Kunle ADELABU
The league of veteran journalists in Ikorodu has further been depleted with the passage of Pa (Chief) Ayodele Olanrewaju Oyejola, Jpil, at the age of 90 years.
The Octogenarian died in August, 2018 and was buried on Friday, October 19, 2018, after a burial service at The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Aga in Ikorodu.
He worked at the Amalgamated Press of Nigeria, publisher of Daily Service and Nigeria Tribune between 1956 and 1958 as a Press Photographer.
He also worked at the National Press of Nigeria, Publisher of Morning Post and Sunday Post as a Photo-Journalist between 1961-1963.
Pa Oyejola was born on Monday 12th of November 1928 at Ita-Aro, Ikorodu, to the family of Pa Gabriel Omotayo Oyejola Oyebajo of Itunla ward, Ikorodu.
His late father, popularly known as ‘Baba Shop’, owned a medium store after leaving Ile-Ife where he served as an interpreter to the Europeans.
His mother was late Madam Esther Oyebowale Titilayo Oyejola Oyebajo (Nee Odufuwa).
The deaceased had his elementary education at the African Bethel School, Ita Aro, Ikorodu, in 1935 and St George’s School, Zaria, between 1938 and 1941. He later moved to Euthopia School, Ile – Ife, after which he attended Methodist School, Ikorodu, in 1948.
He had his secondary school education at the Eko Boys Evening Classes up to class five in 1952.
He trained and worked as a photographer in Ikorodu and retired to his farming business in 1979.
In a tribute signed by Mr Oluwaseyi Adelani Adelabu, the Secretary, and The Rt. Revd. Akin Ajayi, FCE, the Chairman, Cathedral Council of The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, late Oyejola as a peace loving, truthful and trust worthy man while alive.
“It is with a profound sense of loss and yet gratitude to God Almighty that we on behalf of the Cathedral Council and the entire membership of The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu write to consoile with you and the entire family on the death of your father, Elder Ayodele Olanrewaju Oyejola at the ripe age of 90 years
“Elder Ayodele Oyejola, a renowed professional photographer was a complete gentlemen, an easy going person, peace loving with a dove liker character, a truthful and trustworthy man. He lived his life serving God. He was very constant and consistent. Baba’s contributions and service to the growth and development of the Church can never be quantified. He was also a strong member of the Cathedral Friendly Society in the Church
“It was on record that the majority of photographs used for the Church’s history book to commemorate our Centenary Celebrations (100 years anniversary) in 2004 were provided by Elder A.O. Oyejola. Those photos truly added meaning and values to the book”
