On Monday 9th of December, 2024, the Ibadan's business and social circles were thrown into a deep mourning. Mr. Muyiwa Laniyan, a popular businessman and socialite passed away. Araba, as he was popularly called by friends and associates, died on Monday, December 9, 2024. He was aged 62.
Laniyan, in his lifetime, was a very hardworking and a fun-loving man. He was also a family man to the core.
He belonged to what could best be described as the middle-aged class of the Ibadan social establishment. He was a real estate expert, and one of the then Ibadan's upwardly mobile 'big boys' but now big men that rocked the social scene in the late 90s, 2000 downward. He remained very active till his last days though. For his distinct 'Omoluabi' character, Laniyan was well loved and respected not only social scene but also in the business world.
He was a past Captain of Tiger Golf Club, Ibadan. His connection cuts across different ages and groups. Little wonder that condolence messages have kept pouring in since his death was announced.
In an obituary poster announcing the passing of Muyiwa Laniyan, Tiger Golf Club wrote: "It is with deep regret, but with total submission to God's will, that the executive announces the passing of Capo Muyiwa Laniyan (the Araba). The former captain passed away today, 9th Dec 2024, at the age of 62 years. We are deeply saddened by the passing of this great pillar of Tiger golf Club. We pray God will console and give his family fortitude in this trying time."
Also deeply hit by the tragic occurrence, a prominent golfer and close associate of Muyiwa Laniyan, Mr. Wale Ogunrinde penned a touching tribute in his honor.
In the tribute, Ogunrinde briefly touched on Muyiwa Laniyan's cool mien and vast connection.
Ogunrinde wrote the following on his Facebook page "Muyiwa, The _sekere_, skinless but scantily clothed in restless beads visits not mourning but joy filled souls
We thus would not herald it in choruses with our heads south neither would we with _agogo_ and _ìlú_ proceed in parade to the abode of the bereaved
Nay!
Yet, the joyful soul gone was of this imperfect clime - handicapped just as we all, boxed and flawed were his fistful earthly swings, with waxed wits his eyeballs told a million stories
Muyiwa played his courses as we are still opportuned to play ours, hazards, dog-legs, ways unfair even with uneven roughs
He told his never ending stories in series smiling, he knew a friend that knew a friend that knew yet another friend that knows you and your brother and possibly your sister too
Our chance meeting was a race back into time, barely half an hour old alas! the bonds of friendship scaled ten leap years in reverse.
Árábà, we may not in unbridled ecstasy throw the fearless _sekere_ up into the vast skies nor beat the tanned hides of our heavy drums but we at best can attest, and are also truly comforted, that a jolly great fellow once joined our flight.
To Him that marks the eternal Scorecard we ask for strength and comfort, courage and all things good as we, family and friends, play the remaining Holes of our lives with a great jolly good fellow short.
Adieu Muyiwa Laniyan!"
"Muye! What a pain! What a great loss! Good night, bro. Rest well. May God assuage and comfort the family you left behind. Federal Government College Odogbolu Old Students Association mourns". Another friend, Adebola Majek-Odunowo added his own tribute in the comment section."
Muyiwa Laniyan will be solely missed not only by his family but also his friends and associates. In fact, many won't forget in a hurry his 60th birthday party. That, of course, was his last big celebration. The birthday celebration was a mega one. It was celebrated with a golf kitty at the lush green 18-hole golf course inside Adekunle Fajuyi Military Cantonment, Odogbo Barracks, Ojoo, Ibadan. The golf kitty preceded an elaborate birthday reception which was well attended by top dignitaries.
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