PA SAMUEL ADEGBOYE ADEGOKE
(1929 -2016)
DADDY SAMUEL ADEGBOYE ADEGOKE was born on 25th March, 1929 at Inisa, Osun State of Nigeria. He was born into a polygamous family of four wives when polygamous was driven by social status and economic emancipation of the day. His father was Adegoke Omilana and his mother name was Madam Kayode Omilana (the most senior of the four wives). His father's home was a model of its day and many families looked up to him as the ultimate solution to their persistent domestic issues.
Early in life, PA SAMUEL ADEGBOYE ADEGOKE was offered a rare privilege of free enrolment at the then newly built school - St. Peter C.M.S. Standard School of his age. He was one of the pioneer pupils. He was admitted to the school on 25th August 1935. In 1939 he was promoted to Standard I. His place at the St Peter’s school also offered him his first-hand experience of Anglicanism a he had joined the choir of St. Peter's CMS Church, Inisa from 1939 to 1946 when he graduated from the school in Standard VI.
After completing his primary education, he proceeded to Sapele in Delta Region in 1947. He was admitted to the Zik College of Commerce from 1947 – 1950. At that time, commercial education was a new comer to the education sector. At that time, Commercial Schools were not fully accredited and consequently, the certificates were not recognized by the then Government Graduates from Commercial Schools but could only be employed by the multi-nationals like UAC, John Holt and others.
As from 1956 as the nation prepared for independence, the era changed. The Government floated corporation like W.N.D.C. – Western Nigeria Development Corporation and others: Earlier, he spent the first six years after school, working for Private European Companies between 1951 – 1956 including working for Government for three months as Audit Assistant in Benin City. He left Delta area and came to Ibadan later that year and He joined the W.N.D.C. He worked at the Lafia Canning Factory, Apata Ibadan. In 1960, he was transferred to Pepsi Cola Factory where he worked until 1962.
In November 1962, Pa Adegoke made one last career shift of his life when he joined the University of Ife just 9 months into the University’s inception as an Accounting Assistant working from the Ibadan Campus of the University. He rose through the ranks and worked in several departments of the Finance Sector. He became a Chief Executive Officer Account by the time he served the University for 27 years. He voluntarily retired his appointment when he reached the statutory age of retirement of 60 in 1989.
In 1985/86, he had a Sabbatical leave. He seized the opportunity to do a post-graduate degree in Public Administration at IPAES, Institution of Public Administration and Extension Services of the University of Benin. The programme was specially designed for matured students at its Ekenwa Campus. It was attended from many Departments and Ministries.
He met the only love of his life Ruth Adebimpe Adegoke of blessed memory whom he married in 1957. The marriage is blessed with children all graduates of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife and Ibadan University. The is also blessed with many grandchildren.
He was the first President of the Men's Christian Fellowship at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The Fellowship honoured him after his retirement from the University and made him its Life Patron. Following his retirement and relocation to Ibadan city, Pa Adegoke in the full expression of his faith joined the Prison Sub-Committee of the Chapel of the Resurrection, a ministry he carried forward from his days at Ile-Ife University. He was also the Chairman of the counselling sub-committee which he also conducted with a passion. After the demise of his heartthrob, he became an active member of the widows and widowers’ committee.
Pa Adegoke selflessly and silently served the Master in various capacities following his relocation to Ibadan. He was the Auditor of the Chapel of The Resurrection for two terms. He also wrote the Account Instruction of the Chapel during his tenor with several revisions as necessary. He was a life member of the Gideon's International, Nigeria. Although, he has retired he was fervent and not tired in the things of the Lord.
We give God all the glory and praise for his life and times. Of all the blessings on this side of eternity, nothing really compares with the privilege of being sired by one of heavens gift to us all.
Adedapo Adegoke, PhD
On behalf of the Adegboye Adegoke Clan