The Arole Affin-Oro, Barr. (Doctor) Clement Ogundokun, who is a renowned boardroom mogul and one of the most successful socialites on the Nigerian business terrain recently played host to friends, family members and well-wishers, feasting them to sumptuous meals and choice wines at his palatial residence in the ancient town of Affin Oro, Kwara State.
The well-attended event was in remembrance of his late father and mother, Pa Jacob Afolabi Ogundokun and Madam Magret Morolayo Ogundokun.
Prior to the commencement of activities for the day, the Arole Affin Oro in convoy with siblings, family members, friends and well-wishers visited the St. Michael Catholic Church, Irepodun where they fervently prayed for the repose of the parents souls.
In observation of tradition, the ever-giving Arole Affin-Oro doled out gifts to the needy, who were also treated to a feast in addition to giving them surplus food items.
Olori of Arole Affin Oro, beautiful and ageless diva, Yeye Bewaji Titilayo Ogundokun, drove into the venue in a black Jeep, looking gorgeous in her native and gold accessories. She came in a company of her friends amid applause and accolades
She entertained everyone who was present at the event as she promised to continue to use her wealth to serve humanity and provide for the needy.
Let’s tell you a bit about the late couple, who were born and raised in Oro, Kwara State.
About Pa. Jacob Afolabi Ogundokun
Pa Jacob Afolabi Ogundokun was born on 29th June, 1928 at Ile Oba Oro Olufayo, Affin Oro. His early education began at St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School, Oro, after which he proceeded to St Malachy’s Teachers Training College (T.T.C) Minna, Niger State from 1961 to 1965 for his training as a professional teacher.
On 12th September, 1981, he completed his National Certificate in Education, (N.C.E) programme at the Institute of Education Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and subsequently his bachelor degree in Education (B.Ed) at the same University.
Ogun, as he was fondly called by friends, began his journey into teaching in January 1954 at a Roman Catholic Mission School as a class teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Sie-Oro.
He served in various schools and locations as a class teacher and headmaster respectively under the Roman Catholic Mission with dedication, loyalty and honesty before he entered into the service of Ilorin Local School Management Board when the Kwara State government took over all private and mission schools in the state.
Among the schools where he served are: St Peter’s Catholic School, Okerimi-Oro, St Cyprian’s Catholic School, Eruku, St. Thomas’s Catholic School, Odo-Owa, Mount Carmel Demonstratio’s School, Oloje, Ilorin, St James’s Catholic School Sabo-Oke and St. Williams’s Catholic School, Taiwo Ilorin.
It is important to note that his professional career took a new dramatic turn at St. William’s. He went ahead in the service of the Lord because of his dedication and loyalty at his primary assignment and his allegiance to the Catholic mission. As an active member of St, Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ilorin, he was a committed member and for many years, served as an interpreter in the church. His eloquence and delivery earned him the nickname “gbohun-gbohun” literally a voice louder in the church. By and large, he became popular in God’s vineyard even more than at his primary assignment. He was a rare gift to the church.
He also had a stint at St. Michael’s Primary School and Baptist Primary school before he was retired on February 28th, 1985; after 22 years and 3 months in the government service. He later entered into the service of private schools after his retirement from public service.
At the home front, he was a member of Oro Descendants Union, a pro-active socio-political umbrella for the social, political and economic growth of the entire Oroland. He is a beacon of light to the Affin-Oro Community and the entire Oro in general.
Being a teacher made him a disciplinarian, but not to any fault. His comic and jovial disposition endeared him to all and sundry, staff and pupils alike.
As a father, he is loving, adoring and pragmatic. As he would always tell some of us “I am a pragmatic father, I am not an archaic father”. Daddy gave his children the best legacy of education and words of wisdom to love God and to be independent on a daily basis in his lifetime.
Pa Jacob was also a good husband. He was not found wanting in his matrimonial responsibility. Evidence of this was when his wife died. Daddy stayed for more than 10 years before he went into another relationship. This he did to cushion old-age pressure.
He was a member of the pro-life Association of Nigeria (PLAN). He is survived by many children and grandchildren. They include: Pastor Bright Afolabi, Prince John Oyetundun Ogundokun, Princess Enilade Adenike Ogundokun, Princess Eyitayo Adedoyin, Prince Ogundokun Toluwase, Prince Adeyemi Ogundokun, Prince Adewale Edward Ogundokun and many grandchildren
About Madam Morolayo Magret Ogundokun
She was born on April 14th, 1944, to the family of Lawrence Abiola of blessed memory at Ogbua Compound, Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. She attended St. Cyprians Catholic, Eruku after which she completed her grade two certificate programme. She got married on 10th October, 1966, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Okerimi-Oro. The marriage was blessed with children and grandchildren.
For many years, she was the Matron of St Anthony’s Secondary School, Ilorin and finally head, Home Economics Department at Igboro Home Economics Centre before she passed on in March 1991.
Many people referred to her as “Mummy”, not because of her age, but because she was accommodating and a mother to all.
An ardent Christian, who belonged to the Catholic Faith. She was also a member of St. Anthony’s Society at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral Church Taiwo, Ilorin. She was bold and brave. She was a role model, who made an impact on the lives of many during her short but memorable life. The memories she left with the children remained indelible.
Arole Affin-Oro, Barr. (Dr) Clement Ogundokun relives awesome memories of his late parents.
The legal practitioner and socialite, the royal blood of Affin-Oro, stirred up good memories and waxed nostalgic in his tribute to his late father. He described him as an upright man, whose lifestyle had inspired not only the children, but the entire Affin Oro community. He said that his memory will remain in the hearts of every true-born son and daughter of Affin Oro.
Let’s also tell you that the Arole of Affin Oro was outstanding. He effortlessly displayed royalty and class. His huge mansion is a rallying point for indigenes of Oro as they converged in troops to pay homage to the Arole.
He wrote:
Tribute To My Dear Father Elder Jacob Afolabi Adegbola Adewara Ogundokun. By Dr. Bar. P. C. Adegbola Ogundokun (Arole Olufayo I )
Beloved father, your sudden departure from this world remains an unbelievable mystery. A pragmatic spiritual father, whose unbreakable legacy propels the present development in Affin Oro.
You were, indeed, a great legend, father, mentor, teacher, associate, warrior, justice, father in a million. You taught me how to be brave and be the man I have grown up to become today. You were, indeed, a rare gem dad. Missing you is an understatement….the legacy you left continues to linger on. You told me certain things before your demise and by the special grace of God…Aluta continua.
Continue to rest in the bossom of the Lord until we meet to part no more.
Adieu baba rere…iwaju te do ju ko…ko ni ba je…ehin te fi si le ko ni ba je la se Edumare… Baba mi Umojo..umokin…omo ajagun gbade, omo Olofinha…sun re
Yeye Bewaji Titilayo Ogundokun wrote the emotional tribute to her late father-inlaw and mother in-law Pa. Jacob Afolabi Ogundokun & Madam Magret Morolayo Ogundokun.
Ravishing lady of style, Yeye Bewaji Titlayo Ogundokun, in her tribute, commended both parents as mentors, hero and heroine, whose paths reflect in the lives of their children.
She wrote:
Tribute to our Great Heroses!
Daddy and mummy Jacob Afolabi Adewara Adegbola Ogundokun…though I was not opportuned to meet you both while you were alive, the landmark you left behind cannot be overlooked. All your good deeds and works in Affin Oro and in Oro Kingdom at large will forever be remembered.
The landmarks and the lives you impacted can never be erased.
Papa you were, indeed, a genius, a great headmaster, a teacher, mentor, a father to all, Justice of conscience. Indeed you were a great achiever. You served your community wholeheartedly and produced quality children whom in turn God is using to make impact on lives. You and mama (the modern matron ) of her time, were philanthropists.
You are both sadly missed but the legacies you left behind will forever linger on.
Rest on our great heroes… Until we meet in the bosom of our Lord, Jesus.. Adieu Papa and Mama. Didun ni iranti olododo..we love you, but God loves you more. Olori Titi Yeye Bewaji of Eposoland.
About Affin- Oro
Oro is a famous community in Kwara State and one of the largest in Irepodun Local Government Area. The people of Oro are Yoruba of Igbomina extraction. They are peaceful, hospitable and enterprising.
The elderly father, who established Oro was a native of Oyo, while his wife was from Abeokuta. ‘Eje ka ro sibi’ was an Egba saying, which means ‘let us sojourn here’.The reason they are now Oro Kingdom was that their forefather gave birth to nine children, who later extended to each town of the nine generic towns that constitute Oro Kingdom. These towns are: Affin Oro, Agbeola Oro, Iddo Oro, Ijomu Oro, Iludun Oro, Irebode Oro, Okeola Oro, Okerimi Oro and Otun Oro
Affin-Oro is a very peaceful town with accommodating people. The serenity of Affin Oro is so inviting that you may consider the town for your next vacation. Do you know that the electricity supply in Affin Oro is about 20 hours a day? The power supply in the community is a key point for investors to look out for. There are also many mansions in the peaceful community that will tell that indigenes of Affin Oro are doing well around the country and beyond.
Joseph Seun Emmanuel
+234-(806)648-1017
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