••• HoS, others extol his virtue of hard work and commitment to service
In a moment of reflection and celebration, High Chief Adaja of Araromi-Obu Kingdom, Dr. Ayo Mesuleya, the General Manager of the Ondo State Consumers Protection Council, retired from active service after three and a half decades of exemplary and dedicated service.
His remarkable career has left an indelible mark, setting a standard of excellence and commitment for all who follow in his footsteps.
The colourful retirement ceremony, held at the State Secretariat Annex along the Ilesa-Owo Expressway on November 4, 2024, was attended by members of his immediate family, dignitaries, top government officials, bureaucrats, captains of industry, traditional rulers, academicians, environmental health professionals, friends, associates, and other well-wishers.
The outpouring of admiration and appreciation highlighted the lasting impact Dr. Ayo Mesuleya had both professionally and personally. His retirement marked the end of a distinguished career, but also signalled the beginning of new endeavours for a man who has given so much to the service of Ondo State.
Speaking at the ceremony, the State Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philips, lauded the revered High Chief Adaja of Araromi-Obu Kingdom for his exceptional contributions to the growth of the state.
The HoS, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, Mr. Jatuwaseun Igbekele, described him as a diligent and committed bureaucrat who exhibited a high level of integrity throughout his time in public service.
According to the Head of Service, Dr. Mesuleya gave his best, first as the General Manager of the Ondo State Waste Management Authority and later as GM of the State Consumers Protection Council, where he retired. He noted that the High Chief always prioritised the state’s interests in his duties, contributing to the development that had a profound impact on the well-being of the state’s citizens.
In his remarks, former Chairman of the Ondo State Waste Management Committee, Mr. Kehinde Badejo, also praised the retiring bureaucrat, describing him as a perfect gentleman whose professional conduct was beyond reproach.
Badejo attested to Mesuleya’s honesty and integrity, which remained unquestioned throughout his 35 years of service.
The General Manager of the Ondo State Waste Management Authority, Mr. Fola Omowole, acknowledged Dr. Mesuleya’s mentorship, saying he had been a guiding force for many in the civil service.
“He always made himself available to offer advice, support, and mentorship. His contributions to the growth of the Waste Management Agency have been invaluable. Many of the agency’s milestones were achieved during his time as General Manager, thanks to Dr. Ayo’s visionary leadership. He is a man of impeccable character, and a foremost waste manager in the state. I’m happy he finished strong and well. He invested his energy, time, and everything he had,” Omowole stressed.
Academicians also joined in the praise for Dr. Ayo Mesuleya. Professor Adebimpe Olalekan from the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, congratulated him on his successful retirement after 35 years of meritorious service, highlighting his impact beyond the civil service. He added that Dr. Ayo’s passion for academic excellence was evident to all who had the privilege of working with him.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Ayo’s influence within the community of Araromi-Obu, his hometown, was widely acknowledged.
The Ajobu of Araromi-Obu Kingdom, Oba Aderemi Adelola, was represented at the event by High Chief Tola Akintemi, the Lisa of Araromi-Obu Kingdom.
Dayo Akinro, the Youth President of Araromi-Obu Kingdom, explained, “Dr. Ayo has been more than just a mentor to the youth of our community; he has been a guiding light. His contributions to human capital development have paved the way for many of us to excel. Under his guidance, many young people have found their way into successful careers, and we owe much of that success to his selfless commitment to youth development.”
“He is an architect of modern youth and a philanthropist, sponsoring many indigent sons and daughters of Araromi-Obu in higher institutions across the state,” the youth leader added.
Also, the immediate past General Manager of the Ondo State Waste Management Authority, Dr. Ayo Adeyemo, described Dr. Mesuleya as a lover of progress and a supporter of good causes.
The retirement ceremony was a testament to the dedication, hard work, and selfless commitment that Dr. Mesuleya exhibited throughout his career in the public service of the state.
Invited guests were treated to both local and continental dishes at a well-organised reception held along Oda road, Akure.
Other speakers at the colourful ceremony, including environmental officers, congratulated Dr. Mesuleya on his impactful service years and successful retirement.
In his remarks, the highly elated Dr. Ayo Mesuleya expressed his gratitude to God for a successful retirement. He thanked everyone who came to honour him.
“I want to thank Almighty God for the grace upon me to have worked for 35 years in the public service of Ondo State and now retired in good health. My appreciation goes to the Government of Ondo State, and by extension, I thank His Excellency Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Governor of Ondo State, for the opportunity to serve the state at the level of General Manager from 2013 to 2024, first as General Manager of the Ondo State Waste Management Authority, and subsequently as General Manager of the Consumers Protection Council.
“I thank all the people I have worked with, directly or indirectly, during my 35 years in public service, and of course, I thank my family for their support,” he stressed.
