Oluboyo, Ashiru, Others Honour Outgoing Wemabod MD, Yemi Ejidiran at Retirement Party
Former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lasisi Oluboyo; Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; and Wemabod Chairman, Engr Nureni Adisa, joined other dignitaries, colleagues, friends, and family to celebrate Mr. Emmanuel Oluyemi Ejidiran, the outgoing Managing Director of Wemabod Limited, during a glamorous retirement gala in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday.
The event was filled with joy and enthusiasm as speakers took turns to praise Ejidiran, recognizing him as an accomplished quantity surveyor and real estate professional, a great administrator, an exceptional leader, and a jovial individual. They highlighted his integrity, innovation, and the remarkable success and transformation he brought to Wemabod during his six-year tenure as MD.
Oluboyo, a board member at Wemabod, described Ejidiran as a unique individual focused on achieving goals. He remarked, “I found Ejidiran to be a great and unique leader, knowledgeable and detail-oriented. We may have disagreed on occasions, but it was always for the betterment of the company. During his tenure, he cleared all outstanding debts and consistently encouraged and developed his team. His contributions were invaluable and will always be appreciated.”
In his address, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Group Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, commended Ejidiran’s successful tenure, which facilitated impressive growth for the company. This success has led the board to appoint him as a Consultant post-retirement.
Ashiru acknowledged Ejidiran’s achievements in promoting corporate governance, securing an excellent Agusto rating, delivering staff performance bonuses, and implementing effective succession planning. He was noted for his ability to guide the company from a position of significant debt in 2018 to profitability, rebranding Wemabod Estate to Wemabod Limited and expanding its service offerings to a world-class standard.
Wemabod Chairman, Engr Nureni Adisa, referred to Ejidiran as a dear friend and a successful leader deserving of a grand send-off due to his significant contributions to both Wemabod and the real estate industry.
Ejidiran received accolades for his exemplary leadership, humility, resourcefulness, and vision, which played a crucial role in the company’s impressive growth during his tenure. His initiatives included organising roadshows in London to attract diaspora investments.
Abdulrahman Yinusa, Managing Director of the Odua Group, remarked, “Beyond the highlighted achievements, Ejidiran demonstrated extraordinary foresight by taking Wemabod to the global stage. His leadership facilitated roadshows in the UK and Canada, showcasing the company’s potential and forging partnerships that will yield long-term benefits.
“Locally, he secured strategic assets, including the acquisition of prime land in Abuja, opening new avenues for growth in the real estate sector, among many other achievements.”
Yinusa added, “Mr. Ejidiran’s legacy is not just in the numbers but also in the culture he fostered at Wemabod. He inspired his team, promoted collaboration, and mentored future leaders. He successfully transitioned leadership to his Executive Director of Business Development in December 2024.”
Bashir Oladunni, the incoming MD/CEO of Wemabod, praised Ejidiran’s transformative leadership, emphasizing his commitment to staff welfare and his passionate approach.
A colleague from the industry described Ejidiran as welcoming and accommodating, saying, “Congratulations to Ejidiran. I’ve worked with you for 15 years, and I am grateful.”
Another colleague, Engr Olugbenga, added, “He was a sharp dresser. Working with him was demanding, as he expected diligence, style, and attention to detail. He was resourceful and full of wisdom. It was a valuable experience working with him.”
Frank Okposun, MD of Knight Frank, represented by Irabhor Ihono, highlighted Ejidiran’s remarkable contributions to the real estate industry, extending beyond Wemabod.
A representative from the Commonwealth quantity surveyor community noted, “Ejidiran has excelled as a quantity surveyor and has made significant strides in real estate beyond just quantity surveying. He embodies noble character.”
Mrs. Oluyemisi Ejidiran, the celebrant’s wife and a retired nurse, described her husband as “handsome and approachable. We are proud of you, me as your wife and also our children. The consistent praise shared today speaks volumes about you and its true. You embody the spirit of high standards, attention to detail, and hard work. We married in 1988, and you have always been supportive and collaborative.”
“When I had to travel abroad for work for one year, he took care of kids both as father and mother. He even made the job possible for me by just his encouragement.
In his remarks, Ejidiran reflected on the milestones achieved during his leadership, emphasizing the role of collaboration, quality leadership and unity of purpose at Wemabod.
He expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “I faced numerous challenges at Wemabod and did not anticipate such a positive outcome.
“The accomplishments attributed to me are a result of the cooperation and support I received from everyone, including the boards of Odu’a, Wemabod, and my family.
“Our shared commitment to excellence and innovation made this possible. I thank Adewale Raji for his attentive nature and our strategic meetings. The support from all board members and Chairmen, both past and present, was crucial to our success. The power of unity has been a driving force at Wemabod. I urge everyone to support the new MD, Bashir Oladunni.
“Our quality of leadership at Wemabod has been extraordinary, enabling us to overcome numerous challenges. Otunba Ashiru is an incredibly dedicated leader who tirelessly supported and collaborated with us. Our smooth transition reflects the strong leadership in place.”
