The title of this piece is extracted from verse two of the University of Ibadan (UI) anthem. It is one of the most striking lines of the anthem, underscoring the importance of achieving greatness or success through hard work and transparency. However, since this story is all about a man who achieves greatness through honest toil, it is apposite to interrogate the concept of greatness. So, what is greatness? Greatness is a cocktail of qualities that include honesty, integrity, passion, resilience, fortitude, self-belief and strong values. All of these come together to create a uniquely strong character that consistently achieves success after success.
Greatness is a state of being important, notable or distinguished. Its synonyms are dignity, heroism, nobility, prominence among others. However, two powerful keys to greatness are humility and service. An English architect, Charles Fowler observes that the best teachers of humanity are the lives of great men. Against this background, therefore, one may not be wide off the point to examine the life of one of the greatest men in Nigeria at the moment with a view to gleaning some vital lessons
Without doubt, Chief Oluwole Oladapo Olanipekun, Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) remains one of the greatest men in Nigeria today. The legal colossus who turns 73 on 18 November, 2024, having been born on 18 November, 1951 at Ikere Ekiti in Ekiti state is a national figure who has demonstrated exemplary leadership, characterized by profound patriotism and unparalleled dedication to the progress of this country.
For those who may not have known, Chief Olanipekun holds the distinction of being a single lawyer who has handled cases for four Nigerian sitting Presidents back-to-back. He was a counsel to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He handled President Goodluck Jonathan’s case, President Muhammadu Buhari’s legal matter as well as the incumbent, Bola Tinubu. The list of governorship cases he has successfully defended is almost endless. What else defines the greatness of a man? In fact, having handled cases for four sitting presidents and numerous state governors is in itself a testament to his ground-breaking accomplishments.
Let me attempt to deconstruct the enigma. Chief Olanipekun, without doubt, is one of the best and brightest brains in the legal firmament in Nigeria. Indeed, he is one of the diamonds that continue to shine luminously in the Nigerian landscape. Across the world, this legal titan has won several seats among the stars as he remains an influential doyen. To those who are familiar with him, he is a mighty man of means who lives a spartan lifestyle. When it comes to jurisprudence, this former President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) knows which tortoise is male, as he has been the in-and-out of almost everything experience can offer.
He approaches his life career with deliberate intentionality, authenticity and unrelenting consistency. Consequently, he becomes a super achiever and a peak performing person. But beyond his attitude and attributes, here is a man who has demonstrated the purpose of wealth and the place of the privileged in a poor country like ours. Chief Olanipekun has used his wealth to reconstruct many awkward destinies. He has spent substantial part of his wealth to lift several thousands of people out of poverty. Perhaps this is one of the reasons there will never be a celebratory staleness of this iconic personality of all seasons. For instance, in this month, hundreds of intelligent but indigent students across the country are going to benefit from his scholarship scheme known as Wole Olanipekun Scholarship Scheme (WOSS). He gives scholarship every year. This writer was once a beneficiary. And, the WOSS has been up and running for over 20 years.
There are many other initiatives he has embarked upon simply to alleviate poverty in the country and to empower the youth, widows and the aged. Yet, he has no political ambition. The point is that he is a generous giver and a phenomenal philanthropist who is always using his voice for kindness, his ears for compassion and his hands for generosity.
Chief Olanipekun who is the immediate past Chairman of Nigerian Body of Benchers has exhibited exemplary leadership in this country which is characterized by wisdom, integrity and unparalleled dedication to the progress and prosperity of the people. Indeed, this tailored man of excellent manner remains a study in selfless service. His legacies and achievements in every position he ever occupies are legendary.
When he was the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council at the University of Ibadan between 2009 and 2013, he personally built a gigantic lecture theatre and donated it to signpost his tenure. He did the same thing at Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) Oyo when he personally built the Vice Chancellor’s lodge. Let me take the liberty of privilege to reveal that as I was putting this piece together in the middle of the night, I received his invitation to the commissioning of a newly built Wole Olanipekun Senate Building at Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI) Ikere Ekiti.
Interestingly, an American lawyer and orator, Robert Ingersoll could not have been more correct when he says a great man does not seek applause, rather he seeks the road to happiness. Chief Olanipekun, being a great man, is ever committed to seeking the road to happiness for the people. His gentle mien, compassion and reticence are the ethos that define a real leader in him. The giant strides and impact he has made, have remained a reference point in many quarters.
In the last fifteen years that I have been writing for him, we have maintained a kind of kinship that has enabled me to know him more closely, I am proud to be numbered among his disciples. With my close relationship with him, I can authoritatively assert that Chief Olanipekun is a positive change ambassador. I have benefited immensely from the nobility of his vision. I recall with gratitude his numerous financial interventions in many cases that I have had to call him to beam his torch in the darkness. He had not failed to serve as an oasis in the desert.
With his famed golden voice, clear and crisp diction, royal swagger, he exudes illuminative panache and gentlemanliness, as he epitomizes excellence and embodies the values and virtues of dedication, compassion and innovation. This living legend is forthright and firm, he is rich and righteous, living a life of service and sacrifice to humanity. Without exaggeration, this man of stellar character is not just a man, but a man of fame and fortune, a man of influence and affluence who exemplifies courage, conduct and class. His huge intellectual savvy and uncompromising sense of justice position him as a specimen worthy to be studied.
Amazingly, his is probably a house of heroes and heroines. All his children who are lawyers are in the same superlative cerebral class. Two of them are already Senior Advocates of Nigeria. One is actively involved in Chief Olanipekun’s chamber. However, getting his children involved in his legal practice simply demonstrates a strong narrative about parenting and legacy sustainability.
As I celebrate the life of this elegant icon and national treasure, I remain proud of his immense contributions to national development and salute his life of indelible service to God and humanity. The story of this special breed is a story of achievements, humanism and greatness. According to a Roman politician, Mark Anthony, “a man’s true greatness lies in the consciousness of an honest purpose of life, founded on a just estimate of himself and everything else, on frequent self-examinations and a steady obedience to the rule which he knows to be right, without troubling himself about what others may think or say”. Anthony is perfectly right. Chief Olanipekun does not trouble himself about the opinion of others. He only does what he feels is right.
In summary, this birthday is not just the passage of another year, but a testament to greatness won with honest toil. It is also a celebration of selfless sacrifice and service to humanity. I reflect on Chief Olanipekun’s remarkable achievements and the profound impact he has made with it, I humbly doff my hat for him. We need many more of him in this country. His enviable example has provided us with an invaluable framework with which to conduct our lives.
I round off this tribute by asserting that what we do for ourselves die with us, but what we do for other lives forever. By living forever in the memory of our beneficiaries, we achieve historical immortality. The major lesson from this narrative could be found in the words of Etienne de Grellet who says “I shall pass this life but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not differ nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this life again”. This is the definition of Chief Wole Olanipekun’s lifestyle. He has been so gracious to all manner of people. May God continue to replenish him.
A happy birthday, sir, a great man, who carries greatness lightly.
Saanu(08034073427) is with the University of Ibadan.
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