Colonel Samuel Sunday Adejoro, the first Senior Prefect of our alma mater, is dead. He died in Lagos on December 4, 2024.
A Tribute to Rtd. Col. Samuel Sunday Adejoro, a Remarkable Leader and Mentor
I’m honored to pay tribute to Retired Colonel Samuel Sunday Adejoro, a distinguished alumnus of Osogbo Grammar School (OGS). Interestingly, Pa Adejoro entered OGS in 1950, the same year I was born. I belonged to the 1970 set. SS Adejoro was one of the six foundation students, including Prof. H Adeyemi Mosadomi, Dr. Mudasiru Bayo Atoba, Mr. Dele Pakinson, Mr. Olajolo, and Mr. Idowu, who entered the school in January 1951 and graduated in December 1956. He was a brilliant student and was on scholarship throughout his secondary school. It is also interesting to note that Pa Adejero never paid for his education throughout his life because he was always on scholarship for his academic brilliance.
Years later, I had the privilege of meeting him in Lagos through the OGS Old Students Association, Lagos branch, where he served as the pioneering president. His leadership, wisdom, and warmth left an indelible mark on me and many of our old students.
As the first senior prefect of OGS, Pa S.S. Adejoro set a high standard for excellence, integrity, and leadership. He was principled and a great disciplinarian, holding a deep belief in fairness and justice – a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, as demonstrated by our shared pursuit of a legal case for 42 years. He went on to further his education at the University of London, earning his BSc. in Economics in 1963 before promptly returning to Nigeria to serve as a lecturer at YabaTech then joined the Nigerian Army in 1964 to serve his motherland.
His distinguished military career included serving as Head of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps, Apapa before becoming the first Commander of the Pay and Accounting group in the newly established Nigerian Air Force in 1964. He served our great nation with distinction and honor for six years, culminating in his retirement from the Nigerian Army as a Colonel in 1970 shortly after the Nigerian Civil War.
Beyond his military service, Pa Adejoro significantly contributed to his community and alma mater. As the first president of the Osogbo Grammar School Old Students Association, Lagos branch, he worked tirelessly to promote the school and its alumni. Known for his unwavering punctuality, he was always on time for association meetings, events, or any other engagements. He oversaw the establishment of the Lawn Tennis Court and the renovation of the school’s assembly hall and library. Baba’s love for his alma mater was evident in his constant connection with the school. When the school’s first principal, Rev. J. L. Omigbodun, passed away in Osogbo at the age of 100, SS and I(as National President of the OGSOSA) joined other senior alumni, including Chief Jagun Popo Bolarinwa, Dr. Lasun Adeyemi (CEO of Crystal Hospital in Akowonjo), Dr. Atoba, Mr. Remi Akinlade, and Engr. Tunde Oyegoke (of blessed memory), to pay our respects. His life of selfless service, steadfast leadership, and commitment to excellence continues to inspire.
SS and I have shared a close bond since we met over 44 years ago. Our bond was so close that I am popularly known as “Baba’s first son,” by the old students association, and he fondly called me “President Emeritus.” I will deeply miss him.
As we mourn his passing on December 4th, 2024, we remember his remarkable life, achievements, and the impact he had on those around him. May his memory continue to inspire us, the old students of OGS, to strive for greatness and make a positive difference in our communities.
Rest in peace, Pa, SS Adejoro. Your legacy will never be forgotten.
Tunde Makanjuola, Former National President,
Osogbo Grammar School Old Students Association
