Dignitaries from all works of life converged at Ilaro, to shower encomium on the late Chancellor, of the Premier and the Preferred University of Education,Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Brigadier General, Adetunji Idowu Olurin, as they bid him farewell.
In a tribute sent by the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo he described the deceased as a true soldier and a great nationalist who fought for the unity of Nigeria with complete dedication to the ideals of a greater Nigeria in which fairness and justice reigns.
In the same vein, the Visitor to the University and Governor of Ogun State, Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun MFR in a tribute read on his behalf by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Olaolu Olabimtan disclosed that the late Brigadier General Olurin exemplified the epitome of Ogun Standard of excellence in the discharge of his dues while alive.
“He served with dignity, valour and impeccable character”, Governor added.
Similarly, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wole Banjo in his tributes at the occasion stated that the late Chancellor was appointed as the first Chancellor of the Tai Solarin University of Education because he was found worthy of the post, due to his contributions, most especially his involvement in nation-building.
He further noted that, ” He remains the only person that held that exalted position in the history of our University till date”
He described late Brigadier General Olurin as an honourable man, among the few men who served this nation without any records of corrupt charges and probe of ill-gotten wealth, asserting that he wasn’t surprised at the turnout of dignitaries who graced the services of songs and tributes.
Prof. Banjo urged the youths to emulate this exemplary personality who rose from grass to grace through dint of hard work and perseverance.
Speaking to the family he urged them not to mourn the deceased but to celebrate his death for he died standing tall among his peer while praying for the entire Olurin family.
The Paramount Ruler and Olu of Ilaro, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle (Asade Agunloye IV), in his remarks, thanked the Ogun State Government and all attendees for honouring the late illustrious son of the State and Yewa land.
The Service of Songs and Tributes was held at the Cathedral Church of Christ Ilaro.
In his sermon at the event, the Bishop of Yewa Diocese, the Rt. Revd. M.A. Oluwarohunbi in his sermon, taken from the book of 2nd Timothy chapter 2 verses 4, urged Christians to see themselves as soldiers of Christ, describing the deceased as a soldier of Christ who exhibited all the characters of what a good soldier for Christ should look like.
He appealed to the entire Olurin family not to be downcast and behave like those who do not have Christ as all saints will meet on the day of resurrection.
He later prayed for the family, Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.
Other dignitaries at the occasion include the former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Salimot Badru; Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Chief Tolu Odebiyi; the Senator representing Lagos West, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola; a former Senator, Mrs Iyabode Anisulowo among others.
