By Dr Abiola Bashorun
For the Bashorun Family
Today, 8 August 2026, marks the posthumous birthday of a remarkable man, Alhaji Burian Afolabi Bashorun, fondly remembered as “Embonicker” (EMBONIKA) and affectionately known within his family as “Baba Ilú Oyinbo.”
His was a life defined by intelligence, courage, discipline, generosity, style and an enduring sense of responsibility. He gave his all — and often much more — to his family, his profession, his community and his country.
After completing his engineering studies in the United Kingdom, many of his contemporaries chose to remain abroad. Alhaji Burian, however, made the deliberate decision to return home to Nigeria. His choice reflected his strong commitment to contributing to the development of his country while building a meaningful future for his family.
He was the first son of the Seriki of Otta, Alhaji Shittu Alao Bashorun, who served as Seriki of Otta from 1935 to 1967. He carried the dignity of his heritage with pride and lived with a profound sense of honour, responsibility and service.
That family tradition of leadership and service continues to this day, with his nephew, High Chief Olanrewaju Bashorun, serving as the current Seriki of Otta.
Alhaji Burian also brought distinction and character to the profession of policing. He was impeccably neat, eloquent and disciplined, with a confidence, charm and unmistakable swagger that made him stand out. He possessed the rare ability to command respect while remaining warm, sociable and generous.
He loved life. He loved people. And wherever he went, he left an impression.
For those who knew him closely, some of his familiar expressions remain especially unforgettable:
“Pàdé mi ní Pàntì.” — “Meet me at Panti Police Station.”
“Pàdé mi ní City Hall.” — “Meet me at City Hall.”
Even today, those words bring smiles to the faces of his loved ones. They are more than simple expressions; they are treasured reminders of the larger-than-life personality he possessed.
His passing may have taken him from our sight, but it did not erase his presence from our lives. His values, stories, humour, confidence and the memories he created continue to live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Today, therefore, we celebrate more than a birthday. We celebrate a life that mattered — a man whose journey touched many lives and whose legacy continues to speak across generations.
To his family, he was “Baba Ilú Oyinbo.”
To his friends and contemporaries, he was “Embonicker” (EMBONIKA).
To us, he was Daddy — a father whose presence was a blessing and whose memory remains a treasure.
Oríkì (Praise Poetry)
Ijeni Agbe, ọmọ Agbegba, ọmọ Olúgbọ́n Àsàkín, ọmọ Olóta Odò, ọmọ Aródẹdẹ Wọmi.
Ọmọ afikọ́tí yọjú ọ̀tá, ọmọ afì pọ̀npódù yọjú Kétu, ọmọ onímọ̀kàn àjìná, ọmọ Elésà ànọ̀dọ̀rù.
Ọmọ Iganmode afẹ́lẹ́jà.
Ọmọ afínjú wọjà, arìn gbẹ̀ndẹ̀kẹ̀, ọ̀bùn wọjà apá síọ̀síọ̀, ọ̀bùn síọ̀síọ̀ ni arẹ́ ẹ̀rù afínjú wọlé.
Ọmọ Ẹ̀kọ́ arọmi sàlégbè légbè.
As we mark your posthumous birthday, Daddy, we remember you with gratitude, love and pride. We miss you deeply, but we remain comforted by the beautiful memories you left behind and the enduring legacy you gave to your family and community.
Your life was a blessing.
Your memory is a treasure.
Your legacy remains an enduring gift.
May Almighty Allah forgive your shortcomings, shower you with His infinite mercy and grant you Al-Jannah Firdaus.
May Allah (SWT) continue to grant him mercy and eternal peace, and may his memory remain a source of pride, strength and inspiration for generations yet unborn.
Happy heavenly birthday, Daddy.
Alhaji Burian Afolabi Bashorun
“Baba Ilú Oyinbo”
“Embonicker” (EMBONIKA)
Dr Abiola Bashorun
For the Bashorun Family
May Allah (SWT) continue to grant him mercy and eternal peace. Ameen.
