Ibadan Bizman, Arisekola Alao Dies

Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan

Foremost Ibadan businessman, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola Alao is dead. He reportedly died in a London hospital Wednesday at the age of 69.

The cause of his death could not be immediately ascertained at the time of filing in this report.

When our correspondent visited his residence at Oluwo Kekere in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, western Nigeria, Wedneswday afternoon, wailing mourners had besieged the sprawling mansion.

Among the early callers were the state governor, Abiola Ajumobi and his wife, the deputy governor, Chief Lateef Oyelade the baale of Bodija, council chairmen, Hazeem Gbolarumi the former deputy governor of the state who said he spoke to the late Aritsekola on phone about 24 hours ago, among other dignitaries.

Arisekola was born on 14th day of February, 1945. He was survived by wives, children and grand children.

As a businessman, he had interest in banking, notably First Bank, automobile and was a major contractor for the Nigerian central government.

He was said to have made a huge fortune from government business, especially on military logistics supplies during both Babangida and Abacha regimes(1985-1997).

His foray into newspaper publishing however ended a disaster as rioters burnt the paper’s office in Ibadan during the struggle for the validation of June 12 election won clearly by Moshood Abiola.

He was also a notable supporter of the Islamic religion in Nigeria and bore the title of Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland.

Born in 1945 to Abdul Raheem Alao and Olatutu Alao, he attended St Luke’s Primary School, Adigun and ICC Primary school. He also studied Arabic.

He started trading in the early 60s, learning the ropes first of all from his uncle and then venturing out on his own.

He came into national focus, through his Lister Motors, selling Datsun brand of cars.

His politics was very conservative as he befriended several military regimes.