The Oginni dynasty in Ogbomoso, Oyo State has celebrated the life and times of their beloved father, Late Pa Adegbola Josiah Adepoju.
In a sermon titled “Flee from Second Death” delivered by the Minsiter in charget of Ayo-Igbala Bapstist Church, Ogbomoso, Rev’d Sunday Abiodun Ajibowu, the families and other attendees were charged to be Christ-like and strive for the kingdom of God.
Rev’d Ajibowu expressed optimism that the testimonies presented by the friends and families during the Christian Wake was a consolation that the departed soul had found rest in the Lord on Thursday, June 12, 2025 when he breathed his last.
His sister, Mrs Comfort Moradeke Jacobs, said, “My dear brother, Josiah Adegbola Adepoju, from his early age was very devoted and committed to serving the Lord. He grew up to be a man of integrity, who kept himself from the lust of the eye, the flesh, money and pride of life. He was a gentleman, who practised godliness with contentment.
“Brother Degbola was a great man of prayer. Though he did not have formal education, he became fluent in oral and spoken English by attending night school. In his old age, he was always seen reading his Bible, and biography of great men of faith or listening to radio to keep abreast with what was happening in the world.
“Through him, I was able to meet a Christian white couple he was corresponding with in the United States, when I travelled there in the 70s. They had been sending him Christian tracts and magazines, which he asked for. I can go on and on about the positive influence he had on us the young ones who lived together with him in Ghana. In a nutshell, my brother lived a life worthy of emulation. Thank you, dear brother, for the legacy of godliness with contentment you have left behind. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord you loved and served so well, until I meet you in the morning at the pearly gate!
His nephew, from Maryland, US, Mr. Debo Adepoju sent his tribute thus, “With heavy heart, I received the news of the demise of the last to sleep of the Adepoju Esan lineage. His transition marks the end of an era. Uncle Adegbola was more than a cherished uncle; he was a symbol of strength, dignity, and continuity, the quiet bridge between generations past and present. His presence was a steady reminder of our roots and our shared values.
“But let us not be downhearted.
Uncle Adegbola has gone to rest. He finished his race. He fought his fight. He did his part. Now, it is up to us to carry the torch and uphold the Adepoju, Esan and Ogunni legacy:
A legacy of unity, love, strength through togetherness.
May we honor his memory not in mourning alone, but in how we live forward; united, loving, and resilient.
Let us take comfort in the eternal promise of the Scripture
Rest well, Uncle.
Your legacy lives on in us.”
In his description, Timothy Adepoju Onijesun son, said, “Although life’s trials weighed heavily upon you, your gentle soul remained unbroken. I want to categorically state here that I have never seen a man as meek and humble as you.You were an epitome of humility and a quintessence of the unruffled.
“Your voice and name were not heard here on the terrestrial grounds but I am cocksure,heavens celebrate your celestial entry as a saint.
“Your resilience and devotion to the word and work of God in this world inspire me still. Goodbye to baba Timo, a man of prayers. May the good Lord keep you till we meet again as I pray for we, the children, the prophecy of the witches to Banquo in Shakespeare’s play, ‘Macbeth’ ‘Not so happy yet much happier.'”
Another son, Sunday Adepoju, explained that departed soul reoresents the end of an era.
“Baami, though you have journeyed to the celestial world, your presence remains ever near. Your quiet courage really defined your existence. You were, indeed, a ‘General’; a ‘General’ because you began fighting battles immediately your father, Late Adepoju Esan, died in 1946.
“Baami resumed into another phase of your battles when he relocated to his aunt in former Gold Coast (now Ghana) in 1957 where he remained until Kofi Busia’s quit order of 1969. We miss your prayers. I remember your prayers never had time limit, against our time schedules. It is sad saying “Good Bye” to the gentleman to the core! My heart bled seeing his lifeless body. However, the gift of Christ in you consoles us of the monumental loss that your exit signifies. You are sorely missed. Adieu, Papa.”
Late Pa Josiah Adegbola Adepoju was born around 1940 to the family of Late Pa Adepoju Àkàngbé Esan of Oginni Compound, Osupa Area, Ogbomoso and Mama Late Deborah Ajogbe of Alágbède Compound, Abepe, Ogbomoso.
His father’s early death in 1946 exposed him to life challenges as he was left with no option but to return to his maternal grandpa, who was a farmer, with his mother and in the company of his elder sister, Late Madam Adebimpe Oyekunle, and younger sister, Late Madam Foyinsade Jokotoye, both of blessed memory. There, they were accommodated and brought up by their grandpa, Late Pa Ogundeji.
Young Adegbola had the opportunity to travel to the then Gold Coast (Ghana) in the year 1957 as requested by his aunt, late Madam Adeboyin who was a trader there. He lived with the aunt and thereby became a trader working for her with other nieces and nephews of Mama Adeboyin, most of whom had gone to rest except Mrs Comfort Moradeke Jacobs who is still alive to tell the stories of their experiences in Ghana. Adegbola worked and supervised the business till 1969 when Ghana’s Prime Minister, Kofi Abrefa Busia, gave the “Aliens Compliance Order” known as “Quit Order” before he finally came home to settle in Ogbomoso.
While in Ghana, he didn’t have access to a standard formal education but he attended night school and no one could believe he didn’t as he spoke relatively good English.
He was, at his arrival in Ghana, a baptist member before he joined The Church of The Lord, Aladura in Ghana and when he came home, he joined the denomination as he crossed path with late Rev’d Prophet Emmanuel Adeniji who was also from Osupa. He was a devoted member and became a deacon and later was anointed as pastor in the church.
When he came to Ogbomoso, he tried different means to make ends meet and eventually became a farmer, though subsistence. This he practised till he became weak to farm.
Late Pa Adegbola Josiah Adepoju got married to his lovely wife, Deaconess Elizabeth Abemu Adepoju, and the union is blessed with good children and promising grandchildren.
He is survived by wife, children, grandchildren, sisters, nephews and nieces.
Present at dual event of Christian Wake service were dignitaries from far and near, including Mrs. Comfort Moradeke Jacobs of Bible Baptist Church, Ilorin and Galelee Baptist Church, Isanlu; Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Abogunrin from the US; Revd and Mrs Seyi Abigael Babalola; Mrs. Abiodun Awe.
Also present were the Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Samuel Oke Ogunniyi and Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, staff and students of the institution; friends from LAUTECH; representatives of Senator Abdul-Fatai Omotayo Buhari; Chairman and Vice Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, Hon. George Ogunlade and Hon. Taofeek Salawu abd their associates; former Oyo State Commissioner for Public Works and Transportation, Prof. Raphael Afonja; retireed Deputy Director at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr. Fatai Adiyeloja; Publisher of Scoopchase online, Mr. Sayo Alagbe; Prince Adegbile Adeomi of A4 Concept; Columnist, Historian and Writer, Mr. Adewuyi Adegbite; staff from Royal International Group of Schools; staff from Alaafia Basic School, Adeniran Area, Ogbomoso, among others too numerous to mention.
