It was a day of emotions, nostalgia, and celebration on Tuesday as dignitaries, colleagues, family, and friends gathered at the Oyo State Local Government House to honor Deacon Taiwo Olafimihan Adewale, who retired after 35 years of dedicated service to the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission.
The event, which attracted top government officials and community leaders, marked the end of an illustrious career that began on September 10, 1990, when Adewale was first employed as an Agriculture Officer II. From those humble beginnings, he rose steadily through the ranks, serving in several local governments including Ogo Oluwa, Ibarapa Central, Oyo West, Oluyole, and Iseyin, before attaining the peak of his career as Permanent Secretary of the Commission in 2023.
In his sermon, Rev. Dr. J. A. Babalola of the First Baptist Church, themed “Serving Your Generation” (Acts 13:36), described Adewale as a man who gave his all in the service of humanity and the state. “He was diligent, committed, and left an indelible mark on the system,” Babalola said.
Among the dignitaries present were the Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin; Hon. Dele Adeola; Hon. Olajide Akintunde; Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole, Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission; Hon. Kamoru Abiodun Aderibigbe, Chairman of the Oyo State Civil Service Commission; Hon. Seun Ojo, Chairman of Ogo Oluwa Local Government; and Hon. Williams Akin Funmilayo, Commissioner for Lands.
Tributes flowed from all corners. Bashorun Akinwole, in his goodwill message, praised Adewale’s “immense contributions and humanity,” saying:
“If I had the power to retain or extend his tenure, I would have done so. He received us with open arms and proved to be an exceptional and wonderful human being.”
Hon. Funmilayo described him as a man of “discipline, courage, and integrity,” while Mr. Adebayo Solaja, Head of the Local Government Commission, said Adewale epitomized professionalism and humanity. Hon. Olajide Akintunde lauded him for leaving office with an unblemished record, never once summoned before the Assembly for queries.
Others, including Hon. Akeem Ige, Pastor Adeola, and Alhaji Kamoru Aderibigbe, echoed similar sentiments, describing Adewale as a man of honor who served Oyo State meritoriously and left a legacy worth emulating.
The gathering also featured a large audience of serving and retired permanent secretaries, heads of local government administration, the Conference of Retired Heads of Local Government Administration, and members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).
In his response, a visibly emotional Deacon Adewale expressed gratitude to God for guiding his career.
“Despite the challenges, He saw me through from the beginning to this day. I return all glory to Him,” he said.
He also appreciated his wife, colleagues, the staff of the Commission, and the people of Oyo State for their love and support, adding that retirement would give him an opportunity to devote more time to God, family, and community service.
As the curtains drew on his public service journey, applause and prayers followed him, sealing his reputation as one of the most respected Permanent Secretaries in Oyo State’s local government history.
