Moment of Sober Reflection for  Arisekola Alao’s Family  

It was a moment of sober reflection recently when friends and family members of the late billionaire businessman and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Arisekola Alao, gathered to offer prayers for him, 10 years after his transition.

His hometown Oluwo-Nla, Ibadan, Oyo State, was filled with clerics, friends, and family members who all participated in the special prayers for the business mogul who passed away in the UK, in June 2014, at the age of  69.

However, as revealed by a source, 10 years after his death, the family members are yet to sheath their swords, as the gulf created in the family by his death continues to expand. No doubt, the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, was powerful and influential during his lifetime. In his 20s, the Oyo State-born industrialist had established a chain of businesses under the Lister conglomerate, which cut across food production, real estate management, insurance, transport and publishing. He was well-loved by many and musicians sang his praise to high heavens due to his magnanimity.

But as soon as the man of means and honour died in 2014, trouble began to rear its ugly head in his once peaceful household. His properties, which were a big attraction then, began to suffer neglect.  His most cherished mansion in his hometown, where he had played host to presidents, heads of state, governors, ministers as well as many prominent people, is now a shadow of itself.

“The expansive estate has lost its former glory as rodents have taken over the place. The building is not only dirty but also in total disrepair,’’ a source disclosed.

Our source further revealed that the reason for the abandonment of this expansive building and many others is not unconnected to the controversy that arose over his vast estate barely a year after he passed on. His Will, which was certified by the Oyo State High Court of Justice in August 2013, was reportedly administered a couple of days after his burial last year by Dr. Oba Otudeko. The properties were shared among his 32 children, three wives, three relations as well as some individuals.

Sources close to the family claim that credit institutions that granted Arisekola funds are literally on the neck of the family, owing to his inability to offset the debts before his passing in 2104. Although the majority of these properties have been inherited by children and families, as stated in his Will, it was gathered that the banks are set to take possession of the properties from their new landlords in order to offset the credit facilities.