Former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Sikiru Tae Lawal, has been celebrated at 70 for his integrity, humility, philanthropy, interfaith friendship and selfless service to humanity, as family members, political associates, religious leaders, friends and beneficiaries of his goodwill paid glowing tributes to his enduring legacy as a bridge-builder, mentor and dependable pillar of support whose influence transcends religion, politics and family boundaries.
At his 70th birthday celebration held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, the testimonies highlighted how his commitment to fairness, education, religious tolerance and human development has positively shaped countless lives over several decades, with the celebrant attributing his journey to the grace of Almighty Allah and urging young people to embrace prayer, hard work and integrity.
Dr Sikiru Tae Lawal, Baba Adini of Ekiti land stands as a remarkable example of integrity, humility, faith, generosity and selfless service.
His milestone birthday became an occasion for family members, friends, political associates, religious leaders including Muslim and Christian clerics, and beneficiaries of his goodwill to honour a man whose influence extends beyond public office into the lives of countless individuals. The testimonies surrounding the celebration revealed a consistent portrait of a bridge-builder, mentor, philanthropist, devoted father and dependable friend whose greatest achievements may lie not merely in the positions he has occupied but in the people he has supported, the lives he has impacted, the relationships he has nurtured and the values he has upheld. For Lawal, the occasion was also an opportunity to express gratitude to Almighty Allah for sustaining him through seven decades of triumphs and challenges.
One of the most compelling testimonies came from his longtime friend, Assistant Most Superior Evangelist Emmanuel Oluwole Adewale, Shepherd In Charge of the Celestial Church of Christ, Apete, Ibadan, whose friendship with Lawal dates back to September 1977, when they met at the university. Despite belonging to different religions, the duo have sustained a relationship spanning nearly five decades, built on mutual respect, trust and shared values.
Adewale described their friendship as an extraordinary spiritual bond, explaining that their families had become closely united and that their decisions concerning important milestones in life often coincided without prior consultation. He portrayed Lawal as straightforward, peace-loving, prayerful, generous and deeply committed to helping others progress. According to him, the celebrant loves children, supports charitable causes and takes genuine interest in lifting people out of difficult circumstances.
Mrs Adesola Adewale(Adewale’s wife) who also said she had known Lawal for more than 40 years, described him as a peaceful and exceptionally humble man who respects people irrespective of their age or status, recalling that he could prostrate to greet even a 10-year-old child. She said his devotion to God and lovable disposition had remained consistent over the years.
The testimonies of the Adewales highlighted Lawal’s ability to build enduring relationships across religious boundaries and demonstrated that faith can inspire unity rather than division.
Chief Jimoh Akingbade, a family member, described Lawal as an academically distinguished man who values education, integrity and purposeful relationships. Recalling his( Lawal’s) university days, Akingbade said the celebrant was regarded as one of the best students in his faculty and distinguished himself in a competitive scholarship examination at the University of Ilorin. He said Lawal’s intellectual ability, determination and honesty had remained defining features of his character, adding that he deliberately associated with people who demonstrated ambition and a commitment to personal development.
Chief Sanya Atofarati, one of the political associates of the former Deputy Governor, praised Lawal’s loyalty and dependable support, describing him as a politician and administrator of impeccable character whose leadership qualities offer valuable lessons to younger generations. He recalled the former Deputy Governor’s support during the 2021 contest for Southwest Zonal Publicity Secretary of the PDP, saying Lawal accompanied him from Ekiti to Osogbo and stood firmly by him despite pressure from external forces. According to Atofarati, the gesture demonstrated a willingness to translate friendship into practical action and sacrifice.
Another political associate, Mrs. Lanre Fajuyi, described the former Deputy Governor as her destiny helper, crediting him with recommending her for the position of Zonal Ex-Officio of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State when he was asked to nominate a representative from Ekiti Central. She said the opportunity opened important doors in her political journey and expressed gratitude for the confidence he had shown in her.
Hon. Kehinde Oladimeji, a former Ward Councillor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State similarly credited Lawal with playing a decisive role in his personal and political development, declaring: “It was when I came across Baba that I became an Honourable. That was when I discovered myself and became who I am today.” His testimony portrayed Lawal as a mentor who recognises potential, creates opportunities and helps others develop the confidence to achieve their ambitions.
A Muslim Cleric, Alhaji Abdulazeez Adebayo, also celebrated Lawal’s commitment to faith, good upbringing, leadership and service to humanity, describing him as a good leader whose conduct reflected the values of a well-brought-up Yoruba man. Adebayo, who is also a Chief Imam, praised Lawal’s devotion to Almighty Allah and prayed for his continued strength and longevity. These tributes reinforced the image of Lawal as a principled political associate and respected Muslim leader whose relationships extend across social, political and religious communities.
Beyond his public profile, Lawal’s family described him as a devoted father whose love, attention and sacrifices have remained central to their lives. Lawal’s eldest daughter, Ganiyat, who joined the celebration through a telephone call from the United States of America, expressed gratitude to Allah for preserving their father, describing him as a caring parent who regularly calls his children to check on their welfare despite having a large family. She said his consistent communication demonstrated that fatherhood, for him, goes beyond material provisions to include emotional connection, reassurances and personal concerns.
Also, one of his sons, Tope, offered an equally touching tribute, recalling that 30 years ago his father celebrated his 40th birthday while he marked his 10th. Few days later, Lawal took him to the Federal Government College, Ilorin, to resume school. He reminisced how his father carried his(Tope) metal box on his head as he accompanied him to the hostel. Tope said the image had remained firmly etched in his memory as a lasting symbol of his father’s love and selflessness. He also recalled the days when Lawal accommodated more than 50 of his children and dependants while striving to provide them with the best he could afford. Describing his father as a blessing to the entire family, Tope said their individual stories were inseparable from the collective opportunities, care, friendship, mentorship and positive values Lawal had provided over the years. His tribute captured the sacrifices behind the celebrant’s public achievements and the enduring influence of a father committed to the progress of his family.
Lawal’s reputation as a father figure extends beyond his immediate household. His younger brother, Mr Ayo Lawal, described him as the person largely responsible for his education, career development and personal achievements, saying his elder sibling had effectively assumed a parental role in his life. He recalled how Lawal initially questioned his ambition to join the Nigerian Army, eventually challenging him to justify the decision and later redirected him towards opportunities he considered more suitable for his future. Ayo said his brother subsequently secured his first job in Ijero-Ekiti, supported his service-year placement and later encouraged him to leave employment to pursue further education. Reflecting on those sacrifices, he declared: “If not for him, I would not have been educated or become who I am today.” He added emotionally: “My brother is my father. He is not a brother but my father.”
Similarly, Mr Rotimi Obagaye, the brother of Lawal’s wife, expressed gratitude to Allah for Lawal’s life, explaining that the former Deputy Governor had filled the emotional and parental vacuum left by their late parents.
According to the brother- in-law, Lawal had consistently stood by the family, providing the kind of care and guidance ordinarily expected from parents.
He said the celebrant’s actions had helped them cope with the absence of their late parents without feeling abandoned.
“Ever since we lost our parents, Alhaji Sikiru Lawal has stood in the gap for us. He has always been there as a father to us, doing everything a parent would do and not making us feel the absence of our parents,” he said.
Obagaye described Lawal as a man whose character suggested a special calling to serve humanity, expressing happiness at the opportunity to celebrate him at 70. He prayed that God would continue to bless the celebrant with good health and many more years.
Mr Ahmed Bello, one of the sons of Lawal’s late friend, fondly calls the former Deputy Governor”Daddy Akure”. He recalled how the celebrant once noticed that his trousers were unsuitable and went out of his way to get him a better pair.
Though, seemingly a simple gesture, Bello said the experience reflected the celebrant’s attentiveness to the needs and dignity of people around him.
Bello also praised Lawal’s reassuring presence during their difficult moments, helping them to navigate life’s challenges and his enduring relationship with his other siblings. According to Bello, the celebrant has maintained a close relationship with their family over the years, particularly with his children.
He said Lawal calls his children every Sunday evening, a routine so consistent that the children expected his call and noticed when it does not come.
“My children don’t know any other grandpa, because every Sunday evening, Daddy Akure (Lawal) would surely call. My kids expect him to call every Sunday evening and if he does not call, my family observes that,” he said.
Bello’s account highlighted the kind of everyday gestures through which Lawal has established relationships that extend beyond conventional family boundaries.
The celebrant’s wife, Mrs Yemi Lawal, congratulated her husband and thanked God for preserving his life to attain the septuagenarian status. She prayed God to grant him long life and sound health.
Mrs Lawal, a Christian, who said she did not regret her marriage to her husband, a Muslim and religious leader, noted that despite the different faith, their union spanning decades has continued to reflect a typical example of what is known as peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.
” I wish my darling husband, Dr Sikiru Tae Lawal a happy birthday. He is a man of honour and substance. I make bold to say that our family is a good example of religious tolerance. He is a devoted Muslim while I am a Christian. Despite the difference in our religious beliefs, we have peace in our home.
Dr Lawal is hardworking, honest, loving, God fearing, discipline, caring, generous, I can go on and on. There is no way you will come in contact with him, listen to his counsel, follow his advise and you will not make progress in life. He likes lifting people. He is a loving husband, a caring father, a responsible community leader and a loyal friend. I pray that the Almighty God will give him long life in good health and joy. Once again, happy birthday my beloved husband!”
Speaking to journalists after cutting his birthday cake amid music, dancing and celebrations, Alhaji Lawal attributed his journey through seven decades to the grace of Almighty Allah. He described his life as one of successes and challenges but maintained that he had every reason to remain grateful to God.
Explaining the principle that has guided his relationships and decisions, the prominent religious leader said: “My principle has always been that what you cannot take, don’t give to others.” He added that he placed his trust in Allah, who, according to him, had never failed him through the different circumstances of life.
The former Deputy Governor also advised young people to combine prayer with hard work and avoid leaving their future to chance. “I will encourage the youths to pray, work hard and not leave things to chance,” he said. His reflections echoed the qualities identified by his friends, relatives and political associates: fairness, discipline, humility, education, faith and a commitment to helping others succeed.
Rather than presenting his life as an individual triumph, Lawal acknowledged the role of divine grace and emphasised the importance of treating others with the same consideration one expects for oneself.
The Lawal family subsequently expressed appreciation to friends, associates, well-wishers and supporters who attended the celebration, offered prayers, presented gifts and contributed to the event’s success. In a message signed by Tae and Yemi Lawal, the family described the 70th birthday as a memorable occasion made possible by the collective goodwill of those who joined them in honouring the celebrant.
“To God be the adoration, glory and honour for the successful celebration of Dr Lawal’s 70th birthday on Thursday, October 8,” the family stated, expressing profound gratitude for the presence, prayers, gifts in cash and kind, and unwavering support received. Acknowledging that words could not fully convey their appreciations, the family prayed that Almighty God would bless and reward everyone who contributed to the occasion. They concluded with the Yoruba expression, “Ire ni a o ma ba ara wa se o. Amin,” conveying their hope that goodness would continue to follow all those who shared in the celebration.
As the tributes drew together, a consistent picture emerged of Dr Sikiru Tae Lawal, portraying the politician as a man whose legacy is measured not only by his tenure as Deputy Governor of Ekiti State or his current position as Baba Adini of Ekiti land, but also by the lives he has touched across generations. To Adewale, he is a lifelong friend whose bond transcends religion; to Akingbade, an academically accomplished man of integrity; to Atofarati, a dependable ally who demonstrated loyalty when it mattered, to Fajuyi and Oladimeji, a political mentor whose interventions created opportunities. To Chief Imam, Adebayo, he is a devoted Muslim leader, to the children, a loving father whose sacrifices and consistent care remain unforgettable; to his younger brother, Ayo, a father figure who shaped his future; and to Obagaye and Bello, a source of comfort, guidance and familiar affection. Taken together, their accounts illustrate that leadership is not confined to government offices or political influence. It is also reflected in a brother’s insistence on education, a friend’s unwavering solidarity, a father’s daily telephone calls, a mentor’s recommendation and a simple act of kindness that restores another person’s dignity.
At 70, Lawal’s life stands as a testament to the enduring value of integrity, interfaith friendship, family responsibility, generosity and service to humanity. Some of his children, Ganiyat and Tope, captured the spirit of the celebration by acknowledging not only their father’s longevity but also the love, mentorship, friendship and positive attitude that have shaped the family’s collective story. The testimonies of political associates, religious leaders, friends and beneficiaries similarly demonstrated that his influence reaches far beyond formal positions and public recognition.
As prayers for his continued good health and longevity accompanied the celebration, one message resounded, the true measure of a fulfilled life lies not merely in the years lived or offices occupied, but in the number of people whose lives have been made better through one’s presence.
For Dr Sikiru Tae Lawal, the tributes offered at 70 suggest that his legacy is firmly rooted in the lives he has touched. His guiding philosophy remains a fitting compass for the years ahead: trust in Almighty Allah, uphold fairness, work hard, remain prayerful and never lose sight of the dignity and worth of humanity.
Among dignitaries at the well-attended event included, Basorun Sehinde Arogbofa, an elder statesman, author, educationist, and political leader, former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Bode Ajewole, former Chief of Staff in Ekiti State, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, Muslim leaders, Christian leaders, family members and well- wishers from within and outside the country.
