Bayo Lawal, Wife pay tribute to late Deacon Bolaji, describe his death as monumental loss to Saki, Old students Irepo Grammar school 

The deputy governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal has extolled the virtues of late former Chairman Board of Trustees of Irepo Grammar School Old Students Association, Prince Emmanuel Olatayo Bolaji (JP), describing his life as worthy of emulation.

Lawal who spoke at a Commendation and Tributes Service held in honour of Bolaji at Bodija Estate Baptist Church on Thursday.

He described as an embodiment of integrity, who was selfless and honest adding that his humility, simplicity and kindheartedness will be sorely missed.

Describing the death of Bolaji as a “monumental loss to Saki and in particular Old Students Association of Irepo Grammar School, Igboho, Lawal said that the people are consoled that the deceased lived an eventful life.

He said: ‘Right from his time in Irepo Grammar School where he was the captain of the school football team, he was a proven goal scorer and he demonstrated leadership both on and off the pitch.

“I recall a particular football competition between Irepo Grammar School and Olivet Baptist School, I was part of the football team , our school was just four years old compare to Olivet Baptist School that has been in existence for decades, despite the pranks played by Olivet by getting our goalkeeper injured, late Bolaji went to our keeper, encouraged him to continue between the goal post, that’s was the turning point and we won the match by 2-1.

“Another memorable match was against Irepo Grammar School and Obaseku Grammar School, Eruwa, we walloped them by 9-0 until we were told to stop scoring.

“The most remarkable memory was how he championed the setting up of Old Students Association of Irepo Grammar School, he was BoT Chairman.

“He also played leading role that prevented a substantial part of the land belonging to this church from being taken by the channelization at this Bodija Estate. He came to me when I was still the chairman of Oyo Housing Corporation, I looked at the drawing and we saw we could do alignment, that’s how we were able to manage the issue then.”

The deputy governor urged the family left behind to take solace in the fact that Olatayo Bolaji left a good name and lived a good life.

Delivering his exhortation titled ‘Facing Death With Courage’ which was taken from the book of 2 Timothy 4 vs 6-8,  Rev J.O. Okanlawon described the Deacon Bolaji as a church leader who devoted his lifetime to the service of God and humanity. 

He noted that the deceased encountered death with courage judging by the testimonies shared by everyone and how he died peacefully.

The event had in attendance wife of Oyo Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Ajibola Lawal, members of Old Students Association of Irepo Grammar, Church leaders among other dignitaries.