Frontline industrialist, Olukayode dies at 82

By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
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The  business community suffered a tragic shock yesterday  following the death  of  a frontline industrialist, Chief Samuel Olukayode Jaiyeoba.

Olukayode aged 82 died on Monday night  of an undisclosed ailment after a brief  illness.

His death which sent shock waves around the state capital was the subject of discussion  in the business circle yesterday while sympathizers trooped to his Alagbaka home to sympathise with his family.

The popular Olukayode shopping plaza at Oja-Oba, Akure owned by the late business man  was also  under lock  when our reporter visited the place.

Speaking in an interview with The Hope, the eldest daughter of the deceased, Pastor (Mrs) Funmi Oshodi informed that his father passed on around 7:30 pm on Monday night after a brief illness.

While describing his father as an achiever and a lover of all, she noted that he left behind two wives and 13 children.

“My father has fulfilled his purpose because all his wives and  children are alive.

He supported all his children to achieve success, he really struggled to become great because he lost his mother when he was three years old”, she explained.

Born on March 3, 1938 to the family of late Pa David Ologun Jaiyeoba of Odojoka street, Akure, he had his primary and post primary education  at Benin City, Edo state and taught briefly as a teacher in the state before  coming to Ondo State.

He worked as  a bricklayer, plank seller, motor dealer before establishing a sawmill.

Late Olukayode Jaiyeoba was  the choir grand patron, the Chairman Board of Trustees of Christ Apostolic Church, Okegan until his death  and Chairman of the State Timber and Traders’ Organisation.

The Director, Ondo State Water Corporation,Mr Ajagunna  Olabode who wrote in his condolence register described the late industrialist as a kind hearted person who will always be remembered for good.

Also, an elder in his church, Mr Olu Ishola wrote “How are the mighty fallen, we just lost a great pillar and one of our respected fathers”.