Olawepo-Hashim: Tribute to legacy of courage, uncommon leadership

By Bisi Fakayode

There are relationships that happen by chance, and there are those that are divinely ordained. My friendship and association with His Excellency, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, undoubtedly belong to the latter. As he celebrates another year of God’s abundant grace on 28 June 2026, I count it a rare privilege to pay tribute to a man whose life has remained a shining example of courage, patriotism, generosity, unwavering faith and selfless service to humanity.

Looking back over the decades, I can only give thanks to Almighty God for the privilege of knowing Dr. Olawepo Hashim. Ours is not merely a political relationship, but a friendship built on shared convictions, mutual trust and a common commitment to justice, equity and the progress of Nigeria. It is a relationship that has profoundly shaped my life and influenced my journey in public service.

My relationship with Dr. Olawepo-Hashim predates the historic June 12 struggle. We met during the military era under General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, GCON, when I was serving as the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kwara State Council. Even as a young man, he had already distinguished himself as a fearless pro-democracy activist who detested injustice, oppression and every form of marginalisation. Whenever the rights of ordinary Nigerians were threatened, he stood firmly on the side of truth, fairness and justice, regardless of the consequences.

What drew us together was our shared belief that leadership is fundamentally about service. We believed that society could only flourish where justice prevails, where the rule of law is respected and where every citizen is given an equal opportunity to realise his or her potential. Those common ideals transformed what began as an acquaintance into a lifelong friendship.

Ironically, I never desired a political career in my life. My years in the labour movement had left me with the impression that politics was largely an arena dominated by deception and self-interest. I often believed politicians seldom fulfilled their promises. It was Dr. Hashim who patiently challenged that perception in me. He convinced me that politics, when driven by integrity, vision and compassion, remains one of the noblest platforms for serving humanity.

His confidence in my abilities went beyond words. Rather than merely encouraging me, he deliberately created opportunities for me to contribute meaningfully to society. Through the love and belief we both have in ourselves, he brought me into politics. In the year 1998, I was appointed the State Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State. That appointment became the foundation upon which my political career was built, eventually leading to my emergence as the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government. Looking back today, I remain convinced that those milestones would probably never have been achieved without his mentorship, encouragement and unwavering belief in my potential.

Beyond my personal experience lies an even greater story. Dr. Olawepo-Hashim remains one of the foremost architects of modern democratic politics in Kwara State. At a time when many doubted the viability of opposition politics, he demonstrated uncommon courage by investing his time, energy and personal resources in bringing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to Kwara State and strengthening it. Today, many respected political leaders and public office holders are direct or indirect beneficiaries of the political structures, mentorship and leadership philosophy he helped to build through the PDP. His contributions to democratic development remain indelible.

Yet politics tells only part of his remarkable testimony.

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One of Dr. Olawepo Hashim’s greatest qualities is his extraordinary compassion for humanity. He is a philanthropist in every sense of the word. Over the years, he has quietly transformed countless lives by providing educational support, facilitating employment opportunities, empowering young entrepreneurs, assisting widows and vulnerable families and opening doors for deserving Nigerians without expecting recognition or reward. His generosity knows no ethnic, religious or political boundaries. On countless occasions, he has willingly sacrificed his personal comfort simply to put smiles on the faces of others. It is therefore not surprising that many people across Nigeria proudly regard him as a benefactor, mentor and father figure.

For us in IgbominaLand, Dr. Olawepo-Hashim occupies a special place in our history. Although he has never occupied elective political office, he has consistently used his vast network and influence to advance the interests of the Igbomina people. Through his intervention, numerous sons and daughters of Igbomina have secured political appointments, employment opportunities, scholarships and various forms of empowerment. His love for our people has never been motivated by personal gain but by a genuine desire to see others succeed.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of his personality is the richness of his heritage. His father hailed from Kebbi State in Northern Nigeria, his mother was from Ogbomoso in Oyo State, while he was nurtured during his formative years by an Igbomina family. This unique blend of cultures has made him a true symbol of Nigerian unity. He naturally relates with people across ethnic, religious and regional divides, seeing every Nigerian as one family. In an era when our nation seeks greater unity, Dr. Olawepo-Hashim remains a living example of the Nigeria we all desire, a nation united by shared values rather than divided by differences.

Another inspiring chapter of his life is his spiritual transformation. Beyond his accomplishments as a businessman, democracy advocate, politician and philanthropist, Dr. Hashim has increasingly dedicated himself to the service of God through the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those of us who have known him closely over the years have witnessed this remarkable transition with admiration and gratitude.

The same passion, courage and conviction with which he fought against injustice and defended democratic ideals are now devoted to proclaiming the saving message of Christ. His faith is not merely professed; it is evident in the way he lives. He has embraced a life that reflects humility, compassion, righteousness and complete dependence on God. Through his teachings, personal example and interactions with people, he continually encourages others to embrace Christ, live uprightly and place God at the centre of their lives.

His spiritual journey has further strengthened the virtues that have always distinguished him: kindness, generosity, forgiveness and selfless service. He constantly reminds people that the true measure of greatness is not found in wealth, political influence or public recognition, but in one’s relationship with God and in the positive impact made on humanity. His life today is a beautiful testimony that there is no higher calling than serving God while serving mankind.

On a personal note, words cannot adequately express what Dr. Olawepo-Hashim has been to me. He has been a trusted friend, a dependable ally, a mentor, a leader and a brother. His encouragement, guidance and unwavering support have contributed immensely to my personal growth and public service journey. I remain eternally grateful to Almighty God for bringing our paths together. Knowing him has truly been one of the greatest blessings of my life.

As family, friends, associates and admirers gather to celebrate this exceptional statesman, nation-builder and servant of God, I join millions of well-wishers in thanking Almighty God for a life devoted to justice, service and humanity. Nigeria is undoubtedly better because of men like Dr. Hashim, men whose influence is measured not merely by the offices they have occupied, but by the countless lives they have touched and transformed.

Your Excellency, as you celebrate this glorious milestone, my prayer is that Almighty God will continue to preserve you in sound health, grant you greater wisdom, renew your strength and enlarge your coast. May He continue to bless the work of your hands, deepen your walk with Him and grant you many more fruitful years of impactful service to Nigeria, to humanity and to the Kingdom of God.

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency. May your legacy of courage, compassion, faith and service continue to inspire this generation and generations yet unborn.

Happy birthday and many happy returns.

•Chief Fakayode is the National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina.