Tribute To
High Chief Samuel Agboola Akintan, The Ojomu Of Idanre Kingdom(1927-2022)
BY
Dr. Akintola, Benson Oke, FCArb. FCGP., FNIM.
As I join family, friends, and men and women of goodwill from all over the world to remember High Chief Samuel Agboola Akintan, the Ojomu of Idanre Kingdom, who passed on to the great beyond on Tuesday, May 10, 2022; indeed as I reflect on the life and times of the intellectual giant who was many things to many people and who was to me a father, mentor, leader, counsellor, and role model, may I begin by poetically recalling that:
“He lived a life full and rich,
A sage, a beacon, a cultural switch, A man of history, a man of lore,
His legacy will live on forevermore.From the hills of Idanre he came,
With wisdom and knowledge, he made his name,His love for his people, so pure and true, High Chief Samuel Agboola Akintan, we honour you.In learning and education, he excelled,
His brilliance and scholarship, he always held, A wise word for every season, he’d impart, A man of letters, he had a scholar’s heart.A philosopher and thinker, he’d inspire,
With wisdom and grace, he’d never tire,
A life well-lived, he’s left a mark,
A legacy so grand, it lights up the dark.High Chief Samuel AgboolaAkintan, you’ve left us now,
But your light will shine on, we make this vow,We honour you, and we’ll keep your memory alive, Forever in our hearts, you’ll always thrive.”
Indeed, the words of the great philosopher Aristotle that “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” rings true as I reflect on the life and times of High Chief Samuel Agboola Akintan. For this timeless truth perfectly describes the life and legacy of him whose passing one year ago left a void that will never be filled.
High Chief Samuel Agboola Akintan was not just a man, but a force of nature. His indomitable spirit, insatiable thirst for knowledge, and unwavering commitment to his family, community and country made him an icon in Idanre, in Nigeria and, most especially, in our hearts. He was a loving husband, dotting and supportive father, indefatigable leader, worthy mentor, and a dear friend to many. His influence will be felt for generations to come.
In the words of Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” High Chief Samuel Agboola Akintan made everyone around him feel special, important, and valued. His charisma and warmth were infectious, and he had a way of bringing out the best in people. His life was a testament to the power of determination, patience, kindness and love.
As we mark the one year anniversary of his passing, it is fitting that we take a moment to reflect on the impact that he had on our lives and our world. His legacy is far-reaching and multifaceted, encompassing everything from legal practice and business to culture and social matters.
High Chief Samuel Agboola Akintan was a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, respected community leader, quintessential cultural enthusiast, and a wise and loving family man. His contribution to the legal profession and his role in championing the preservation of cultural heritage in his native Idanre kingdom will forever remain indelible in history and the memory of the living. Indeed, it is not only important that we remember him and his contributions as we mark the one-year anniversary of his passing, but also of utmost importance that we celebrate his life, his achievements, and his legacies.
As a brilliant lawyer, High Chief Samuel Agboola Akintan made significant contributions to the legal profession. He was an advocate of justice and fairness, and he had an unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law. His legal prowess was admired and respected by all who knew him, and his influence in the legal community was significant.
Beyond his legal career, High Chief Samuel Agboola Akintan was a leading voice in cultural matters in his native Idanre kingdom in Ondo State, Nigeria. As the Ojomu of Idanre Kingdom, he was a rallying factor and central figure for all the traditional festivals and religious inclinations in Idanre. He was passionate about preserving the cultural heritage of his people and was actively involved in promoting cultural events and festivals. He believed that culture was an essential aspect of identity and that preserving it was crucial to the development of any society.
High Chief Samuel Agboola Akintan was a man of great vision and dedication. He believed in the power of education and worked tirelessly to ensure that all his biological and adopted children and those in his ward had access to quality education. He understood the importance of community and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
One year after the passing of High Chief Samuel Agboola Akintan, I continue to remember and honour his life and legacy. He was a man who made an indelible mark on my life. The story of my life cannot be written without devoting a worthy chapter to a man whose kindness and love was a blessing to me. In the tribute I wrote in his honour when he passed on, I noted that, “I will be forever indebted to him. I know that the projectile of my life would certainly have taken a different trajectory if not for the humanity, love, generosity, warmth, kindness, and large heartedness of the man I gladly and proudly call father and patriarch.”
I still mean every word of that.
Indeed, High Chief Samuel Agboola Akintan’s influence will be felt for generations to come. His life and legacy serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of hard work, determination, and the power of kindness. He lived a life full of grace, wisdom, and generosity, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to light up the dark.
As we remember High Chief Samuel Agboola Akintan on this day, let us honour his memory by emulating his values and continuing to uphold the legacies he left behind. May his memory continue to inspire us to strive for greatness, to live a life of purpose, and to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us. May the spirit of this poem indeed be our resolve:
In the footsteps of a great leader, We follow the path he set before.
With each step, we honour his memory, And strive to be like him more and more.He taught us the value of hard work, And the power of a kind word.
He showed us the way of true leadership, And the importance of being heard.Though he may be gone,
His spirit will never fade.
For in our hearts and in our actions, His legacy will always be displayed.
And so, as children, relatives, friends, well-wishers, sons and daughters of Idanre Kingdom, and all persons of goodwill mark the anniversary of the transition to eternity of Idanre’s great son and indefatigable Ojomu, I join the mighty chorus of grateful voices in singing the praise, exploits, and indelible marks of the great High Chief Samuel Agboola Akintan in the eternal sands of time. May his soul continue to rest in peace. Amen.
Dr. Akintola, Benson Oke, FCArb. FCGP., FNIM.
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