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With Funsho Arogundade
Twenty years after the passing of their patriarch, the late Alhaji Kazeem Omosalewa Owonikoko, the Owonikoko family of Iseyin, Oyo State, has continued to keep his enduring legacy of education, faith and community service alive with the public launch of the Kazeem & Juweirah Owonikoko Educational Foundation (KJOEF).
The foundation, incorporated in 2021, would formally be unveiled today, Saturday, August 15, as part of activities marking the 20th memorial anniversary of the late patriarch.
The commemorative programme commenced on Friday with morning prayers led by Ulamas and family members at the late patriarch’s residence. This was followed by special prayers at the Anwar-ul-Islam Central Mosque after the Jumu’ah service, while the family later distributed food items to members of the congregation.
Speaking on the significance of the occasion, the oldest surviving son of the late patriarch, Abiodun Jelili Owonikoko, SAN, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate his father’s life and legacy. He noted that the children have remained united in preserving the ideals of service, faith and excellence handed down by their parents.
Born around 1921 in Iseyin, K.O, as the deceased was fondly called, distinguished himself as a public servant, politician, industrialist and education advocate. His public service career began during the colonial era before he rose to become Junior Minister for Justice in the Western Region. He later served in the Western House of Assembly, as Parliamentary Secretary and Chairman of the Iseyin District Council, among other positions.
