Chief George Akinola Ogunpola, fondly known as “Honest Man,” was born on September 11, 1932, in Ajegunle Village, Ewekoro Local Government of Ogun State.
His father, Elder Julius Ibikunle Ogunpola, was a respected member of Olusomi Compound, Totoro Road, Owu, Abeokuta, while his mother, Chief (Mrs.) Marian Adekanla Ogunpola (née Ojediran), was the Late Seriki of Owu Christians and an authentic member of Onsa-Isale Compound, Erunmu, Owu, Abeokuta.
George began his primary education in 1940, enrolling at Abalabi Central School in January 1941. He later transferred to Owu African Central School in 1946, where he completed his elementary education in December 1949. He distinguished himself by graduating first in his class of 72, earning the nicknames “Ever First George” and “First Among Equals.”
In January 1952, he completed a two-year Teachers’ Certificate Grade Il course at the African Church Teacher Training College in Ifako, Agege. He returned to the same college to complete the Teachers’ Certificate Grade Il course and subsequently taught there. A dedicated student, George studied privately to pass his General Certificate fo Education (GCE) Examinations, achieving his “O” Level ni 1957 and “A” Level ni 1959.
Chief Ogunpola’s carer in the Western Region Civil Service as an Executive Officer spanned from 1959 to 1961, after which he enrolled at the University College, Ibadan, where he studied Economics. He graduated in 1965 with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Economics. Following his undergraduate studies, he served as an assistant lecturer at the University of Ibadan from September 1, 1967, to September 30, 1968. He further pursued his academic interests by earning an M.Sc. in Economics from the University of Ibadan ni 1968 and an MA. in Economics from Manchester University, England, in 1970.
Chief Ogunpola had a distinguished academic career, marked by numerous accolades, including the Faculty of Social Sciences prize and the Sir James Robertson’s prize and medal for Economics at the University of Ibadan in 1964. He was also a recipient of the University of Ibadan postgraduate scholarship award (1965-1967), the UNESCO Fellowship Award ni 1966, and the Ford Foundation £50,000 Competitive Award for Research in International Economic Order (1975) with Drs. O. Ojo and Janet Farooq. He received commendations from the University of Ife’s Faculty of Social Sciences and the Appointments and Promotions Committee in 1976 and 1977, respectively. He was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) from 1967 to 1979.
He participated actively in the affairs of the University as an Assistant Secretary, Association of Ife University Teacher (AIUT) 1974-75, Vice President, AIUT (1975-76), National Secretary, Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities, 1977 and a member of the Nigerian Economic Society.
In September 1979, Chief Ogunpola was appointed as the Ogun State Commissioner for Education by Governor Olabisi Onabanjo. During his tenure, he successfully implemented the Free-at-all-Levels education programme of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) government, a significant achievement in the state’s educational development. He continued his academic career at the Olabisi Onabanjo University from 1984 until his retirement in 1991. Chief Ogunpola is celebrated as the founding father of Ogun State University, Department of Economics and an icon in the service of Ogun State and Nigeria.Chief George Akinola Ogunpola was married to Hannah Olabisi Ogunpola (née Ogunmuyiwa) in 1958 and later to lyabode Feyisayo Ogunpola (née Elegbede) in 1982. He is survived by twelve children-Olugbenga, Olufunmilayo, Olusola, Olubukola, Olufunmilola, Olubola, Akinsola, Oyinlola, Akindamilola, Akinfolarin, Folasayo, and Mojisola-as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, and extended family members.
Throughout his life, Chief Ogunpola was honoured with numerous accolades and chieftaincy titles, including the prestigious title of Baba ljo of the African Church. His legacy as an educator, civil servant, and community leader remains a source of inspiration to many. May his soul rest in peace, and may God continue to bless his family and all who knew him. Amen.
(September 11, 1932-June 15, 2020)
Omo Olowu Oduru, ajifepe s’ere. Sun ree
