By Mógàjí Gboyega Adejumo
Today marks another milestone for an extraordinary statesman, administrator and academic—Professor David Olusoji Adejumo, fondly known as Òpómúléro. As he turns 68, his family, friends, professional colleagues and cultural community reflect on a life of excellence, service, intellectual brilliance and deep cultural rootedness.
Born on 3rd December 1956 in Ibadan, Soji Adejumo began a trajectory of brilliance early in life. He attended Ibadan Grammar School between 1968 and 1974 before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, where he earned a B.Sc (Second Class Upper) in Animal Science in 1978. He completed his M.Sc in 1980 and achieved a rare academic feat—a PhD at the age of 27 in 1983. His training also extended to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), where he earned a certificate in Research and Training Methods in Alley Farming in 1990.
A Transformational SUBEB Chairman
As Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (Oyo SUBEB) from 2007 to 2011, Professor Adejumo left an indelible mark. Under his leadership, Oyo State won multiple awards, emerging first, second, and third in national performance rankings—an unprecedented achievement that earned the state ₦550 million and a Toyota Hilux truck in federal incentives.
One of his most impactful initiatives was the “Adopt-A-School Programme”—a visionary concept that mobilised private sector and community participation in public school development. More than 200 school communities benefited, attracting the attention and commendation of the then Minister of Education, whose surprise visit to Oyo State resulted in yet another national award.
His tenure also saw mass recruitment of teachers, the establishment of school marshals to maintain discipline, and for the first time, the synchronisation of unified examination questions for all primary schools across the state. This innovation strengthened learning standards and elevated the quality of education during his administration.
A Life of Public Service
Beyond SUBEB, Professor Adejumo served in numerous strategic national and state assignments, including:
Chairman, Governing Council, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education (2006–2007)
Executive Chairman, Oyo State Youth Development Council (1998–2002)
Executive Director, DFRRI, Office of the Military Administrator (1994)
Special Adviser on Agriculture and Food Production, Oyo State (1993)
Member, Constituent Assembly, Abuja (1988–1989)
Member, Federal Panel on JAMB Review (1999–2000)
Several committee roles in agricultural policy, international bilateral engagements, rural development and state economic reforms
Consultant to the British Council/DFID, World Bank, and notable private organizations
His Professorship, confirmed in 2009 and backdated to 2005, remains a testament to his academic and professional contributions.
The Musician at the Organ
Beyond academia and public service, Prof. Adejumo is a consummate church organist, a passion he has sustained since 1972. He serves as the Assistant Organist at All Souls Church, Bodija, and Visiting Organist at the Cathedral of St James the Great, Oke-Bola, Ibadan. His mastery of classical church music is widely recognised.
A Royal Heritage and Cultural Pillar
Culturally, Professor Adejumo is deeply rooted in the heritage of the old Oyo Empire. A descendant of Alaafin Agbólúajé and great-great-grandson of Abẹsẹ David Kúkómi of Òkè-Ọ̀ffà, Ibadan, he bears his ancestral legacy with honour. In Ibadan traditional hierarchy, he is the Ajírọ́ba of Ibadanland and the Ẹ̀kẹrin of Omí-Àdìó, placing him fourth in line to the throne of the Ọlọ́mí of Ọ̀mi-Adio.
A Brother’s Homage
In the words of his younger brother, Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo, who penned this stirring tribute:
> “Ẹ̀gbọ́n mi Àkànmú… Òpómúléró mọ̀já àlekàn; òpó ró’sọ; òpó gbà’já!
Gbogbo ohun tí mo bá sọ lónìí, kí Arọ̀ ó rọ̀ mọ́, láṣẹ Èdùmàrè!”
A salute to his courage, resilience, cultural depth, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Celebrating an Icon at 69
As Prof. Soji Adejumo marks his 68th year, he stands tall as a scholar, reformer, administrator, culture bearer, musician, and community leader. His life remains an exemplar of service—to education, agriculture, governance, culture and the church.
Happy 69th Birthday to Professor David Olusoji Adejumo—Òpómúléro!
May your path continue to shine with honour, grace, and divine favour.
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