… survived by wives, 16 children, 40 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild
Prince Solomon Olusegun Mowasola Olagbegi, a respected member of the Owo Kingdom, has passed away at the age of 87. He was born on October 2, 1936, to the late Prince Iyiolase Olagbegi and the late Mrs. Ajibike Iyiolase-Olagbegi in Benin City. He was a grandson of Olagbegi I.
Educational Background
Prince Solomon began his education at Government Primary School, Owo, where he studied from 1945 to 1952. He then attended Imade College, Owo, from 1953 to 1957, serving as the Senior Prefect. His academic journey continued at the Federal Emergency Science School in Lagos from 1961 to 1962 and the University of Ibadan from 1963 to 1970. Furthering his studies abroad, he attended Paddington College, London (1973-1974), and Bristol Polytechnic, United Kingdom (1985-1986).
Career and Contributions
Prince Solomon’s professional career included teaching positions at Premier Grammar School, Abeokuta, and Egbado College, Ilaro, from 1959 to 1968. He worked as a Laboratory Technologist at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, from 1972 to 1976, and as an Academic Chief Technologist in the Chemistry Department at the University of Ilorin from 1976 until his retirement on February 1, 1997.
Leadership Roles
Throughout his career, Prince Solomon held various leadership positions. He was the Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Universities (Ilorin Branch) from 1979 to 1983 and the Sectorial Chairman for All Nigeria Universities of SSAUTHRIAI from 1984 to 1986. He also served as the National President of the Association of University Technologists of Nigeria (ASUTON) from 1992 to 1993.
Religious and Community Involvement
Prince Solomon was a dedicated member of the Holy Church of Cherubim and Seraphim at Ikirun, Ehinogbe, and Akure District Council. He was the Chairman of the Owo circuit of the Movement Churches and a co-founder and leader of the Holy Church of Cherubim and Seraphim in Ilorin from 1993 to 1997. Additionally, he was involved in the Owo Community Advisory and Economic Development Committee from 2010 to 2012 and held the title of Chief Iyiolase of Owo Kingdom.
Community Service and Patronage
His commitment to community service included roles as Chairman and member of various school boards and associations, such as the Fountain International Secondary School, Imade College Old Student Association, and the Government School, Owo PTA. He was also a Life Patron of The Boys Brigade, Nigeria, Owo Battalion, and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Chapter.
Political Involvement
Prince Solomon was active in politics, serving as the PDP Chairman for Igboroko Ward in Owo from 2015 to 2017.
Travel and Personal Life
Prince Solomon traveled extensively, visiting Great Britain, Israel, Geneva, and the USA. He is survived by his wives, 16 children, 40 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Burial Arrangements
According to family spokesman Dr. Olayiwola Olagbegi, the burial arrangements are as follows:
- May 22: Ajabue traditional dance round the town. Family and well-wishers will gather at the deceased’s residence at 3 Obasekaiye St, Ehin-Ogbe Quarters, Owo, from 10 am to 4 pm.
- May 23: The body will leave Federal Medical Center (FMC), Owo, for lying in-state at his residence at 10 am. A wake will be held at 4 pm at Olateru-Olagbegi Event Center, Fajuyi Road, Owo.
- May 24: Funeral service at 10 am at Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, 1 Farm Centre, Ehin-Ogbe Quarters, Off Idasen Road, Owo. Interment will follow immediately, with a thanksgiving service and reception at Best Western Plus Mydas Hotel, Km 1, Owo/Ikare Road.
- May 25: The Mowasola Olagbegi Memorial Football match (Maiden Edition) will take place at 1 pm at Owo Township Stadium.
Prince Solomon Olusegun Mowasola Olagbegi leaves behind a rich legacy and will be deeply missed by his family and community.