Sanusi Adebisi Idikan (1882 – 1938) stands as an indelible figure, weaving a tapestry of influence across Ibadan's landscape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His legacy, often obscured in the shadows of time, deserves to be unveiled.

This enigmatic personality, born during the reign of Aare Latoosa, immersed himself in the intricate art of Ofi cloth weaving, a traditional Yoruba fabric reserved for significant ceremonies. His journey from Ibadan to far-reaching places like Benin, hawking these garments, marked him as a prodigious success by the age of 18. Beyond the loom, Adebisi delved into agriculture, cultivating extensive cocoa plantations in Ashipa village, Mamu, and later in Apata Ibadan. His success rippled through society, earning him the esteemed title of Giwa Egbe (head of the society) among fellow merchants.

A beacon of philanthropy, Adebisi intervened in the taxing dilemma that plagued Ibadan. His compassionate efforts extended to bail out tax defaulters, recognizing the hardship faced by subsistent farmers. The poignant tale of Balogun Ola's tragic suicide, choosing death over witnessing the perpetual tax agony of Ibadan's youth, underscores the gravity of the tax predicament during this era. In the twilight of his life, Adebisi's health waned, leading him to seek solace in the advice of renowned surgeon Dr. Doherty. His dignified exit in 1938 at the age of 56 marked the end of an era. A man whose generosity touched not only Ibadan but resonated across the Western Region and Nigeria.

In the echoes of Ibadan folklore, "Ile Adebisi lati je Malu tawo tawo, awa o je dodo, nile Salami" reverberates, acknowledging Adebisi's unparalleled impact. Let us, in response to the clarion call, celebrate and applaud the timeless contributions of Sanusi Adebisi Giwa Akanji Idikan, Omo Ogboja.