THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF EMMANUEL OLAYIWOLA OBADERO

June 3, 1952 – August 25, 2026

Emmanuel Olayiwola Obadero was born on June 3, 1952, in Ayere, Ijumu LGA, Kogi State, into the royal Obadero lineage. His father, Emmanuel Obadero, was the village head, while his mother, Janet Oladoyinbo Ekundina, was a trader. Following his father’s death, Olayiwola relocated with his mother and siblings to Ikare Akoko, Ondo State.

At only 10 years old, he left Ikare for Lagos in search of greener pastures. Without the opportunity for formal education, he became a carpentry apprentice in Badia, Ajegunle. His workbench served as both his craft table during the day and his bed at night. Yet, even while struggling to establish himself, he assumed responsibility for his younger siblings, bringing his brother Ojo and later his stepsister Ige to Lagos and providing for their education. Long before he had wealth to give, Olayiwola gave from the little he had.

Through grit, discipline, vision and sheer determination, he transformed his humble beginnings into an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey. By age 25, he had acquired his first small furniture showroom along the Ojuelegba–Mushin corridor. Within two years, he expanded into a larger property and formally established Fesojaiye Technical & Cabinet Makers. By age 30, his entrepreneurial interests had expanded beyond furniture into transportation, manufacturing, poultry, fish farming, animal husbandry and furniture importation. He also trained generations of craftsmen, at times mentoring more than 50 apprentices.

For Olayiwola, however, success was never simply about wealth. He believed deeply in family, education, mentorship and community development. In December 1978, he married his beloved Taiyelolu Abigail Odudu, his Abi. Their union was blessed with five children: Babatunde, Omotayo, Oluwaseun, Adeola and Abiodun. Together, they built a home rooted in love, faith, discipline, unity, integrity and a never-give-up mentality. Following Abi’s passing in 2025, he held even more tightly to his family and the memories of the life they had built together.

To his children, he was Daddy or Baba Feso—a selfless father, protector, provider and teacher of good morals. He taught his children how to face challenges without breaking and became their standard of what a husband and father should be. To his eleven grandchildren, Grandpa was a wise teacher with a wonderful sense of humor who loved to sing and dance.

Olayiwola was a man of faith who loved God, believed in the power of the Holy Spirit and firmly believed in the resurrection of the saints. His faith was reflected in his generosity, kindness, integrity and respect for others. He was repeatedly entrusted with leadership responsibilities in his business and residential communities and was known as a man whom seemingly no one could call an enemy.

Baba Feso also knew how to enjoy life. He loved good music, particularly Fela, painting, wood carvings, gardening, upholstery, good food and keeping up with the news. Brown was his favorite color, and his signature monochromatic brown outfits reflected his unmistakable sense of style. Among his favorite sayings were “sùúrù lérè”—patience has its reward; “fẹ̀sọ̀ jayé”—take life easy while enjoying it; and his reassuring, “I am fine, I am cool.”

Perhaps the greatest testimony of Olayiwola’s life is his extraordinary resilience. The little boy who left home at 10, slept on a carpenter’s workbench and had no formal education grew into a successful businessman, mentor, community leader and devoted family man. He never allowed the circumstances of his beginning to determine the possibilities of his future, nor did success ever make him forget where he came from.

On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Emmanuel Olayiwola Obadero completed his earthly journey. He leaves behind five children, eleven grandchildren, siblings, extended family, friends, mentees and countless people whose lives were touched by his journey. His legacy continues through the family he raised, the people he mentored, the values he lived by and the lessons he left behind.

Eta mi, your earthly journey is complete.

Rest easy, soldier, until we meet again at the Eastern Gate.