Borisade

CHIEF MRS OYEYEMI ABIKE BORISADE (1945-2022)

FARE THEE WELL MA

By

Seye Adetunmbi, 31/08/22

I have always being inspired by the lifetime of every person of substance that I have been privileged to meet or know by reputation. More importantly, the inimitable ones with a remarkable family background and pedigree that have manifested fruitfully in their offspring. When such a unique person takes a final bow, naturally we have a sense of loss and yet we give thanks to God for the grace of having many reasons to celebrate the departed beloved one. The humble and charismatic Chief Mrs Oyeyemi Abike Borisade, who passed-on on July 25, 2022 fell into this category, as a beloved matriarch of  a prized dynasty. She was born into the family of Mr. J. O. Awodola of Offa in Kwara-State and Princess G. A. Awodola, nee Alade of the Aladejuyigbe Royal family of Awo-Ekiti, on January16, in 1945 in Akure Ondo-State. Her grandfather, Pa Awodola was noted for bringing the catholic mission to Offa (St. Cyprians Catholic Church) and her father, Mr. J. A. Awodola was one of the foremost private secretaries to Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the first Premier of the Old Western Region. For Chief Awolowo to have walked Mrs Borisade to the altar and stood-in for the late father of the bride, it says a lot about the unique relationship between the two patriarchs and it underscores the fact that Pa Awodola was a noble man of honour. Mrs Borisade attended United Missionary College, Ibadan, for her Primary Education and later St. Anne's School, Ibadan for her secondary education from 1959 to 1963. She later attended the famous Civil Service Training School, Ibadan to learn secretarial practice. She finished from the training school in flying colours which eventually earned her the appointment as the first Confidential Secretary to the first Military Governor of the old Western State, in February 1966. She also had many important postings within the civil service where she excelled. She got married to the then young and dashing Mr. Michael Ayorinde Borisade, who was then an Administrative Officer in the Civil Service of Western Region on the 24th of December in 1966. Her husband later got to the pick of his career as an outstanding technocrat. To the glory of God, the marriage of Justice and Mrs M. A. Borisade had been blessed with four fruitful children: Mrs Folusho Olaniyan OON, Engineer Taiwo Borisade PhD, Kehinde Borisade and Abiodun Borisade. 

Chief Obafemi Awolowo stood-in for his very dear associate, Pa Awodola of blessed memory, and formally handed the bride, Miss Oyeyemi Awodola to the then Venerable J. A. Adetiloye (later Archbishop), the officiating minister who later became the Primate of the Anglican Church.

 

Chief & Mrs Obafemi Awolowo and Princess Adetolabo Awodola, the mother of the bride signed the marriage register

The couple flanked by Princess Adetolabo Awodola, nee Alade of Awo-Ekiti (mother of the bride), Chief & Chief Mrs Obafemi Awolowo and a cross section of family members, other relations and friends.

 

Chief J.M. Beckley a Permanent Secretary in the old Western Region proposed the toast of the couple. She was a favorite of Madam Abigail Borisade, her mother in-law, standing next to Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the above photo

She was a product of Pitman College, London, where she furthered her education to become an Instructor. Subsequent to the creation of Ondo-State in 1976, she became the first Personal Assistant to the Secretary to the Military Government and Head of Service. Her diligence and professionalism on the job enabled her to work meritoriously as the Senior Personal Secretary to successive three secretaries to the State Government and Heads of Service in Ondo-State. From 1976 to 1981, she worked on part-time basis as an instructor at the Ondo-State Civil Service Training School. She relocated to Lagos to join her husband in 1982 and got a job with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation as an Administrative Supervisor where she worked with distinction for 8 years. She rose to the rank of an Assistant Chief, having attended many courses locally and overseas. Over the years, she traveled far and wide to Europe and United States with her husband and family friends which broaden her knowledge of the world around her.

Mrs Yemi Borisade, her mum and her siblings

Justice & Mrs Borisade on their 21st wedding anniversary in 1987, while her mum, Princess Grace Awodola, nee Alade congratulated her husband

Chief Mrs Oyeyemi Abike Borisade, Atunwase of Iloro-Ekiti

As a pragmatic woman of faith, she belonged to a number of Christian and charity organizations. She was the Assistant Secretary of the WGA of the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos for 11 years and became the treasurer till the year 2001. She was also a member of WSC and later became the Chairman, caring for the aged members of the church and the sick, the choir and the priests. She was appointed a member of the church committee by the then provost of the Cathedral, Rev. Sope Johnson of which Dr. Irene M. Thomas was the chairperson.

Justice & Mrs Michael Ayorinde Borisade on their installation as the Balogun and Atunwase of Iloro-Ekiti. On the right was the veteran actor Jimoh Aliu.

Mrs Yemi Borisade with her husband and her cousin, His Exllency, Otunba Niyi Adebayo at Taiwo Borisade’s wedding in 1999

Those who knew Mrs. Borisade closely would attest to the fact that she was a unique person in many ways. She was loving and caring, especially to the less privileged. This she did quietly, cheerfully and effectively to the knowledge of the family members, associates and the numerous beneficiaries of her integrated kindness. Her presence was felt back home too, in Iloro-Ekiti. She belonged to the Mayowa Sisters' Club and the Fehintolorun Society of St. James Anglican Church. She accepted Iloro first and foremost as her home and accordingly regarded the progress and development of the town and the people as her priority. Like the virtuous biblical Ruth, her husband's kinsmen were her people. She doubled her philanthropic efforts since the demise of her beloved husband, Justice M. A. Borisade, who was the first Chancellor of Ekiti West Anglican Diocese. An education endowment was instituted in his memory, by sponsoring students at the Nigeria Law School and at Tertiary Institution of their choice, yearly since 2006 to date. She built a library in the church compound. Her laudable charities did not go unnoticed in the community. She was honoured with the Chieftaincy title of Atunwase of Iloro-Ekiti in 1992, in recognition of her leadership role amongst women and especially for supporting her husband of blessed memory in the field of education and social wellbeing of the indigenes of Iloro-Ekiti. As a devout Christian and member of Christian Associations, she worked hard and made her presence felt where ever she was. Indeed, she was honoured in 2011 with the heroes Award for Excellence by Iloro-Ekiti. Her footprints were left in Ibadan at St. Anne’s Church, Molete, Ibadan where she belonged to the Mother’s Union and the Anglican Youth Fellowship; also at St. David’s Church, Ijomu in Akure, Ondo-State. Indeed, she and her husband were recognized in these churches between 1976 and 1981 respectively.

Justice & Mrs M.A. Borisade, Mrs Folusho Olaniyan, Kehinde Borisade, Taiwo Borisade & Biodun Borisade

 Great-grandma Oyeyemi Borisade with some of her children, grandchildren and a great-granddaughter

Mrs O. A. Borisade with aunt, Princess Adeola Adebayo, nee Alade

Chief Mrs Yemi Borisade with her aunt, Princess Arinola Afolabi, nee Alade

She was a unique pensioner with a remarkable heart of generousity. She was noted for being very cheerful, respectful, loving, and kind. After retirement, her time was also devoted to mothering, grand-mothering and prayers for the family which had yielded abundant blessings. Her dedication is worthy of emulation by all. Her belief was that God has purpose for everybody’s life. Be it in the business world or in the arts, in education or in the home front raising children and building a strong home. Her philosophy was that, whatever your purpose, find it and pursue it with vigour.

Mrs Borisade with her cousin, Prince Wale Alade and his wife, Olori Monisola Alade

Mummy Borisade with her children, nieces and nephews

Mummy Yemi Borisade with her childhood friends, Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu and H.E. Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, onetime Deputy Governor of Lagos-State at the wedding ceremony of Folusho’s daughter in 2015.

The memory of the brief time I spent with her on the 6th of March in 2019, when I saw her at the Awolowo Foundation event held at Harbour Point in Victoria-Island, Lagos remains indelible in my mind. Immediately I saw her, I went to stay with her and accompanied her to the vehicle when she was ready to go home. It was the last time I saw her. To Folusho, Taiwo, Kehinde and Biodun, e ku bibire. While welcoming you to the world of "orphans", I congratulate you for surviving mummy and thank God that you are all successful in your respective callings. Mummy has gone home to rest and now reunited to her beloved husband. Ehin won a dara o, amim.

The Computer Center facilitated by family of Borisade for Iloro-Ekiti community

REMEMBERING JUSTICE MICHAEL AYORINDE BORISADE (1936-2002)

By
Seye Adetunmbi

There was a time in Nigeria that some top civil servants made working in the civil service attractive to the members of the younger generation who were considering a desirable career after school. One of the reasons behind the choice of civil service was the dignifying way those who got to the peak of their careers carried themselves, their persona, disciplined lifestyle and the professional manner they discharged their duties which made them to standout in their respective constituencies. As a matter of fact, my aspiration as a little boy growing in up in Ekiti in the 1960s and 1970s was to either join the civil service to become a permanent secretary or a school principal. One of the distinguished Ekiti men who inspired us was Honorable Justice Michael Ayorinde Borisade, a native of Iloro-Ekiti. He got to the peak of his career as a permanent secretary in the old Ondo-State, joined the bench on his appointment as a Judge and became the President of the National Industrial Court in 1998 where he served until his transition on September 2^nd, 2002 at the age of 67 years. 

            Justice M. A. Borisade was born on the 13^th of November 1936 at Iloro-Ekiti. His father was Pa Afegbejoloro Borisade who was born into the Ibamukan family of Oke-Owa quarters in  Iloro-Ekiti, while his mother was Madam Abigail Dada Borisade, she was born into the Inurin family of Iloro-Ekiti. Pa Borisade had many wives and was a notable subsistence farmer, while his wife, Abigail was a tobacco trader and professional hairdresser with the nickname of Dada onidiri. She was noted as a pretty, tall and stately woman. Iloro-Ekiti is one of the communities in Ijero Local Government Area in Ekiti-State of Nigeria. After the humble beginning of young Ayorinde 

Madam Abigail Borisade

in the village school, he gained admission to Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti in 1951 with the school number 51/028. He attended College of Law and Modern Languages, London where he obtained Bachelor of Law degree from London University in 1964. He also attended University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and obtained Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration in 1966. He attended top management course at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh, USA in 1975 and Advanced Management Course at University of Stanford, INSEAD, France in 1978.

M.A. Borisade started his civil service career in 1964 when he got an appointment as an Administrative Officer with the government of old Western Nigeria. He served in various capacities, including Assistant Divisional Officer in Egbado Division in 1964-1965, Assistant Secretary (Finance and Personnel) in Military Governor’s Office in 1966 to 1967 and Divisional Officer/Sole Administrator of Owo and Ibadan Divisions in 1967 to 1969. He also served as Personnel Officer in the Public Service Commission of Western State in 1972 to 1975 and Secretary of the Western State Health Council in 1975 to 1976.

On creation of Ondo-State in 1976, he was appointed the first Secretary to the State Public Service Commission in 1976 to 1977. He was appointed Permanent Secretary of the General Administration and Public Service Matters in 1977 to 1979, NYSC State Committee in 1977 to 1979, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education in 1979 to 1980 and served as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Political and Economic Department in 1980.

He attended Law School in 1980 to 1981 and was called to Bar in July 1981. Thereafter, he retired voluntarily from the old Ondo-State civil service. He was appointed a member the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) in 1981 and in April 1986 he was appointed a Judge of the National Industrial Court. On August 17^th 1998, he was appointed the President the national Industrial Court. He was a Fellow and a visiting lecturer of the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

He left a lasting commendable record in all the places where he worked. Those who worked with him attested to his attribute as a gentleman who lived a life of purposeful service to his fatherland and left a remarkable legacy. Justice P. A. Atilade, onetime President of the Industrial Court said about him, “he helped greatly the growth, development and stability of the Court. His deep knowledge of the law together with his keen and analytical mind contributed immensely to the judicial process of the Court.” His sense of justice and fairness in particular always led him to reflect the interests of all litigants in every action that came before him as the president of IAP.

For instance in a classical case reflecting his deep knowledge of the law and in the interest of justice to strike the right balance towards fostering industrial harmony he stated - “By the agreement of the parties, gratuity and redundancy schemes are mutually exclusive. No employee can benefit from both simultaneously. An employee can only benefit from only one of the schemes. Because the formula for calculating gratuity and redundancy benefits is not the same and the result from one formula would be different from that of the other even where the same number of years of service is in issue for both formulas, justice demands that an employee should enjoy the higher benefit of the two schemes”.
  
His Royal Majesty Oba Arowolo, the Oluloro of Iloro,  Princess Adeola Adebayo nee Alade Chief S. B Aje, uncle of the bridegroom were among the witnesses that signed the marriage register.

He was a consummate family man with a unique gift to relate with all ranks in the society. He got married at St Anne’s Church, Molete, Ibadan on December 24^th 1966 to his heartthrob, Mrs Oyeyemi Borisade, nee Awodola. Mr Joseph Afolabi Awodola, the father of his wife worked administratively and closely with Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the old Western Region of Nigeria. Pa Awodola was a product of St. Gregory's College, Ikoyi, Lagos. Mrs Yemi Borisade Borisade is an old student of St Anne's College, Ibadan and a trained Secretary who worked in the governor’s office of old western region and Ondo-State civil service until her retirement. Her mother was Princess Adetolabo Awodola nee Alade, a Staff Nurse Midwife who spent most part of her career at Jericho Nursing Home and Adeoyo hospital Ibadan. Post retirement she was appointed pioneer matron of Federal Government Girl's College, Akure where she served for a decade. The family Justice and Mrs M. A. Aborisade is blessed with children who have done well in their respective callings to the glory of God. In his lifetime, his kinsmen felt his presence and for doing them proud they honoured him with the chieftaincy title of the Balogun of Iloro-Ekiti. 

The couple and the bridal train

Family of Justice Borisade in 1973                                Father and daughter on January 14th 1989 in Lagos

It must be put on record that Honourable Justice M. A. Borisade was a passionate alumnus of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti. This is a common attribute among virtually all men of his generation who attended the great school and later excelled in their respective careers.
Justice Borisade welcomed his teacher and principal, Canon Mason to his Ministry when he was a Permanent Secretary in  the old Ondo-State.
Justice Borisade 1st from right with Chief Asebiomo, Canon Mason and other alumni of Christ's School, Ado-Ekiti
Justice Borisade 2nd from left with Canon Mason, Chief Asebiomo and other alumni of Christ's School, Ado-Ekiti

Justice Borisade 2nd from right with Chief Asebiomo, HRM Oba Adelegan Adesida (Deji of Akure), Canon Mason and other alumni of Christ's School, Ado-Ekiti

He was in the forefront of the old students who in 1980 hosted the visit of Canon L. D. Mason, the Principal of the school from 1947-1966. As a matter of fact it was the first time I saw him in person. He was among old students who accompanied the past principal to the school when I was doing Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) course. He was also among alumni who sent their children to the school which underscores their commitment and belief in the huge legacy of the school. Two of his children, the twins in the junior class were with me in the same hostel (Babamboni House). Naturally I warmed up to his daughter Mrs Folusho Olaniyan OON when we met at University of Ilorin and got to know that she is the elder sister of the identical Borisade twins. The power and influence of Christ’s School bond is amazing and boundless.

Seye Adetunmbi, author of this tribute flanked by Messrs Taiwo and Kehinde Borisade at the church wedding of the daughter of Mrs Folusho Olaniyan, nee Borisade on June 6th, 2015. It was a memorable reunion with the twins after Christ's School days.

Mrs Folusho Olaniyan, her husband Dr Yinka Olaniyan, granddaughter of Justice Borisade, Sola and her husband, Segun Bright with His Royal Majesty Kabiyesi Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi III, CFR ,SAN the Late Olowo of Owo and Mr & Mrs Tayo Bright

Taiwo, Tomi, Folusho, and Kehinde Borisade

One of his happiest days was when he walked his only daughter Folusho into Cathedral Church of Christ Marina, Lagos on her wedding day on January 14th 1989. He prayed to God to grant the grace of giving out his beloved daughter in marriage and to survive his beloved mother, God in His infinite mercy granted his request. To glory of God today, the family is blessed with ten grandchildren 

It is inspiring and commendable to see that the family he left behind had built a library in memory of their beloved father in their home town, Iloro-Ekiti which was commissioned by the Lord Bishop of Ekiti West Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Adepoju on December 11^th 2019. May God continue to bless the family and may the soul of the distinguished technocrat continue to rest in peace, amen.

Adefope

MAJOR-GENERAL HENRY EDMUND OLUFEMI ADEFOPE (1926-2012)

The Army General and a Servant of God

Written in honor of the memory of Major-General Henry Adefope on 24/3/12

I first met Major-General H. E. O. Adefope in person as a Church Warden in January 1990 when I first worshipped at the Anglican Church of the Ascension (ACA) Omadara Street, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos. When an army General who gave orders to troops, junior officers and order ranks now serves among the congregation in the house of God as an order rank it speaks volumes about the distinguished officer and a gentleman. Being a covenant child, he naturally devoted his post-army and public service life to Church work till the end, which was the prayer of his mother in a situation similar to the story of Samuel in the Bible. Baba, General Adefope was instrumental to the planting of the Anglican Church of the Ascension in Awuse Estate, Opebi. In 1983, the land was marked for a mosque in the plan, Baba HEO persuaded the solicitors to offer the land to the Anglican Bishop of Lagos. The church held the first service on the 21^st of August 1983 and Daddy (pronounced d:m) as he was popularly called, served as the Vicar’s Warden together with Chief T.L. Oredugba the People’s Warden for 10 years (1983-1993).

Serving in the vineyard was the natural commission of the General as he also often called. It was indeed a rare privilege being in the same parish council meeting with the General for the most part of the almost 10 years that I put into the parish activities as a synod delegate for two terms and a parish councilor at some point. For many years after he left as the Vicar’s warden, he got nominated to the Parish Council as the Vicar’s nominee. Baba joined the choir and sang bass with us as a chorister. The General came for singing practice, then, who am I? As a matter of fact, each time I did not robe and sing the hymns proficiently in my usual virtually all parts around him in the congregation, one can be assured that he would point at the choir stall where he expected me to be. I was more regular in the choir when Daddy was part of us because; I can never be comfortable seeing the old man robe and I would be in my “best” Sunday dress in the congregation. This is why I must robe and join ACA family to give the man of God a befitting funeral service on 20/3/12 at 11am. He was a great deal of inspiration to all ranks of the parishioners. He also qualified as a Diocesan Lay Reader and was naturally calm in delivering his applied sermons laced with functional life experiences. 

Major-General Henry Edmund Olufemi Adefope (H.E.O.) passed on four days to his 86^th birthday anniversary on the 11^th of March 2012. He was born in Kaduna to Chief Nathaniel Oshokoya Adefope and Mrs Alice Arajonwo (nee Olukoga), both of Ijebu Odogbolu in Ogun State. 8^th child in a polygamous family of 15 children, and his father was the Olotu Eso of Ijebu, the titled conferred on him by His Royal Majesty, Oba Gbelebuwa, the then Awujale of Ijebu Land. To his mother, HEO was the biblical Samuel of her time because she prayed to God for a male child after giving birth to three females consecutively and that the boy would be turned-in to serve God if the prayer was answered. His mother through the grace of God delivered her baby boy herself and proudly showed her son to family. The General served God till the end, to God be the glory. Naturally, his was very protective of her special child; his clothing and shoes were ordered for him while growing up. 

HEO, the son of a railway worker in Zungeru, who later became first class clerk in the administration of northern Nigeria in Kaduna; had his primary school education at St Michael’s Primary School, Kaduna in 1931 to 1932 and Government School, Kaduna in 1932 to 1934. By standard of the time, Chief N.O. Adefope, the father of HEO became a prosperous merchant after his retirement from the colonial civil service to settle in Lagos and was among the privileged first set of Nigerians to own a car. HEO’s primary education continued at St Peter’s School, Faji, Lagos where he obtained primary/standard six leaving certificate. He proceeded to the oldest secondary school in Nigeria where he was active in sports and passed out from CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos, in 1944.

HEO later studied medicine at Glasgow University, Edinburg, in Scotland from 1947 to 1952. Got married to Dorothy Adedotun Adefarasin a native of Ijebu-Ode in 1951, and started his medical service career at General Hospital, Lagos in January 1953. His postings were many and frequent which made him served in Ughelli of Urhobo Division in 1954, Forcados Island, Burutu, Ijebu-Ode in 1956, Epe General Hospital in 1957, Obetim, Kwale in Agbor Division and Warri in 1960. 

He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1963 as a Major and his first posting was the Military Hospital, Myohaung Barracks, Yaba, Lagos. Got promoted to Lt. Colonel in 1964, became the Commanding Officer of his unit and founded the Army Sports Camp at Myohaung Barracks. He was appointed Director, Medical Services of the Nigerian Army in 1967; Chairman, National Sports Council; promoted Brigadier in 1973 and Major-General in 1976. Construction of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos and hosting of the 2^nd All Africa Games fell within his responsibility which he delivered in record time in 1972. He served as the Federal Commissioner for Labour from 1975 to 1978 and Federal Commissioner for External Affairs 1978-79 after which he retired from the Army. He was NOC President in 1967 to 1976, Vice President Commonwealth Games Federation in 1974 to 1982 and succeeded Justice Adetokunbo Ademola as the Nigeria’s representative to the international Olympics Committee in 1985. In serving the nation, it gave him the opportunity to visit over 100 countries and met with over 70 heads of government across the world.

Easter 2009

During Easter Get-Together of the Christian Guardians Society of ACA in 2009

HEO no doubt has served well and fought a good fight as a diligent servant of God. He had gone to rest and more importantly a reunion with his very dear wife, they were inseparable in their lifetime. We all felt for the uniquely dotting husband when Mrs Dorothy Adefope passed-on in September 1995. Yes, HEO had gone with all his virtues to be with the lord. The transition of a beautiful soul like Baba Adefope can be likened to the sailing vessel in which a prized relation on board and the family members on this side bid the loved one good bye and watch the voyage with keen attention until they have lost the sight of the vessel to the ocean. Of course, special people are also waiting to receive the cherished relation on the other side with so much joy and excitement. Such is the departure of a devout Christian!

Sleep well sir. We love you, God loves you more. Till we meet to part no more, sir.

Folayan

HONORABLE MOSES ADEFIOYE FOLAYAN: AN IMITABLE HUSBAND AND FATHER

When children celebrate their parents in the public it points to one fact that they have done their family, wards and associates proud. The inspiring profile of Baba, Moses Adefioye Folayan JP bears testimony to this. He is a well rounded patriarch of his family who led an exemplary life as a husband, father, civil servant, politician and a good Nigerian citizen in all departments. He remains a dotting husband to his wife and made marriage beautiful to people around them over the years and in their old age to the delight of all. In his own written brief biography, he wrote meticulously: 

"I was born at Aramoko-Ekiti on the 3rd day of May, 1931. My parents were Mr. Nehemiah Folayan and Chief Mrs Rachael Oni Osunjolagbe Folayan, both were natives of Aramoko in, Ekiti West Local Government of Ekiti-State of Nigeria. Both parents had no western education but they could read Yoruba fluently. They were Christians and belonged to the Anglican Communion. They were members of St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Aramoko-Ekiti. My father died pre-maturely at the age of about 58 years, he lived from 1900 to February, 1958, while my mother lived between 1908 and 1999. They both had four children, three males and one female as follows: Mr. Afolabi Folayan 1928-2002, Honorable Adefioye Folayan who was born in 1931,  Chief Idowu Folayan, he was born in 1937 and Engineer Eminola Awolokun nee Folayan, she was born in 1949. My father had another son, Rufus Oladosu Folayan who lived between 1944 and 1997. Three out of my father’s children are educated, my immediate brother, Idowu and Oladosu did not receive any formal western education, yet they could read and write, and they were businessmen of good repute. Late Afolabi Folayan was the first born. He was well read and retired as a Permanent Secretary in the old Ondo-State while I, Adefioye retired from the defunct Ondo-State Sports Council. Engineer Mrs. Eminola Awolokun retired as a Commissioner in the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission."

    Honorable M. A. Folayan attended St. Philip’s Anglican Primary School, Aramoko-Ekiti and St. Stephen’s Primary School, Ondo. He attended Divisional Teachers Training College, Ondo and St. Peter’s Teacher Training College, Akure. He also attended Cooperative College, Eleyele, Ibadan and Institute for Sports, Surulere, Lagos. He taught in the following schools: L. A. School, lgbara-Oke lfedore Local Government; L. A. School, Eleyowo, Akure Local Government; L. A. School, ljre, Ifedore Local Government; A.U.D Erio-Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government; A.U.D Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government; St. James School, Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government; St. Michael’s Ikoro, Ijero Local Government and Ondo State Sports Council Akure. He also worked in the following Zonal offices of the Ondo State, Ado-Ekiti and Akure Zonal Office and Owo Zonal Office respectively. After his retirement he was appointed as a Customary Court Judge under Ekiti State Judiciary for seven years.

Honorable Folayan further recalled: "When I was a student at the Divisional Teacher Training College, Ondo in 1955, I met my wife who was still in the Primary School, it was then we started our courtship. She was in the Secondary Modern School between 1959 and 1961, 1 was also at St. Peter’s Teacher Training College, Akure between 1960 and 1961. I left St. Peter’s Teacher Training College, Akure in December 1961 and she also left Secondary Modern School the same year, 1961. We got married in 1962 while I was teaching at L. A. School, Ijare in Akure Local Government Education Authority Area. Our first born, Folasade was born at Ijare in 1962. I got to Erio-Ekiti in 1964. To the glory of God, my children are: Folasade now Mrs. F. F. Ofi​​​ an ​Occupational Health Nurse; Kehinde Folayan​​​​​-, a Naval Officer;  Olaniyi Folayan​​​​​, a Civil Engineer; Bolade now Mrs. B. A. Jimoh ​​​, a Chartered Accountant; Olanrewaju Folayan​​​​, an Architect and Barrister Olaiya Olayinka (Mrs. O.O Abe)​, a ​lawyer".

   Baba Folayan is a man of many parts and in each situation he has good stories to tell. Recalling his other activities he said; "I was a good sports man, a long distance runner - 880 yards and l,760 yards i.e. 1 mile. These were regarded as long distant event at our own time. I was the captain of athletics of my school at the Divisional Teacher Training College and St. Peter’s Teacher Training College, Akure. I represented my college at Inter-Collegiate Athletics Sports Competitions. I represented Ondo Province in Athletics on many occasions. Competitions were usually held at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan. I was nick-named “MILLER” by my colleagues and fans. I won several medals. In those days, we were usually presented with certificates; there was no prize money as the case nowadays. All these sports certificates that I put together and presented at the interview conducted by the Ondo State Sports Council in 1977 to qualify me for the appointment of the Sports Organizer. I was secretary to the following sporting associations in Ondo State during my service period: Ondo State Athletics Association; Ondo State Badminton Association; Ondo State Hand ball Association; Ondo State Lawn Tennis Association; Squash Racket Association and Ondo State Weight Lifting Association;  I also served as the Zonal Sports Organizer of the following zones: Owo Zonal Office, Owo; Ikere Zonal Office, Ikere-Ekiti; Ado-Ekiti Zonal Office and Akure Zonal Office, Akure.

    Honorable Moses Folayan is a practicing Christian and an active member of the Anglican Church in Ekiti. At various times, he was a pastor’s warden for many years and the church auditor. He served as one of the Parish Church Council members for years, the church delegate from old Ekiti Diocese and foundation member of Ekiti West Diocese. He was also one of the board members of Ekiti West Diocese for two synods i.e. for eight consecutive years. He is the life president of male elders’ society of St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Aramoko-Ekiti. He made pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the year 2009 and a Justice of the Peace Award holder. He attended Cooperative College and obtained Diploma in Cooperative Management. He served as the President Akorewolu Cooperative Investment and Credit Union Limited with seat in Aramoko-Ekiti. 

    Honorable Adefioye Folayan is also a progressive politician. According him; "I was a foundation member of Action Group of Nigeria from the inception of the party in Aramoko land; I was appointed a secretary of the party. In 1964, alleged by the opposition that I was opposing the NDP of Nigeria. I was among the six teachers arrested and detained in the prison at Ado-Ekiti. The case lasted three months. Late James Ibidiran Folayan and Late Barrister Oluwole were the party lawyers. Who assisted the party to win the case at last. I am still an active member of APC". 
   May God continue to keep Baba Ade Folayan strong for the family and community at large in Jesus mighty name, amen.

MRS JANET ADENIKE IBITOMI FOLAYAN: A DEVOTED WIFE AND MOTHER 

Baba and Mama Folayan are practically inseparable. It would not surprise those who knew them over the years because they courted for 7 years before they got married. Baba Moses and Mama Janet Folayan are not just husband and wife, they are best of friends who are very fond of one another. Their children hold on to family values like their parents. Virtually all them replicated the love of husband and wife in their respective homes to the glory of God.

    Mrs Janet Adenike Ibitomi Folayan was born on the 14th day of July, 1938. Her parents were Chief Ogunniyi (now changed to Oluwaniyi), the Chief Sawe of Aramoko-Ekiti and Madam Rachael Ige Oluwaniyi, of Ikunato Street in Aramoko. She is the first born of her mother and the fourth child of her father. Her Grandmother, Madam Mary Funmilayo took care of her from infant; she lived with her at Alele Street in Aramoko-Ekiti. She started school very late at St. Joseph’s C.A.C Primary School, Aramoko-Ekiti in 1950. She finished from the primary school in December, 1956. She left for Ibadan where she was employed as a clerk of Mr. Idowu Odebunmi, the father of Hon. Kehinde Odebunmi between 1958 and 1959. She attended St. John’s Secondary Modern School between 1960 and 1961, where she obtained Secondary Modern School Leaving Certificate.

   Incidentally her intended husband then, Hon. M. Ade Folayan finished his grade II Teachers Training Course from St. Peter’s Catholic College, Akure in the same year, 1961. He was posted to L.A. School I, Ijare Local Government Area, Akure Education Authority. Because of their age, they were joined together in wedlock in January 1962. Her husband opened a provisions retail shop for her at the same time undergoing a private typewriting training course at Ijare. She had her first child, Folasade in that same year. Her Husband was later transferred to A. U. D. Primary School, Erio-Ekiti as the Headmaster in Ekiti West Local Government. This necessitated her relocation to Aramoko her home town. She continued with her petty trading which was flourishing well.

In 1969, she attended Poultry Training Course at Fasola Oyo Alaafin in Oyo State. She was relocated to Orin farm settlement, Orin-Ekiti. Being someone who has passion for teaching job, in 1970 she was offered auxiliary teaching appointment and posted to Baptist Primary School, Iloro-Ekiti in ljero Local Government Area and later transferred to St. Michael’s Primary School, Ikoro-Ekiti. In 1974, she gained admission to the Divisional Teachers Training College, Ikere-Ekiti for a three years course. 

     At the end of her training course in 1977, she was posted to Catholic Primary School, Ijero-Ekiti. She was transferred to Baptist Primary School, Aramoko in l977 that same year. In October 1977, her husband got an appointment with the defunct Ondo State Sports Council which made her to request for a transfer to our Saviour's Primary School, Odo Ijoka, Akure. She taught in many schools in Akure such as St. Peter’s Demonstration Primary School, Akure and Salvation Army Primary School, Akure, before her husband’s voluntarily retired in 1991.

    Before the creation of Ekiti-State, her husband was given seven year appointment in the then Ondo State Judiciary to work at Aramoko-Ekiti as a Customary Court Judge. This necessitated her transfer to Ekiti State for the continuation of her teaching appointment at St. John’s Anglican Primary School in 1992. She retired voluntarily from the teaching service in July 2005. Since 1990, Mama has been managing her health challenges and through the grace of God, she is up and doing today. She is ever grateful to God Almighty, her husband, her children, sister and brother for their moral and integrated supports in all fronts. 
    Mama Ibitomi believes so much in the Almighty God, and loved prayers. She loves singing too, she came from Christ Apostolic Church background, and married to an Anglican Communion persuasion husband, this really helped her to progress a lot in her journey of faith. She belongs to Women Guild and other Women Organizations. She is the President of Female Elders Society of St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Aramoko 

    It must be noted that in the youthful years, she was a volleyball player. She was also a sprinter in athletics. She also loves dancing and listening to good music. She was a woman leader as a political activist. She was very much involved in political events in Aramoko. When Mrs. Hannah Dideolu Awolowo visited Aramoko in 1964; she was the one who led the women group. She was the one who received her with a welcome address. Mummy Folayan as a church worker served a member of the guild of stewards in the Anglican Church, being a side lady for so many years until old age and health challenges could not allow her. Mummy also  has a caring heart. She distributes rice to the widows yearly during the Christmas.

Children: Mrs Folasade Ofi, an occupational health nurse; Mr. Kehinde Folayan, a Naval officer; Mr. Idowu Folayan, Civil engineer; Mrs. Bolade Jimoh, a chartered accountant; Mr Lanre Folayan – non-governmental organisation (NGO) consultant and Mrs. Olaiya Abe, a lawyer

BRIEF HISTORY OF ARAMOKO-EKITI

By,

Honorable M. A. Folayan 

His Royal Majesty, The Alara of Aramoko is one of the sons of His Imperial Majesty the Oni of Ile-Ife, incidentally Alara, Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti and the Orangun of Ila in Osun-State were born of the same mother. Alara left Ile-Ife through Ile-Oluji. It was at Ile-Oluji that one of his sons Olu slept and was unable to wake up the following morning hence the town was named the land where Olu could not wake up -   ILE OLU KO JI (Ile-Oluji). They left Ile-Oluji for Ilara Mokin in Ifedore Local Government Ondo-State, they sojourned there for some years before they shifted to OHAN now Erijiayn in Ekiti West Local Government, Ekiti-State. They stayed there for some time, the oracle told them to leave OHAN for the present Aramoko-Ekiti.

They initially stopped over somewhere at Oke-Oja, they noticed a strange sound not far from their place of abode. They were very inquisitive and continued to search for actual sound, at last it was the sound of a river and they eventually named it River Areti.

They soon left for Igbo-Owa at Igando area where Ola met Awe and the spot where the two men met was named Olakowe i.e. Ola met Awe, that is the name of one of the streets in Aramoko till the present day. It is usually called “Alakowe” our dialect. Aramoko is the headquarter of Ekiti West Local Government. Alara, the paramount ruler is one of the 1st Class Obas in Ekiti-State; presently he is the chancellor of Ekiti State University. Long live the king, Oba Lasisi Olu Adeyemi, a retired Permanent Secretary in Ondo-State.

Ebun Faloye

OCTOGENARIAN MRS EBUN FALOYE

By

Seye Adetunmbi, 2/12/19

To the glory of God, Mrs Ebunoluwa Esther Faloye, nee Aderiye joined the group of octogenarians on December 2nd, 2019. After meritorious career in the civil service, she retired as a Director in the old Oyo-State government of Nigeria.

Mrs Ebun Faloye was born on the 2nd of December 1939 by Madam Ibidun Comfort Olawuyi of Ara community in Osun-State and her father was Chief J.N.A. Aderiye, a native of Ifaki-Ekiti.

She started her primary education in the early 1940s at St Stephens Primary School, Ora in Osun State. She is a product of the prestigious Christ's School, Ado-Ekiti when she attended Ekiti Anglican Girls School, Ado-Ekiti. She also attended St Margaret Secondary School, Ilesha. Mrs Faloye is also a product of University of Birmingham where she graduated in the Library Studies and worked as a Senior Library Assistant at Hackney in London.

She started her civil service working career as a Library Assistant in the old Western Region at Ibadan, in the Ministry of Education, General Publication section.

Mrs Ebun Faloye and her children

Octogenarian Mummy flanked by her beloved sons, Justice and Ope

Mrs Ebun Faloye made a mark as a Library Officer at the Western State Court of Appeal, Ibadan and as Librarian Grade 1, High Court of justice Ibadan. She rose to be a Director before retiring in the public service to the glory God.

It give me great pleasure to celebrate a beloved and pretty aunt on her 80th birthday anniversary. I am always delighted seeing her at every opportunity. I took special note of her love for every member of our family. From time to time, she calls to ask after everyone in the family. My prayer is that God will grant her good health in her old age and things of joy she will continue to see for the rest of her life in Jesus name.

Happy 80th natal day to you ma.