OJUGBELE – THE SELF MADE MAN

I have learned that some people seem to “fall into” success. Originally, it was not their intention, goal, or dream. Circumstances almost forced success upon them. However, their number (proportionately) is small. And there is little we can learn from them.

More importantly the vast majority of high achievers made it because they wanted to! A passionate desire to achieve was a consuming drive in their life. Check them out – I have! They use phrases like, “my dream”, “my burning desire”, “my consuming passion”, “my overriding goal”, “my sense of destiny”.
One of those that rose from grass to grace, one of those that work their way to success is Oba Samuel Olufemi Ojugbele, the onilogbo of Ilogbo-Asowo, Ogun State. He was born into a poor family in the year 1943. His father was a peasant farmer and also a drummer. His grandfather, Ojugbele was a man of many parts. His grandfather was loved and admired by many because of his brilliance, diligence and other exceptional sterling attributes. Ojugbele  Apata was known for his philanthropically gesture. Before his death, he contributed to the development of humanity.
Ojugbele Apata gave birth to Alfred Ayankunle Ojugbele who later gave birth to Samuel Olufemi Ojugbele. Afred Ayankunle Ojugbele was a very popular drummer in Ota and the entire district, whose drumming skill was legendary. Alfred was among those that performed during the Nigeria Independence day, October 1st 1960; he led his orchestra to the grand Independence Day celebration held at Ansar-Ud-deen primary school, Ota.
He dished out scintillating beats accompanied by sonorous voices that sent gaily-dress spectators into endless jubilation and excitement. Till today, those scintillating moments remained the talk of the town.
Samuel Olufemi Ojugbele was the only child of Alfred Ayankunle Ojugbele. His mother’s name is Isabambi Sakiratu Ojugbele, she is a princess from Ajayi Ejo of Iga Afin in Ilogbo-Asowo. He grew up at Iga Isalu, Ota with his father and mother. In spite been the only child of his father, yet his father did not pamper him, instead he ingrained in his subconscious those virtues that exalt a man, those values that symbolize a responsible citizen and those qualities that make a role model.
He always accompanied his father to the morning prayers and services as well as evening services on Sundays. He never missed all spiritual devotions daily. He was enrolled into Saint James Anglican Primary school, Ipate-Oyinbo in the year 1948 for his elementary education. His parents paid two shillings and six pence. His school uniform was khaki upon short with no sandals.
Oba Samuel Ojugbele could not stay long in the school because of his illness and which required necessary attention and care from his mother.  He fell so sick to the extent that he was fully recovered in the year 1949. You could imagine the time of education they received then, very holistic, not like the type our children or some of us received.
He managed to finish his primary education but he could not afford to go to grammar school in Lagos or Abeokuta because his father was old, his father was actually over 60 when he gave birth to him and there were no financial muscles to foot the bills. Providence smiles on him as Chief Obafemi Awolowo established Secondary Modern Schools and more Teachers Training College to cater for the production of quality teachers for the free Primary Education Scheme in 1955. He opted to attend Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary Modern School that year for his secondary education.
In 1958, he was about to missed his final examination because he could not afford to pay three pounds thirteen shillings and four pence but providence paves way for him the second time as one of his uncles, Pa. Abiodun Ojugbele gave him the money.
In January 1960, he proceeded to St. Paul’s Teachers’ Training College, Onikolobo in Abeokuta. He completed the course in the year 1961. In October 1962, something happened that eventually turned his life completely. There was an international trade fair on Victoria Island in Lagos. During this time, Chief Awolowo was on trial for treasonable felony at the Lagos High Court near Race Course (now Tafawa Balewa Square). He took his old man, to the trade fair because his father said he wanted to catch a glimpse of Lagos then. There was a very large crowd when they arrived at the Race Course.
Many armed policemen had a hectic time in maintaining peace and orderliness on that day. They frisked so many people. As police were chasing people, however, there were set of people that were allowed to walk majestically that day. These people were in black suits with bibs, holding briefcase. The young Ojugbele, in curiosity, asked, these men were treated like sacred cows or regarded as untouchable while others were been chased.
Apparently, a man answered him and said these set of people are lawyers and the police cannot touch them. According to my findings, Oba Ojugbele had never seen a lawyer in his life. This was beginning of his new life. He vigorously pursued the ambition until he eventually became a lawyer. To accomplish his dream, he enrolled for a correspondence course, though, it was not easy for him because he was working and also reading.
He faced many challenges, his father died in June 1966 and his mother in November 1967, there was no finance to pursue his new dream of becoming a lawyer. Oba Ojugbele, been a man destiny to be great in life, providence smile on him again as he received sponsorship from his uncle, Pa. Abiodun Ojugbele.
He attended University of Lagos and equally attends Nigeria Law School, one of his loving friends till date at the University and law school is Hon Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour (JSC).
He beats all odds so that he can achieve his dream. Today, he is a successful lawyer. He has produced many successful lawyers and judges in his chambers. Among those that passed through his legal tutelage and chamber are Hon. Justice Laja Durojaye, Hon Justice Adeniji, Otunba Olumide Akinbinu, to mention but few. Today, Oba Ojugbele has a son, who is equally a lawyer, and he is now in charge of his chamber, Barr Seyi Ojugbele and equally has three grandchildren that are now lawyers.
To the glory of God, his first son is the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP Bola Ojugbele), the second son is Dr. Rotimi Ojugbele,  the Chief Medical Director of Ojugbele Specialist Hospital, Ota, the third is in charge of his chamber while the fourth is also an Engineer.
His rising to the top of his career does not come on the platter of gold but rather he fought the course and paid the price. He is devout Christian, an unrepentant Anglican Communion member. He has always follow the footsteps of his grandfather Pa. Apata, who was a philanthropist. The only thing that gives Oba Ojugbele joy today is to help others to succeed; he is ever ready to help whoever comes his way to the top. A lover of education and the things of God.
He became a king 19years ago; he was installed as the Onilogbo of Ilogbo-Asowo in the year 2001. His giant strides to the development of Ilogbo-Asowo and Ota his father’s town is what sought after.
Kabiyesi, as you celebrate your 77th birthday this month, it is my sincere prayers that long May you live and reign in good health. Congratulations Kabiyesi
Otunba Oladele Damilola Moses
Baaroyin of Ilogbo-Asowo