Chief S. A. Ajayi: A Legacy of Education and Statesmanship
Chief S. A. Ajayi, OFR (2 December 1910 – 11 May 1994), was a Nigerian statesman instrumental in the negotiations leading to Nigeria’s independence. A pioneer politician of Okun land in the old Kabba province (present-day Kogi State), he represented the people of Kabba Division in the Northern Region House of Assembly. Chief Ajayi was passionate about education and played a key role in establishing the Kabba College of Agriculture, Division of Agricultural Colleges, The University of Northern Nigeria (now Ahmadu Bello University), and securing the Kabba Teachers College (now Federal Government Girls College Kabba) in its original location against plans to relocate it to Kano. He also pursued the creation of Ijumu Division as an administrative headquarters, a goal achieved after the 1966 coup with the help of other dedicated Ijumu sons.
Early Life and Education
Ajayi was born on 2 December 1910 in Kabba Province, Northern Nigeria Protectorate (present-day Ogidi, Ijumu, Kogi State). In 1925, he enrolled in Ovim Central School, Okigwe Division of the old Eastern Region, for his primary education. From 1930 to 1936, he attended Etinan Institute in Akwa Ibom and Ibadan Grammar School for his secondary education. He later studied at CMS Teachers School, Coal Camp, Enugu, to become a teacher. After completing his education, he taught at Christ Church School, Enugu, and St. David’s Kudeti High School, Ibadan. In 1939, he returned home to join the Public Works Department (PWD) as a career civil servant, starting as a Road Inspector for the Kabba Native Authority and rising to Inspector of Works in 1953. He retired from civil service in 1954.
Political Career
In 1954, Ajayi joined the Northern People’s Congress and later became vice president of the party in Kabba Province. He was elected councillor in the Kabba Native Administration in 1955, and in 1956, he won a seat in the Northern House of Assembly, becoming a member of the regional executive council as Minister of State for Forestry Affairs. In 1963, he was appointed acting Minister for Education in the absence of Isa Kaita, and he also served as Minister for Local Government Affairs. As Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier of Northern Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello, from 1957 to 1960, he was part of the delegation that negotiated Nigerian independence at the Lancaster House Conferences in London. He also led the Northern Nigeria Delegation to London for the negotiation and launching of VC-10 Nigeria Airways and was part of the Nigeria Economic Mission to West Germany. He served as a minister until the government was overthrown by the military coup on January 15, 1966. During Shehu Shagari’s administration, he was appointed to the first board of directors of the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NICON).
Honours
In 1965, President Nnamdi Azikiwe conferred upon him the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). He was installed as the Oluwole of Ijumuland, the Balogun, and the Bajito of Ogidi-Ijumu. He also held titles as the National President of Ogidi Development Union, President of Ijumu Development Movement, and National Vice Patron of Ijumu Student Union, recognizing his significant accomplishments.
Personal Life
Ajayi married many wives and had many children. A devout Christian, he was honored with the titles Baba Egbe Akorin and Baba Ijo in St John’s Anglican Church, Ogidi, Ijumu.
Death and Legacy
Chief S. A. Ajayi passed away on 11 May 1994 in Kabba, Kogi State, and was buried at St John’s Anglican Church, Ogidi, Ijumu, Kogi State, a church he built. The S. A Ajayi Foundation was established to continue his legacy of awarding scholarships to deserving students. From 1970, he awarded scholarships from primary to university levels, benefitting hundreds of students.
Chief S. A. Ajayi’s contributions to education, politics, and community development remain a significant part of his legacy, marking him as a notable figure in Nigeria’s history.
imagecredit: Hon. S. A. Ajayi
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