A former Deputy Inspector General of Police, Adedayo Adeoye, has revealed that his late teacher, Pa Jonathan Adeleke was one of the influential figures who encouraged him to join the Nigeria Police Force.
The retired DIG made the revelation on Thursday during “A Day of Tribute and Commendations” organized by the Ede Elders Council and the Federation of Ede Descendants Union in honour of Pa Adeleke, a Fellow of Retired Principals (AREPPS).
The event held at Baptist High School, saw an array of who is who across different professions and social strata.
DIG Adedayo Adeoye Rtd, an alumnus of Baptist High School, Ede, stressed that Pa Adeleke, a former principal of the school, not only prepared him academically but also shaped him morally, which contributed significantly to who he became in life.
Eulogizing his late teacher and mentor’s dedication to teaching career, the retired DIG recalled the counseling which helped in his passing of four out of the five subjects taught by Chief Adeleke with ‘A’ grades during his Senior Secondary School examinations.
In a tribute, delivered by Chief Adebayo Ojo on behalf of the President of the Ede Elders Council, Alhaji Suleiman Adebayo, the late Pa Adeleke, who died at the age of 94, was described as “a man of the people without being a practicing politician.”
Alhaji Adebayo noted that the late Pa Adeleke’s social life reflected a high level of maturity in the way he related with people and handled even complex issues.
Part of Alhaji Sulaimon Adebayo’s tribute reads, “His impeccable personality made him easily recognized in any community where he served.“No wonder he was honored with a chieftaincy title, doctorate degree, and many certificates of honour by different organizations.
“What should please those of us who were related and close to Pa Adeleke is the way he was so blessed by God with a good and amiable wife, and respectable and disciplined children.“ What we should learn from these accolades being attributed to our departed leader, friend, and associate is that there is no overdraft in the bank of nature.
“We appreciate your contributions to the Elders Council and we will always remember you for the good examples you laid and the commitment you left behind for us to emulate.” Alhaji Adebayo added.
Emeritus Professor Bunmi Ayoade, in his own tribute, described the late Chief Adeleke as a passionate educationist and teacher who lived his life with discipline and the fear of God.
Speaking on the late Pa Adeleke’s dedication to his faith, Professor Ayoade said, “When we gained admission into Baptist College, Chief Adeleke always came first in Bible knowledge.“He knew the Bible very well; that was why in our class he was called ‘Pastor.’” Professor Ayoade added.
The eldest child of the late Pa Adeleke, Dr Keji Adeleke, in his appreciation remarks, thanked God for the life lived by his father.He lauded the organizers of the special programme held in honour of his father and vowed that he and his siblings would continue to uphold the principles and service to humanity to which their father dedicated his lifetime.
Past students of Baptist High School, community leaders in Ede, friends, and family members gathered in large numbers to honour the late Chief Jonathan Adeleke.
