ODDA mourns Col. Adeniran (rtd), civil war hero, philanthropist, education icon

ODDA mourns Col. Adeniran (rtd), civil war hero, philanthropist, education icon

Khalid ABRAHAM

The chairman of the Ogbomoso Descendants Development Association (ODDA), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bolaji Adigun (rtd), Akogun of Ogbomosoland, on behalf of the Executive Council and the entire ODDA family worldwide, has received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Colonel Adeniran (rtd), a revered civil war hero, education pioneer, and distinguished son of Ogbomosoland.

Colonel Adeniran reportedly passed on in the early hours of Friday, January 16, 2026, at the age of 87, at the Bowen University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Ogbomoso.

“Col. Adeniran was not only a gallant officer who etched his name in Nigeria’s history during the Civil War (1967–1970), but also a visionary community builder whose legacy remains firmly rooted in the educational and socio-economic development of Ogbomosoland,” AVM Adigun who is also the Akogun of Ogbomosoland notes in a press statement signed by Mr. Aremu Olusegun Kuti, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of ODDA.

It is added, “His enduring contributions to education stand as monuments of service to humanity. He founded Ayoka Primary School and Adeniran Memorial Grammar School (AMGS), institutions that have shaped generations of students and leaders.

“He further demonstrated uncommon commitment to community development by constructing classroom blocks at Ogbomoso Grammar School and Ogbomoso High School, facilities that remain in use to this day. His investments in modern agriculture through the establishment of a functional farm in Ogbomoso further reflected his holistic vision for sustainable development.

“The recent celebration of his life and legacy by the staff and students of AMGS on October 16 stands as a fitting testimony to the lasting impact of his service, mentorship, and philanthropy.”

AVM Adigun (rtd) further describes the late Colonel Adeniran as “a soldier of valor, a builder of minds, and a rare patriot whose life bridged national service and grassroots development,” assuring that “His legacy will continue to speak in classrooms, communities, and the hearts of all who value education, sacrifice, and selfless leadership.”

The Chief Akogun adds, “ODDA extends its heartfelt condolences to the Adeniran family, the people of Ogbomosoland, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and all those whose lives were touched by his remarkable journey.

“We pray that Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family, the entire community the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”