By Femi Adesola
Greatness is not measured by the clothes worn or by its cost, it can’t be determined by birth, or by physical attributes, all these are physical qualities without the intrinsic value you possess that people can see or learn from you. A great man influences and his action radiate effortlessly through his environment and beyond. The qualities in Asiwaju Musulumi are recognized by both his friends and foes.
The business mogul is a very religious philanthropist which is why he was bestowed with a title of Asiwaju Musulumi of Yoruba land, even on his birthday the Islamic clerics in Oshogbo and environment were well represented with powerful Qur’anic recitations. His home is another Mecca during the Ramadan period, as Muslim faithfuls gather daily in his house to break their fast.
Asiwaju Khamis Olatunde Badmus’s history of his 72 years is enlivening and an inspiring to all, particularly the youth of this country and his fellow rich and privileged people within his age bracket. I learnt a great deal of lesson at his birthday celebration, organized on his behalf by Oshogbo Development Union (OPU) at the banquet hall of his home in GRA area of Oshogbo in his absence while on lesser hajj at Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. People across the political sphere, business associates, top government functionaries, clerics, traditional rulers, community leaders and family members, gathered to grace the occasion amidst fanfare.
His business conglomerates has been successful over three decades, in the early 90s TUNS Biro was a household name in Osun State and its environ, while TUNS Farms Nigeria limited and TUNS foods and agro-allied limited is a legacy that will live forever, been a company that is well structured, and has the highest employer of labour with over 500 skilled workers and thousands of unskilled and indirect workers.
At the birthday prayer and ceremony, one testimony gave me goosebumps. I was motivated and inspired by the testimony from Barrister Adams Adedimeji, who met Asiwaju in Lagos where he was learning Arabic. He said “I was hopeless and never thought I would have a university degree not to talk about being a lawyer and attending a law school, every education I had from university to the law school was sponsored by Asiwaju” He said he only heard the birthday announcement on radio and must come by all means to show his appreciation. He has been a philanthropist who opens his door for everyone.
The Oshogbo born business mogul and the Chairman of TUNS International Holdings is a force to reckon with as far as Osun politics is concerned, you can hardly see him identify with a political party. But he has shown since the start of democracy in Osun to be a king maker even without identifying with any political party. He is the God father to all political parties in Osun. He was known as one of the major financiers of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola governorship campaign.
Rt. Hon. Adejare Bello, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, lauded Baba’s political dexterity, He said Baba was instrumental to his success in becoming the Speaker in 2003, he said “Baba is a very good man and a philanthropist, I could remember the role he played when I wanted to become the Speaker in 2003 and Alhaji Akinbade as the Secretary of the State. I could also remember how we won that election by the almighty God through him, despite being in opposition. He is second to none. I want to pray that Baba will witness many more years on earth with sound health.”
Honourable Abdulmaruf Adebayo known as Gangaria, in his own tribute, said “Celebrating a man in absentia is worthy of emulation, I want to use this opportunity to felicitate, rejoice and congratulate Baba, an excellent man to the core, a religious leader, the man that has been there for Oshogbo and his environment for years. I want to use this medium to advise the upcoming leaders to emulate this man who is ready to serve his people wholeheartedly. Once again I congratulate him on his birthday.”
However, one of his Son, Engr. Olalekan Badmus said “Asiwaju Tunde Badmus is someone that his character is worthy of emulation, He is a father indeed, and I always pray to God that God should give us the wisdom to emulate him. What gives me joy that all the disciplines he trained us with made us be able to be successful and manage the business well. He is someone that deserves our prayer for good health and longevity.’’
The Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti said “Alhaji is a clear example of the dictum that with diligence and hardworking, it is possible to attain greatness in whatever one sets to achieve in life. As a young man from a humble background, you have climbed the ladder of success in a way that clearly marks you as a role model for the younger generation.”
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Osun State Chapter, Hon. Soji Adagunodo, said “Alhaji Badmus has positively touched the lives of millions through his business conglomerate, TUNS Investment, which provides jobs to many families and serves communities with diligence and offers quality services to various sector of the Nation’s economy. May Almighty Allah grants him good health and sound mind to be of further benefit to humanity.’’
Also Engr. Fatai Akinbade the former secretary to the Osun State Government while paying his tribute said “Baba is a very religious man, wherever he is God is always present, despite his absence here today, everything still went normally. I wish Baba many more years in good health.”
The Chief of Staff to the Governor of the State of Osun, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola while giving his testimony said “Alhaji is a good and a very religious man that likes prayer, Am wishing baba happy birthday and many more years on earth.
Lastly, Justice Jide Falola said “Asiwaju’s contribution to the judicial sector is immense, he is the one that nationalized me as an Oshogbo indigene. His door is always open for anyone to enter. I wish Baba happy birthday and many more years on earth.’’
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