Beyond transition, T.A. Oni’s legacies live on

Though decades have passed since his transition, the legacy, impact, and contributions of the late Chief Theophilus Adediran Oni, the Balogun of Okemesi, continue to resonate in the annals of history.

A philanthropist, the late Chief Oni was instrumental in Nigeria’s early development, particularly in the construction sector, where he towered like a colossus.

His commitment to excellence, his business acumen, and his unwavering dedication to community service left an indelible mark on the nation.

Family, friends, and industry leaders recently gathered to celebrate his remarkable life and contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructural and economic landscape.

The three-day remembrance event, held in both Ekiti, Ekiti State, and Ibadan, Oyo State, featured a series of activities, including a thanksgiving service, the unveiling of his renovated tombstone, a pictorial book launch, and donations to the Oni Memorial Children’s Hospital, a facility he built and donated to the state.

At the commemorative book launch in Ibadan, Chairman of the occasion and historian, Emeritus Professor Akinjide Osuntokun, said the late Oni was a towering figure in Nigeria’s infrastructural development.

He described him as the ‘Julius Berger of our time’ who constructed some of Nigeria’s first modern roads, including the country’s first dual carriageway, then known as Queen Elizabeth II Road, linking Mokola to the parliamentary house in Ibadan.

The historian lamented that many of late Oni’s contributions were not being maintained, adding that he remains hopeful that his legacy would be preserved.

“It’s a good thing that we are celebrating him 50 years after, but many of his contributions have been neglected. Even the Oni Memorial Children’s Hospital he donated to Oyo State is in a deteriorated state due to poor maintenance.

“So I sincerely hope that his memories will endure forever; at least in the hearts of his children and grandchildren. I pray that there will be a full biography of him written for the libraries of this country,” Osuntokun said.

The Chairman of Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Alderton Ewa, described the late Oni as more than a builder, adding that he was a visionary and mentor who upheld excellence in construction and the ethics of the profession.

Ewa, represented by the Chairman College of Fellow, of the Institute, Sunday Ojambati, acknowledged that his contributions laid a strong foundation for many professionals in the construction industry and that his influence continues to inspire them.

“The construction industry is critical to national development, which goes beyond erecting structures but creating a safe, durable and sustainable environment for future generations. Chief Oni exemplified these principles and his legacy challenges us to continue striving for best practices in the profession,” Ewa said.

He further urged the family to organise an annual memorial lecture to keep his name and legacy alive.

On his part, Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege III, commended the family for their commitment to preserving their patriarch’s memory.
Oba Ghandi urged them to uphold the values and principles their father stood for.

“I’m very happy for this family for remembering their father and what he has done for this family,” he said.

“When we mooted the idea of a 50th anniversary, it seemed overwhelming, but to the glory of God, here we are today, celebrating our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,” she said.

Reflecting on the contributions of her late father to national development, Ihama noted that although Chief Oni passed on at the age of 62, his life was defined not by its length but by its impact.

“Theophilus Adeniran lived an exemplary life and touched many lives positively. In fact, he is still touching lives 50 years after his death through the Oni Memorial Children’s Hospital here in Ibadan,” she said.

Ihama expressed concerns over the state of the Oni Memorial Children’s Hospital, appealing to the Oyo State government to improve its management.

She called for a family representative to be included on the hospital’s board to contribute to its development.
“We are not pleased with how the state government is handling the hospital, and we appeal for one of the family members to be included on the board to ensure the hospital’s progress,” she appealed.

Speaking on the significance of the book, one of the grandchildren, Adeleke Oni, noted that for many years, stories and tributes about Chief T.A. Oni had remained a recurring theme among his family, friends, and admirers.

He said that the pictorial book seeks to provide a comprehensive account of Oni’s life, offering insight into a man whose influence continues to resonate long after his passing.

“The book tells us a story that whether you are born either rich or poor should not completely define who you are. One should seek to redefine what they become. The Yoruba adage ‘tun ara bi’ is clearly the story of TA Oni through his determination and resilience,” Adeleke submitted.

Reflecting on Oni’s journey to an impactful life, he described how he turned adversity into opportunity. “Lacking financial resources, he joined his cousins, the Ladele family, in Abeokuta and took on jobs such as a ball boy at an exclusive tennis club and a cook for an expatriate to sustain himself. However, he was determined to rise beyond these roles,” he said.

According to him, his breakthrough came when he was offered a chance to become a road overseer designate despite only holding a timekeeper position at the Public Works Department (PWD).

“Seizing the opportunity, he quickly advanced in his career and, within 15 years of leaving the PWD, built a company that not only thrived but also competed successfully against foreign firms.”

He added that his resilience and business acumen were acknowledged by prominent figures, including the late Chief Bola Ige and Chief S. L. Akintola, who recognised his achievements in challenging the dominance of foreign companies.

During a commemorative visit to Okemesi, the Owa Ooye of Okemesi Ekiti, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, announced plans to establish a recreational centre in his honour.

Oba Adedeji said the proposed project aims to recognise his significant contributions to the town’s development and lasting impact on its people.

The monarch commended Chief Oni’s enduring legacies, describing him as a man whose dedication to the progress of Okemesi remains evident decades after his passing.

“For him to be buried at the centre of the market is an honour never bestowed on anyone; it speaks volumes about his greatness and the profound influence he had on this community,” he noted.

He urged the family to uphold the values of unity, cooperation, and love that the late Oni exemplified throughout his life.

“I deeply appreciate his good works and unwavering support for this town. Continue his legacy, keep the temple and flag running, and remain united. You must never forget your lineage,” he added.