“Murdered Ilorin Socialite, BAYO AJIA, Planned Heavy Party For Pregnant Wife In Dubai”

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It is no longer news that Ilorin Big Boy, Bayo Ajia has passed on; what however, remains newsworthy are the untold story of his death, his unfulfilled dreams and what he would be remembered for.  Though it is not unusual for a living soul to taste death at the believed appointed time, the news of the death of Ilorin Big Boy, Bayo Ajia was, however, shocking to many.

The late Ajia was very popular in the state of harmony and his popularity started from his days as a student of tertiary institution in the state. Ajia had walked through the valley of death and returned unhurt.  In 2004, the duo of Bayo Ajia and Olayinka Are, both arch supporters of the then Governor, Admiral Mohammed Lawal were convicted and sentenced to death.

Ajia and Are were charged for criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide which led to the death of Gobir and Hussein at a party in Deens Motel along Western Reservoir Road, Ilorin on June 30, 2002. It was a wedding event of Folawiyo who was then a very popular Big Babe in Ilorin. The groom was also an Abeokuta Big Boy and fuji musician, Malaika was on the bandstand. Emissaries were sent to the late Waziri of Ilorin, Dr Sola Saraki; His Eminence, the Emir of Ilorin and other notable individuals to plead for government pardon for the convicted chaps. During a visit to the then Daudu Abojumeji, father of ex-minister  Halimah Alao, delegations from the Ajia and Are  family stood at the entrance of the  Abojumeji family house and went down pleading for the release of the duo of Bayo and Are as soon as  the former Senate Leader was sighted  exiting the family house.

The efforts eventually paid off as succour came the way of the family members when Dr. Bukola Saraki as governor of Kwara State granted Ajia and Are state pardon during his second term in office. Upon his return, Bayo opened AJ  Car Wash  opposite Stadium Complex, Ilorin and he became a Big Boy whom everybody reckoned with and like Big Boys Kunle Poly, Sunday Igboho,  Musilu Akinsanya ‘M C Oluomo’ are accorded due respect in their territories, Bayo also got his in Kwara State. He was, however, a man of many parts; to some the mere mention of his name got them trembled; to some his presence got legs shaking while to some his presence brought assurance of peace and safety.

To many, however, the dark-skinned dude was a friend, dependable ally and sort of a family member.

Many would also describe him as friendly and amiable. Meanwhile, as the news of his death spread last month, people were open-mouthed in shock, misted eyes and saddened hearts were easy to come by. It was a rude shock to his friends and family members to learn that a man who was full of life had suddenly passed on.

The Late Bayo was killed in an attack reportedly carried out by a three-man squad. A small room built at the car wash served as his office. Sources hinted that the place was burgled a day before he was attacked, plasma TV and other items were said to have been taken away. A retired army officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity stated that there is strong reason to link the burglary incident to the attack as it must have been a way of checking if he had weapons kept there for defense in case an attack is launched.

The attackers also monitored him to ensure he was the only one in office before striking. Sources disclosed that a friend of his had dropped him off at the car wash and zoomed off to keep an appointment and he had barely throttled the car for two minutes before the movie-like scene was enacted. As soon as he entered the office, the assailants who had obviously lurked around struck.

While one reportedly stood at the entrance of the cubicle-like office, the other two went for him and there was no exit point.

The late Bayo was according to a source generous to his siblings and we learnt he regularly visited them in Surulere area and showered largesse on them.

His mother better known as ‘Elewe Omo’ died in 2015 and had three male children. Sequel to her death, her building in Akerebiata area became vacant and the late Bayo was putting finishing touches to its renovation with the intention of occupying it before the curtain fell. He was staying in Gbagba area and had planned to move to the Akerebiata residence. We also further gathered that he was making efforts to ensure a lady carrying his baby have her delivery in Dubai and he was already exploring contacts with people in high places before death struck.

-Akinlolu Abayomi