Our dearly beloved father, Alhaji (Chief) Shittu Akanbi Gbenusola Olopoenia, was born on the 19th of October, 1914, in Okeho. His father, Alfa Momodu Nallah, hailed from Lemomu Compound, Bode Okeho, and his mother, Seliatu Ibipeju, was from Balogun Compound, Ogan Bode Okeho. His father, a descendant of a great Islamic scholar who introduced Islam to Okeho, was widely known throughout Oke-Ogun, Oyo, and the Gold Coast (Ghana) as a produce merchant specializing in kola nuts and cocoa.
Baba Olopoenia was taken to Lagos as an infant, where he spent his childhood and adolescence studying the Quran and Islamic sciences while also acquiring literacy in Yoruba and English. Later, he and his elder brother joined their father in Cape Coast, Ghana, in the late 1930s. While their father was summoned back to Okeho in 1944 to be installed as the chief Imam, Baba and his brother remained in Cape Coast to manage their father’s business.
In Cape Coast, Baba Olopoenia emerged as a prominent businessman, becoming the sole agent of UAC for the area and running a successful transport business. His influence grew, and he became a notable social figure in the 1940s and 1950s, even winning an election as a local government councilor.
On February 24, 1955, Baba and his brother returned home, just a day before their father’s passing on February 25. This return marked Baba’s introduction to the political developments in Oke-Ogun and the old Oyo division. He soon became an active member of the Oyo Parapo (later NCNC), and in 1955, he was persuaded to run for a seat in the Western Regional House of Assembly under the NCNC platform. He won and served from 1956 to 1960.
During his political career, Baba Olopoenia worked alongside prominent figures such as Alhaji Adelabu Adegoke (Penkelemesi), Chief H.O. David, Chief T.O.S. Benson, Chief Fani-Kayode, Chief Akinjide, and Chief E.O. Ashamu. He won another election in 1963 under the NNDP and was appointed to the Western Nigeria Development Corporation board by Chief S.A. Akintola’s government. In 1965, he became a parliamentary secretary for trade and industry in the NNDP government.
After the political turbulence of 1966, Baba Olopoenia transitioned into active business in Lagos, where he found significant success. He became a business associate and friend of Chief E.O. Ashamu of Oyo and held directorial positions in companies like NEPCO Igbeti Mining Company, Pharco Laboratories Nig. Ltd., and Clemssy Nig. Ltd. His role in the installation of the first educated Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, earned him the title of Otun Maye of Oyo land.
Baba was also honored with titles such as Seriki of Okeho, Olori Omokewu of Kajola, and Bashorun Adinni of Oke-Ogun. A loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and mentor, Alhaji (Chief) Shittu Akanbi Gbenusola Olopoenia left a legacy that continues to be felt deeply. His passing on the 25th of August 2009 left a void that remains difficult to fill.
May Almighty Allah grant him a place of peaceful rest in Al-Jannah. Rest in peace, Baba. Your teachings and legacy will continue to guide us.
Omo Ogunmogunmo Jagbani Moshalashi, Oku Ajanaku Laayadasi Taloje Yaga Nwaju Erin, Omo Alapandede Tijeni Mesomeso, Omo Atana Muti, Omo Atana Memu, Omo Lemomu Agba Ni Bode. Rest on, my tenacious leader and mentor.
