Abraham Olatunde Sayo (1936–2015), A Tribute

THE death has occurred of a community leader, an educationist and a committed Christian, Chief Abraham Olatunde Sayo. A renowned community leader in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, who played prominent roles towards the development of the area, Sayo breathed his last on August 24, this year.

As an educationist, he taught in many schools across the Local Government Area and helped to shape the lives of many notable indigenes of the area that passed through him.

His teaching took him to many schools in Ikale speaking areas of the state, which comprises Irele and Okitipupa local councils. In his own community, Ikoya, he was instrumental to many giant strides in the town, as he served on many committees responsible for the repositioning of the community for development.

He, along with his peers, formed the first social club in the town, Ikoya Social Club, which was saddled with the responsibility of spearheading the development of the community.

As a committed Christian, he was a member of the Anglican Church and actively participated in the activities of the church. He contributed immensely towards the growth of his diocese.

In recognition of his contributions, the diocese installed him as the Balogun of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ikoya. Born on January 22, 1936 at Okunmo in Ikale local council, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Sayo (both deceased) were peasant farmers who were then living in Ologbosere, in the then Ijebu division of the Old western Region.

He started his elementary school at Local Authority Primary School, Ilutitun. Thereafter, he attended Divisional Teacher Training College, Ode-Aye, after which he was enlisted into the teaching profession. He also studied at University of Lagos. In 1986, he retired from the teaching profession.

He later served as a Supervisor in Okitipupa local council. He would be laid to rest after a burial service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ikoya on Friday, October 2, 2015. The burial service will be preceded by a wake at his residence on Thursday, October 1. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Amen.