The excruciating pain and grief inflicted on me by the shocking and untimely death of an illustrious son of Isanlu land and a global figure; Prof Pius Adebola Adesanmi has not fizzled, neither time have been able to do justice. His death is pathetic, unfortunate and grave because an invaluable asset to Nigeria and world over loss a rare gem and a doer with an unwavering spirit.
I am more saddened with the fact that Isanlu his ancestral home did not get to know the giant they had as a son before his sudden exit. I am more pained, that the plan we had to collectively lift our people above poverty line did not materialise as agreed. Now, but late, they knew they have missed a formidable force, a well respected voice and a strong network of influence capable of bringing development to the land. I reminisced with an heavy heart the last time he came home, he held nothing back,as he showed excitement, liveliness and passion to always provide a shoulder when they need him. He was a rallying point and an answer to many demands from the people.
I am extremely proud today, to say Isanlu birthed one of the best who became a gift to humanity by standing in gap to tell truth to power selflessly. He was a Nigerian that had a deserving global ratings whose scholarly works stood the test of comparison with rest of the world. He was a relentless academician who sought answers to questions plaguing Africa and her people.
I am not perplexed litany of encomiums and eulogies are drifting in like a gushing water because you have made your mark as a revered professor, literary giant, columnist, essayist, prolific writer and an unbending social crusader. You spoke when the rest were muted, your pen was spinning in writing when many caved in, your advocacy for Pan-africanism was an unstoppable task.
We and I shall tell our children Pius Adesanmi abhorred mediocrity, though born in the trenches of Isanlu, rose to become an international sought after speaker, writer with distinct and a public figure of note. He will forever lives in our hearts and resides in our ability to create a Nigeria where sanity rules and humanity comes first.
I soberly sympathise with his lovely wife, beautiful daughter, aged Mama Adesanmi, Isanlu land, Okun race, Kogi state, Carleton University and community and Nigeria as a nation. Indeed, an IROKO tree has fell down resoundingly.
May God Almighty grant everyone the fortitude and courage to bear this colossal loss.
Prof Pius my friend and brother, till will meet to part no more, I say sleep well in the bosom of the Almighty God.
Adieu……
– Hon. Mukadam Asiwaju Idris Asiru
Commissioner of Finance & Economic development and Aare Afiwagboye of Isanlu Land.
