Prominent Ondo Business man and the Chief Executive Officer of Jaoni Nigeria Limited, Akure, Chief Ade Oni is dead.
Baba Jaoni as he is popularly called died in the early hours of Monday, June 12, 2023, according to family sources.
Meanwhile, hundreds of mourners have described the life of the late business mogul as exemplary.
According to them, the late Ade Oni contributed immensely to the development of his hometown Ijare, in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State.
One of the mourners, Mr. Kayode Sule, described the late Chief as a great participant in the grass to grace phenomenon.
He said: “I once heard him on Radio while narrating how he weathered the storms of life and beat all obstacles placed on his way by excruciating poverty and debilitating childhood sickness that eventually denied him access to formal education.
“He became one of the great men of his generation despite these daunting challenges. Baba JAONI’S life is an excellent story in resilience, determination and resourcefulness which I think should be narrated again and again to the younger generations. Adieu Pa J. Ade Oni, may God grant his soul eternal rest and be with his family and all loved one.”
Another mourner, who was simply identified as Mr. Borokinni, said the church and Ijare town would missed the late Oni’s passion, enthusiasm and kind heart for development.
“May your gentle soul rest in peace.
Good night baba JAONI,” Borokinni added.
A former President of Ijare National Students Union, Comrade Abraham Abifade, who paid a condolence visit to the family of the late business mogul, described Jaoni as a highly respected member of Ijare town.
Abifade, who led some members of Ijare for Peace and Progress (a group championing the progress and development of Ijare) to the house of the deceased, said:
“During our visit, we were honored to meet with Baba’s family and friends to express our deepest sympathies and offer our support during this difficult time.
“We shared stories and memories of our dear patriotic father, reflecting on the numerous contributions he made to our community and the impact he had on the lives of so many people.
“We also had the opportunity to express our gratitude for the selfless service and unwavering dedication that Baba Jaoni demonstrated throughout his life, particularly in the area of socio-economic development, academic sponsorship, healthcare, church development etc.
“On behalf of the Ijare for Peace and Progress, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Baba Jaoni family and loved ones.
“We stand with you during this difficult time and offer our support in any way that we can. We will always cherish the memory of your good habits and the profound impact you had on our community.”
The Proprietor of Akowe Print, Mr.Tunde Awe, recalled that the late Jaoni was a popular Tailor known in the early days as Young Ade Cut (young Tailor).
Awe said: “I remember an occasion when the late Sir Kupoluyi (ShowBoy) performed in the open space in front of Baba Isale/Sao houses (Idi Ogun Sao) around 1972. Jaoni was mesmerized with the melodious songs/beats of ShowBoy to a point that he removed his Cowboy Cap and placed it on ShowBoy’s head to the admiration of all. He never collected the cap back.
“He was a socialite on Vespa with his toothy smile trademark.
May his soul rest in peace.’
The late Jaoni was a staunch member of Rotary Club of Akure and other social groups.
