•What The OONI Said About Him
On Thursday 23rd February 2023, the remains of Akinola Clement Fakolade (popularly called FAKOL was laid to rest in Ibadan after a Commendation Service at RHEMA Chapel, Oluyole, Ibadan. His wife, kids, family members, classmates and friends will miss him. Mr Clement Akinola Olusola Fakolade was born on 9th September 1960 in – Imesi – Ile, in Obokun Local Government of Osun State. His parents were Pa John Omoniyi Fakolade and Madam Beatrice Taiwo Fakolade of Ile Olowu Composed, Ijana – Oke, Imesi – Ile, both of blessed memory.
He had his Primary Education at Ijana Methodist School, Imesi – Ile between 1967 to 1973. He proceeded to Iwo Baptist High School, Adeke Heights, Iwo between 1974 – 1979. He proceeded to the defunct Oyo State School of Arts and Science (OSCAS) between 1981 and 1983.
He later got admitted to read and bagged B.Sc with Honors in Animal Science from the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan in 1989.
He proceeded to Enugu State for the mandatory NYSC in 1990.
After service, he joined the Agricultural Division of GLORYLANDER CONSORTIUM LTD, a company owned by his late brother Engr Sam Lanre Fakolade (FNSE). After the demise of his brother, he later took over the management of his company, where he worked tirelessly, as the Executive Director, until his untimely death on 31st January 2023.
Akin had Master’s degree in Environmental and Physical Planning from Ekiti State University, Ado – Ekiti and also MBA from Delta State University, Abraka in the 90s.
Mr Clement Akinola Olusola Fakolade got married to his hearthrob, beautiful wife Mrs Juliet Adeyinka Fakolade (New Ademowo) on August 19th 1995 at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Omofe, Ilesha. The marriage was blessed with Three (3) promising sons namely Toluwanimi, Oluwagbotemi and Oluwagbopemi.
FAKOL, as fondly called by his friends and colleagues, was a complete gentleman, very simple, easy going, selfless, humble, generous, compassionate and hardworking. He loved families, friends and always standing in the gap for anyone around faced with challenges of life. He was supportive to his Nephews and Nieces in their Academic pursuits.
Akin was a genuine born again Christian, loving husband, pleasant and caring father and committed to his extended family.
He was a peacemaker and agent of love and unity in the family and anywhere he found himself.
He had great faith in God, even when he was briefly sick. He was a prayer warrior, a committed and dedicated member of Rhema Chapel, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan.
Akinola was amiable, loyal and selfless and these attributes endeared him to many Godly responsible friends, trustworthy and successful friends that are loyal to him even after his demise.
He was thorough in his business and calm in times of challenges, especially after funding the completion of a project with his personal funds, as a Building Contractor, and eventually denied payment. These are enough to frustrate him, but his absolute faith and trust in God for divine intervention has always been a succour. God has never failed him and has been faithful to him and his family. He was a very compassionate, strong willed, forebearing, prudent, principled and disciplined man. He demonstrated affection to all that came across his path. He was surprised about the suddenness of his sickness, as he never managed any disease before. He never believed he could die, but lo and behold, within a short time, his condition deteriorated and breathed his last. His death was a colossal loss to all who knew him, especially his family, because he was precious and important to everyone, being the only surviving son of his mother. According to his family, it was like a dagger in our hearts with very painful and deep wound which only God can heal, He alone knows why He allowed you to die, when we all need you most. We take solace in God, who is sovereign.
“The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh, blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1 v 21 b. We shall miss you greatly. Sleep on, our dearest and beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and in-law Clement Akinola, Olusola, Ishola Fakolade until we meet to part no more on the resurrection morning.
The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi CFR wrote a one page Tribute in honour of Akin Fakolade. According to the Ooni, despite the sadness that accompanied the loss of this gem, it is heartwarming to note that the life and time of our beloved Fakolade was filled with teaching, and lessons, especially on good living, being a positive influence in one’s immediate society and beyond, as well as serving the most High God.
This great man lived a selfless life of service as a philanthropist and an industrious man during his active days and did not compromise his standard till his last day, which earned him the fortunes that he enjoyed till he rejoined his creator.”
The Ooni referred to him as “Our Beloved FAKOL”
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