Tribute to Sir Babatunde Runsewe KJW, mni, PICA

 TRIBUTE TO AN ILLUSTRIOUS ISARA ICON! 

                             A reflection through the life and time of our baba, 

LATE. SIR BABATUNDE OLAJUBU ADAMO RUNSEWE, KJW, mni, PICA 

- August 12, 1938 – August 26, 2023. 

Written By:

Saheed 'Lanre Fidelity

11th October, 2023. 

ERIN WO! Erin Lo! 

Ajanaku Sun bi Oke,

BABA RUNSEWE!

Omo Afotamodi Kogun Ma Wolu, 

Omo Ise, Omo Ara,

Omo Ode Omo-Ooni,

Ara Ilaporu, 

Ode Aji tose Erin f'oko alo,

Ara Okere-kere Itase, 

Omo Ekerin Olu Ijebu

Omooba to d'ade tife wa

Omo Egungun ko de Ile yii ri

Omo Iba to M'egun wo igbo Iremo,

Omo Anigiworoko leba Ona

B'osanu eni, A wo seru eni

Bio Sanu eni, A wo s'inu igbo

Eye a ri oun sha je

Omooba Atete delu re N'oretan

Omo Lisa Ajua Eruulumegbin...

Late Sir Babatunde Runsewe is the composer of the ever-melodious, resonating, tuneful, accordant, assonant, canorous ISARA ANTHEM...

"Ilu Isara! Ilu t'abi mi, 

Ilu Afotamodi,

Emi yoo Ma s'ogo ninu re,

nibe ni won ti bi mi,

nibe nimo d'agba si,

ilu t'a tedo sori oke,

eyi ti ko gbodo f'ara sin,

ilu t'a tedo sori oke,

eyi ti ko gbodo f'ara sin,

Edumare a gbe wa ni Ija,

Oba Aaanu a ran wa lowo, 

(Amin, Ase)." - Sir. Babatunde Runsewe KJW. 

HIS LEGACY LIVES ON!

Our late patriarch, Sir Babatunde Runsewe will be laid to rest on Friday, 13 October, 2023, A night of tribute has been organized by the Isara Development Council on Thursday, 12 October, 2023 at Isara Townhall, Afotamodi House, Isara Remo. 

Words are barely enough to express our sadness at losing our dear and evergreen father in community development, Sir Babatunde Runsewe. 

Baba was an incredible person; selfless, dedicated, hardworking, and patriotic son of Isara Remo, Remo North Local Government in Ogun State Nigeria. 

Baba Runsewe never thought of himself and he was dedicated to his family, of which he was so proud. But he also gave his time freely to the Isara community which he served for more than 40 years and he never stopped serving until death came knocking. I watched a recent video of Baba in old age at the church where he was talking about unity and the development of Isara. 

No one who met Baba Runsewe could fail to be enthused by his honesty, passion, and can-do approach. He was the epitome of the phrase 'Be the change you want to see in the world' evidenced by his long service to the community. He truly believed in the people of Isara and he was passionate about making sure they had the opportunity. 

Baba Runsewe’s life was one of selflessness and love. His service to our community and his spirit of kindness will never be forgotten, he was an inspiration, and a role model to many. His courage and strength stood as an example to all. Baba Runsewe’s legacy will live on in our hearts.

Sir Babatunde Runewe was born into two royal houses and a predominantly Muslim family in Isara Remo to the family of Chief Onakoya Runsewe (Jagun Oje) and Mama Alaba Runsewe, on the 12th of August, 1938.

He was married to Lady Aderonke Runsewe (Nee Banwo), and the union is blessed with wonderful children and grandchildren 

- He found solace in Christianity at an early age through the guardianship of Omo-Oba Olubadejo Akinwunmi of blessed memory. His rapid and brilliant primary school years were spent at Isara and Ibadan before his remarkable teacher training years at the famous Wesley College, Ibadan. 

- Sir Babatunde Runsewe (KJW) was a great Isara Patriot and Committed Afotamodi Community Leader and a passionate man to the call when he was alive. 

- Pa Babatunde Runsewe was Ogun State Founding 'Super' Permanent Secretary (1976-1996), one of the few remaining Colonial Master's (D.O) District Officers who were cut out for Public Sector WELFARIST STANCE, Administrative Career Like other notable 'Super' Permanent Secretaries at the Centre - Allinson Ayida, Phillips Asiodu, Adamu Ciroma etc., their foray into the top echelon of the Private Sector Corporate Entities were quintessential. 

- He played a very crucial role in Isara Community Micro Finance Bank. 

- His transition to glory is truly a colossal loss to the people of the Obalende Community, Isara Remo, was one of the the main men who is seen at the forefront as the pillar of wisdom and guidance. 

- He was a community leader who served meritoriously within the nooks and crannies of Imorisha Community, Obalende, Isara Remo, Ogun State, and Nigeria at large. 

- He was one of the main pillars who held the Isara Indigenes Association in Abeokuta and he played a pivotal role in the establishment and progress of the association. 

- Less than a year ago, during the last Afotamodi festival at Isara Remo, Baba Runsewe was physically present at the event as he was seated in the space provided for the Abeokuta branch of the Community Development Association. 

- Baba Runsewe was a well-respected community leader in Isara Remo and he did his best during his active days even during old age, he was very much committed and felt very involved in any matter of concern in Isara Remo. 

- He was an active member of the defunct Isara Progressive Union and he later became the chairman of the Isara Community Development Council, ICDC. 

At the University of Ibadan, he earned a degree in Economics and later obtained a post-graduate diploma in Public Administration from the then-University of Ife. He attended several courses, prominent amongst which are those of the Royal Institute of Public Administration, International Institute of Public Management all of London, Alliance Francaise language, and the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru. 

On graduation, he enjoyed a spell in the teaching profession before he was enlisted in the elite administrative cadre of the then Western state of Nigeria Civil Service. 

He worked in diverse positions, notably and with credit as the pioneer secretary of the Economic Projects Performance Unit: Sole Administrator of the then Okitipupa Local Government and Sole Administrator of Ogun State Sports Council, for over a decade, he served as Permanent Secretary in various agencies mostly in the Governor's Office in Ogun State. On retirement, he went into private practice as CEO of his company, Long-run Ventures Ltd. By a twist of fortune, he served as Commissioner in the 1999-2003 Ogun State Civilian Government.

Baba, Sir Babatunde Runsewe was a thorough community man, he has always shown profound interest and commitment to issues about Remo land, especially his native Isara. 

He was Chairman of, the Isara Community Development Council for six years, having served in various capacities under Isara Progressive Union, the parent organization. He is a patron/member of many socio-economic and religious organizations in his community through which he has promoted several developmental projects and ideals of cooperation and understanding. 

While at Wesley College, he was enrolled in the rank of full membership and attained the status of fully accredited local preacher of the Methodist Church through examination. 

He served as organist (Odo-Ayedun) and officer of Various societies involved in upgrading the status of his home church and area, notably as Circuit Steward and diocesan committees’ chairman/member from 2008 to 2014, he served as pioneer Lay President of the Diocese of Remo Central of the Methodist Church Nigeria to whose rapid spiritual and physical growth he copiously contributed. Promoting interfaith and intra-faith understanding and cooperation is uppermost in his agenda, 

The knighthood of John Wesley was conferred on him in 2010 for his meritorious service to humanity. especially Methodist Church Nigeria.

His financial and advisory roles in youth development overall, are noteworthy. He derived joy from the company of little children and is always ready to assist them in attaining the utmost best in life. Amongst his hobbies are church music, table tennis, Ayo game, gardening, and watching football and other sports.

In recognition of his patriotic service to his community, baba Runsewe was honored with the apex community award of "PARTIOTIC ISARA CITIZEN AWARD" (PICA) on the 3rd of October, 2015. 

MAY GOD ACCEPT HIS RETURN... 

God be with the family he left behind.

God Bless Isara Remo, 

God bless me;

'Lanre Fidelity.