Adieu, Enoch Akanbi Oyadiran (1942-2016)

THE late Pa Enoch Folarin Akanbi Oyadiran, JP (Baba Sowowa) was born into the family of the late Pa Elijah Ladeji Oyadiran of Sina’s compound Ole Osupa, Ogbomosho and the late Madam Ayandotun Esuola Oyadiran of Kotokango’s compound, Masifa Ogbomosho November 19, 1942.

He started his primary education at Osupa Baptist Day School, Ogbomosho, in 1952 and later completed it at Baptist Day School, Saja.

Oyadiran lost his father when he was 16 years old in 1958. Being the first born of his mother, he thought it was wise to be an apprentice under the late Pa Zacchaeus Ora Olayanju of Lebe House Isale Ojaigbo to learn carpentry. Without having money for feeding, he often joined labourers that were working on the field at Baptist Medical Centre, Ogbomosho, now Bowen Teaching Hospital.

Because of his faithfulness and loyalty in discharging his duties, one of the white men who was one of the supervisors on the field asked him to be working with him in the house. Again, he discharged his duties without blemish there.

On May 4, 1961, he was given an appointment for the post of gateman by the then L. Neil (Rev) Hospital Administrator. He was very diligent and committed to his work. He was taken from the gate to be working in the Maintenance Department as security official.

In realisation of his diligence and outstanding performance, he received a certificate of commendation for four times from 1989 to 1992. He also received Long Service Award, on March 20, 1994 after 33 years of service to the Baptist Medical Centre, Ogbomosho. During the centenary celebrations of the medical centre in 2007, he also received Distinguished Service Award. He retired from the Baptist Medical Centre on January 31, 1998, after 37 years of service.

The late Oyadiran got married on September 26, 1968 to Madam Mary Oyebola Alake Oyadiran (nee Adedokun) of Akworaja’s compound of Okelerin Ogbomosho. Their marriage was blessed with children and many grandchildren.

He was a member of Masifa Baptist Church, Ogbomosho. He was a member of Ireti-ogo Society of Masifa Baptist Church.He was a disciplinarian; he hated stealing and laziness. He was such a man that was content with any situation he found himself.He gave up the ghost in the early hours of Friday, January 8, 2016.He survived by his wife, children, grand children, brothers and sisters and in-laws.