The Chief Executive Officer, iCentra, Taopheek Babayeju, has described his late father, High Chief Ganiyu Aremu Babayeju-Alemo, as not just a leader, but as a guiding light, mentor, and a role model whose discipline and values profoundly shaped his journey.

While speaking at the 8th-day Fidau prayer, held in Abeokuta, in honour of the late telecoms pioneer and traditional leader, Babayeju said though his father taught all the children to be proud of their heritage, he raised them not to be defined by titles or material things but by their true values.

Babayeju said his father’s deep-rooted pride in culture and identity was the driving force behind behind his unwavering commitment to his people and community till he passed on.

The event, which attracted renowned business leaders, politicians, and traditional rulers within and outside the state, served as both a spiritual send-off and a reflection on a life dedicated to family, excellence, and service.

Babayeju said beyond his father’s traditional titles, he was a man of integrity, known for his unwavering commitment to truth as his belief in honesty and justice defined his leadership and the values he passed on to his children.

“Baba cherished honesty than anything else. As long as you speak the truth, you have nothing to fear, for he would rather spare the rod for a truthful heart than punish in falsehood,” he said.

High Chief Babayeju-Alemo, a telecoms pioneer and traditional leader, passed away recently leaving behind an enduring legacy.

Born in 1938, he built a remarkable career in telecommunications, founding one of the first indigenous telecoms companies in Nigeria – the Telecommunications Construction Company (TCC Nigeria Limited), serving as a founding executive of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), shaping Nigeria’s telecom industry.

His dedication to his people earned him the revered titles of Balogun of Ijaye and Aare Onakakanfo of Egbaland, marking his significant influence in Yoruba culture.

The Fidau prayer brought together dignitaries, industry leaders, family, and friends including Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by Commissioner for Rural Development, Mrs. Olufemi Ilori-Oduntan; the Alake of Egbaland, HRM. Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV; Apena of Egbaland, High Chief S. O. A. Bankole; and Seriki of Egbaland, High Chief Tosin Fadare, among other notable dignataries.

High Chief Ganiyu Babayeju-Alemo has been laid to rest at his residence in Gbangba Ijaye, Abeokuta, in accordance with Islamic rites.