The title of this piece is extracted from verse two of the College of Ibadan (UI) anthem. It is among the most putting traces of the anthem, underscoring the significance of attaining greatness or success via laborious work and transparency. Nevertheless, since this story is all a couple of man who achieves greatness via sincere toil, it’s apposite to interrogate the idea of greatness. So, what’s greatness? Greatness is a cocktail of qualities that embrace honesty, integrity, ardour, resilience, fortitude, self-belief and powerful values. All of those come collectively to create a uniquely sturdy character that constantly achieves success after success.
An English architect, Charles Fowler observes that one of the best academics of humanity are the lives of nice males. Doubtless, Chief Oluwole Oladapo Olanipekun, Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) stays one of many best males in Nigeria as we speak. The authorized colossus who turns 73 on 18 November, 2024, having been born on 18 November, 1951 at Ikere Ekiti in Ekiti state is a nationwide determine who has demonstrated exemplary management, characterised by profound patriotism and unparalleled dedication to the progress of this nation.
For many who might not have recognized, Chief Olanipekun holds the excellence of being a single lawyer who has dealt with circumstances for 4 Nigerian sitting Presidents back-to-back. He was a counsel to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He dealt with President Goodluck Jonathan’s case, President Muhammadu Buhari’s authorized matter in addition to the incumbent, Bola Tinubu. The checklist of governorship circumstances he has efficiently defended is nearly countless. What else defines the greatness of a person? Actually, having dealt with circumstances for 4 sitting presidents and quite a few state governors is in itself a testomony to his ground-breaking accomplishments.
Let me try to deconstruct the enigma. Chief Olanipekun, doubtless, is among the finest and brightest brains within the authorized firmament in Nigeria. With regards to jurisprudence, this former President of Nigerian Bar Affiliation (NBA) is aware of which tortoise is male, as he has been the in-and-out of just about every little thing expertise can supply.
He approaches his life profession with deliberate intentionality, authenticity and unrelenting consistency. Consequently, he turns into a brilliant achiever and a peak performing particular person. However past his perspective and attributes, here’s a man who has demonstrated the aim of wealth and the place of the privileged in a poor nation like ours. Chief Olanipekun has used his wealth to reconstruct many awkward destinies. He has spent substantial a part of his wealth to elevate a number of 1000’s of individuals out of poverty. Maybe this is among the causes there’ll by no means be a celebratory staleness of this iconic persona of all seasons. As an illustration, on this month, a whole lot of clever however indigent college students throughout the nation are going to learn from his scholarship scheme generally known as Wole Olanipekun Scholarship Scheme (WOSS). He provides scholarship yearly. This author was as soon as a beneficiary. And, the WOSS has been up and working for over 20 years.
There are lots of different initiatives he has embarked upon merely to alleviate poverty within the nation and to empower the youth, widows and the aged. But, he has no political ambition. The purpose is that he’s a beneficiant giver and an exceptional philanthropist who’s at all times utilizing his voice for kindness, his ears for compassion and his palms for generosity. Chief Olanipekun is the rapid previous Chairman of Nigerian Physique of Benchers.
When he was the Professional-Chancellor and Chairman of Council on the College of Ibadan between 2009 and 2013, he personally constructed a big lecture theatre and donated it to signpost his tenure. He did the identical factor at Ajayi Crowther College (ACU) Oyo when he personally constructed the Vice Chancellor’s lodge. As I used to be penning this piece, I obtained his invitation to the commissioning of a newly constructed Wole Olanipekun Senate Constructing at Bamidele Olumilua College of Training, Science and Know-how (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti.
Together with his famed golden voice, clear and crisp diction, royal swagger, he exudes illuminative panache and gentlemanliness, as he epitomizes excellence and embodies the values and virtues of dedication, compassion and innovation. This residing legend is forthright, agency and righteous, residing a lifetime of service and sacrifice to humanity. Amazingly, his might be a home of heroes and heroines. All his kids who’re attorneys are in the identical superlative cerebral class. Two of them are already Senior Advocates of Nigeria. One is actively concerned in Chief Olanipekun’s chamber. Nevertheless, getting his kids concerned in his authorized observe merely demonstrates a powerful narrative about parenting and legacy sustainability.A contented birthday, Sir, a terrific man, who carries greatness calmly.•Saanu( 08034073427) is with the College of Ibadan. [email protected]
