A renowned Nigerian endocrinologist and co-pioneer of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in Africa, Professor Oladapo Ashiru, has revealed that his father, Pa Simeon Adeyemi Ashiru, has no fewer than 90 biological children from 23 wives before he passed on in 1996 at the age of 92 years.

He added that the youngest among the children are twins born in 1988 when his father was 84 years old.

Prof Ashiru gave this hint in a statement to announce the 30th remembrance anniversary of his late father, who was born a muslim and practiced the religion for more than 90 years before his conversion to Christianity a year before he passed on.

Interestingly, he noted that nearly all the children of his late father are educated up to university level, with many of them having distinguished themselves in their various disciplines, including academic, medicine, law, engineering, administration, and so forth, and likewise many of his grand and great-grandchildren.

In the statement titled “Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Papa Simeon Adeyemi Ashiru,” Professor Ashiru, who is the Chairman.

Simeon Ade Ashiru Dynasty Limited disclosed that his late father was a member of the 1918 set of the Ijebu-Ode Grammar School Old Boys, and he rose to become a legendary figure in Ijebuland and beyond.

Additionally, he revealed that his late father’s conversion to Christianity after more than 90 years as a practicing Muslim “greatly surprised the Muslim community in Yorubaland and beyond, particularly given his active role in the appointment of imams and alfas in Ijebuland.”

Giving background to his father’s conversion, Ashiru stated that his father converted to Christianity following his dramatic recovery from illness while singing a Christian hymn.

“He was then baptized and confirmed by the then Archbishop of Nigeria, the Most Revd. Abiodun Adetiloye, and took the name Simeon in place of Saka,” he added.

He noted that his late father served as Chief Tax Officer and Senior Accountant in the old Ijebu Province, a role that earned him popular nicknames “Saka Onirisiti and Ashiru Onirisiti’.”

He added that after his father retired from public service in 1952, he continued to contribute to community development, serving in various boards and committees, including the Board of Governors of Adeola Odutola Comprehensive College as a member and Chairman, Board of Governors of Ijebu Mushin Education Mission, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, and its Parent–Teacher Association.

“He also served as Manager of all Ijebu Muslim Primary Schools and a Judicial Member of the Rent Tribunal at the Ministry of Justice, Ijebu-Ode High Court,” Ashiru added.

Ashiru stated that the family has now resolved to celebrate the life and legacy of his late father, which he said keeps resonating 30 years after his demise.

To commemorate the event, he said, a memorial service would be held at Simeon Adeyemi Ashiru Anglican Church in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Saturday, 17th January 2026.

Ashiru also noted that a statue erected by the family in his father’s honour at the Oke-Oyinbo Saka Ashiru Roundabout would be inaugurated earlier on the same day. (Nigerian Tribune, excluding headline)

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