By SAM POPOOLA, Abeokuta
A downpour of endless encomiums drenched Dr 'Seni Ogunyemi, as he stood up waiting to be pull-out of service of Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, TRACE on his retirement on Friday, June 27th, 2025, as the 3rd TCG and 1st to be given such a formal and ceremonial Pull-out Parade.
The venue was at TRACE Headquarters, Old OGTV, Km 9 Olabisi Onabanjo Way, Ajebo Road, Abeokuta, Ogun State, where different categories of people ranging from service chiefs, to royal fathers, government functionaries, families, friends, and well-wishers lauded the sterling quality, his avowed true dedication to duty, unrivaled sense of discipline and leadership.
Commander (Dr) Fatai Olaseni Ogunyemi, is unanimous described as a rare gem and icon, a man of all seasons, quite disposition and dignified presence, a man so much loved for his courage and stickler for protocol.
After his successful contributions to the establishment of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in 2000 as the pioneer Head, Road Traffic Safety and Public Education, he later joined the service of Ogun State Civil Service on August 4, 2005 as the Pioneer Ag. Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the newly established Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps under the enabling law of Mrch 9th, 2005.
He was said to have contributed immensely to the acclaimed operational and managerial structure and training of the pioneering staff and other employed operatives of TRACE till date.
Besides, Ogunyemi designed the approved and gazetted notice of offence sheet (ticket), specifying the fines and charges prescribed on various road traffic Offences as regulated in the peal of 2006, 2009 and 2016 regulations.
He is reputed to have brought TRACE to limelight at the Global Road Safety Workshop organized by United Nations at the International Conference Centre, Ghana in November 2006. He worked harmoniously with the Ministry of Justice for the attainment of an amended law of TRACE as assented to, on September 25, 2007.
In recognition of his hard work, loyalty, dedication, passion for his contributions in the transport section, he was honoured with a doctorate award of PhD (Honoris Causa) in leadership.
Representing Deputy Governor, Ogun State, Engrn Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Commissioner for Transport, Engrn Gbenga Dairo, says Dr Ogunyemi's role is very unique. "He has the ability to command many roles and become a successful Comdr General. It will be extremely difficult to get a befitting replacement for him in TRACE. He has built a good legacy for officers he is leaving behind".
Pouring eulogies on the retiring TCG, the State Head of Service says Ogunyemi's leadership made TRACE Officers to stand fast. Going Biblical to justify happiness in retirement, the HOS cited Eccl 7:8 to encourage the outgoing TCG, adding "His Pull-out today is more commendable than his entry in the TRACE".
The HOS also congratulated him "for starting well and ending well 10 years after. His citation is just an abridge version of his real worth", while charging the most senior officer and others not to let the flag down but keep it up.
Others whose remarks were captured by TheCaveat.com.ng include:
Representative of Brigade Commander, Nig. Army, Abeokuta:
"Although I don't know much about Comdr Ogunyemi, the show of love I see today by his subordinates and his resume show you have done much worthy of adulation. After retirement he would be useful to Ogun State. No government will allow such a brain and workerholic personality be wasted in retirement, by any system.
-Commd Remilekun Ekundayo, NSCDC
His way of approach to people is wonderful. His dedication to duty is very remarkable.
-Dr Ogungbemi Representative of Ogun State FRSC Sector Commander
Seni is a man of many parts. He still have places to go. I believe he has learned what it takes to retire. Commend his wife for giving him support. He thanked the outgoing TCG for praying for his promotion, which he sad has eventually come to fruitfulness.
Former CP, Ogun State, Mr Edward Ajogun:
He is our Callorosy. In our inter-agency meeting on security, his pieces of advice are very useful. His advices enabled us to curb crises in the state. I often wonder how TRACE was able to rise to many emergencies timely. Thanks for the competence of Ogunyemi's leadership. Congratulations on your birthday and retirement.
-Major Dapo Sunmola, the pioneer TRACE Cdr General:
I am grateful to all for recognizing the worth of Ogunyemi in TRACE.
Twenty years ago, I had the opportunity to meet with you, 20 years ago, I recruited you as a director of TRACE. You did not disappoint me. The journey has not been smooth but thank People for being with us. The slogan we started with in TRACE, 20 years ago, "Safe & Responsible Driving... A Must!" is still the same. I am happy to say since I left TRACE 20 years ago, It's still intact. It is a thing that I am proud of, I am proud of you too!
Prof. Olatunji Ogunyemi, a younger brother of the outgoing TCG, from USA:
"My pleasure to talk to you all. It's a great achievement for my brother who is bowing out of TRACE Agency. I enjoy being here today, to witness it all. It would pain me if the opportunity did not come and I saw this on recorded electronics. I came from America, just yesterday. My brother and I have been together from childhood. We've been together since pry school. So I would not flintch a pint to speak about his character. He is always eager to do new things, and an achiever. He doesn't believe anything can be done. His leadership traits are unique. Thank God for his wife who has always been there as a pillar.
Engr Yomi Bakare, also a sibling of the outgoing TCG thanked Ogun State Government for doing giving his brother a chance for proving his mettle in TRACE. He has done a very fantastic job for TRACE which everybody hails. My brother and I used to fight because he did not have any time he couldn't work. He was always on at 2 am to do TRACE work. Sometimes I would put off his phone so that he would not wake up to work. He would wake up anyhow, and put on the phone. As a matter of fact, He married his job. He brought dedication to the job. I can encourage him, that retirement has nothing to fear. It's opening a new chapter in life. The sky is the limit for you.
-Rep of Abeokuta Social Club
His leadership, not only transform Trace to laudable agency, but also... He served as AC on various capacities in our club.
-Abeokuta Club. We felicitate with our brother, Seni. All our members would come out now to do what we call "oro Ile" by singing Abeokuta Anthem.
-Lisabi Club. He is a nice man. He always support you in all your endeavour.
-Professor Badejo of Lagos State University, LASU:
I encouraged him to take a course in transport which he did and made him to become a Corps Cdr. His relationship with the ministry was cordial. He is very energetic and can sacrifice anything for duty. He thanked his wife. He advised Ogunyemi not to be scared as his going into retirement.
-Amona Baroyin of Egbaland, Oladeinde Tajudeen Representing the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III:
Cdr Ogunyemi is a man of discipline and stickler for protocol. He once reported me for flouting our tradition of not being in flowing Agbada to Alake palace as a result of which Alake fined me. I prayed there would be rain today, so that I could pay him back. That is on a lighter joke, anyway, Ogunyemi provided a good leadership in TRACE, no doubt. The virtues are worthy of emulation. Congratulation.
-AIG Sola Subaru, SA to Governor on Security:
We witness a rare sight today. We celebrate somebody who developed TRACE to the level it is today. The fact that he played is a testament he is a good worker. We pray for good replacement and better life in retirement more than life in Service. This is not the end of service.
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