By Imasogie Frank Osasogie
Pa Chief Jeremiah Aghedo Ighodalo, the father of Barr. Asuelime Ighodalo before his death was the Okhome of Ewohimi, a hereditary title, which is always conferred on appreciation to the real sons of the land for selfless service done to the community. He was a man of broad mind from which he always see his people relentlessly.
Late Pa Ighodalo was the first person in Ewohinmi to complete secondary school education and get an accounting degree in the United Kingdom. He worked with the National University Commission (NUC), the Joint Admission And Matriculations Board (JAMB), National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR). He was the Chairman of the Governing Board of the then Bendel State College of Education under the first Executive Governor of Edo state, the late Prof. Ambrose Ali. During all these period, he was at the leading role of bringing new faces to these various parastastals.
His mother Folayegbe Akintunde Ighodalo was born in Okeigbo, Ondo State in 1923. Asue’s mother was fully involved in students’ unionism where she was elected as the second vice president in 1953. In the same year, she was elected the founding president of the Nigerian Women’s League of Great Britain. Her new position took her to the British Political Party conferences where she made new connections and she met Margret Ekpo and Comfort Tanimowo Ogunlesi when they visited London to help negotiate Nigeria’s new constitution.
In 1968,she was the first Nigerian woman to be a permanent secretary in the Nigerian Civil Service. She was active in many women’s organizations although her job in the civil service prevented her from taking the lead role until after her retirement when she became more active.
There is a great assurance that Barr. Asuelime Ighodalo will continue the good legacy and integrity of his parents.
He has already stepped into the shoes of his parents success in all sectors, parastastals and political appointments he has handled, he will definitely crown it all as he takes Edo State to her promise land.
