Ikú Olódodo: The Final Goodbye to Pa Lawrence Adekunle, Igboho’s Maestro and Statesman

 

IGBOHO, OYO STATE — The heavens wept, and the earth opened its solemn gates as the ancient town of Igboho bade a final, glorious farewell to one of its greatest sons, Pa Lawrence Adegbenle Oyetola Adekunle. 

Inside the hallowed auditorium of the First Baptist Church, Obaago, Igboho, the atmosphere was a poignant blend of grief and profound gratitude. The choir’s voices pierced the quiet morning with a heart-rending special rendition: "Ha, O mase, ilẹ̀ n jẹ ènìyàn" (Alas, the earth consumes humanity), a stark reminder of our shared mortality. Yet, the sting of death was quickly swallowed by the triumphant message of the day. Drawing from the book of Numbers 23:10, the clergy delivered a stirring sermon titled "Ikú Olódodo" (The Death of a Righteous Man). 

Indeed, Pa Adekunle lived the life of the righteous, and his transition at the monumental age of 90 was not a moment of loss, but a celebration of a legacy that will outlive generations.

The Root of the Iroko: Birth and Early Life

Born on the 2nd of December, 1935, Pa Lawrence Adekunle was a true son of the red earth. He was welcomed into the noble family of Late Pa Chief Samuel Adekunle Agoro, the revered Agoro Aare of Okeafin, and Madam Susannah Aina Omonije Awero Agoro. Raised with strict traditional and moral values at the Apansikii Compound (popularly known as Agoro Compound) in Okeafin, Igboho, the young Lawrence was molded from childhood to be a beacon of light for his people.

An Unquenchable Thirst for Knowledge

In an era where formal education was a rare privilege, Pa Adekunle pursued knowledge with relentless vigor. His academic journey began at the Baptist Central School, Igboho, in 1943. Following his parents' relocation, he completed his Senior Primary Education at the famous L.A. School, Agede, Kisi, between 1949 and 1953.

Driven by a profound passion for human capital development, he attended the Oyo Divisional Teachers' College (1958–1959) to obtain his Grade III Teachers' Certificate, and later advanced to the Ondo/Oyo Joint Provincial Teachers' College, Ile-Ife (1965–1966) for his Grade II training. Never one to rest on his oars, he proceeded to the prestigious University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), earning both a Certificate in Education and a Certificate in Music between 1981 and 1983. 

The Architect of Minds

Teaching was not just Pa Adekunle’s profession; it was his life’s calling. Over the decades, he became a nomadic sower of seeds, serving diligently across several communities including Iganna, Irawo, Saki, Tede, Sepeteri, Tewure, Igbeti, Iseyin, and his beloved Igboho. Through his legendary discipline and unwavering commitment, he shaped the destinies of countless students before taking a well-deserved retirement in December 1989. 

A Patriarch and Pillar of the Home

Behind the public statesman was a deeply devoted family man. On the 14th of January 1968, he married his heartthrob, Princess Sarah Oyeboola Adekunle (née Ogunbode). Their beautiful union was blessed with six illustrious children: Mrs. Eunice Tayọ Adetona, Coun. Ayo Adekunle, Mrs. Yinka Ayodele Adekunle, Mr. Teju Adekunle, Mrs. Doyin Oluwashina, and Mrs. Bunmi Olawoyin. 

Blessed with many grandchildren, Pa Adekunle was the undisputed pillar of his extended family. He was a unifier who regularly convened family meetings, defended their interests far and wide, and single-handedly financed the education of numerous siblings and relatives.

The Statesman: A Life of Political Service

Transitioning from the classroom to the political arena, Pa Adekunle proved that governance required the heart of a teacher. He entered active politics in 1979 as the Party Secretary for the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) until 1983. His political trajectory saw him navigate the turbulent waters of the defunct CNC, NRC, and later the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His political career peaked when he served as the Vice Chairman of the Oorelope Local Government under the administration of Engr. Iyiola Alao, leaving behind a blueprint of grassroots development.

The Maestro: Custodian of Culture and Composer of the Anthem

Perhaps the most enchanting chapter of Pa Adekunle’s life was his romance with Yoruba culture and music. He was a master of the talking drum. Endowed with rhythmic genius, he was the leader of the 'Ever Ready Orchestra Band' in Okeafin, Igboho. 

His immortal gift to his people came in 1987 when he composed the official "Igboho Anthem"—a song of unity that continues to bind the town together under the ideals of Ifelodun Omo Igboho. In a poetic twist of fate, his final public drumming performance took place on the 25th of December, 2025, during the joyous celebration of his 90th birthday, surrounded by the people who loved him most.

      

The Final Curtain

As the choir sang and the clergy prayed at the First Baptist Church today, it was clear that a great library had burned down, but the books had already been widely read and memorized. 

Pa Lawrence Adegbenle Oyetola Adekunle has joined the saints triumphant. He lived a life without blemish, leaving behind an anthem of unity, a legacy of education, and a family of champions.

Sleep on, Baba L. A. Adekunle. May the red earth of Igboho rest gently upon you.

David Alani Ige (The Scribe)

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Ayekooto Media

Phunshor01@gmail.com

Publisher@ayekootomediang.com

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