SYNW
BLASTS ABIOLA AJIMOBI AS SHE MOURNS CHIEF OLADEJO OKEDIJI
The National President of the Society of Young
Nigerian Writers (SYNW), Mr. Wole Adedoyin said he received with
sadness, news of the passing away of the very distinguished Yoruba writer and a
retired teacher, Chief Oladejo Okediji.
SYNW National Secretary, Mr. Izunna Okafor said
on Monday “SYNW extends heartfelt condolences to Chief Oladejo Okediji’s
family, friends and associates as they mourn the Yoruba literary icon who has
left behind a legacy of notable works such as Aja lo leru (1969), Agbalagba
Akan (1971), Oga Ni Bukola (1972),Rere Run (1973),Imura Idanwo Yoruba (1978), Atoto Arere (1981), Sango (1987), Opa Agbeleka
(1989),Binu ti ri (1989), Aajo Aje (1997), Running After Riches (1999), Karin
Kapo (2007), Aaro Olomoge (2014) and Ohun Enu Agba (2018).
“SYNW believes that the late Chief Oladejo
Okediji, who also had a successful career as an accomplished author and professional
teacher, will be long remembered for his meekness, attentiveness, commitment to
excellence and the profound understanding of human affairs exhibited in his
writings”, the statement said.
SYNW urged members of Chief Oladejo Okediji’s
family, his fellow authors and all who mourn him to take solace in the
knowledge that the much admired writer’s beliefs, views and insights will live
forever through the body of works he has left behind for present and future
generations.
SYNW prayed that Almighty God will receive Chief
Oladejo Okediji’s soul and grant him peaceful eternal rest.
In a similar vein, SYNW berated Governor Abiola
Ajimobi for not immortalizing Late Professor Akinwumi Isola, Chief Adebayo
Faleti, Baba Supo Kosemani and of course Chief Oladejo Okediji whose books are
household names throughout Southwest states.
According to SYNW “Governor Ajimobi doesn’t value
authors. He hates reading and writing that is why he didn’t initiate any
reading empowerment programme throughout his eight years in office.”
Late
Chief
Oladejo Okediji was born on October 26, 1929
to Chief Moses Okediji and Mrs Mariam Okediji
He
attended Methodist school Apaara in January 1935. He was a pupil Teacher
in 1944 at Methodist School Fiditi after which in January 1945 he gained
admission to the Famous Wesley College, Ibadan, was there till 1948 and graduated
as a Grade 2 Teacher.
After
becoming a certified Teacher, he taught at the Wesley School, Ogeere Ijebu Remo
in 1949.
Between
1950 and 1952, he was at Methodist School Itapa Ekiti. In 1953, he acquired a
lot of teaching skills. He was transfered as a Headmaster to Methodist School,
Owo.
He
was so good at his job that he was head-hunted by the Anglican who requested
him to cross over to them. He resigned to join the Anglican in 1954.
When
the Western Region established a Grade 3 Teachers Training College, Baba
Oyediji was asked to join the teaching staff.
In
1955 he taught at Iseyin Oyo Division Elementary College for a year and later
also became a Headmaster at Ansar ud-deen primary school, Oke Popo, Lagos I
1956-1958.
He
was soon attracted to the art of politicking and joined politics in Iseyin.
At
the time Chief Adegoke Adelabu, Chief H. O. Davis, Chief TOS Benson etc
held sway in NCNC was when Chief H. O. Davis invited Baba to come to Lagos.
He
was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Otun Baale Apaara in Oyo.
