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His Life

BRIEF LIFE HISTORY OF CHIEF AKINOLA PETER OLORUNSOLA

May 17, 2016

Akinola Sanmi Peter Olorunsola was born on February 2, 1957 into the family of Olorunsola in Isan-Ekiti, Ekiti State of Nigeria.

Fondly called ‘Peter’, his background did not give him any head start in life but he was apparently determined to make the best of every opportunity availed him by situation and circumstances.

He learnt the art of service early in life when he was staying with his uncle and mentor, Chief D. K  Olorunsola, who was then a school teacher and administrator (but now retired). This contributed largely to having   his elementary education in three schools – St. Paul’s Primary School, Isan-Ekiti; St. Peter’s Primary School, Ayede-Ekiti; and St. Benedict’s Primary School, Ayede-Ekiti. All between 1963 and 1969.

Ajayi Memorial Secondary Modern School, Ayede-Ekiti gave him the first experience of post-primary education. He was there between 1970 and 1972. For some, that level of education would have consigned them to a state of contentment that would make them to be indifferent to the many opportunities that tertiary education might offer in the future. But not for Peter who used the opportunity to prepare himself for the challenges of secondary education proper.

In 1973, he became a bona-fide student of Ayede Grammar School, Ayede-Ekiti and sat for the West African School Certificate examination mid-1977 coming out in flying colours.  It was a result that probably activated his thirst for higher education. He followed this up by taking up the studentship of the Special Sixth Form College, Ikare-Akoko in Ondo State in November 1977. He wrapped off the 2-years’ programme in June 1979 thoroughly drilled, nurtured and made ready for university education.

He eventually studied economics, for which he bagged an honours degree of the University of Ibadan in November 1983.

He was posted to Edo State for the compulsory National Youth Service Corps’ scheme. He was in the 1983/84 batch and posted to a private concern, R.I. Erhahon Company Limited, Benin City, for his primary assignment. There he rendered selfless service to his fatherland and he was formally discharged without any encumbrance in November 1984.

1984 was not the best of time for the country. The economy was in the doldrums and it was a harrowing experience getting a job. But Peter, by divine grace, never experienced the pains and pangs of unemployment. With barely a month for rest after the rigours and hustling of the NYSC year, he was appointed a tutor and posted to AUD High School, Ado-Ekiti. He was in that ‘chalk and blackboard’ duties for two years, yet he knew from the bottom of his heart that the mainstream of the civil service remains his destination of choice.   

It was, therefore, a dream comes true for him when, in December 1986, he was appointed an Inspector of Taxes in the service of the Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue. Suffice it to add that the appointment marked the threshold of his almost three decades of unbroken service as a tax

Administrator: seven years in the service of the Ondo State Government and the remainder with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (he transferred his services to the Federal Public Service in October 1993).

Having put in so many years in the service of his fatherland, Peter was anxiously looking forward to February 2, 2017 – his set-date for retirement. A day he had expected to bring loved ones, friends, associates and well-wishers together for the purpose of toasting to his health even as he takes a bow from active service. A service that he poured all his energy and from which he derived a tremendous sense of fulfillment. But death came knocking on April 15, 2016 to checkmate all those lofty plans and earthly desire. But one fact is certain; death and its sting cannot obliterate Peter’s eternal repose with his creator. And therein lies the consolation for all his loved ones and admirers.

His wife, Solape, had earlier joined the saints triumphant in 2004. Despite that painful and untimely death of his dearest, Peter bore it all with unusual equanimity. The intimacy and love they both shared (the depth and genuineness of which were never in doubt) he always remembered with nostalgia and immense pride and also helped to buoy up his resolve not to remarry. That promise he faithfully kept till his demise.

A caring father, Peter showered love inexplicable on his four children and ensured that they were well educated and raised in the fear of the Lord. This they also reciprocated by striving for excellence in their different areas of calling as professionals.

A professional tax administrator, Peter was a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. He was also a devout Christian who loved, revered and served God. He consistently practiced his faith in his different places of domicile: he was a staunch member of St. All Saints’ Anglican Church, Abeokuta – his last place of domicile, and that of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Isan – his home town.

Peter lived most of his active life in Lagos, yet he did not become a ‘Baba Eko’ in its negative connotation. Not for once did he alienate himself from his roots. He was an Isan man through and through. He was a foundation member of Socialite Club and a key player in the activities of Isan Progressive Union where he had the rare privilege of serving as the chairman of Isan Day 2002 celebration organizing committee. For his unquantifiable contribution to the development of that community, he was installed the Babalaje of Isan in 1996 by His Royal Highness, Oba Sunday Adebiyi, the Onisan of Isan-Ekiti.

He was also a philanthropist par excellence, ever dispensing the milk of human kindness. When not found  giving out scholarships to indigent students or helping the young ones to search for jobs, then he must have been busy doling out welfare materials, in cash and kind, to the aged and the less privileged. He was a cheerful giver whose day was not made until he put smiles in people’s faces.

 In all of these, Peter must have been in the same page with that Frenchman, Stephen Grellet, who penned these immortal words:

 ‘I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again’.

Peter never missed any opportunity, as widely acknowledged, to do good. He was indeed a rare gem.

Adieu Peter, the worthy son of Papa and  Mama Olorunsola; the ever devoted and faithful and loving father; the illustrious son and Babalaje of Isan-Ekiti; a loyal friend to his many friends and a committed civil servant of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Sleep on until we meet at the feet of Christ.

Good night.