Ikorodu Musical Village, Lagos | August 23, 2025 – The town of Ikorodu came alive on Saturday, August 23, as family, friends, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of the late Alhaji Saheed Kolawole Akinsanya, fondly remembered as Baba Pep and revered as the Atunluse of Magbon Alade Land.
A retired senior police officer and respected sports administrator, Alhaji Akinsanya, was widely acclaimed for his integrity, passion for youth empowerment, and service to community development.
His influence extended across Ikorodu, Ibeju-Lekki, and other parts of Lagos, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
The memorial celebration drew dignitaries, traditional rulers, and political leaders who paid glowing tributes to the man described as a disciplinarian, mentor, and bridge-builder.
Guests were treated to soul-stirring music, including a live performance by Fuji maestro Alhaji Ramoni Akanni (RK1).
Speaking with emotion, his widow, Alhaja Sekinat Akinsanya, described her late husband as “a great man who always put others before himself”, while appreciating the outpouring of support from friends and associates.
His son, Barrister Luqman Akinsanya, founder of the Pepc Foundation, described his father as a role model whose influence shaped his life and community vision.
To immortalize his legacy, he announced the launch of a 33,000-liter solar-powered borehole in Magbon Alade, alongside the continuation of the foundation’s annual palliative program which distributed over 5,000 relief packages in Lagos last December.
“Since his passing, the mantle has fallen on us, his children, to continue his work,” Barr. Akinsanya pledged.
During his distinguished police career, Alhaji Akinsanya served as Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) in Owutu and Imota, and as Acting Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ikorodu, earning respect for his incorruptibility and refusal to compromise his values.
Beyond law enforcement, his passion for youth engagement led him to establish Akinsanya Babes Football Club in 1989, using sports to steer young people away from crime.
He went on to serve as President of the Grassroots Sports Development Association in Ikorodu, Vice Chairman of the Ikorodu Divisional Football Association, and Coordinator of the Safety First Initiative.
He also contributed to justice as a Customary Court member (2015–2020) and provided invaluable advisory services on security matters across Lagos.
Among the dignitaries present were HRM Oba Abdulsemiu Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo; Oba Sikrullahi Alade Ogunlana of Magbon Alade; Hon. Oladele Ajayi, Lagos State House of Assembly (Ibeju-Lekki II); Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, Chairman Ijede LCDA; Hon. Babawale Bisiriyu Alogba, Vice Chairman Ikorodu LG; Mrs. Sanwoola; and Hon. Salau Rukayat Ajibike, among others.
The gathering was more than a memorial—it was a reaffirmation of the values Alhaji Akinsanya stood for: integrity in leadership, commitment to community growth, and an unwavering dedication to youth empowerment.
INN-HOUSE☆ 