Today marks yet another anniversary of the passing of our beloved father, Engineer Jolaiya Akanbi Muili Ogunlowo. Though time moves forward, the void left by your absence remains deeply felt. The journey without you has been long and challenging, and we continue to miss your unwavering love, wise counsel, and infectious laughter that brought joy to everyone around you.
You were more than a father to us; you were a beacon of light to your family, friends, colleagues, and the many lives you touched. A disciplinarian with a compassionate heart, a visionary with an unshakable commitment to excellence, and a man whose generosity knew no bounds.
Your name is etched in history not only for your professional achievements but for your selflessness in times of crisis. One of the most vivid memories of your kindness was during the devastating Omiyale floods that ravaged Ibadan in 1978 and 1980. While many focused on their personal losses, you placed the needs of others above your own. At a time when your own printing press—one of the most successful in Ibadan—was severely affected by the flood, you chose to help others rebuild their lives first, showing the true measure of your character.
The Omiyale floods, named after the Yoruba phrase meaning “water has flooded the house,” were caused by the overflowing of the Ogunpa and Odo-Ona rivers, along with tributaries like Kúdetì and Dandaru. The devastation left Ibadan in shock, prompting two notable figures to respond in remarkable ways—President Shehu Shagari and Chief Ebenezer Obey.
President Shehu Shagari, upon witnessing the extent of the disaster during his visit to Ibadan on September 7, 1980, declared:
“I have seen a real disaster!” and officially recognized it as a national disaster.
Chief Ebenezer Obey, in his own way, immortalized the tragedy in music, ensuring that future generations would remember the depth of the loss suffered by the people of Ibadan.
Daddy, you were an integral part of that history—not as a victim but as a pillar of support for those who lost everything. Your selflessness and leadership during those trying times earned you the love and respect of many, especially in Mokola, Ogunpa, and its environs, where your impact was most profound.
As we reflect on your life and legacy, we are reminded of the many values you instilled in us—hard work, integrity, kindness, and the importance of standing up for others in times of need. You taught us that true greatness lies not in personal success alone but in the number of lives we uplift along the way.
Even in death, your legacy continues to shine. The lives you touched, the lessons you taught, and the love you shared remain with us as guiding principles. Your absence is deeply felt, but your memory is forever cherished.
Rest in eternal peace, Engineer Akanbi Ogun, Òmò Alágbedé in Ede Land, títí lo de Adegbolu in Akufo. You may be gone from our sight, but you will never be gone from our hearts.
