Oyinlola at 75: Living an amazing lifestyle

By Ayantunde Ayangbayi, JP

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola is a retired Nigerian Army General who have served Nigerian Army meritoriously in various appointments/postings, a onetime military administrator of Lagos State from December 1992 till August 1996 & Civilian Executive Governor of Osun State, he was elected as governor of Osun State May 2003 and was re-elected in 2007. He served his people creditably and excellently.

Omo’ba Olagunsoye Oyinlola was born on 3rd February, 1951 into a royal family in Okuku in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. His father Late Alaiyeluwa Oba Moses Oyewole was the traditional ruler (Oba) of Okuku reigning from 1934 to 1960.

After leaving Secondary school at the age of 18, Omoba Olagunsoye Oyinlola enlisted into the Nigerian Army in 1969. Brought up in a strict royal family tenets with sound home training, discipline and baptized in cultural heritage and traditions. Well Educated and Equipped to face the challenges of life. He is a defense tactician/expertise, he is an Armored Crops Officer of the Nigerian Army. At various times a staff officer/commander of the armored Unit, he held various military appointment(s) among which is the military administrator of Lagos State from December, 1993 till August 1996. Armed with a degree in Law from Buckingham University, United Kingdom in Year 2003. He retired with the rank of Brigadier-General in 1999 with full military honors & recognition.

In April 2003, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola was elected governor of Osun State as a member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He was re-elected in April, 2007.

Writing on a Cosmopolitan personality/politician, a battle tested Army officer, Administrator and military scholar can be tasking, a visit to Okuku his hometown in Osun State softened the assignment with interactions with Kabiyesi Olokuku of Okuku and some of his people across board. It reveals that the celebrant is a committed grassroots personality, a bridge & peace builder who loves his people & receives reciprocal benevolence.

To the glory of Almighty God, he has served the nation and humanity to the best of his ability and his professional competence wasn’t in doubt at any point in time in various capacities with his immaculate service records of excellence and honour. He established Alolade Oyinlola College of Health Sciences & Information Technology at Okuku his hometown to expand the frontier of skillful learning for the young generation to grow into professionals who will make a difference in healthcare needs of our nation.

No doubt Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola has touched so many lives in his Seventy-Five (75yrs) of existence and willing to doing more to better the society and humanity.

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola definitely made his marks and he will be remembered at home and far away. Like the Adage says, “if you want to touch the past touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life”, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola has touched the future several times, as a philanthropist, politician, community leader, educator and administrator, finally, as an exemplary patriarch.

From his incredible lifestyle we are blessed with an example to follow, a standard to aspire to and in turn a light by which we can live our lives. Your illustrious life has attracted galaxy of honour from the nation, the church, Academia, the political space & social organizations this reflects in your distinction and multiplicity of your attainments in life.

A titan of our time, compassionate family man who loves meeting people, exchange of ideas. He is courageous, a stickler for excellence, a viable human asset, a rare gift of the divine providence to mankind and a nationalist. General Olagunsoye Oyinlola is happily married to Iyalaje of Okukuland, Chief (Mrs) Omolola Oyinlola, a God-fearing and dependable wife/mother/Caregiver/Supporter and they are blessed with prosperous children.

His Royal Highness, Alaiyeluwa Kabiyesi Oba Samuel Abioye Oyebode, JP the Octogenarian Monarch said about the celebrant, “Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola is an illustrious son of this ancient town (Okuku) he made us proud at various times in his military career and as Executive governor of Osun State for eight (8) years, he is critical stakeholder in the development of Odo-Otin LGA. His pedigree and professional background is scintillating, visionary, purposeful, dynamic and a goal getter leader. Projects initiated by him while in office(s) are of indelible milestone in the growth and development of our council area.

On behalf of our entire council area, Baales, traditional title holders, sons and daughters, associations, groups, youth organizations e.t.c we wish him many more years in good health, longer life coated with God’s love IJMN, Amen”, the frontline traditional ruler prayed.

Seventy-Five hearty cheers to an accomplished quintessential statesman, sophisticated politician and a jolly good fellow.

Many more years of service to God and humanity in good health, long life, sound mind & happiness with his family, Amen!!!

Happy Birthday One Star General Sir!!!

Ayangbayi JP, is a veteran journalist, based and writes from Ilorin, Kwara State