Late High Chief Israel Olaleye Oguntunwase was born on 4th February, 1916, into the family of Chief and Mrs Aladanran Oguntunwase. He was the grandson of the revered 4th Chief Aribo of Upenmen – Asa Ekonjigiri, of the Aribo/Arema Dynasty.
Being the only son of his parents young Israel Olaleye could not start school on time as the school was regarded as a place of punishment and for the weak who could not excel in farm work. Borne out of his determination to acquire formal education, he got enrolled into the elementary school, though at advanced age, and got his First Leaving Certificate in the year 1948. He later proceeded for his Grade III Teachers’ Certificate at African Teachers’ Training College, Ikere-Ekiti and Grade II Teachers’ Certificate at St. John/Mary College, Owo in the year 1958 and 1971 respectively.
Late Israel Olaleye Oguntunwase, popularly referred to as I. O started his teaching career as a class teacher in 1953 at St. Stephen’s African School, Idanre. Due to his intellectual prowess and dedication to duties, he was made the Headmaster in 1954 at St. Luke’s African School, Ipoba-Alade. His career which spanned across decades took him to various schools in the then Ondo State to include:
St. Philip’s African School, Abusoro – Idanre
St. Peter’s African School, Ago Aduloju, Ado-Ekiti
St. James’s African School, Okeigbo
St. Stephen’s African School, Ikonja – Ondo
St. Paul’s African School, Olosan- Ondo
St. Paul’s African School, Moferere- Ondo
St, James’s Anglican School, Upenmen-Owo
He retired from active service in the year 1986 at St. Augustus C/S Primary School.
Politically, Late High Chief I. O Oguntunwase was a refined and staunch democrat who believes in true democracy. His love for the people earned him his election as the Councilor, Ward 9, Owo Local Government Area in the year 1988. Some projects executed during this period as Councilor are still standing till date. He was an active member of the ruling party – APC where he served as delegate at different levels and period.
As a devout Anglican, Late High Chief Israel Olaleye Oguntunwase was a strong member of ‘Egbe Oluwanifise’ at St. James’s Church, Upenmen till his death. He was a music lover and teacher with flair for good and cool music. He was the Choir Master and Organist of St. James’ Anglican Church for several decades. He was also a member of the Parish Church Council (PCC) of St. James’s church and synod delegate for decades before and after the creation of Owo Diocese.
Late High Chief Israel Olaleye was also a great Community leader. He served his Community selflessly in various capacities right from when he was beckoned to come home to help manage the only Primary School in his community in the year 1972 till his very old age. Late I.O was a great writer and this endeared him to the former Olupenmen of Upenmen, HRH Oba S.I.B Ademulegun who made him his personal Secretary. Late High Chief I.O was also a great custodian of the history of Upenmen with the edition of a book to his name. As a community leader he was appointed to serve as a Panelist in Juvenile Court Panel, in Owo Local Government between 1980 and 1986. Late High Chief I. O Oguntunwase was installed as the 7th Aribo of Upenmen Kingdom in 2014 and till his death he was the ‘Olori oma Olupenmens’ and the Quarter Head of Odorede.
Late High Chief Oguntunwase was a Polygamist with a difference in the order of Israel in the Bible. Despite being married to three wives, he was able to maintain love, harmony and cordiality among the wives and the Children. No wonder his children refer to themselves as Israelites! He was married to Mrs. Victoria Aina Oguntunwase (of blessed memory), Mrs. Abigael Aina Oguntunwase and Mrs. Victoria Rhoda
Oguntunwase. The marriages are blessed with Children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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