In a fervent call for justice and recognition, Adekunle Musediq Lawal, the convener of Saki First, has criticized commercial banks operating in Saki, Oyo State, particularly Sky Bank now Polaris Bank, for their failure to honor the contributions and ultimate sacrifice of Alhaji Yunus Ayinla Olanrewaju, the former Aare Musulumi of Saki.
Lawal accused the banks, and the broader Saki community, of neglecting their moral responsibility to immortalize the late leader, who lost his life during a tragic armed robbery incident on October 16, 2007.
Speaking during a program in Saki, Lawal expressed disappointment over the failure of Sky Bank to acknowledge Olanrewaju’s sacrifice, despite the robbery incident taking place at its premises. He emphasized that the tragic event not only claimed the life of a respected community leader but also exposed the vulnerabilities of Saki’s financial institutions.
“The late Aare Musulumi was a selfless leader who gave his all for the betterment of Saki. His death during the Sky Bank robbery was a blow to the community, yet neither the bank nor other financial institutions have taken meaningful steps to honor his memory. This negligence is a stain on our collective conscience,” Lawal stated.
Lawal also criticized the leadership of Saki Parapo, the prominent sociocultural organization representing the interests of the Saki people, for failing to fulfill promises made in the aftermath of Olanrewaju’s death.
According to him, Saki Parapo had pledged to christen Parapo Grammar School in honor of Olanrewaju as a tribute to his legacy. Additionally, the area surrounding the bank, where the tragic incident occurred, was to be renamed after him.
“These promises were made publicly and with great conviction, yet 17 years later, nothing has been done. It is deeply disheartening that a man who gave so much to this community has been forgotten so easily,” Lawal lamented.
The convener of Saki First highlighted the broader issue of institutional accountability in preserving the memory of local heroes. He urged Sky Bank and other commercial banks in Saki to take proactive steps in recognizing Olanrewaju’s sacrifice.
“Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) should go beyond profit-making. It must include honoring those who have contributed to the growth and safety of the community. Renaming the bank area after Alhaji Yunus Ayinla Olanrewaju or setting up a foundation in his name would be a meaningful gesture,” Lawal suggested.
He also called on Saki Parapo and other relevant stakeholders to revisit their commitments and ensure that the promises made in 2007 are fulfilled.
Lawal’s impassioned plea has sparked renewed conversations about the legacy of Alhaji Yunus Ayinla Olanrewaju and the responsibilities of community organizations and corporate entities in preserving historical and cultural heritage.
“This is not just about honoring one man; it is about setting a precedent for how we treat our heroes. Saki must not forget those who gave their lives for its progress,” Lawal concluded.
The statement has elicited mixed reactions from Saki community. While some residents have expressed support for Lawal’s call to action, others argue that fulfilling these promises requires concerted efforts and collaboration among stakeholders.
