Pa Ogunwomoju, Ikorodu’s Oldest Man Passes Away At 104

Kunle ADELABU

Pa  Samuel Abiodun Ogunwomoju, Ikorodu’s oldest man, died on Sunday (yesterday) midnight at the age of 104.

One of his one of his grandsons told THE IMPACT that the deceased died in the hospital.

We gathered that he was home until 5pm on Sunday before he took ill and was taken to the hospital.

Pa Ogunwomoju was born on June 21, 1915, at Shalakungba compound, Ijomu, Ikorodu, Lagos State, to the family of late Pa Ogunwomoju Oduajo and  late Madam Bamikale (Nee Alagbaji).

Announcing his death on his Facebook earlier today, his grandson, Mr Bolaji Isikalu, a young IT guru and the Chief Executive Officer, Bytes n Bites stated:

“In gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing into Glory of our beloved Grandpa, Pa Samuel Abiodun Ogunwomoju who passed away at a ripe age of 104.

“You may have passed on but your memories would always live within us. Rest in the bosom of the Lord Grandpa!

Bolaji described the life and time of  Pa Ogunwomoju as very well spent in the cause of family, friends and community in general.

In a brief profile of his late grandfather, Bolaji described him as a devoted Christian, community leader, good family man and a businessman.

According to him, devotion to God, contributing to community and caring for his family are  things that mattered to the deceased while he was alive.

Below are some of his statements as captured by his grandson in an interview during his 100th birthday in Ikorodu.

“I feel great and happy. Words fail me to express myself. I am just grateful to God who has kept me alive. I tell people that the grace of God is upon my life.”

“I never thought so. We all pray to live long. But I never thought I would live to see 100 years. I give God the glory.  I just feel great. I look forward to seeing Christ when I die.”

“God is my secret. I do not take alcohol and I also do not have any weakness for women. I have always been focused right from my youth.”

EDUCATION

Pa Samuel A. Oluwomoju attended Methodist School then at Ita Elewa, Ikorodu between 1925-1933. While there, Papa was an outstanding student and in fact the very first student to pass class VI Government Standard Exams in Ikorodu. The school was the only one accredited to take the examination (for the first time) then in the entire lkorodu division. Hence, many who had passed out at class IV and started teaching as pupil teachers had to sit for the examination and to the glory of God Papa was the only successful candidate. For this feat he was offered a scholarship by the Methodist Church of Nigeria to study at Wesley College, Ibadan. However, for reason best known to the family then, he was made to decline the offer. He thereafter proceeded to the Baptist Academy then at Broad Street, Lagos. Where he was to sit for the Junior Cambridge Examinations and had to stop at this level for financial constraint. Papa recalled the tremendous financial contribution of his Aunt, Late Madam Sinatu Alagbaji to his education, as well as his cousin, Late Pa Timothy Adekoya Dawodu, who helped him with tutorials that put him ahead and earned him a double promotion twice at the infant level.

WORKING CAREER

Papa started with W. B. MACIVER, Cottons Department of U.A.C Ltd as an Invoice Clerk and worked there between 1937-1939. He joined S.C.O.A in 1940 where he worked till 1947. In 1947, Papa left S.C.O.A. for Haightons West Africa Ltd. The company employed Papa and gave him managerial responsibilities. There Papa performed so creditably well that Mr. J. P. Hiland (one of his employers) commended that Papa’s stock is always in an impeccable condition. Papa’s employment at Haightons (W.A) Ltd was quite challenging and rewarding, but unfortunately, the British Partners had to return to their home country, Papa’s loyalty, honesty and dedication endeared him to his bosses such that they did not hesitate to appoint him as a caretaker of all the company’s residual assets at their departure, and this he did faithfully from 1960-1976. In 1955 Papa established SICCO Commercial Syndicate, a partnership business with his bosom friend the Late Pa Samuel Adebayo Shobajo. They were into the importation of clothing materials and towel. The business fared well and diversified into fishing where they acquired 50% shares of an Italian fishing company.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE

To Papa, his most valued possession is the salvation of his soul procured for him by the precious blood of his Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. He was baptised in 1930 at Methodist Church of Nigeria and was confirmed in 1950. He is a founding member and current Chairman of the Band of Hope, at Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Cathedral, Ita-Elewa. In 1960, he was appointed as one of the Assistant Secretaries of the Church Building Committee at Methodist Church. He became a class leader in 1981. He was the treasurer of the Morning Prayer Band from 1980 to 1994. In 2005, he was honoured with an Award for Excellence in recognition of his Christian devotion, commitment and consistency. He was also installed as Fellow  of the Order of Ikorodu Circuit Award in 2008. Papa is also a member of the Bible Society of Nigeria. In 1992, he was also appointed the Baba Ijo of Christ Apostolic Church (WOSEM) Igbogbo, lkorodu. Papa was a member of Igbalaiye Friendly Society of Ikorodu and served the Social Club as Secretary for many years. On the home front, Papa is a very dedicated husband and committed father. He cares dutifully for every of his many children as if each is an only child. He insists the success of his home is not his own wisdom but God’s and the selflessness of his wives, the Late Madam Esther Alaba Oluwomoju (Nee Shakioye), the Late Deaconess Susannah Ogunfile and Late Madam Aduke Oluwomoju (Nee Adeniji). Though Papa was polygamous, but he strongly warned his children against it. To his extended family, he is always available, committed and dependable. Today, he is the Olootu Ebi of Lisaku Family, Onolu Descendants Family, Egun Aiya Family and the Olusarada Family of Ikorodu. In all these families, he is known as a leader that stands for justice, fairness and honesty. For all these he lifts his Ebenezer to the Lord God most high and gives Him all glory.