We noted with dismay the omission of a founding father of Nigeria. A Kogi man who, with Ahmadu Bello, Awolowo, Azikiwe, negotiated the independence of Nigeria at the London constitution conferences of 1958 through 1960, H.E the Rt. Hon Chief S.A Ajayi OFR.
Chief S.A. Ajayo was the first Okun man to wear Nigeria’s National Honor, OFR in 1960. He was the first Minister/Parliamentarian from Kogi West senatorial district.
Chief S. A. Ajayi OFR (2 December 1910 – 11 May 1994) was a Nigerian statesman who played an active role in the negotiations of Nigeria’s independence. He was a pioneer politician of Okun land in the old Kabba province (in the present day Kogi State), who represented the people of Kabba Division in the Northern region house of Assembly. He played a key role in the establishment of Kabba College of Agriculture, Division of Agricultural Colleges, The University of Northern Nigeria (now Ahmadu Bello University), the establishment of now in Kabba Province and the creation of Ijumu Division as an administrative headquarters (now, Ijumu, Local Government Area, Kogi State)
The promoter of the establishment of College of Agric Kabba as well as the establishments of:
1. Community Secondary School, Ogidi
2. Okoro Gbede High School, Okoro
3. Ijumu Anglican Secondary School, Iyara
4. Baptist High School, Ekinrin Adde
5. St John’s Primary School, Ogidi.
6. St Kizito College, Isanlu
Chief S.A. Ajayi laid the solid foundation for education as an industry in Kogi West.
This man led the mission for the creation of Ijumu as an administrative headquarter (a local government)
With these, one should ask, what are the parameters for such state honour awards?
H.E Chief S.A Ajayi OFR will turn in his grave. May his very impactful soul keep resting in peace, Amen.
Signed: Femi Ajayi
For: The S.A Ajayi Foundation
