Remembering Pa Ezekiel Popoola Oyewale on 10th anniversary

Remembering Pa Ezekiel Popoola Oyewale on 10th anniversary

Femi OGUNLANA

Today, l remember a father, and my vice principal at Adeniran Memorial Grammar School (AMGS), Ogbomoso, Oyo state. His demise ten years ago on November 20, 2015, reverberated in Ogbomoso especially in the education circle. Pa Oyewale led a fulfilled life no doubt about it. He made an indelible mark in the teaching profession which he loved so much; he moulded many young ones, inculcating in them, strong moral fibres, and methodically triggered their interest in Mathematics (and Additional Maths), which he taught with relish and unbeatable mastery, and drove their passion for future excellence. He was a “terror” to the “bad boys,” a disciplinarian, firm in disposition, frank and a no-nonsense man. Though of a quiet mien, he made instant impression on the basis of his uncompromising attitude (against rascally behaviours). As his student l was a beneficiary of his personality, he taught us Add Maths to success level – l passed the subject at credit level. Also, a sports buff, despite his position as vice principal, he joined us on the field for football training to forge us into a formidable team.

Late Pa Oyewale rose to become a principal; he entrenched himself in this capacity, becoming one of the most respected and most popular principals ever produced in Ogbomoso. Feared, influential, he reached a position of eminence. He retired at Ogbomoso High School in 2004, and in my estimation l will assert that since his leaving the stage, Ogbomoso High School has not had a principal stronger than him in character and prominence. In retrospect he served as principal in other schools before being posted to Ogbomoso High School. Some of his previous stations were Community High School, Mayin, Community Grammar School Alaayin, Community Grammar School Idi-Araba and Baptist Secondary Grammar School, Oko.

The late educationist, fondly called E.P. attended Advanced Teachers College Kano and had stint as a teacher at Teachers College, Potiskum and at Bauchi. It was at Bauchi he met his future wife, Mama Elizabeth Kehinde Oyewale (nee Adelakun), who also was a teacher. They relocated to Ogbomoso when he gained admission to study at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU), Ile-Ife, in the 70s. He graduated from the university in 1977, and proceeded to observe his mandatory NYSC at a teachers’ college, near Warri in Delta State. Immediately after, he was employed in the service of Oyo State and was posted to Soun High School Ogbomoso, then to Igboho where he became a vice principal. He was subsequently transferred to AMGS, where my paths first crossed his (It was a privilege). His combination with late Chief Samuel Adelakun Adetutu (who was then principal) really helped to make the school one of the best as they appreciably built on the foundation laid by the pioneer principal, Pa Bamkefa, driven by the vision of the founder, Col. Adegboyega Adeniran (rtd.).

His wife who taught in the primary school took to unionism and emerged as the first female president of the Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria, AOPSHON (then Conference of Primary Schools Headteachers of Nigeria, COPSHON) in Oyo State and the first ever person to serve in that capacity from Ogbomosoland. Why l have stated this is to highlight Baba E.P.’s liberality. That is Pa Oyewale for you, he did not oppose the advancement of his wife out of narrow-mindedness, rather, he helped open the sky for her to fly freely and widely. That is the kind of person he was, never one to circumscribe the progress of others.

The Osi-Agoro Ogbomoso – born teacher was a pianist and served for long in the music department of First Baptist Church Okelerin Ogbomoso. He was also a community leader, belonging to among other socio-cultural organisations, Okelerin Progressive Union. A caring and loving father, he remained dedicated to his nuclear and extended family. His son, Ayo Oyewale, said of him during a chat, “My dad was a loving and caring father, always accommodating to everyone around him. He was unwavering in fulfilling his responsibilities as a parent, constantly showing dedication and devotion to his family. Yet, he was also a firm disciplinarian who believed in guiding his children with wisdom and correction, never sparing the rod when it was needed. His balance of love, care, and discipline shaped us into who we are today. May perpetual light shine on him.”

He’s missed by all and is fondly remembered today. Baba EP, continue to rest in peace.