It was William Shakespeare who stated in his iconic piece ‘Twelfth Night’ that: “Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.” The quote aptly describes the humble beginning and tortuous journey of a quintessential gentleman, educationist and businessman, Alhaji Nurudeen Bolarinwa Akanbi Oyedele. From a very humble and illiterate background, Alhaji Oyedele weathered the storm to attain the height which now endears him to many —as an astute Administrator, a retired Permanent Secretary in Ogun State, a devout Muslim, a businessman, a school proprietor and a club man. A naturally self-effacing gentleman who would rather his work speak for him instead of the fortune he has. Oyedele —the founder of SOLTAB Schools and chairman of Ojumo Enterprises— is however carrying himself with a lot of accustomed dignity in the society. The patently self-effacing businessman will join the league of septuagenarians and indeed senior citizens on Saturday July 22 when he clocks 70 and there is so much joy in and around his home and community. Come Saturday July 22, all roads would lead to the OOPL Macque Hall inside the expansive Obasanjo Library Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State where the Oyedele’s 70th birthday celebration will take place. Charming and charismatic, the retired bureaucrat has so much to be thankful for; good health, a great family cum successful kids including Arch. Toyin and Teju Ajayi, thriving enterprises as well as well-run educational facilities helping to shape the future of many kids. This explains perhaps why family and friends are more than ready to celebrate Oyedele at 70.
Though not one fond of throwing gaudy parties, the soon-to-be septuagenarian has been prevailed upon to shed his conservative toga for once, let his hairs down and celebrate without inhibitions. Of course, he won’t turn 70 twice, the reason his equally successful children are plotting different ingenious ideas to celebrate their patriarch that is perpetually at peace with himself and humanity.