The sad news of the passing of Dr. Abdulganiyu Obatoyinbo, mni, the esteemed Aremo of Iyamoye, and a distinguished pride of Okunland, came to me while I was already in bed yesterday, Saturday September 6, 2025
Having had a memorable day, at an event which turned an Okun Day, at the 50th Birthday dinner of a distinguished aburo, Ogbeni Olumide Faleke, which had in attendance, an array of some leading Okun first-rate monarchs, academics, heads of federal and state government agencies, and political gladiators of this era, the shocking news of the tragedy of the death of Dr. Abdulganiyu shattered the night for me!
It is had to believe, but it has become a reality that a man who could be fittingly described as “Okanlomo” of Okun nation has been snatched away from us by the cold hands of death.
Dr. Abdulganiyu Obatoyinbo, mni, who was cool with everyone across Okun communities, possessed uncommon attributes of love for all and goodwill to everyone. He exemplified the essential noble values of simplicity of life and living and had a heart of gold for humanity. He made a lasting impression on me as a role model and case study in service with humility and in putting humanity first.
He was an unparalleled human capital development enthusiast and success-enabler who gave a helping hand to everyone who needed it, without regard for creed and nativity. He had an exceptional impact and was unforgettable in the minds of countless numbers of people across the country.
The memory of the love and goodwill he showed me during my privileged short period of knowing and relating with him, which spanned a little over a decade, will remain indelible in my mind.
In 2014, when I was engaged in consultations with Ijumu leaders across the constituent communities for my aspiration to be elected into the Kogi House of Assembly to represent Ijumu constituency, he was one of those highly respected Ijumu leaders with great influence, who so much believed in my capacity and rallied support for me.
My political adventure, eleven years ago, which was a vital learning curve for me, did not succeed, but the cherished endorsement of my candicay by the likes of Dr. Abdulganiyu Obatoyinbo, mni, has remained a greatly invaluable part of my political life.
The eminent life and times of Dr. Abdulganiyu Obatoyinbo, mni, remarkably impacted Ijumu and Okun nation. He was a pride to his homeland as a worthy Okun son on every beat he was assigned for national duty. He made an impact as a banker with the former Bank of the North; Secretary of Programme (Head of Administration) at National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP); as Director, National Planning Commission, and in other federal ministeries such as: Commerce and Industry, Interior, Women Affairs, Culture and Tourism.
His death is a depletion of the human capital asset of not just Ijumu, Okun nation, Kogi State, but Nigeria in general. His exit has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill, particularly in the many lives that he touched and made a significant difference.
My heartfelt condolences to his immediate and extended family, the Iyamoye community, staff and management of Public Service Institure of Nigeria (PSIN), where he served as Administrator and Chief Executive Officer as his last place on national assignment.
My heart is heavy. Ijumu mourns. Okun nation griefs because “Eni rere loo”!
May the great soul of this distinctly good man find repose.
– Araba Rufus Aiyenigba,
National Publicity Secretary, SDP and Secretary, Elders Council, ODA
