Late Chief Samson Oyun Ogunbiyi was born in 1904 into the royal family of Late Baale Momodu Ogunbiyi and Late Madam Bilikisu Ogunbiyi, of Oke-Olola Compound, Odo-Eku, Isin LGA of Kwara State. His father, Baale Momodu Ogunbiyi was a direct descendant of Ogunlade Alapa, the great hunter and founder of Odo-Eku, who originated from Ile-Ife, via Olla town, in Isin LGA of Kwara State. Papa Samson Ogunbiyi had a very humble beginning in a polygamous but closely-knit family setting. While living with one of his maternal uncles, Alhaji Mustapha of Ile Sawo, Oro, in 1927, young Samson ran to Lagos in search of knowledge. Chief SO Ogunbiyi was a product of self development and strong determination. He enrolled for private lessons in Lagos from 1928-1936 after which he sat and passed the Junior Cambridge Examination in 1937 with flying colours. He was thereafter employed by the Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) in 1937 and in January 1955, through a dint of hardwork and devotion to service, was awarded a Scholarship by the NRC to proceed to the United Kingdom (UK) for further studies in his chosen field. He attended the BENNET College, Sheffield, UK, where he bagged a Diploma and the E.H.I. Institute, London, where he received a Certificate of Proficiency after the final examination from both institutions. While in the employ of NRC, he worked at Kano, Kaduna, Kafanchan and finally in Lagos. His efficiency and character, which were exemplary were rewarded with promotions to the “Senior Service” grade from where he retired meritoriously from the Corporation in December 1971.

In December 1942, Chief Samson Ogunbiyi got married to his heartthrob, Late Madam Ajike Ogunbiyi, from the royal Ile Nla compound of Iwo, Isin LGA of Kwara State. They lived a happy and fulfilled Christian life together for 61 yrs, before Mama went to be with the Lord in November 2003. Their union was blessed with 3 children, Remi, Shina and Tayo, after a period of waiting on the Lord. Late Papa Ogunbiyi valued education and he denied himself the pleasures of life to ensure that his children attended the best missionary schools in Lagos and the best Universities in Nigeria. He also encouraged them to attain the highest levels in the ladder of success in their various professional callings and career. Dr. (Mrs) Oluremi Adeyemi, Ph.D., is a UK-based clinical pharmacist who retired from BOOTS (UK) Ltd. Maj Gen (Prof) Shina Ogunbiyi, mni, ended his post as Corps Commander of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps. Mrs. Tayo Buraimoh retired as Principal of a Government Secondary School in Ilorin.

Late Chief SO Ogunbiyi was a devout, committed and born-again Christian. He was tutored by the missionaries of the then Sudan Interior Mission (S.I.M), later ECWA Church. He introduced Christianity to Odo-Eku in 1924. With five cousins and friends, he started Christian services. Chief PB Olatunde and Alagba John Binuyo Ogunniyi joined him. They held services in the Baale’s Palace, Oke-Olola Compound. His parents and siblings were Muslims.

Late Chief Samson Ogunbiyi was a Nationalist and was a member of the defunct Egbe Omo Oduduwa. He was a pioneer activist and patriot of Isin land. Indeed, this courageous man petitioned the British Colonial Resident in Ilorin to remove the Ajia rulers. These Ilorin/Fulani rulers oppressed the Isin people from Oke-Onigbin.

This singular initiative was acclaimed to have spelt freedom to Isin land from the Ilorin/Fulani political burden. On another occasion, Odo-Eku Christians were falsely accused of felling forbidden trees for commercial gain. A large sum was extorted from them. The activist petitioned the Colonial head of Government at Ilorin for redress. This resulted in the dishonest forest guards being reprimanded and the extorted sum was refunded. He belonged to the Odo-Eku delegation that visited the Kwara State Governor. The visit helped upgrade the town’s rulership to a graded Oba in Isin land. The title Eleku of Odo-Eku refers to His Royal Majesty today.

When he was alive, his awards included, but not limited to:          
a.  Best candidate in Painting and Design, E.H.I. Institute, London (1956)
b.  Merit Award for selfless service by the Odo-Eku Community. (December 2002)
c.  Merit Award by the Isin Community. His citation described him as “a man of valour,
courage, fortitude, determination and love; the liberator of Isin land posterity will ever
remember”. (August 2006)
d.  He received a Post-humous award and special recognition in a book, “A
Compendium of Igbomina People” by the “Omo Ibile Igbomina” organisation. (July 2024)

Chief Samson Oyun Ogunbiyi lived a life well-spent in service to man and his creator. He was the patriarch of the very large and extended Royal Ogunbiyi family of Odo-Eku, Isin LGA, Kwara State. Thereafter, he answered the Almighty’s call to eternal glory. Finally, he died peacefully on 1st June, 2007, aged 103 years.