13th Anniversary: Remembering Deacon Ayo Ositelu

Today, we pause to honor the memory and lasting legacy of Deacon Ayo Ositelu, the Pioneer Executive Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, who was called to glory exactly 13 years ago.

Deacon Ayo Ositelu was far more than a politician; he was a trailblazer, a world-renowned sports journalist, a man of God, and a visionary leader who laid the foundation upon which the modern Ejigbo LCDA is built.

A Legacy of Service and Excellence

• Architect of Ejigbo LCDA: As the first chairman following the creation of the LCDA by the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Deacon Ositelu faced the daunting task of starting a local government from scratch. His integrity and structural planning set the pace for all his successors.

• A Voice for the People: His tenure was marked by a “people-first” approach. He brought the government closer to the residents of Aigbaka, Ifoshi, Oke-Afa, and all the wards that make up our community.

• The “Arena” of Integrity: Beyond politics, his contributions to Nigerian journalism and sports (particularly his famous The Arena column and his passion for tennis) made him a national icon. He carried that same professionalism into the Chairman’s office.

Tribute by Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan

“Thirteen years later, the shoes of Deacon Ayo Ositelu remain as giant as ever. He was a man of immense character who taught us that public service is a sacred trust. As we reflect on his transition to glory, we don’t just mourn his absence; we celebrate the standard of excellence he left behind. His name is forever etched in the history of Ejigbo Land.” — Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan

A Prayer for the Family

We remember his beloved wife, children, and the entire Ositelu family today. May the light he lit in Ejigbo continue to shine, and may his soul continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord.

Sun re o, Deacon Ayo Ositelu! The Pioneer. The Legend. The Servant Leader.