BIOGRAPHY & TRIBUTE
22 November 1947 – 13 October 2026 A life rich in love, family, faith, and friendship
Prince Deacon (Engineer) Olusola Idowu Oduko was a loving father and grandfather, a devoted husband, a cherished brother, uncle, cousin, faithful Christian, and loyal friend. His life was defined by kindness, wisdom, humility, and a quiet commitment to serving others.
Born on 22 November 1947 in Lagos, he was the son of Late Oba P. F. Oduko (The Liken of Ibefun, Ijebu, Ogun State) and Olori W. E. Oduko. He spent his childhood in Lagos and the Ilaje areas of Ondo State, growing up among many siblings in a home shaped by warmth, shared responsibility, and strong family values. His early years were marked by curiosity, discipline, and a developing love for cooking—a skill he carried throughout his life.
Education
Olusola began his education at St. Peter’s Faji, Lagos, and attended various primary schools across the old Western Region. In 1960, he proceeded to Ijebu Ode Grammar School (JOGS), where he excelled academically and socially. He was active in the Scripture Union, Student Christian Movement, and represented the school in lawn tennis. He served as Head Prefect in 1966 and coordinated the Temperance Society, guided by the late Bishop S. C. Phillips. He attended Brentwood School, Essex, UK in 1965 on the student exchange scheme for part of his Higher School Certificate studies before returning to complete his education at JOGS.
His pursuit of excellence continued at Manchester University, where he studied Mechanical Engineering on Shell Scholarship, followed by several Shell International professional and leadership courses.
Career and Professional Life
Olusola’s professional journey was rich and diverse. He began with a vacation job at Kainji Dam, gaining early exposure to engineering and infrastructure development. After graduating from Manchester University in 1970, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Lagos as an IT Programmer, rising to become Head of IT in SPDC Warri. He subsequently served as IT Director at National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), contributing significantly to national systems development.
He taught at Baptist Academy, Lagos, and later established a private IT Consultancy (called Data Masters Ltd) and Church-based training programmes. Among his notable achievements was pioneering online data records and processing systems for the Ondo State Government. Throughout his career, he was known for integrity, diligence, discipline, and exemplary leadership.
Family
Olusola was a devoted family man—a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, and leader. He was blessed with three daughters, viz Olukemi, Olufunmilayo and Aderonke and four grandchildren, all of whom he cherished deeply. His home was built on Christian values, love, discipline, generosity, and prayer.
Olusola was a strong pillar within the Oduko family union, actively participating in family leadership and community matters.
Christian Faith and Church Service
A man of deep faith, Olusola served God wholeheartedly. He was a long‑standing Deacon and member of New Estate Baptist Church, Surulere, where he was once the Church Secretary and, the first Couples Fellowship Coordinator. He and his family later worshipped at the Cathedral Church of the Pentecost, Festac, Lagos. His ministry involvement included administrative roles, men’s fellowship, leadership teams, and various church programmes. He was a great supporter of the activities of his home Church – the Holy Trinity Church, Ibefun, Ogun State.
He was known for humility, generosity, prayerful, compassion, and support for the vulnerable, often opening his home to individuals recovering from drug addiction. He was also a committed member of The Gideons International, contributing to evangelism and Bible distribution.
Olusola was one of the earliest television preachers in Nigeria. His slot at the OGUN STATE TELEVISION -(OGTV) was regularly presented by DR Yemisi Bamgbose that retired as an assistant general manager
Community, and Social Contributions
He was a prominent member—and former President—of the JOGS Independent Club (JIC), contributing to alumni development and social initiatives. Within the JOGS community, he was regarded as a pillar of the school’s historical legacy and a respected member of the distinguished Old Boys network.
Tributes
Friends and family will remember him as a man who balanced professional excellence with deep spiritual commitment, a Deacon whose life was a “living sermon,” and an Engineer whose integrity set a standard for others. His guidance, humour, and genuine concern for people endeared him to many.
He was a bridge between generations—especially to his cousins, nieces and nephews, including those who followed in his professional footsteps. His steady presence at family gatherings, his warm smile, and his wise counsel will be deeply missed.
Closing Tribute
His memory remains a blessing. He fought the good fight and finished his race. To God be the glory for a life well lived.
May God deeply comfort and strengthen the entire Oduko family and Deacon Sola’s friends. We look forward to our reunion with him on the Day of the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Amen.