The management of Oodua News Newspaper, Ibadan, has reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating individuals whose lives and works have made meaningful contributions to humanity.
Speaking on Thursday during the presentation of the Evergreen Leadership Award to AG Barrister Olasunkami Eyinfunjowo, Assistant Governor of Rotary District 9112 and Lagos-based frontline lawyer, the Editor of Oodua News, Comrade Richard Thomas, said the honour was in recognition of the awardee’s selfless service to Rotary International and society at large.
The ceremony, held at Barrister Eyinfunjowo’s Ikeja office, drew friends, associates, and dignitaries who paid glowing tributes to the legal icon.
Comrade Thomas described the recipient as “a rare gem whose dedication has positively impacted both his immediate community and the broader society.” He stressed that Oodua News would continue to identify with individuals committed to service and humanity.
In his acceptance speech, Barrister Eyinfunjowo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organisation, noting that the honour would further inspire him to do more. He commended Rotarian Kingsley Modeyin, immediate past President of the Rotary Club of Olambe District, for nominating him, and assured that the recognition would mark the beginning of a lasting partnership with Oodua News.
Reflecting on his philosophy toward recognition, Eyinfunjowo recalled his late father’s counsel: “There’s nothing to it. Who doesn’t like being honoured?” He added, “I sincerely appreciate this award and pray that God Almighty continues to strengthen your organisation.”
The Deputy Editor, Oodua News Bode Akinbode described Barrister Eyinfunjowo as deserving of the award owing to his track records and contributions to humanity.
Also in his speech, the Lagos Bureau Chief and Marketing Manager of the Organization, Rotarian Modeyin, while congratulating the awardee, described him as a pillar of support to Rotary and a philanthropist with a heart of kindness. “Leadership isn’t about age or title, it’s about impact. In a short time, Barrister Eyinfunjowo has made maximum impact,” he said.
The awardee’s wife, Alhaja Eyinfunjowo, also thanked the management of Oodua News and prayed for the company’s growth and success. Friends and associates present lauded the recognition, affirming their confidence that the honouree would continue to support the organisation’s initiatives.
Friends of the legal icon who graced the programme described him as man of many parts, just as they thanked the management of Oodua News for honouring Barrister Eyinfunjowo with the award, assuring that the recipient would give his utmost support to the organisation
A Distinguished Career of Service
Barrister (Chief) Olasunkami A. Eyinfunjowo was born on July 22, 1957, in Lagos to the late Pa Kasali and Princess Khadijat Eyinfunjowo. He began his education at Ansar-ud-Deen Primary School, Kano, before completing at Otubu Memorial Primary School, Ijebu-Ode, following the Nigerian Civil War. He later attended Epe Grammar School, where he sat for the pioneering W.A.S.C.E. examinations in 1973.
He earned his Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration from the Lagos State College of Science and Technology and later studied law at the University of Lagos, combining evening studies with his civil service duties. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1996.
Barrister Eyinfunjowo’s civil service career spanned more than three decades in the Lagos State Civil Service, where he rose to Chief Inspector of Taxes and later Assistant Director in the Ministry of Finance and Debt Management, retiring in 2009. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, he is widely respected for his integrity and professionalism.
His service to humanity extends through Rotary International, where he has held numerous leadership positions, including Charter Secretary, Club President (2009–2010), District Parliamentarian, Chief Parliamentarian of District 9112 (2015–2017), and currently, Second-Level Assistant Governor (2024–2026). He also served as Chairman of the Surulere Community Development Association, Ishasi, Akute, Ogun State, until 2022.
Presently, Barrister (Chief) O.A. Eyinfunjowo is the Managing Partner of Kanmi Eyinfunjowo Yominu Chambers.
Dignitaries in Attendance
Notable guests and friends of the awardee at the award ceremony included Chief Alade Ogungbadero (Principal Partner, RAOCO Consulting), Mr. Olasunkanmi Animashaun (Principal Partner, Anifab & Associates), Alhaji Abiola Abioye (Principal Partner, Abiola Abioye Chartered Accountants), Mr. Hakeem Sanusi (businessman and ICT specialist), Pastor Funsho Ajiboye (Chartered Accountant), Rtn. ESV Modeyin Bayo Kingsley, Chief (Mrs.) T.A. Eyinfunjowo, Princess Bukola Modeyin (née Obasa), and Mr. Johnson Gbadamosi (automobile engineer).
The Evergreen Leadership Award further cements Barrister Olasunkami Eyinfunjowo’s legacy as a man of integrity, community service, and leadership, whose contributions continue to inspire others.
