Sir Remi Omotoso – Adieu to a Man of Impeccable Character
By Segun Ajibola
Oh My God!!!
How do I write about Sir Remi Omotoso in past tense?
I met him about three decades ago but I became close to him just a little over twenty years through Ekitiparapo Lagos. We have related in so many fronts since then – Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Institute of Directors Nigeria, etc and now Ekiti Committee on Covid-19
Oga Remi represents the best in personality Ekiti can offer. Broad minded, humane, passionate, reliable. He remains an epitome of discipline and integrity. Oga Remi leaves a mark wherever he goes. He lightens up everywhere he visits. He exhumes wisdom, knowledge and understanding. His foray in the corporate world remains legendary. Those who value experience laced with goodness of character seek after him.
Sir Remi Omotoso remains a source of inspiration to me. I used to call him even at odd hours to share some thoughts about career decisions, family affairs, industry matters and Ekiti Project. He calms frayed nerves with soothing words of exhortation. He listens with uncommon attention and would take no offence however odd the discussion may sound.
Oga Remi identifies with you. He was at my Investiture as the 19th President and Chairman of Council of The Chartered Institute Bankers of Nigeria alongside with another Pillar of Ekiti Project, Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi on 14th May 2016. He attended my Valedictory Lecture marking the end of my Presidency in CIBN on 18th May 2018 and made a speech on behalf of Ekiti Elders. He was the Chairman of the Reception Programme at my daughter’s wedding in Lagos on December 7, 2019 Indeed, members of my church in VI and others who attended the Reception Programme keep asking about him as he brought life to the event of that day.
He is the Chairman of the Fund Management Subcommittee of Ekiti Committee on Covid-19 in which I am a member. His wisdom and intellectual prowess have again brought to bear on the activities of the Subcommittee and the Committee as a whole.
Words cannot describe the shock waves the sudden departure of Sir Remi Omotoso has sent to the corporate, local, ecclesiastical and other communities. But the consolation is that he departed a servant of the living God. His life and times were dedicated to serving God and touching lives.
Adieu the one and only one Oga Remi of Ekiti Dynasty of our time and age. It is an understatement to say that we will miss you. But we all pray to live a fulfilled life like you.
Deacon, Professor Segun Ajibola, B.Sc, M.Sc, PhD; FCIB, FICA, FCTI, FERP, F.IoD, FFAR, MNES, CRM, LLB, BL
Past President/Chairman of Council
The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria
