John Adewole Abegunde
https://jiji.ng/sellerpage-577707
The passing of High Chief Samuel Sunday Olayiwola Bolarin has surely left a hard – to – fill void in the lives of many, but his memory stamped indelible marks of leadership, humanity, care, and fatherly love to me especially, in trying times.
Maybe a brief tribute in honour of the memory of Chief S. S. Bolarin, the highly respected former principal of Oyun Baptist High School Ijagbo, my Alma mata, that shaped me physically and mentally from 1987 through 1992, would have been enough, but the late High Chief Samuel Sunday Olayiwola Bolarin, an extraordinary personality and astute administrator, whose father figure image looms large and radiates genuine love and service to humanity deserves more – celebration of a life of an impactful icon. Icons don’t die, they rest and live on.
Late High Chief Samuel Sunday Olayiwola Bolarin was a God – sent guardian angel who diligently served to save souls of uncountable youths that ordinarily, would have been lost in many ways. For those of us who keyed into his vision by not resisting his discipline and guardiance, my firm beliefs in the Yoruba adage: “omo to ba sipa ni iya e n gbe” was deservingly justified. I can confirm that Chief S. S. Bolarin’s remarkable leadership acumen laid an enduring foundation for me and many others.
A compassionate and seasoned academic, Chief S. S. Bolarin’s vision enabled and guided my siblings and I, through life challenges during our time together at Ijagbo Offa and thereafter.
A father figure he was, he never for once, allowed me to be sent away from the classroom for late payments of school fees. As the Labour Prefect of my set, High Chief S. S. Bolarin adopted me as his biological aon, not minding my youth exuberance and excesses, he gave me unfettered access to his house which became my second home.
Words can’t describe the man who looked for me and drew me closer at a time I knew I truly wronged the caring High Chief, and decided to observe a guilty conscience induced distance. He would be unhappy with me at some moments, but while I avoided him, he was always looking out for me, drawing me closer. His forgiving spirit is exceptional and Godly. What a man!.
Until I summoned enough courage to approach him, the thoughts of getting my WAEC certificate from the school by proxy was a pipe dream, nobody could face him on my behalf anyway,. The ever forgiving father figure was there for me like I never wronged him, immediately he set his eyes on me. He called me to his office and tutored me on matters that would advance my competence in social relationships. He encouraged me to get back to Lagos and gather my mates to resuscitate the OBHS Old Students’ Association. My meeting with him offered the first opportunity of getting to hear of Muyiwa Oyeleke (Our current National President ) and Kayode Awolola (Our current National Secretary) with his book on OBHS Ijagbo which chronicles list of students that have graduated from the school. The rest they say, is history.
Like a prodigal son, late High Chief S S Bolarin reconciled and reabsorbed me into his caring and loving heart, a gesture that ushered my solemn promise to ensure High Chief S S Bolarin will always be proud and pleased with my conducts going forward. Till his demise, should I have reason to call him for anything, he obliged my requests beyond expectations. Undoubtedly, I owe him so much. Chief S. S. Bolarin was a man of unparalleled integrity. He believed in doing the right thing, even when it was hard or unpopular. His honesty and strong moral compass were clear in everything he did, from his career to his relationships with family and friends. He taught me that integrity isn’t just about honesty, it is about being true to myself and my beliefs. In line with my cherished grand-father’s value, a great personality, who admonished me never to compromise integrity for temporary gains no matter the pressure, High Chief Bolarin assured me that achieving an enduring life of abundance was possible while being upright.
Chief S. S. Bolarin was a source of wisdom, his way of dishing advice without making it sound like a formal lecture is unrivalled. His words were thoughtful and rooted in experience. Whether it was about dealing with life’s ups and downs or making important decisions, his advice were always spot on. My Mum and I had approached Chief S. S. Bolarin many times for assistance, he taught me to approach life with curiosity and an open mind, always ready to learn something new. Years after I had left school and Ijagbo Offa, echoes of Chief’s uncompromising stance against indiscipline continued to reverberate. How was a tough and thorough leader who gave his all, to advance value system and humanity. He took on life’s challenges head on, triumhantly through great courage and grace, never letting them define him. His ability to stay positive and hopeful, even in the face of adversity, was truly inspiring. He taught me that strength isn’t just about being physically strong, it is about having emotional fortitude and the ability to keep going no matter what. Even though Chief isn’t here physically anymore, his legacy and spirit live on in the values he instilled in many of us.
As we reflect on his life’s achievements, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming senses of gratitude and loss. He wasn’t just an amazing mentor, he was an incredible human being. He has gone to rest though, his legacy and spirit lives on in those he touched. It is my prayer that High Chief S S Bolarin’s soul rest in God’s peace. May God Almighty abide with and strengthen his family in Jesus’ name… amen.
Adieu Chief S. S. Bolarin.
Engr. John Adewole Abegunde
National Vice President,
OBHS Old Students’ Association Writes from Lagos.
