20 Years On, Owonikoko Family Unveils Educational Foundation in Honour of Patriarch

“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”

The words of American author and therapist Shannon L. Alder aptly capture the enduring legacy of late Kazeem  Owonikoko, who, during his lifetime, left an indelible mark on his family, community and society.

Twenty years after the passing of the respected patriarch, his family has continued to preserve the values he held dear, particularly education, faith and community service, with the public launch of the Kazeem & Juweirah Owonikoko Educational Foundation (KJOEF).

Through KJOEF, the Owonikoko family is seeking to transform the memory of their patriarch into a living legacy, ensuring that his commitment to education, service, faith and community development continues to inspire and empower generations yet unborn.

The commemorative programme began last Friday with morning prayers led by Ulamas and family. The family later had prayers at the Anwar-ul-Islam Central Mosque and distributed food items to members of the congregation.

Speaking on the significance of the occasion, the eldest surviving son of the late patriarch, Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate his father’s life and enduring contributions.

Born around 1921 in Iseyin, Oyo State, K.O., as he was fondly called, distinguished himself as a public servant, politician, industrialist and education advocate. His public service career began during the colonial era and later saw him rise to the position of Junior Minister for Justice in the Western Region

He subsequently served in the Western House of Assembly, as Parliamentary Secretary and Chairman of the Iseyin District Council, among other positions.

Education, however, remained one of his most enduring passions. He supported scholarship programmes for Iseyin indigenes and played significant roles in the establishment of Iseyin District Grammar School and Anwar-ul-Islam High School. He also chaired the Building Committee for the Iseyin Centre of Olabisi Onabanjo University.