Chief Oludolapo Ibukun Akinkugbe, one of the most brilliant, most versatile and most articulate Ondo men who ever lived joined his ancestors yesterday, Monday September 22, 2025, exactly 11 days after the passing of his wife, Mrs Janet Akinkugbe. They were both born the same year. Chief would have celebrated his 97th birthday in December, 2025.
Chief Oludolapo Akinkugbe who was born on December 25, 1928 emanated from four prominent Ondo families – the Akinkugbe family, the Apata Talabi family, the Ijimore family and the Lisa Ponbiyunda descendants. His maternal grandfather, Chief Joshua Apata Talabi was the first Baale (Baba Ijo) of St Stephen’s Church, Òkè Aluko, Ondo from 1924 until his death in 1935. His paternal grandmother, High Chief Lisalobun Ijifesola Akinkugbe (nee Ijimore) held the title of Lisalobun of Ondo Kingdom. Chief Olu Akinkugbe’s father, Chief David Akinbobola Akinkugbe, the late Odofin of Ondo Kingdom was the first Ondo man Druggist. Baba Odofin was also the Treasurer of St Stephen’s Church, Òkè Aluko Ondo for 25 years while his mother, Chief Mrs Grace Ajibabi Akinkugbe held the position of Iya Ijo of the same Church in her lifetime.
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Young Ludola as fondly called by family and friends was admitted to the elementary wing of Ondo Boys High School (OBHS) in 1935 under the tutorship of Chief William Oyewole Akingbola from where he moved to the secondary section of the school. He was one of the few brilliant students who came out in Grade one in their final exams in 1946. Among other students in the Grade one category in his class then were Archdeacon Jonathan Abiodun Iluyomade who was the Principal of OBHS from 1958 till 1969, Chief Ruben Fasoranti, the founding Principal of Iju Ita-Ogbolu Grammar School who is currently Afenifere leader.
Chief Olu Akinkugbe taught in Ondo Boys High School (OBHS) for some time before he left Ondo for Lagos. He studied Pharmacy at the School of Pharmacy, Yaba, Lagos and was in the same class with the great novelist, Cyprian Ekwensi.
Chief Olu Akinkugbe started his employment career with the Lagos General Hospital. He spent some time with Morrison and Jones West Africa Limited before he left paid employment to establish his own company, Palm Chemists Limited in 1952. He was also the owner and Chairman of Vitalink Pharmaceutical Industry Limited.
As a Unionist, Chief Olu Akinkugbe became the secretary of the Pharmaceutical Union at the age of 22. And as a Boardroom guru, he served as Chairman and Director on the board of several companies. As a dedicated Christian, Tower of Hope, the tower of St Stephen’s Church Cathedral, Ondo was single handedly donated to the Church by Chief Olu Akinkugbe. He also donated a Church, David and Grace Church of Ascension, Ile-Oluji road, Ugboja, Ondo City to the Anglican Community. He was a recipient of several awards among which are commander of the Niger (CON) and Commander of Federal Republic (CFR).
As a community developer, Chief Olu Akinkugbe was a pioneer member of the Ondo Development Committee (ODC). He held the honorary Chieftancy titles of Ruwaji of Ondo Kingdom and Parakoyi of Ibadanland. He got married to his amiable wife, Mrs Janet Akinkugbe in 1955 and the marital union is blessed with 4 children. May his soul rest in peace!
Compiled by Bayo Akinsete
