User talk:Charles Dipeolu

LATE PA LAWRENCE ELUGBAJU FAGBOLA-(1900-1978)

Young ELUGBAJU was born around 1900 in ILE-IFE to Late PA FAGBOLA of FEEGUN COMPOUND, OGBON-AGBARA, ILE-IFE, who died when young Lawrence was barely two (2) years old. ELUGBAJU’s mother who was from Modakeke. Not long after, the young lad lost his mom. This made him to live with his maternal grandmother's family at Modakeke, until he was around age 10. At the death of his grandma, the young boy had to move in with one of his mother’s relatives. At his early young age ELUGBAJU was made to labour for survival without pay as an ‘Iwofa’ - just a little fairer in treatment, than a slave (in servitude). Then, young ELUGBAJU was a pity sight. While he was working-for-food, ELUGBAJU was sighted and taken to Araromi by a kind man who happened to be his first cousin, Uncle Musa. Araromi was a gold mining settlement in those days. There, he learnt to mend gold as a Goldsmith. Meanwhile with time, luck soon smiled on ELUGBAJU, as a Lagos based trader acting as middleman to European Gold merchants (name not ascertained), who saw and salvaged him on a the mission at Araromi. He decided to take young ELUGBAJU to Lagos; a move that was to change the life of the wretched boy and the impact such lifestyle would live behind. On getting to Lagos, ELUGBAJU was taught carpentry; making this the second occupation to be learnt by him. This happened to be the profession of the man that brought him to Lagos. Every Sunday, young ELUGBAJU would follow his benefactor to the Catholic church. At a point, he was baptized as LAWRENCE and without any education, he had to memorize Catechism; an effort that impressed the Catholic Reverend Fathers. The most senior Reverend was so impressed that he hired LAWRENCE as his steward and decided to step up fending him, by backing him up to further his studies. Now, LAWRENCE ELUGBAJU was already about sixteen (16) years old when he started the infant class. He was so determined and did not let anything distract him. He took serious the opportunity and was able to finish an eight (8) year Primary School Education in just four (4) years; thus completing Standard Six studies at almost age 20. LAWRENCE was glad to have completed this feat. Then, it was a major breakthrough of his life! After his Primary (Elementary) education, he had two (2) choices; either to go to the Seminary or Teaching Profession. He initially opted for the Seminary, …but changed his mind and went on to attend Wesley Teacher Training College. It was not easy for him. LAWRENCE FAGBOLA went through hardship, especially at feeding while at the institution. At the Teacher Training, LAWRENCE met another young Ile-Ife indigene, Fashogbon (Pa Fashogbon, now late). Fashogbon was his mate, who testified that LAWRENCE FAGBOLA was indeed very brilliant. He did confirm that he (Fashogbon) was among those that encouraged FAGBOLA to attempt the King's College Entrance Examinations, which he eventually passed with distinction and was awarded Scholarship. That was how Lawrence left the Teacher Training College for the elitist famous King’s College, Lagos. What a great feat! After completing his Cambridge Secondary School Certificate, he taught Mathematics at Molusi College, Ijebu-Igbo, where he met his first wife, Late MADAM MARIAM ADUKE FAGBOLA. The meeting blossomed into a perfect relationship which ended in a soulful marriage in 1933, with their first daughter,

MRS. PAULINA MODUPE DIPEOLU (Nee FAGBOLA - Late)

coming 7 years later. The couple were further crowned with additional children;

MR. BABATUNDE FAGBOLA (Late)
Mrs. Atinuke Orebe (Nee Fagbola) &
MR. OLUFEMI FAGBOLA (Late).

FAGBOLA was later transferred to Abeokuta Grammar School. It is very remarkable to know that his wife, MRS. ADUKE FAGBOLA was a close friend of Mrs. Funmilayo Ransom Kuti - Femi Anikulapo’s mom; the first Nigerian woman to drive a car. While at this school, he headed an hostel where a lot of children were put in his care. He was the Mathematics tutor while Rev’d Randsome Kuti (Late Fela Anikulapo's father) was the Principal. LAWRENCE ELUGBAJU also acted as the guardian to so many young children (students) of diverse backgrounds. Some of whom are from towns outside Abeokuta (especially non Egba indigenes), reshaping their lives, nurturing and educating them to become future greats. Among such students in the hostel under him were Ooni Okunade Sijuwade (The Late Ooni of Ile-Ife) and Pa Emmanuel Kayode Oni (Late) As a tutor, FAGBOLA was an extraordinarily attractive teacher and character moulder. One remarkable thing about this man of history was that he brought to Abeokuta (to Educate) the children of his Late Uncle Musa - the man who rescued him at his childhood days from ‘Iwofa’ enslavement at Modakeke. Pa Emmanuel Kayode Oni, as mentioned above, was the ‘last born’ of the said ‘benevolent Uncle Musa’. LAWRENCE ELUGBAJU did well by paying back all the good deeds: giving sound education to offsprings of his benefactors. He equally trained another Modakeke man, Barrister Bisi Odetunde (of blessed memory). Incidentally, as at that time, he was not too conversant with his father-side at Feegun Compound in Ile-Ife. Through a divine intervention he was later to be transferred. The transfer that brought him home to Oduduwa. This happened without his own effort. This made ELUGBAJU, indeed, so happy. LAWRENCE ELUGBAJU FAGBOLA’s posting to Ile-Ife came as a turning-point in his life, as he was set to get integrated with his source at a fast speed. Primarily, he immediately made impact as the Mathematics tutor at Oduduwa College as the students were already in serious need of a good Maths tutor. He quickly made a huge impact, re-enacting his great feats, displayed at Molusi College, Ijebu-Igbo and Abeokuta Grammar School. What a beloved son bringing a glorious feat to the beloved great students. Secondly, LAWRENCE was able to build his No. 34 Aderemi Road, Ile-Ife as a home and equally able to marry from the town he was born and belonged, Ile-Ife. What a feat! He married his second wife, MADAM IYERU OMISORE. They were blessed with two children;

OLADIPUPO FAGBOLA (Late) and
OBAFEMI ADETOKUNBO FAGBOLA (Late)

Obafemi, before passing on to glory, became a popular politician. He was the Chairman, Ife Central Local Government and an Osun State Commissioner and Cabinet Member before his demise.

At some point in his life, PA LAWRENCE ELUGBAJU FAGBOLA, who was for decades, have been teaching with High School Diploma, opted to go abroad for advancement of his educational status. He applied to the University of Edinburg, Scotland. He got admitted with a scholarship. LAWRENCE ELUGBAJU FAGBOLA had to sail by boat to the United Kingdom and returned, armed with Associate Degree In Education. In 1961, he returned to Nigeria and worked with the Western Regional government as Local Inspector of Education (L.I.E). This was a powerful, respected position in their days. As a Western Region, the Yoruba cities were all in coalition. So, LAWRENCE was moved from town to town in this cubicle. He did served at Ijebu-Igbo, then Ikire, followed by Ogbomoso and finally Ibadan. This was the place where LAWRENCE met and married his third wife; MADAM MARY-ANNE AMOKE FAGBOLA (Late). They were blessed with five (5) children;

Dr. (Mrs) Veronica Amaku (Nee Fagbola)
Chief (Mrs) Erelu Olubukola Badipe (Nee Fagbola)
Engr. Muyiwa Michael Fagbola
Elder (Mrs) Toyin Ibrahim (Nee Fagbola) &
Engr. Victor Rotimi Fagbola

PA ELUGBAJU retired in 1970 and made a home at home, Ile-Ife. Having gone a little far and wide he was determined to give back to Ile-Ife, his city and place of birth. Never he forget his outer family at Feegun clan of Ogbon-Agbara, Ile-Ife and Modakeke. He settled down quickly and gave his all, in the areas of Community Development, Education and Church Growth. He was very handy and of great advantage to the then Ooni Adesoji Aderemi (Late). He visits the palace at every beck and call, giving useful advises and serving on many Developmental Committees in Ile-Ife. He fostered the re-location of St. Michael's Primary School, Ogbon-Agbara at Fegun compound on a large piece of land that he was blessed with. A school that gave great opportunity to children of the poor who would hitherto not have been able to go to school at all. Many of these children eventually went to school and hitherto blessed there communities. Today thousands have emerged as success stories just because this great man influenced the establishment of the school at his Fegun compound vicinity. Through this school (St. Michael's Primary School), PA FAGBOLA left a great legacy. Even at his old age, he would go to the school regularly, teaching infant classes, pro-bono…. Displaying his patriotism! LAWRENCE ELUGBAJU FAGBOLA equally served as Chairman, Board of Governors of many local schools like, Oduduwa College, Our Ladies High School, and even Ilesha Grammar School, where they all benefitted from his wealth of experience in the field of Education. PA ELUGBAJU was also a lover of children, always determined to put smiles on the faces of kids. Sacrificing his time during Christmas; playing the role of Santa Claus at the Ile-Ife High Court premises; wearing the Santa heavy garment; receiving children-in-audience; giving gifts and cheering the young ones. Such was the life of this unique man! At the House of God, PA FAGBOLA gave his all. He did not forget his outer family; the Catholic Church, that rescued him from illiteracy and poverty. He remained, till death, a pillar at the S.S. PETER & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH, LAGERE, ILE-IFE. He was the leader of Saint Joseph, a Church Society and was the Chairman of the new church building. All his life, he was a father-figure at the church, inviting to his house and hosting Catholic Priests and giving support to Church stability. He was a good Christian, who taught his children the way of God… ensuring his children got involved in serving at the church, as an "Altar boy" and girls, in the choir. From early age, he has been playing the organ in the church, and continued to his aged days. Such was the life of this great man. PA ELUGBAJU FAGBOLA was a great father, very neat, clean and a well dressed person. He was a very organized man who was record conscious and a man of details and integrity. He was highly trusted at all places where he handled financial positions, he never faultered. He was child-loving, but a strict and great disciplinarian. He was also very generous and accommodating, absorbing family members into his household, training and mentoring many. His house was open to all family members. He was the-man-to-go-to in his family, with very high capacity at solving problems, particularly his family from Feegun compound and those in Modakeke. He never, till death, forgot nor neglected his root, particularly the offsprings of his benefactors. It is part of history, that he pulled down and rebuilt the ageing building of his uncle, Late Pa Famuyiwa; such was the life of appreciation that this great son of the source lived. PA LAWRENCE ELUGBAJU FAGBOLA gave good education to his many children and grandchildren with many, holding key positions all over the world both in government and private professions plus business. History shall not forget the story of this great man who rose from a nobody, a neglected orphan (‘Iwofa’), to a great reputable tutor, education officer, adviser to the king and benefactor to thousands. How God rescued him and changed his story shall continue to be part of history for generations yet unborn to read about, not just to read for that purpose, but to learn. Also, his great determination to grab all opportunities that God threw at him will equally serve as inspiration to all those facing the 'wicked side' of life, not to give up, but to be serious, confront and conquer all challenges that life may throw at them. PA LAWRENCE ELUGBAJU FAGBOLA OF FEEGUN COMPOUND, answered the call of his creator on JUNE 23RD, 1978 at the aged of 78 YEARS. May his gentle soul continue rest in perfect peace. ILE-IFE SHALL NEVER FORGET THE LOVE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF THIS GREAT EDUCATIONIST AND COMMUNITY-LOVING PATROIT. SUN RE O… ! (REST IN ETERNAL PEACE) ELUGBAJU OMO FAGBOLA!!!

- Mrs. Atinuke Orebe (Nee Fagbola)

- Hon. Ipoola Ahmed Omisore

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