At 90, Alhaji Rasaki Adeniran Hailed as Pillar of Ibadan Politics by Basorun Onítàn Ibadan
The Basorun Onítàn Ìbàdàn has felicitated with Alhaji Chief (Hon.) Rasaki Adeola Adeniran, renowned politician, community leader, and elder statesman, on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
In a goodwill message issued in Ibadan, the Basorun Onítàn described Baba Adeniran as a pillar of principled politics and community service whose life reflects dedication to Ibadanland and to the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
Alhaji Adeniran's entry into politics began in 1956, when he joined the Action Group, one of the major political parties in Nigeria at the time. He was an active member of the party and participated in various campaigns and rallies, advocating for the party's ideals and principles of welfarism, federalism, and public accountability. His political leader at the time was the late Honourable Adeyinka, the then Federal Representative.
He contested for the position of Councillor in the old Ibadan Municipal Government in 1976, during the 1976 Local Government Reforms, alongside notable contemporaries like the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, late Hon. Gani Ajimobi, Alhaji Oladejo Arapaja, late Lawyer Kunle Abass, and late Lawyer Tunji Oyesina.
Baba Adeniran deepened his political participation in 1979 when he served as the Counting Agent for the UPN Governorship candidate, Chief Bola Ige, in his constituency during the general election.
He was elected as an Honourable Member of the Old Oyo State House of Assembly in 1983 when the late Dr. Omololu Olunloyo was Governor. He also polled the highest votes from his constituency into the Electoral College that later voted for the 1995/96 Constitutional Conference delegates.
Beyond politics, Baba Adeniran has remained a respected voice in religious and community affairs. He holds the title of Otun Aare Musulumi of Agbokojo Central Mosque, where he has continued to promote unity and moral guidance.
He is also the father of Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, the current Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), described in the statement as “the incoming governor of Oyo State.”
The Basorun Onítàn Ìbàdàn prayed for continued good health, strength, and peace of mind for Alhaji Adeniran, noting that his 90 years embody a legacy of service, courage, and mentorship that younger politicians and community leaders should emulate.
Family, associates, and political leaders across Ibadan are expected to join in celebrating the nonagenarian in the coming days.