Chief (Dr.) John Funso Oyedele

• EARLY LIFE

Chief (Dr.) John Funso Oyedele was born on 28 February 1943 in Ghana, to the family of the late Pastor Jacob Alade Oyedele of the Amooseloye family of Owa-Kajola, Kwara State. In 1947, at just four years old, he was brought to Nigeria, where the story of a truly remarkable life would continue to unfold.

His formal education began in 1951 at a nursery school in Owa-Kajola. He proceeded to Standard 2 at Idera before moving to Oro-Ago Central School to continue his studies. He completed Standards 5 and 6 at SIM School, Oko-Ode, culminating in the achievement of his First School Leaving Certificate — the first of many milestones in a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.

• A SCHOLAR’S JOURNEY

In 1967, Dr. Oyedele became one of the pioneer students of Victory College of Commerce, Edidi, completing his secondary education in 1971. He distinguished himself early as a natural leader and a notable scholar, serving as president of six different clubs during his time at the school.

He earned his National Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1976, and his hunger for excellence carried him across the Atlantic to the United States of America in 1980. There, he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education from Winona State University. He did not stop there: by 1985, he had also earned a Master of Science degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of North Dakota — an extraordinary academic feat that saw him complete a BSc, MSc, and PhD in just five years.

• A LIFE OF SERVICE AND SCHOLARSHIP

Even before his university years, Dr. Oyedele’s heart for teaching was evident — he taught in primary schools immediately after completing his own primary education. He went on to serve at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs following his secondary education, and after earning his NCE, he taught briefly at the secondary school level and at the Staff Development Centre in Ilorin.

As a man of unshakable integrity and high moral values, he chose to return home to Nigeria after completing his PhD in the United States — funded by a Federal Government Scholarship — rather than remain abroad, a decision that spoke volumes about his character and his devotion to nation-building.

In 1986, he took up a lecturing position at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, where he served with distinction until his retirement in 2008, holding various leadership positions along the way. Even in retirement, his passion for education did not wane: from 2009 to 2021, he gave back to society once more by taking up a position at the newly founded Kwara State University, where he achieved many enviable records.

• FAMILY

In 1973, Papa married the love of his life, Mrs. Margaret Abike Oyedele. Their union was blessed with five children — Oyebimpe, Oyeniyi, Oyewole, Oyebola, and Oyelola — and he never tired of thanking God for a wife of such faith and devoted love.

• FAITH AND COMMUNITY

Dr. Oyedele remained a faithful believer until his very last day. He served the ECWA Church in many capacities over the years, leading initiatives that advanced the church’s work across multiple locations. Yet his love for humanity reached far beyond the walls of the church — he was a true leader who invested his time, wisdom, and resources in the unity of his family, his community, and society at large.

As the Asanlu of Owa-Kajola, his influence and legacy extended across the entire Ile-Ire district, where he was known and respected as a builder of people and institutions alike.

• HOME CALL

Chief (Dr.) John Funso Oyedele was called to be with his Saviour on 2 April 2024. He was, in every sense, a man of men — one who lived fully, gave generously, and prepared adequately for his journey home. Papa is dearly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, relatives, brethren, and the many communities he so faithfully helped to build.