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BASORUN SEHINDE AROGBOFA AT 87: A LEGACY OF LOYALTY, WISDOM AND SERVICE
BY SIR (DR) FELIX ALE
At 87, Basorun Sehinde Arogbofa, former Secretary of Afenifere, renowned educationist, prolific author, and the first Asiwaju of Oka Akoko, remains a towering figure in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. His life is a testimony to the words of Proverbs 20:29: “The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.”
Indeed, his gray hair is a crown of wisdom, earned through decades of service, loyalty, and sacrifice.
From the classroom to the corridors of political thought, from the pages of his books to the platforms of community leadership, Arogbofa has consistently demonstrated that true greatness lies not in titles but in service.
His intellectual contributions and moral courage have shaped discourses in Nigeria, while his devotion to Oka Akoko has contributed in elevating the community to national prominence.
Beyond his intellectual contributions and community leadership, Chief Arogbofa’s loyalty to the Afenifere leader, Chief Rueben Fasoranti, stands out as one of the defining features of his public life.
In one of the most critical and challenging moments of Afenifere’s history—the quest for the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria—Chief Arogbofa stood firmly by Chief Fasoranti, offering unwavering support and strategic counsel.
His role was pivotal in ensuring that Afenifere’s voice remained strong and relevant in national politics.
The story was no different when the current amiable Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, faced unjust impeachment attempts as Deputy Governor by power-drunk elements at the time.
Once again, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, alongside Chief Rueben Fasoranti, rose to the occasion, restoring sanity and defending justice through the moral authority of Afenifere and some eminent leaders in the Sunshine State.
These noble interventions will forever remain reference points in the history of the association and Nigerian politics.
Philosophically, his life reminds us of the importance of leaving a good track. As Marcus Aurelius once wrote, “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” Chief Arogbofa has lived this truth.
The tracks we leave behind—our loyalty, our courage, our service—become the stories that define us long after we are gone. His story is one of positive impact, a legacy that continues to inspire.
The congratulatory message by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 87th birthday, as well as the special tribute by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at his book launch, speaks volumes of the unique personality of Basorun Seinde Arogbofa.
These acknowledgements are affirmations of a man whose life has become a reference point for integrity, wisdom, and leadership.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Basorun Seinde Arogbofa embodies this philosophy.
His journey reflects usefulness, honour, and compassion—qualities that have made him a foremost community leader and a national treasure.
Philosophically, his life again reminds us of the inevitability of change and the beauty of legacy. Heraclitus, the ancient Greek philosopher, declared: “There is nothing permanent except change.”
Yet, in the midst of change, men like Chief Seinde Arogbofa remain constant—anchors of wisdom, guiding lights for younger generations, and custodians of values that endure.
As one of the prominent sons of Oka Akoko, I join countless admirers across Nigeria and beyond to celebrate this icon. Basorun Seinde Arogbofa is not only a respected elder statesman but also a pride to his people, a man whose name will forever be etched in the annals of history.
I will conclude this special piece with poetic tribute in honour of the first Asiwaju of Oka Akoko, the pride of Ondo State,and a gift to Nigeria and Africa:
A crown of wisdom, silver and bright,
Guiding generations with truth and light.
From Oka’s soil, your roots run deep,
A legacy of service the world must keep.
In Afenifere’s halls, your voice stood strong,
Defending justice, correcting wrong.
With Fasoranti, you held the line,
Restoring hope, a work divine.
Your life is a book, each page profound,
A melody of honour, a timeless sound.
At eighty-seven, your story still grows,
A river of wisdom that endlessly flows.
And as the years continue their flight,
Your path reminds us of eternal light.
For life is measured not by its span,
But by the good we leave in the hearts of man.
So may your days be long and blessed,
Your legacy shining, your soul at rest.
Arogbofa, elder, teacher, guide—
Forever a pride to his people worldwide.
On this glorious occasion of his 87th birthday, we wish him good health, renewed strength, and many more years of impactful celebrations.
May his crown of wisdom continue to shine, and may his legacy inspire generations yet unborn.
Sir(Dr) Felix Ale, a distinguished Journalist and Media Scholar is the Director, Corporate Communications, Nigeria Space Agency.
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