A LIFE WELL LIVED
An abridged story of the great life of our dear Daddy, Oyelakin Lawal.
HIS BIRTH AND EARLY LIFE Our dear Daddy was born on Wednesday, 4th June 1941 to the family of Pa. Lawani Ajagbe Ojo and Mama Oyinlola Omotobaje Lawani (Nee Tolani) of “Ile Akinwumi”, Isale Osun, Osogbo. His parents were of the Islamic faith and so, he was named Muritala Akanmu Lawani at birth. He later changed his name to Oyelakin Lawal precisely in September,1970 but till he passed, some of his good old friends especially Pa. Ayodele Arowolo, still dearingly calls him, ‘‘M.A’’. M.A being initials of Muritala Akanmu.
Daddy was born in Auchi, Etsako West Local Governmemt in the present-day Edo State and that was where he spent his early years growing up amongst family and large community of Yoruba/Osogbo people who had migrated to that part of the country like his parents for greener pastures.
Daddy was the first born of his mother and the second of his father. He enjoyed a relatively good childhood as his father was both a successful farmer and businessman who was hardworking, generous, accommodating and a devout Muslim who placed priority on the wellbeing of his children, wives, extended family, and people around him.
EDUCATION Daddy started school in January 1948 at the prestigious Government School, Auchi, Uromi. He was academically sound that he was always between the 1st and 6th positions. As a matter of facts, Daddy was the monitor/class Captain in his Primary 4. Apart from academics, Daddy was quite active in extracurricular activities, he belonged to the Tiger Boys’ Club, a football club and was also in the Drama Club and acted in the stage presentation of ‘Robin Hood’. Daddy acquired Quranic education alongside formal education.
After his Primary education in 1955, his attempt to proceed to a Grammar school failed due to lack of funds and so, inadvertently, his teaching career started. He got his first teaching appointment at the age of 14 years, 9 months in 1956 at the St James’ Anglican Central School, Jattu-Uzaure. One of the conditions of his appointment was that he must become a Christian and be baptized in the Anglican Church. He agreed to the condition and so was baptized on 4th March 1956 by Reverend D.R. Oyebode who later became the Bishop of Ibadan Diocese of the Anglican Church.
Daddy taught at St James Anglican Central School as a pupil teacher from 1st March 1956 to 1958 and he was able to put money aside to proceed with the pursuit of his desire to become a teacher. He proceeded to the Provincial Teachers’ College, Agbede, in January 1959 where he obtained his Grade 1 Teachers Training Certificate in December 1960.
Daddy attended The Apostolic Teachers’ Training College, Oke – Oye, Ilesa, where he and his bosom friend, Elder ‘Soji Adegoke met, from January 1964 to December 1965. He obtained Teachers’ Grade 11 Certificate from there in 1966. He went on to the premier University, University of Ibadan in September 1968 having passed the “London GCE”, that is, the University of London General Certificate of Education, in 1968.
Daddy was admitted to study History at the University of Ibadan and accepted even though he could not foresee any ready means of paying for his education at that level because he had lost father, their bread winner. As God would have it, Government of the then Western States offered scholarship to indigent students and he was lucky to obtain it. He completed his studies at the University of Ibadan in June 1971 and was awarded a Bachelor of Education in History.
At the University of Ibadan, he met some of his life long, bosom friends like, Biyi Sangosanya, Duro Orishanaye, Prince Oyebamiji Oyetunde amongst others.
MARRIAGE Daddy met his “darling Ladun”, Mercy Omoladun Abike Lawal (Nee Folorunso) precisely on 18th July 1969 in Osogbo. God orchestrated their meeting through one of his friend and brother, Prince Jire Oyedeji who happened to be mummy’s cousin. They got married on 27th April 1974 at the All-Saints’ Cathedral, Balogun, Osogbo and even death was not able to break the bond between them as deduced from his response to a joke to take another woman after mummy’s passing in August 2018. He said, “God forbid, obinrin kan ti Olorun ko mo mi lo ti lo yen.”
Daddy was a loving husband and fiercely loyal to his wife and marital vow. He loved his wife wholeheartedly. Their marriage was not a perfect one as they had their own challenges, but it was one built on love, trust, fidelity, kindness, communication, sincerity, oneness of mind, and great friendship et al.
It must be noted that during their courtship, they exchanged one hundred and eighty-six (186) ‘love letters’ and all the letters are safely kept by Daddy till today. Such was the love and nature of Daddy to preserve history.
To the glory of God, their marriage was fruitful in all ways, God blessed them with beautiful children.
Dad was a great Dad and husband, he lived up to his expectations of himself which he wrote in one of his jotters; “The greatest gift I wish to give to my family is simply being Oyelakin Lawal, a good husband, a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. To raise my family in the love of the Lord."
HIS BIRTH AND EARLY LIFE Our dear Daddy was born on Wednesday, 4th June 1941 to the family of Pa. Lawani Ajagbe Ojo and Mama Oyinlola Omotobaje Lawani (Nee Tolani) of “Ile Akinwumi”, Isale Osun, Osogbo. His parents were of the Islamic faith and so, he was named Muritala Akanmu Lawani at birth. He later changed his name to Oyelakin Lawal precisely in September,1970 but till he passed, some of his good old friends especially Pa. Ayodele Arowolo, still dearingly calls him, ‘‘M.A’’. M.A being initials of Muritala Akanmu.
Daddy was born in Auchi, Etsako West Local Governmemt in the present-day Edo State and that was where he spent his early years growing up amongst family and large community of Yoruba/Osogbo people who had migrated to that part of the country like his parents for greener pastures.
Daddy was the first born of his mother and the second of his father. He enjoyed a relatively good childhood as his father was both a successful farmer and businessman who was hardworking, generous, accommodating and a devout Muslim who placed priority on the wellbeing of his children, wives, extended family, and people around him.
EDUCATION Daddy started school in January 1948 at the prestigious Government School, Auchi, Uromi. He was academically sound that he was always between the 1st and 6th positions. As a matter of facts, Daddy was the monitor/class Captain in his Primary 4. Apart from academics, Daddy was quite active in extracurricular activities, he belonged to the Tiger Boys’ Club, a football club and was also in the Drama Club and acted in the stage presentation of ‘Robin Hood’. Daddy acquired Quranic education alongside formal education.
After his Primary education in 1955, his attempt to proceed to a Grammar school failed due to lack of funds and so, inadvertently, his teaching career started. He got his first teaching appointment at the age of 14 years, 9 months in 1956 at the St James’ Anglican Central School, Jattu-Uzaure. One of the conditions of his appointment was that he must become a Christian and be baptized in the Anglican Church. He agreed to the condition and so was baptized on 4th March 1956 by Reverend D.R. Oyebode who later became the Bishop of Ibadan Diocese of the Anglican Church.
Daddy taught at St James Anglican Central School as a pupil teacher from 1st March 1956 to 1958 and he was able to put money aside to proceed with the pursuit of his desire to become a teacher. He proceeded to the Provincial Teachers’ College, Agbede, in January 1959 where he obtained his Grade 1 Teachers Training Certificate in December 1960.
Daddy attended The Apostolic Teachers’ Training College, Oke – Oye, Ilesa, where he and his bosom friend, Elder ‘Soji Adegoke met, from January 1964 to December 1965. He obtained Teachers’ Grade 11 Certificate from there in 1966. He went on to the premier University, University of Ibadan in September 1968 having passed the “London GCE”, that is, the University of London General Certificate of Education, in 1968.
Daddy was admitted to study History at the University of Ibadan and accepted even though he could not foresee any ready means of paying for his education at that level because he had lost father, their bread winner. As God would have it, Government of the then Western States offered scholarship to indigent students and he was lucky to obtain it. He completed his studies at the University of Ibadan in June 1971 and was awarded a Bachelor of Education in History.
At the University of Ibadan, he met some of his life long, bosom friends like, Biyi Sangosanya, Duro Orishanaye, Prince Oyebamiji Oyetunde amongst others.
MARRIAGE Daddy met his “darling Ladun”, Mercy Omoladun Abike Lawal (Nee Folorunso) precisely on 18th July 1969 in Osogbo. God orchestrated their meeting through one of his friend and brother, Prince Jire Oyedeji who happened to be mummy’s cousin. They got married on 27th April 1974 at the All-Saints’ Cathedral, Balogun, Osogbo and even death was not able to break the bond between them as deduced from his response to a joke to take another woman after mummy’s passing in August 2018. He said, “God forbid, obinrin kan ti Olorun ko mo mi lo ti lo yen.”
Daddy was a loving husband and fiercely loyal to his wife and marital vow. He loved his wife wholeheartedly. Their marriage was not a perfect one as they had their own challenges, but it was one built on love, trust, fidelity, kindness, communication, sincerity, oneness of mind, and great friendship et al.
It must be noted that during their courtship, they exchanged one hundred and eighty-six (186) ‘love letters’ and all the letters are safely kept by Daddy till today. Such was the love and nature of Daddy to preserve history.
To the glory of God, their marriage was fruitful in all ways, God blessed them with beautiful children.
Dad was a great Dad and husband, he lived up to his expectations of himself which he wrote in one of his jotters; “The greatest gift I wish to give to my family is simply being Oyelakin Lawal, a good husband, a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. To raise my family in the love of the Lord.”
MARRIAGE Daddy met his “darling Ladun”, Mercy Omoladun Abike Lawal (Nee Folorunso) precisely on 18th July 1969 in Osogbo. God orchestrated their meeting through one of his friend and brother, Prince Jire Oyedeji who happened to be mummy’s cousin. They got married on 27th April 1974 at the All-Saints’ Cathedral, Balogun, Osogbo and even death was not able to break the bond between them as deduced from his response to a joke to take another woman after mummy’s passing in August 2018. He said, “God forbid, obinrin kan ti Olorun ko mo mi lo ti lo yen.”
Daddy was a loving husband and fiercely loyal to his wife and marital vow. He loved his wife wholeheartedly. Their marriage was not a perfect one as they had their own challenges, but it was one built on love, trust, fidelity, kindness, communication, sincerity, oneness of mind, and great friendship et al.
It must be noted that during their courtship, they exchanged one hundred and eighty-six (186) ‘love letters’ and all the letters are safely kept by Daddy till today. Such was the love and nature of Daddy to preserve history.
To the glory of God, their marriage was fruitful in all ways, God blessed them with beautiful children.
Dad was a great Dad and husband, he lived up to his expectations of himself which he wrote in one of his jotters; “The greatest gift I wish to give to my family is simply being Oyelakin Lawal, a good husband, a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. To raise my family in the love of the Lord.”
WORK LIFE In his autobiography manuscript he wrote, “I accepted teaching as something good and natural, something God meant for me to do.” And that explains his work life as a teacher, it was his calling, and he was passionate about it. Although lack of fund pushed him into the teaching profession at a tender age, necessity must have worked together with passion to make the teaching profession his forte. Daddy was a born teacher, God blessed him with an intelligent mind and sharp memory and the propensity to impart knowledge. He was an encyclopedia of knowledge. Daddy hardly forgets dates and past occurrences. He keeps records of everything important to him, he was the family library, archive, and museum manager.
His first work experience was as a pupil teacher at St James Anglican Central School, Jattu-Uzaure, from 1st March 1956 to 1958. Thereafter, he worked at the following schools before proceeding to the University of Ibadan; Irrua Primary School, Otuo, from 1st January 1960 to 31st December 1961; Anamah Primary School, Igue-Oke, from 1st January 1962 to 31st December 1962; Omogbai Primary School, Jattu, from 1st January 1963 to 31st December 1963; The Apostolic Primary School, Iwaro – Osu, from 1st January 1966 to 30th September 1968. It was at this school as a teacher and editor of the school magazine amongst other responsibilities, that he tutored Honourable Justice Adedotun Onibokun of the Osun State High Court (as she is now) who was a regular contributor to the school magazine. She is one of Daddy’s former students he was totally proud of. Daddy and his bosom friend, Elder Soji Adegoke met and started their friendship also at this school.
After achieving his B.Ed. in History from the University of Ibadan in June 1971, the first place Daddy worked as a graduate teacher was Annunciation Grammar School, Ikere-Ekiti from July 1971 till August 1976. In five years, that he was there, he held various post of responsibility, from being the Senior Boarding/Housemaster to Head of Department of Arts and Social Sciences to Master -in -charge of the Historical Society and so on. He made his mark at the great school as usual and he and some of his former students like, Professor Olusola Fasubaa and Hon. Niyi Afuye were still so much in contact.
He was transferred from Annunciation Grammar School in September 1976 to Oluorogbo High School, Ile-Ife. His passion for the teaching profession, diligence and industriousness stood him out again rightly endeared him to students and staff alike. He and some of his former students from Oluorogbo High School like Oluwatoyin Olasoji maintained cordial relationship till his passing. Daddy was provisionally assigned as a Vice-Principal to Community High School, Ara Joshua which name was later changed to Urban Day School, Ile-Ife on 1st September 1978. He served satisfactorily. On 1st September 1980, he was appointed the Principal of Community Secondary School, Iyanfoworogi.
As usual, Daddy brought his industriousness and vibrancy to play in the school that in no time, the name of the village “Iyanfoworogi” was brought into prominence. The school became popular despite its location, the students were more serious in their academic and generally their WAEC results improved.
At a point in January 1985, Daddy was both Principal of Community High School, Ogbagba and Community High School, Iyanfoworogi till 12th December 1986 when he was transferred to Olubuse Memorial High School, Ile-Ife as a Principal. He got transferred from Olubuse Grammar School to Laro Grammar School, Osogbo as a Principal on 3rd January 1990 and it was from Laro Grammar School that he was transferred to Osogbo Grammar School on 2nd October 1992 and that was where he meritoriously retired from active service in December 1995.
As the saying goes, “Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional”. It must be noted that Daddy faced some challenges while at Olubuse Memorial High School. The beautiful thing was that, as he had to leave Ife because of the unbearable heat from the challenges for his hometown, Osogbo, he had the privilege of ending his thirty-five years teaching career at the great Osogbo Grammar School on 31st December 1995.
Daddy’s tenure as Principal of Osogbo Grammar School was well captured in a book written by J.A. Akinlade for the National Executive Committee of Old Students Association of Osogbo
Grammar School in July 2009 titled, HISTROY OF OSOGBO GRAMMAR SCHOOL,
OSOGBO. At page 25, he wrote.
“Not dauted by these accidents and the inherited problems of inadequacy of
Structures and staff, ELDER LAWAL began with motivating staff and students as a management technique to move the school forward, He continued to encourage and sponsor staff attendance at relevant conferences seminars and workshops. He boasted their ego by adopting strategy of delegation of duties through committees. He revived publication of Osogbo Grammar School Newsletters and revival the Staff Club. He initiated Award for ‘Teacher of The Year’. All these stimulated the staff to put in their best. He got the SS11 BOY to wear bowties and the SS111 girls to wear skirt and blouse, it was ego boosting and facilitated discipline among the students… The zeal and management competence of ELDER LAWAL as Principal got the school to achieve much, winning laurels in inter-secondary school Essay and Quiz competition, as well as in sports. The school once again became a beehive of educational and social activities and a desire of many parents, ELDER AKIN LAWAL retired in 1995 leaving a student enrollment of 2,318 (1394 boys, 924 girls) and 107 teachers’’.
Daddy being the energetic, vibrant person that he was, was retired at fifty-five but not tired. Driven by the love and passion he had for the teaching profession and the unrelenting desire to impart knowledge in the younger ones, he sought appointment at the Henry-Alex Duduyemi Memorial College, a private citadel of learning. As usual, while there, from July 1997 to November 2003 before his appointment was terminated, he put in his best. What must however be noted is that the management of the great school is still indebted to him in claims and entitlements going by what is in the manuscript of his autobiography. Daddy maintained warm relationship till he passed on with many of his former students and even staff from the great school.
Daddy and a bosom friend of his, Mr. A. S Adeyanju started an educational center named, ADELAK Continuing Education Centre, Osogbo. The creation of the center was informed by their unrelenting passion to impart knowledge on the younger ones and assist them in charting a viable course in their academic pursuit.
Daddy also started, post retirement, Glorious Tomorrow Concept, an educational and management consultant outfit. Through the outfit he was a promoter and consultant to some private schools amongst which were, The Great Hephizibar Model Schools, Owode, Ede; Childline Schools, Owode, Ede; Yoruba Class for Non-Speakers and some others.
CHRISTIAN LIFE Daddy was born of Muslim parents and named Muritala Akanmu at birth. It is interesting to note that he became a convert in 1956 for economic reasons and so he was not a “serious” Christian. That was the state of his Christianity until the Lord revealed His power to him personally in April 1965 while he was at The Apostolic Teachers’ Training college, Ilesa. Before the “great revelation”, Daddy always thought those who come out to give testimonies in church, were “arranged” by the church to do so, to win converts to the fold.
Daddy experienced the power of Christ personally and his opinion and conviction changed forever. He had a swollen spot on his neck which suddenly grew big and caused him pain, he was advised that the swelling would have to be surgically removed. He approached the principal to ask for permission to travel down to Osogbo General Hospital for medical attention. After telling the Principal the state of his health, he asked him; “Do you know that the greatest power available to the individual in solving his personal problems is prayer?” Daddy answered in the negative but the principal undeterred, prayed prayer of healing with him and promised to help him make prayer request for healing at the Apostolic church. Daddy’s roommates also prayed for his divine healing. To cut a long story short, he woke up few days after the prayers to see that the swollen spot had disappeared. That was how he became convinced of the power that is in the mighty name of Jesus and his journey with God began.
Daddy remained a steadfast soldier of Christ ever since that encounter. He went to the University of Ibadan after leaving the Apostolic Teachers’ Training College and while there, he joined the Ibadan Varsity Christian Union, being a member of the union further helped his Christian growth.
According to him, at various times in his life, his relationship with some people like his bosom friend, late Overseer Soji Kilanko, Pastor Sola Akande, Pastor S. A. Adeoye, late Pastor/Prophet P. Ajani, and some others, greatly influenced his Christian life.
Daddy loved the Lord with all his heart and he also carried his family along. There was a family altar which Daddy ensured its fire never went dim even after all the children had left home and mummy had gone to be with the Lord. Such was his steadfastness in the things of the Lord. Daddy was not just a member but by God’s grace an ordained worker of The Apostolic Church of Nigeria. He lived a modest life, he was never materialistic nor overly ambitious, his goal remained to know God. He lived by the Biblical principle that it pays a man nothing if he gains the whole world but lost his soul in hell. Daddy was not a “perfect Christian”, but he was God fearing, had strong faith in God and constantly strived to be Christlike.
GENERALLY Daddy was quite sociable, festive, and always a good company. He loved to have people around him and he loved genuinely. He mixed easily and freely with people of all classes and age. He was a great talker and listener. To Daddy, familiarity does not bring contempt, it brings closeness and conviviality. He was quite a jolly good fellow.
To his extended family, Daddy was a rallying point. He was a beacon who stood for oneness and unity of the family by and large. He lost his father quite early in life and being the first son of his mother, he was smart enough to support his mother by being there as much as possible, financially, and morally for her and his siblings. He was accommodating and caring not even only to his mother’s children but even his half siblings and extended family generally. There was genuine love among him and his four brothers and one sister and they played significant roles in one another’s lives.
Daddy made so many friends during his lifetime and he remained loyal to them. He had friends that dates to over fifty years and they were still so much into each other till he passed on. They became more like brothers and sisters and at different times during his lifetime, they played significant roles in one another’s lives.
The names of all of Daddy’s friends and acquaintances cannot be mentioned here, as this is an abridged story of his life, but one or two must be mentioned here together with others already mentioned in the story. Daddy cannot write his autobiography without mentioning Alhaji Wale Lasisi, his brother, friend, and confidant. Alhaji ‘Bisi Salawu’s name is another name that must come up and many others.
Daddy was an outstanding figure of vision and initiative; he conceived the idea of an Association for retired principals of secondary school in 2005. He shared the idea with some other eminent retired principals who shared his vision and together they brought the idea to life as AREPPSS; Association of Retired Principal of Public Secondary Schools of Nigeria, Osun State chapter, the first of its kind in Nigeria.
Not driven by ambition for power, Daddy served as the first General Secretary of the Association for over ten years before he was recently elected the president when members felt he should lead the Association he founded.
Before AREPSS, while he was in active service, he had always been actively involved with any union that seeks to protect and further the cause of Teachers and humanity generally. He was actively involved with ANCOPPSS generally and at the Oranmiyan Zonal level, he played a pivotal role organizing and managing the Oranmiyan ANCOPSS Remedial Classes.
Daddy was at some point in time the state (old Oyo State) Chairman of Graduate Teachers’ Association (GTA). Daddy was also involved with National Union of Teachers’ (NUT)
Beyond the classroom, he was the National Social Secretary Osun Divisional Union of Students, ODUS, as far back as in the 1960s. While at the University of Ibadan, he was the National President of the over 1,000-member strong Osun Divisional Union of Students, ODUS. He was also a member of the Positive Thinkers and Nation Builders at the University of Ibadan.
Daddy was an active member of Osogbo Progressive Union. He was also actively involved with Osogbo Youth Movement which metamorphosed into The Osogbo Club. He was a member of June Circle Club, The ‘D’ Club Ile-Ife, and others.
Daddy at various times was in one Club, Committee, Group or Association bothering on Church, or his hometown or community he lived in, professional, social, or political. He was until his passing on to glory, the Chairman of Ayedun Estate 1 Landlords & Tenants Association.
Daddy loved recreational sports. He loved to play Table Tennis, so much that back then at Ile-Ife, people converged at our house to play Table Tennis. Daddy also loved football, he loved to play and loved to watch it. He was an Arsenal FC fan. He followed teams he supports closely. Daddy’s love for football dates way back as he co-formed a football club, Osu Football Club, way back in the 60s with his friend, Elder ‘Soji Adegoke.
Daddy was quite energetic and active. He does take strolls around the neighborhood to keep fit.
One other thing Daddy loved so well, was music. He loved to listen to different genres of music. Although he would constantly complain God did not give him “music voice”, he would always sing in the bathroom while bathing.
Daddy also appreciate well cooked home food. Some of his favourite foods are Akara/Moinmoin and Ogi, Yam and ‘ata dindin’, Beans (ewa riro) with dodo and Amala and ewedu. He loves to snack a lot too. He was a foodie who never grow fat.
Daddy was an avid reader and prolific writer. He loves to read and loves to write so well. He reads newspapers from cover to cover. His knack for marking salient points in books and newspapers is well known by all. He has jotters where he writes down his thoughts and especially his understanding of the Bible during his quiet time/personal morning devotion. It must be noted that he has and read different versions of The Holy Bible.
Daddy was very political, but he refused to actively participate in politics. He can discuss politics from dawn till dusk, he kept very much abreast with the political world, but he will always thank God for not giving him the grace to be actively involved in. He believed he would not have lasted or be successful as a politician as he would always want to say things as it is. Anyway, Daddy totally enjoyed discussing politics.
CONCLUSION This concise story of Daddy’s life would be best concluded by quoting what he wrote of himself in the manuscript of his autobiography. He said,
“I was a smart man, but not smart in the way the world thinks of. When I graduated from the University of Ibadan, I knew what was important in life, what mattered was not making more money, acquiring more possessions, and becoming more important. What mattered most were my family and my faith. What mattered was doing the will of God.” Our dear Daddy, Oyelakin Lawal was a great man who lived well to the glory of God. We are proud of him and the good name he bestowed on us. May God Almighty grant his gentle soul eternal rest till we meet again. Amen.