on WhatsApp was me sending him my account details after he publicly said on a platform that he was going to send me money.
”We saw few weeks before his demise, and he called me, “My daughter,” just as he always did, with that warm smile on his face. Little did I know that would be the last time I would see him.”
Like others, Arinola described his death as a great shock.
”The news of his death came as a great shock. I kept hoping for a miracle and that the news would be debunked.
”I pray that God Almighty grants him eternal rest and gives his entire family and friends the strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
“Rest well, my fake daddy.”
The Special Senior Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Social Development, Comrade Lekan Oba, also acknowledged his strong opposition stance.
”Egbon was one of the strong voices of the Opposition some years back. I remember how he took his time to defend his party as a good party man.
“He was jovial, friendly and one person that you can be so sure of his loyalty and commitment on a journey.
“He would be missed greatly. May his soul rest peacefully.
”ADIEU.”
Ibrahim Alani Onibudo, a former Chairmanship aspirant, Ikorodu LG, also contributing from his base in Canada, wrote:
”Late Femi Adinlewa, it’s still so unbelievable that you’re gone. You’re gone too soon.
”There has never been a PRO more skillful in Ikorodu Politics than you were.
”May his soul rest in perfect peace. AMEN.”
Mr ‘Dayo Hassan, a lecturer, social commentator and one of those who made life difficult for late Adinlewa as an opposition figure, recalled his engagements with him.
”I met Femi Adinlewa when he was still in PDP, and I will be honest, I tackled him a lot. The kind of tackling that would make most people keep their distance. But Femi? He turned all of it to jokes. He laughed it off, and that was the moment I knew that his heart was bigger than politics.
”Years later, when we met again and I told him I worked in Yabatech, the first thing he said was, “Thank God I have seen another sure plug for admission of people seeking entry into the polytechnic.” And he meant it. After that, he would call me, excited, to say he had given my number to one or two people who needed admission help. He never asked for anything in return from them. That was Adinlewa, always connecting, always opening doors.”
The lecturer who jokingly said that Adinlewa loved a particular brand of beer, queried why the manufacturer didn’t notice him for ambassadorial engagements.
Recalling his last encounter with him, Mr Hassan, said :
”Our last encounter was at JB’s appreciation meeting with the party outgoing excos. True to form, he joked with me: “I will raba you from my gift in exchange for 2 bottles of Trophy.” We laughed. I never knew it would be the last time.
”His final comment on the Frank Forum still sits with me. I had posted to remind friends to attend Dr. Oyekan’s father’s burial, and at exactly 9:08PM on Saturday 27th, June, Adin replied that “I am on my way already.” It is painful to say that he would be buried on the very day the old man’s burial will take place.
”Adin died as he lived. A great man, generous with laughter, loyal to his friends, and always ready to show up. He deserves to be immortalised.
”Rest well, Femi Adinlewa.”
An educationist and former chairmanship candidate, Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. (Dr) Oladeji Oluniyi Akinola, in his own tributes, wrote:
”I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend and political comrade. Femi Adinlewa, during the last APC House of Assembly primary elections, you encouraged me not to relent that you are very proud of my grassroots delivery.
”You were a tireless advocate for the people and a fearless voice for the community and Ikorodu North LCDA. The political arena has lost a true patriot, but your legacy of integrity and service will live on forever . Rest in power, my friend.”
Elder Olu Omoniyi, a chieftain of the APC and community leader, also lamented the untimely death of Adinlewa.
”A shameless DEATH by its usual whimsical and utterly brutish demeanour whisked you away without affording us the least latitude to protest, what a painful exit! Adinlewa you’re gone but left behind your indelible FOOTPRINT, LEGACY AND LANDMARK in the heart of God and Mankind. Femoo, good night, Rest In peace.”
