Late Rt Hon Kehinde Ayoola, Oyo State’s Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources who died recently has been described as a man who cherished discipline.
He was also said to have attained the greatest heights when he was an undergraduate at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) especially as a member of the paramilitary club, Man’o’War where he rose to become the ‘General Officer Commanding’.
All these were contained in a tribute sent to PMParrot by Mr Tokunbo Fatimehin, one of the late politician’s friends and school mates who lives in Canada.
Read the full tribute here:
Tribute to Ayoola Ayoola: He live a life of service before Politics
“Some are born great and some have greatness trust upon them”
I was greatly saddened to hear the news of Hon. Kenny Ayoola’s sudden death on Thursday May 14, 2020. I am still in great shock about this unpleasant news of the demise of a great friend. Since the news came, I have read several tributes, messages and letters referencing Ayoola’s notable life and moments in politics. His achievements in various realms of life were also broadly acknowledged. There is no gainsaying that he positively impacted lots of humans and touched several individuals in memorable dimensions. This is indeed an unfortunate incident and without question, Kenny Ayoola will be dearly missed.
I will, however, like to submit that the intelligence, bravery, dedication, integrity and commitment noticed in Ayoola during his political career days did not just start after his post graduate pursuit. Some of us actually had the unique privilege to know Ayoola at very close range as far back as 35 years ago during his undergraduate days at the University of Ife “Great Ife”, now Obafemi Awolowo University.
I know I speak for many and this message will definitely be remembered by several who were students of Great Ife around mid 80’s. Especially, folks that were either in the same faculty of learning as Ayoola or members of the Man O’War club, a paramilitary organization that has produced many distinguished personalities over the years.
Besides being my senior at Olivet Heights, Oyo, I had the unique privilege of meeting Ayoola again at the University of Ife and of course in the Man O’ War club. That time, we had a much closer relationship as members of the same club. This was where our relationship was nurtured and enhanced.
Ayoola joined the Man O’ War as a recruit (entry level for all new members). He was fully enrolled as a Patriot after undergoing the rigorous screening and endurance process that characterized the enrollment. He thereafter rose through the ranks to become a Squadron “Platoon”Commander.
If I recall correctly, Ayoola was in charge of Explorers Squad. He was popularly known as Zuma. Commander Zuma to be exact. He displayed a very high level of discipline and had no space for sentiments, favourism and laziness. He was firm but fair. These were rare attributes for one single individual to possess and deploy effectively across board. His sense of duty was beyond measure.
As a Squad leader/commander, he worked towards excellence and strict adherence to the club’s values and ordinances. He had zero tolerance for mediocrity. He gave his level best always without fear. He was respected and loved by several.
I am sure all those who encountered him in the Man O’ War Club would attest to the fact that Ayoola was a great custodian of excellence and a highly intelligent individual. I may not recall all the names but the likes of Prof. Lanre Fagbohun SAN, incumbent Vice Chancellor of LASU, Ms Gbemisola Adepoju, MD of Cordial Academy in Bodija, Ibadan, Yemi Akinsiwaju, Yinka Fasipe, Yemi Olowookere, Sunny Emeyese and several others can confirm my comments.
As a result of Ayoola’s selflessness performance per excellence as a Squad leader, he was soon elevated to the rank of General Officer Commanding “GOC” in 1987.This is the 3rd highest ranking officer in the Man O’ War organization but of course the number one custodian of discipline.
Of course, being GOC also made Ayoola the Chief parade commander. Ayoola was known for no half measures. He always went over and beyond. As GOC, he raised the bar of discipline to the greatest heights.
The full epistle of GOC Zuma will be saved for another time. But notable are phrases he would use on the parade ground, such as “Watch It”, “No movement anywhere”, “Move It”, “Wee oooo”, “On your feet up”. Whenever we went jogging during our daily morning drills as early as 5.30 – 6.00 am, he sang so well with a distinct and melodious voice. Despite being a paramilitary Officer at Great Ife, he was still a complete gentleman. Kenny Ayoola graduated from the Man O’ War club as a Statesman. Man O’ War Wee!!!
After Great Ife days, we all moved to our next phases and assignments in life. I lost contact with Ayoola for close to three decades until few years ago when we reconnected through a mutual friend – OlayinkaAgboola, the Publisher of Parrot Xtra magazine and PMParrot.com.
That was when I realised he had established his career as a politician and was closely associated with the governorship bid of His Excellency Engr, Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State.
Statesman Sir, yes you are gone to your final resting place but you have left a legacy that will forever be fondly remembered. Thank you for all you did for our motherland, the people of Oyo State and the decency with which you went through various stages of life.
Sun Re O. Hon. Kenny Ayoola
By: Toks Fatimehin, Calgary, Canada
