Oniyide Olalekan Kolawole (popularly called Oniyide by many) was born on 6th December, 1957, in Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria. His father was the late Chief Daniel Durojaye Kolawole, the one time Aro of Ilewo, and his mother, the late madam Caroline Kolawole.
He had his primary education at the Christ School Ilaro, he started his secondary education at the Egbado College, Ilaro, Ogun State and completed same at St. Anthony’s College, Esure, Ijebu Mushin, Ogun State in 1977.]
He pursued a program at the Federal College of Education, Ijebu-Ode where he bagged the National Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1982 and proceeded for National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) in 1982. He went further for a first degree (BSc) in Agricultural Science at the now Bisi Onabanjo University (then Ogun State University) Ago-Iwoye. He obtained his Master degree (MSc) in Agricultural Extension from the Obafemi Awolowo University (then University of Ife), Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Apart from academics, Oniyide was very good at sports, he represented his home state – Ogun State at the National Sports Festival in Javelin and high Jump events. He bagged several medals and awards from (Gold, Silver & Bronze) at several events both at the school and the national events.
Oniyide had always wanted to join the Force right from his youthful age, he enlisted to join the Nigerian Army by attending the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) briefly in 1978 to pursue a career before he was impressed upon to withdraw from the program by his mum
After his first degree, he worked as a lecturer at the Federal College of Education (FCE), Osiele, Abeokuta, Ogun state, he rose to the post of senior lecturer and one time departmental head at Agricultural department in the institution. He applied for early retirement in July 2006 and relocated to the United States of America with his family in search of better quality of life for his immediate family.
While at work at FCE Osiele, he presented several papers at many Agricultural Science conferences. He co-authored a book titled “Introductory Rural Sociology”, his research publications and presentations includes:
- The role of appropriate technology in Agricultural development – December 1995
- Adoption of Agricultural Technologies For National Rebirth – August 2001
- Impact of Science Technology Development on Nigerian Agriculture – March 2003
- The Relevancy of Farmers’ Cooperative Society in the Development of the Nation’s Agricultural Sector – June 2003.
- Agricultural Policy for Nigeria and the Expected Roles of Government to Entrepreneurs in the Sector – June 2004.
- Effectiveness Of Agricultural Cooperative Societies in Alleviating Poverty Among Crop Farmers in Abeokuta Zone of Ogun State Agricultural Development Project. – June 2004
As an agile man, Oniyide is known as very industrious and very dedicated to duty, a man who never sees any job as demeaning. He was bold but cautious, he takes calculated risks while searching for other sources of legitimate income. Oniyide was a great guy, with very good interpersonal skills, he was loved by many. He reaches out always and maintains contact with his friends & family. He readily supports in any every way possible, never got tired of stretching helping hands any time even while already having health challenges, he continued to show love to both family and friends.
As a businessman, although worked in the corporate setting while in the United States, he never relied on that alone, he registered and operated his own company, he was into automobile business, selling cars and related accessories, a business he managed till about a year before his demise due to ill health.
Oniyide loved and served God in every way he could, he was a good Christian and supported his wife who leads a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, United States of America. He took his time to share his faith and belief with his children even in the volatile environment in which he brought them up. Oniyide’s days on earth revealed a hard working man, great man of courage and a devout Christian. Despite his failing health, he still regarded devotion to the service of God of paramount importance.
Oniyide was married to Atinuke Esther Kolawole on 1st July, 1992 in Abeokuta, Ogun State. On 30th July, 2021, this amiable and loving gentleman went home to be with the Lord after a protracted illness. He left behind Atinuke, his loving wife, Olufunmilayo, Titilope, Afolabi, and Victor, his biological children. He is also survived by several grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Rest in the bosom of the Lord, wonderful husband, daddy, Grand father, brother, uncle and friend.