Babatunde Adisa Akinleye: The Life and Times of a Good Man

The curtains fell on the stage of prominent businessman and life wire to not a few people on September 6, 2020. On this day, Babatunde Adisa Akinleye, popular called BAA among many other terms of endearment, answered the call to eternal glory, bringing tears and unquantified sorrow to many loved ones.

Known for many exploits, among which is love for humanity, Akinleye lived his brief life making sure that there were smiles on the faces on everyone he was privileged to come across.

HIS BIOGRAPHY

The life and times of the prominent businessman and philanthropist was adorned with memorable activities spanning 59 years.

Early Days

Babatunde Adisa Akinleye was born on February, 15 1961 in Ibadan to the family of Late Mr. Simeon Adeladan Akinleye and Mrs Florence Aduke Akinleye. His father was a member of staff of the University of Ife, and Babatunde subsequently moved to Ife where he lived and thrived along with his five cherished siblings (Kolawole, Wuraola, Olukemi, Olufunke and Ayopeju).

He had his primary school education at the staff school of the University of Ife, from where he proceeded to Comprehensive High School Aiyetoro at the age of 9. He completed his secondary school education with top grades in WASC and was admitted into the University of Ife in 1975 at the age of 14 to study Electrical Engineering.

University Days

In his five years at the University of Ife, Tunde, as he was fondly and popularly known, built lifelong friendships, which often extended to include the siblings and parents of his friends. No one was too young or too old to have a strong relationship with him. He loved riding power bikes, but gave it up due to pressure from his parents, especially his mother. She happily gave up her car rather than allow her son to endanger himself. He was also a talented cricketer and member of the university cricket team.

Tunde graduated from the University of Ife in 1980 at the age of 19 with a BSc degree in Electronics & Electrical Engineering, specialising in Computer Engineering. He moved to Lagos afterwards, and in the cause of time, subsequently obtained an MSc degree from his Alma mater, the University of Ife, and later, an MBA from the University of Lagos.

Love and Marriage

On the 18th of June 1983, at the Moremi Hall car park of the University of Lagos, he met the love of his life, Ajibola Olufowoke Akinleye (nee Shote). On meeting her, he told her he would marry her and although she dismissed this at first, he kept true to his word. On the 15th of October 1988, he married Fowoke, and they started their 31 years, 10 months and 22 days of happy memories which will continue to support and stay with Fowoke forever. In their journey through life they picked up two cheeky co-travellers, Babatunde Adegbemi Akinleye (son), and Faramade Omobolaji Akinleye (daughter). He was a firm, kind and loving father. It was common to see him bantering with Fowoke, Babatunde, Faramade and whichever sibling or relative was around. Hardly any day passed without his labelling one of them as “cheeky”.

Extended Family and Friends

As a young big brother, Tunde took care of his younger siblings. He had a special name and relationship with each one; nothing was too valuable to give up for them. Tunde loved family. His house was a safe haven to his siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews. Tunde and Fowoke took in his four young cousins when they lost their father so early in life. This earned him and his lovely wife a special place in the hearts of many especially his favourite paternal aunt, auntie Ayoka (of blessed memory) He didn’t have brothers or sisters-in-law, rather, brothers and sisters. He united the Akinleye, Longe, Shote and Ogunusi Families.

Career and Other Interests

Tunde harmonised his family commitment with a successful career. In 1987, at the age of 26, he co-founded Logic Sciences Limited with his best friend Tunde Oyewole, and they remained partners until his demise. Logic Sciences Limited recorded many firsts including introducing BEST and Liebert UPSes to the Nigerian Market, as well as Morpho and KeyWatcher systems. BAA, as he was fondly called by his staff, stayed active to the very end. He also put in a lot of time and effort into Nigerian Cricket and Ikoyi Club where he served as the Chairman from 2017 to 2019. As Chairman, he was known for his principled candour and fairness. Tunde was also active politically in the aftermath of the June 12 annulment and was one of the founding members of Concerned Professionals, a group of young professionals who sought to offer ideas and solutions to the pressing national problems of the day on a non-partisan basis. He was a committed Christian and regular worshipper at Methodist Church, Opebi.

He was judicious and efficient with his time on earth where he was able to be so much to so many people with an effortless ease that was exemplary.
BAA was also the chairman of The Bunmi Adedayo Foundation where he brought his wealth of experience and can-do spirit to bear’.

He won countless awards and laurels in business and for his contributions to many causes, and he leaves behind a legacy where he is consistently described by all as “a good man with a lot of integrity”. This legacy will continue to provide comfort and support to his family and friends.