Some lives are remembered for the wealth accumulated, positions occupied and influence wielded, while others are celebrated for the number of people they touched, the institutions they supported and the positive footprints they left behind.
For the late Babalaje of Edeland, Chief Lawal, whose earthly journey ended at the remarkable age of 105, his enduring story, as recalled by family members, religious leaders and community stakeholders, is one of generosity, kindness, integrity and commitment to humanity.
His death marked the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of his family and community, but the testimonies surrounding his life suggest that his legacy will continue to resonate beyond his immediate household.
At his final burial ceremony held in Ede, Osun State, on Saturday, family members, Islamic clerics, traditional rulers, business personalities and community leaders gathered to honour a man whose life was described as an example of responsible wealth and community service.
One of the strongest messages from the family came from his first son, Alhaji Muftau Kolapo Lawal, who urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace goodness, honesty, justice and kindness.
According to him, his father believed in doing good and demonstrated this through his relationship with people during his lifetime.
“Let us refrain from doing evil and embrace goodness, just as my late father did throughout his lifetime.
“I encourage the younger generation of today to cultivate the habit of doing good, as it will positively shape our future,” he said.
He further recalled that his father hated injustice and cherished truth, urging his children to sustain the values that defined the deceased.
For a man who lived for more than a century, such values became an important part of the legacy his family hopes to preserve.
Beyond his family, the late Babalaje was also remembered for his philanthropic contributions, particularly towards religious development.
A prominent Islamic preacher in Osun State, Sheikh Abdullahi Akanni Olorunlomerue, described him as a generous individual who deployed his wealth to promote unity and advance Islam.
The cleric recalled that the deceased was the first person to make a substantial donation towards the construction of Ede Central Mosque.
He described the contribution as a reflection of his commitment to religious development and the welfare of his community.
“We have lost a good man, a man who used his wealth, kindness and exemplary character to unite the people,” Olorunlomerue said.
He called on philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the deceased by supporting the less privileged.
“I urge everyone, particularly the younger generation, to emulate his good deeds by giving to the less privileged because this life is ephemeral,” he added.
Within his household, the deceased was equally celebrated as a devoted husband and father.
His first wife, Oyeladun Lawal, described him as a loving husband who treated his four wives equally and ensured that his children were adequately provided for.
She said the family would greatly miss his affection, care and commitment.
His granddaughter, Rukayat Lawal, also remembered him as a caring patriarch whose love extended beyond his immediate children to his grandchildren and other people around him.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State also acknowledged the deceased’s contributions, describing him as a pillar of community development and an important figure in Yoruba commercial history.
In his condolence message, Adeleke said the late Chief Lawal exemplified integrity, hard work and community service.
He noted that his contributions to the economic and social development of Ede and Osun State would remain a source of inspiration to future generations.
The final burial ceremony attracted the Timi of Ede, other traditional rulers, business leaders and community stakeholders.
Ultimately, the story of the late Babalaje is a reminder that the greatest value of wealth lies in its ability to improve lives, strengthen communities and create opportunities for others.
At 105, he has departed, but the virtues attributed to him by those who knew him remain a challenge to present and future generations.
His legacy is not merely about how long he lived, but about the good he was remembered for doing.
