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Lanre Ogunlesi’s father in-law dies at 103

Lanre Ogunlesi, the quintessential gentleman and CEO of Sophisticat, a one-stop fashion company is bereaved. His father in-law, Emeritus Professor Cornelius Olaleye Taiwo, is dead.

He died in his Oduduwa Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos residence on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at the ripe age of 103.

Professor C.O Taiwo, who marked his 100th birthday on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, at the University of Lagos hall with fanfare, even with a few dance steps despite his age, was said to have died of old age related ailments.

Professor Taiwo was an educationist, lawyer, administrator and author. A renowned educationist, he started his education career from St. Luke’s School, Oru, Ijebu, Ogun State in 1921, where he had his primary education. He moved from there to St. Andrews College, Oyo in 1931, where he trained as a teacher. In the same year (1931), he was appointed the headmaster of Sagun United Primary School, Oru Ijebu, Ogun State, from where he began his teaching career.

He left teaching briefly for administrative career when he served in the defunct Western Nigeria government between 1960 and 1966.

Between that period, he served as administrative officer, inspector of education which culminated in his appointment as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education.

From the Western Nigeria government service, he moved to University of Lagos, where he was appointed the first professor of education. He also became the first and the only provost of University of Lagos.  He was in University of Lagos for 11 years.

When he left, he went into legal practice as barrister at law and notary public. He authored many books particularly in education and law.

Late Professor C.O Taiwo married Miss Susan Olufowoke Keleko, the daughter of the treasurer of Sagun United Primary School, Oru Ijebu, where he was the headmaster.

The marriage was held on Christmas day of 1941. Between Professor Taiwo and his wife are three children. They are Chief Ladi Taiwo, a prominent lawyer, Dr. Bayo Taiwo, a consultant Radiologist and Modupe Ogunlesi, the Managing Director of Adam and Eve Store and the wife of Mr. Lanre Ogunlesi.

If the feelers coming from the family is anything to go by, Professor Cornelius Olaleye Taiwo, will be buried after the Easter holiday.

 – TOLANI ABATTI

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Written by Encomium

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