Sir Anthony Ayoola Adeleke, father of Chairman, Board of Trustees, Oyo Global Forum, (OGF), Dr. Ademola Adeleke, has passed away.
The erudite scholars aged 84, breathed his last on Sunday, August 16 at Oyo his hometown.
His United Kingdom, UK-based son, Ademola Adeleke who disclosed the passage, described him as a hero and solid rock used by God to mold lives saying: he was“my hero, my solid rock that God used to mold lives.”
Born March 12 1936 to the family of late Pa John Adeleke and late Adewunmi Ayoka Adeleke of Ile Onikanga in Agunpopo area of Oyo, Sir Adeleke started his primary education at St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and proceeded to prestigious Baptist Boys High School, Oyo (Now Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo) from 1955 to 1959; He proceeded to the Emergency School of Science, Onikan Lagos, (which later became The Federal School of Science) between 1959-1960.
He had a brief stint at Western Nigeria Television (WNTV), then taught Physics and Mathematics at St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo before moving to the University of Ife where he studied Physics as a major in 1963.
Upon completion of his Bachelor’s degree he took up a teaching appointment at Oranyan Grammar Schools, Oyo from 1968 to 1975 and was later appointed vice-principal at Ogbomoso Baptist High School from 1975-1977.
In January 1978, he became the pioneer principal at Isale Oyo Community Grammar School, Oyo and in 1982, he moved to St. Bernadine’s Grammar School, Oyo to become the principal from 1982 to 1991 and peaked his teaching career from as Principal and Director of Ladigbolu Grammar School, Oyo from 1992 until his retirement in 1999.
As member of some professional and community organisations, the late educationist was the 1st Vice President of ANCOPSS, Old Oyo State between 1984 -1986; member of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria since 1969. He similarly authored and co-authored a number of science publications.
He was a strong community leader and advocate, thereby serving as a member of the Coronation committee for the historic coronation of Alaafin of Oyo in 1971.
In the early 70s, he was the Secretary of Atiba Movement, Oyo, a strong socio-cultural organisation of eminent Oyo elites, serving as a powerful advisory to the Alaafin of Oyo-in-Council; a member of the strategic Oyo think tank that pushed for the creation of Oyo as capital of New Oyo State, creation of three other local government councils – Oyo West, Oyo East and Afijio local government councils.
He was also involved in the push for the creation of National Television Authority studios in Oyo town.
Being a committed Catholic, he was inducted to the order of Papal knights – as a Knight of St Gregory by His Holiness Saint Pope John Paul II and became the Baba Ijo of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, Oyo.
Baba was a passionate sports lover, he supported IICC shooting stars FC, Ibadan and Derby County FC UK and was President of Oyo Tennis Club for many years during his active time.
Sir Tony Adeleke is survived by his wife, Lady Victoria Olanrewaju Adeleke and five illustrious children, including Ambassador Victor Adekunle Adeleke, Deputy Head of Mission, Nigeria Embassy, Dublin; Dr. Ademola Adeleke, UK based Dental Surgeon and Chairman BOT, Oyo Global Forum; Engr Patrick Adeleke, USA based Cybersecurity Consultant; Engr. Bimbo Adeleke, A consultant with Accenture, UK and Rev. Sr Yewande Adeleke.
He is also blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
