‘Came, saw, conquered,’ eulogies as Pa Akanbi ‘Òjò’ is laid to rest in Ogbomoso (PHOTOS)

‘Came, saw, conquered,’ eulogies as Pa Akanbi ‘Òjò’ is laid to rest in Ogbomoso (PHOTOS)

Jeremiah OYELEKE & Niyi AJALA

This story/photosplash is sponsored by Dr Matthew Iyanda, a son-in-law

Family, relatives, children, children-in-laws, friends and well-wishers recently gathered in soberness and gratitude to bid a final farewell to a patriarch and a “devout soldier of the cross,” Pa Samuel Akinkumi Olalere Mosobalaje Akanbi, who passed away October 1, 2025 at the age of 92.

Pa Akanbi, popularly called “Akanbi Òjò Ibukun” was a man whose life was a testament to hard work and spiritual dedication, leaving behind a legacy of peace, prayer, and discipline.

The rites of passage commenced with a wake service Friday, 27^th February, 2026 at his church, Divine Peace Baptist Church, Isale-General. Delivering the sermon, titled, “Death is inevitable for all,” with scripture taken from 1 Kings 2:1-4, Rev’d. Jobola reminded the congregation that death is a path everyone on earth must walk (Iku je ona gbogbo aye). Drawing from Matthew 7:13-14, he urged the family to be courageous and to choose the narrow way that leads to eternal life.

Evangelist Doyin Olayiwola

In a testimony, Evang. Doyin Olayiwola, founder and Lead Pastor of Great Grace Christian Church, Apake, Ogbomoso, who disclosed the deceased was a friend of his father, late Pa Emmanuel Olayiwola Alata, said Pa Akanbi received Christ during one of his sermons and remained a committed member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) until his transition.

Dr. Matthew Iyanda

Similarly, a son-in-law, Dr. Matthew Iyanda, US based, described the deceased as a “problem solver” who valued God’s glory and kingdom.

The consensus among witnesses was that Baba was a man of exceptional hospitality, with many pointing out that “no one ever left his house empty-handed.”

The final journey continued Saturday, 28^th February with a funeral service at First Baptist Church, Okelerin, Ogbomoso, led by Revd. Dr. Supo Ayokunle, immediate past President of the Nigeria Baptist Convention (NBC).

Rev’d Dr. Ayokunle who spoke on the theme, “Leaning on the everlasting arm” (Gbigbara le ipa ti kii ye), with text from Psalm 121, remarked that Baba “came, saw, and conquered,” noting his devotion is underscored by his allowing a church (Divine Peace Baptist Church) to begin within his own home.

“Baba was a hardworking man who took full responsibility for his household,” the cleric stated, praising the deceased for ensuring that all his children (from his four wives) were well-educated and successful. Comparing this with what he termed modern disregard of parental duty, Ayokunle stressed the deceased’s example mitigates chaos in the country.

The cleric urged the living to make God their sufficiency, and to depend on him day and night, reminding them that while the road of life is dangerous, they must trust in the God who never sleeps nor slumbers.

Tributes from the family were equally moving. His son, Pastor Samuel Oluwaseun Akinrinde Akanbi, described his father as a strict disciplinarian who valued hygiene and never bit more than he could chew. He added, “Most importantly, he was a man who introduced his children to God.”

Another son-in-law further described him as an epitome of humility and wisdom who treated his in-laws as biological sons.

The service came to an end with the singing of “Kini yio ma to mi leyin o, ire ni o ma to mi leyin o ire,” as the congregation reflected on the goodness of God. As a final token, Gideon International presented a Holy Bible to the family, charging them to uphold Baba’s love for the Word of God.

Baba is survived by wives and many children, all of whom are doing well in their various fields of endeavours, a testament to a life of hard work and dedication.

Guests were later treated to a lavish reception at Viva Continental Event Centre, Ogbomoso.

BIOGRAPHY of Pa Samuel Akinkumi Olalere Mosobalaje Akanbi (Alias: Ojo Ibukun – Omo Ologbojo)

(Sourced from the funeral programme)

Pa Samuel Akinkumi Olalere Mosobalaje Akanbi was born on December 17, 1933, at Ile Aaje, Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria, to the family of late Pa Areo Kosemani and late Ma Kosemani.

Early life and education

He began his early education at Osupa Baptist Day School, Ogbomoso, where he completed Standard 3. Afterward, he learned the trade of goldsmithing under the tutelage of his father a skill that became the foundation of his lifelong business career.

Career and entrepreneurial journey

In pursuit of better opportunities, Pa. Akanbi relocated to Kumasi, Ghana, where he developed his craftsmanship and entrepreneurial skills. A man of vision and hard work, he soon became well known for his honesty, determination, and success in business.

In 1958, he married his first wife, late Mrs. Abigael Bamidele Abeni Akanbi. After their marriage, he returned to Ghana to settle with his young family.

Over the years, he was also blessed with other wives: Mrs. Deborah Oluwaseyi Abeje Akanbi, Mrs. Mary Olajumoke Ajike Akanbi and Mrs. Elizabeth Akanbi (in Ghana)

Pa Akanbi engaged in the trade of gold (buying and selling) and was known as a skilled and trust-worthy goldsmith. He also ventured into textile trading, often traveling to Benin Republic to buy clothes and resell them in Nigeria.

Through divine connection, he met his lifelong friend and later in-law, late Adebayo Amao Alata, who introduced him to the business of buying and selling cars. Their partnership blossomed, and they worked together successfully for several years. This friendship deepened when Adebayo married Pa Akanbi’s younger sister, late Mrs. Adejoke Amao Alata (of blessed memory), the mother of Comfort and Segun Adebayo Amao Alata.

After years of hard work and dedication, Pa Akanbi established his own company, Samuel Olalere Akanbi & Sons Motors, which became well known for its excellence in the car and motor dealership industry.

Although the Ghanaian government expelled Nigerians in 1969, which interrupted his business temporarily, Pa Akanbi’s resilience and courage led him back to Ghana in 1971, where he continued trading successfully. In 1976, he finally relocated to Nigeria, where he settled permanently and continued his business endeavors.

Faith and Christian service

Pa Samuel Olalere Akanbi was a devoted Christian who dedicated his life to serving God and others. He was one of the founders and pioneers of Divine Peace Baptist Church, Isale General, Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria. The church began right in his own home before growing into a full congregation.

Pa Akanbi served God faithfully throughout his life and remained deeply committed to the work of the ministry. In 2020, he was privileged to embark on a spiritual pilgrimage to Jerusalem, a journey that reflected his enduring devotion to God and the Christian faith.

Community leadership and family life

Pa Akanbi was not only a man of faith but also a pillar in his community. He served as the head of the entire Isude/Adajo family, representing both his paternal and maternal lineages. He was a respected leader known for his discipline, generosity, integrity, and fairness.

He was a member of various community and social groups in Ogbomoso and was always ready to help others and contribute to the welfare of his people.

Family and legacy

Pa Samuel Olalere Akanbi was blessed with children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren, who continue to uphold his legacy of faith, unity, hard work, and love.

He was blessed with many children, among whom are, Pastor Mrs. Adeola Oluwatoyosi Salako (née Akanbi) and Pastor Mrs. Olubunmi Adewumi Iyanda (née Akanbi) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren,

A life well lived

Pa Samuel Akinkumi Olalere Mosobalaje Akanbi lived a remarkable life of faith, hard work, and love for God and humanity. He was a man of integrity, discipline, and compassion, a true patriarch who built a strong foundation for his family and community.

He touched many lives through his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to righteousness. His life remains a shining example of perseverance, humility, and service to God.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives who cherish his memory and continue to uphold the values he taught.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

Pa Akanbi’s tombstone

A tribute by Onpetu of Ijeru Kingdom HRM Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran (first daughter of the deceased was his wife until her passing few years ago)

We give thanks to God for the life of Baba Akanbi Ojo, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather, and a man whose goodness reflected the love of Christ. His life was marked by humility, kindness, and an unwavering faith in God, even in seasons of great trial.

After the painful passing of his beloved daughter, Olori Fumilayo Elizabeth Oyediran, whom I had the honour to marry, baba faced a depth of sorrow that only God can truly understand. Yet, in the midst of this loss, he chose faith over bitterness and love over despair. He remained gracious, compassionate, and steadfast, allowing God’s strength to sustain him.

As a son-in-law, I was welcomed not as a stranger, but as family. He continued to show me fatherly care, respect, and warmth, even when his own heart carried grief. Through his actions, he taught me that true Christianity is not merely spoken, but lived especially when life is hardest.

Baba’s life was a quiet sermon. He demonstrated that faith is proven not in comfort, but in endurance; not in words alone, but in character. His resilience, forgiveness, and trust in God left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Though we mourn his passing, we do not mourn without hope. We are comforted by the promise of God’s Word: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4), and “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15). We believe he has gone to rest in the presence of the Lord he faithfully trusted.

Baba, your love endures, your faith speaks, and your legacy lives on. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace until we meet again in glory.

PHOTOS