OLANIPEKUN: OF SACRIFICE, SERVICE AND SELFLESSNESS
Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1952, French-German theologian, Albert Schweitzer may not be wrong in his assertion when he says “the purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others” This might not be unconnected with a school of thought which argues that we are here on earth to live, to love, and to leave legacies. One of the great people that I have ever come across, serving and showing compassion to fellow human beings is one time Chairman, Body of Benchers, former President, Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Oluwole Oladapo Olanipekun who is 74 years old today, having been born on 18 November, 1951.
Chief Olanipekun is one of the best of Nigerian brightest legal minds whose life has been a beautiful blend of kindness, compassion, empathy and elegance. He holds the distinction of representing the highest number of Nigerian presidents and governors in the court of law. His life and legal career have been nothing short of inspirational, much like the divine interventions experienced by the great figures of faith, with glittering achievements. He is a multi-dimensional personality who has found many ways to serve humanity outside the confines of law.
Currently, he is the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Lagos (UNILAG), the Chairman of Council of Bamidele Olumiluwa University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI) Ikere Ekiti. This is after he had served in the same capacity at University of Ibadan (UI), Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo. Amazingly, everywhere he serves, he keeps enriching the place with his personal resources. At UI, he built a 350-capacity lecture theatre named Wole Olanipekun Lecture Theatre at Ajibode among many other interventions. In Oyo, he personally built and donated a Vice Chancellor’s lodge among several donations he gave. At BOUESTI, he has donated a Senate Building, still promising to do more in honour of his delectable wife, Mrs. Omolara Olanipekun. Only God knows what he will do at UNILAG, his alma mater. Obviously, his giving hands have been noticed in several areas of socio-economic life of the nation. He is a phenomenal philanthropist and a personification of patriotism.
Chief Olanipekun who has demonstrated exemplary leadership, characterized by wisdom, integrity and unparalleled dedication to the progress and prosperity of the people is, without doubt, a man of uncommon accomplishments. Apart from all these huge infrastructure he keeps donating everywhere, including a lecture theatre at Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, this legal colossus yearly spends millions of Naira in scholarships under the aegis of Wole Olanipekun Scholarship Board. Many indigent, but brilliant students have gone to school courtesy of this board. For instance, this writer benefited twice from the scholarship scheme in order to conclude his doctoral studies. Chief Olanipekun is a generous giver who is always inclined to helping the sick and the weak.
Indeed, in terms of philanthropic invaluableness, he stands out. His contributions to the betterment of the society have been profound and far-reaching. He is a man of impact whose wisdom shapes minds and morality. He has established himself as a leading light in his field. Do we really need to remind ourselves that he is a formidable figure who keeps his calm in chaos? This is a great man who has built his profile in principles, hard thinking and single mindedness. Metaphorically, he is a deep river which flows in majestic silence. The genuineness of his selflessness is unmistakable.
His legal career has gone stratospheric, patronized by the high and mighty in the society. He is one man who has not allowed the razzmatazz, glitzy and glamour associated with the flittering allure of materialism to erode the more sublime value that goes with his professional accomplishments. The fact remains that he is rich and righteous. Comparatively, he is as rich as the legendary Croesus. He is a great man without wishy- washy equivocation. With many years of his stainless service and selfless sacrifice to humanity, Chief Olanipekun stands for whatever that is noble and honourable, always acting in a fashion of a gentleman. Examining his personality, one will be dazed with a story of his humanity and humility.
Clearly, he is a meek man of stellar character with uncommon largeness of heart. In Ikere Ekiti which is his primordial country home, and beyond, this legal icon has initiated several poverty alleviation programmes, designed to empower less privileged people. Every year, he has poverty alleviation for the elderly, providing succour and support for their living. He has empowered the youth with many fatherly and financial support aimed at alleviating poverty. He is so committed to the healing of the ill. Of course, he is a rich man who is a nice friend of the needy. He exudes a lovely disposition to all around him, just as he exemplifies courage, convictions, consistency and compassion in all his dealings.
Perhaps, one of the outstanding attributes of Chief Olanipekun is his predilection to cheering people to their glory, helping the helpless to attain their God-given dreams. Before I concluded my doctoral study, he never stopped challenging me to find time and conclude the programme. In his words, “Sunday, I have seen many people with a PhD in English who cannot write all these things you are writing. Just find time and finish the programme. I will be very delighted the day you will tell me that you have finished your PhD” To show his support, he directed me to apply for a second round of scholarship and gave me financial support. It is a sacrifice that speaks volumes about his selflessness.
The best way to continue to celebrate this enigma is to continue to tell the whole world how good and great he is, even though he doesn’t really like it. This is because there’s always an aura of genuine goodness around him. His ever smiling ambience of simplicity and humility is ever alluring. Chief Olanipekun is indeed a man of immense societal values, torching every life with love unfeigned. Undoubtedly, he is a man of generational impact. The giant strides and impact he has made remain reference points across the country. He is an iconic personality of all seasons. He is a father-figure whose wisdom and kindness have shaped my journey in ways words can scarcely capture!
Professionally, Chief Olanipekun is highly revered and respected in the legal firmament in and outside the country. He is one of the repositories of legal knowledge and emblems of forthrightness and firmness in the country. He commands both adoration and emulation without demanding them. He is the light by which several young lawyers are guided. We are always enchanted by his piquant wits, sharp and appetizing intelligence. His flow of cadence is remarkably striking. However, he is both simple to understand and difficult to distill. Clearly, his unblemished public record of rectitude and unassailable decorum is enviable. His gentle mien, compassion and largely, reticence are the ethos that define his uniqueness.
Chief Olanipekun has risen from a humble background, under quite limited circumstances to become someone who is highly renowned, privileged and honoured, a feat achievable only by those who are divinely assisted, but naturally courageous and confident. His wealth of knowledge has moulded him into a titan of propriety. Those who really know him will attest to the fact that he is one of the diamonds that continue to shine luminously in the Nigerian landscape. He epitomizes excellence and embodies the values of dedication, compassion and innovation in all he does. However, as long as there are injustices to be exposed, and truths to be defended, Chief Olanipekun is ever there, steadfast and unswerving.
As I celebrate the life and legacies of this elegant icon and national treasure, I remain proud of his immense contributions to national development and salute his life of indelible service to God and humanity through sacrifice and selflessness. Today marks not just the passage of another year, but a testament to a quality life of impact. Sir, we will continue to celebrate you for the immortal ideals and noble values you represent. It is indeed a profound privilege to have known you. I am being thankful for the privilege of being connected with you, Baba wa. A happy birthday, Sir.
Saanu, (08034073427) holds a PhD in Cultural and Media Studies. He is with University of Ibadan. Email: sundaysaanu@gmail.com
