FROM GRACE TO GRACE TO GLORY
Olorogun Smart Joseph Ofoluwa Esq, Ayanrho of Agbarah kingdom and Otere R’Uvwie of Uvwie kingdom life is an interesting strength revealing amazing testimonies of strive, struggles, rise
Born on the sixth of May 1939 to the family of Pa Chief Odeli and Madam Ekakpamre Ofoluwa respectively, she was the fourth wife though , Smart Joseph Ofoluwa was the third son and sixth child, he enjoyed the pleasant compliment of a polygamous family. Chief Odeli Ofoluwa was an interpreter/translator for the colonial masters .
In his early life as affirmed by his company of biological sibling he grew up with. Truly a smart and resilient individual with a touch of providence, Olorogun Smart Joseph emits an interesting testimony of grace to Grace and glory in his course of time.
Fondly called S.J, Uncle Smart and Uncle S.J by close associates, he did attain formal education in different parts of pre and post independent Nigeria and the United Kingdom all in the quest of knowledge.
Notably at Lagos, Warri and Asaba, he was class mates with the late innocent isichei ( fellow chartered accountant with Deloitte) chuba Okadigbo , Fr. Vincent Mordi (first Nigerian prior at St Benedict’s monastery,Ewu ,Edo state) Uncle Smart did attain primary and secondary education mainly at Catholic Mission Schools attending:
Catholic School Evwriyen
Saint Joseph Catholic Elegbete Lagos in 1951
Catholic school Warri 1953
Saint Patrick College 1956
Hussey College Warri 1960
Federal Training Center 1962
His zest for knowledge and fulfilment, led him to the United kingdom where he obtained an A level degree from the Bristol College and also attained a degree in law from Welsh College of Advanced Science and Technology now Cardiff University.
As a lover and advocate of education, a value bestowed and bequeathed on all of his children, his return to Nigeria from the United Kingdom in 1971, availed him the opportunity to enrol at the Nigerian Law School Lagos and was subsequently called to Bar on the 16th of July, 1972.
His working career largely reveals resilience, determination and focus, virtues largely domiciled in Pa Ofoluwa. Soon after his Higher School Certificate and Federal Training Programme at Warri and Lagos respectively, young Smart was employed at the Department of customs and excise Lagos as a Clerical Staff in 1962, haven trained as a stenographer. Still ambitious and adventurous, he sojourned to the United Kingdom via water transportation on the 28th of February 1963, birthed a new vista of experiences and opportunities.
While in the United Kingdom, he offered his administrative and intellectual capacity at different firms which include: Chicken Inn, Ministry of Transport, Walls Ice Cream, New Port Corporation in South Wales.
He further built a successful career at the legal practice as he joined the chambers of Ewaen Okundaye and Co, Benin and chief C.D Orike in 1972 and 1973 respectively.
Haven excelled in his chosen path and assigned responsibilities, his experience, administrative and intellectual strength, compelled his appointment as a Director at the Bendel Broadcasting Service in 1989.
The legal luminary, administrator and elder statesman also played significant role amidst his kith and kin ultimately attaining the traditional title of Ayanrho of Agbara in 2013 and Otere R’Uvwie of Uvwie kingdom as a mark of recognition and appreciation of his attainments and contributions to his ancestral community.
Celebrated as a sport man, his skills and exploit in athletics and football, did fan his enthusiasm and love for sports .
Happily married to Mary Rose in 1975, Olorogun Ofoluwa’s lineage is blessed with four children and many grandchildren established into their chosen field of endeavours.
His sister is Barr. Grace mowoe (headed the panel that wrote the Gambian constitution ) Roseline Bozimo (former CJ Delta state and head of National Judicial institute, Abuja.
Absolutely devoted as a Christian and to the Catholic church, Olorogun Ofoluwa was patron to a number of Catholic organizations.
Haven run a good race and kept the faith, rest until we meet to part no more.
Adieu Papa an illustrious son of the soil, an Ambassador of the faith and an inspirational icon .
Your memory lives on as you truly lived a life from grace to Grace and Glory.
Fondly remembered and missed by son in-law Efeduma Patrick Bekibele and family.