The Director-General of the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, Hon. Olajide Boladuro, has paid an emotional tribute to his late father, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Isaac Adeyemo Boladuro, on the occasion of what would have been his 80th birthday.
Born on June 26, 1945, the late AIG Boladuro was a distinguished officer of the Nigeria Police Force and one of the most respected figures in the law enforcement community during a golden era of discipline and integrity in the service. He passed away on August 6, 2014, just 42 days after his grand 70th birthday celebration in Ibadan.
In a heartfelt message made available to journalists in Ibadan on Wednesday, Hon. Boladuro described his late father as “a fine officer, a devoted family man, and a legacy-builder whose memory continues to live on in the hearts of many.”
“He was a mentor to many, including the late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala. He was also a contemporary and colleague of former Inspectors General of Police like Tafa Balogun, Mike Okiro, and Sunday Ehindero. He served this country with honour, rising through the ranks when the police uniform commanded respect and the institution stood for justice and order,” Boladuro said.
He was also credited with mentoring a generation of police officers who went on to distinguish themselves in service, including retired DIG Leye Oyegbade and former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni.
A native of Otan Ayegbaju in Osun State, the late Isaac Boladuro was fondly called “Akande Aro, Omo Ayo Maya,” a name that still resonates across generations and among his peers. He was widely known for his uprightness, polished appearance, and signature style a man of tribal marks who “knew how to wear a cap,” as described by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi during his burial.
Boladuro recalled the elaborate celebration held for his father’s 70th birthday on June 26, 2014 a Thursday which attracted prominent dignitaries including Lt. Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd) as chairman of the occasion, former Governors Ajimobi and Akala, Baba Bisi Akande, and several retired senior police officers like DIG Leye Oyegbade.
“It was a joyful celebration of a life well lived. Nobody knew it would be the last major event we’d share with him. Just 42 days after, he passed away. It has been 10 years now, but his legacy remains strong and unshaken,” Boladuro said.
The late AIG was not only admired for his public service, but also for his role as a father and husband. A father of six, he was known to be generous, compassionate, and full of wisdom. “He taught us grace, dignity, and resilience. His love was intentional and his presence commanding,” Hon. Boladuro added.
He also noted that the current AIG in charge of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force, AIG Funsho Adegboye, was enlisted into the police by his father a further testament to his enduring legacy in the Force.
Marking what would have been his father’s 80th birthday, Hon. Boladuro said the family has chosen to honour him not just with remembrance but by upholding the values he stood for. Plans are also underway to hold a 10th-year memorial in August to reflect on his enduring impact.
“Today, we remember Akande Aro, Omo Eyinade, Omo Ayo Maya, Omo won ni Sao Awonga. We remember the man whose name still opens doors, whose voice still echoes in our hearts, and whose example still guides our steps. Didun ni iranti olododo the memory of the righteous is blessed. Even though you’re gone from sight, your presence lives on. Happy 80th birthday in Heaven, Daddy. We miss you deeply, and we honour you forever,” he said.
