Oba Adedokun Abolarin: The Òràngún of Òkè-Ìlá in Osun State
The act of philanthropy contributes greatly to societal development. Over the years, Nigeria has witnessed the rise of many philanthropists who have been instrumental in the development of communities and projects in Nigeria. We celebrate one of the royal fathers today, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, the Òràngún of Òkè-Ìlá of Osun State who is a great philanthropist.
Oba Adedokun Abolarin is from the Obasolo Ruling House, one of the three ruling houses in Òkè-Ìlá, Osun State. Oba Adedokun Abolarin is an esteemed law professional, with a degree in Law, a Master’s degree in International Relations, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, all from Obafemi Awolowo University. Without a doubt, Oba Adedokun Abolarin is a firm believer in education and its significance in the development of our society.
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Prior to his installation in December 2006, Oba Adedokun was a licensed law practitioner with the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He was the Principal Partner of Dokun Abolarin & Co., a firm of Solicitors and Legal Consultants, which had served as Company Secretary to various corporations such as Tell Publications (Publishers of Tell Magazine), Pacific Holdings, Peachtree Communications Ltd, Sportsmark International, and Springtime Development Foundation. Oba Adedokun is also a prolific writer with a passion for research.
As an educationist and philanthropist, Oba Adedokun founded the Abolarin College, Oke-Ila-Orangun, Osun State. Though existing in less than a decade, Abolarin College was established with a mission to provide free education to indigent children. The college is tuition-free, and the school provides everything the students need from clothing to educational materials.
Admission is strictly reserved for the less privileged in the society and it is not limited to the children in the immediate community but extended to every part of Nigeria.
With a population of over 100 students, Abolarin College compels its students to be proficient in at least three languages, one local dialect, English and French.
Speaking on the importance of free education and the establishment of the school, the monarch stated that:
“It is not about being a Christian or a Muslim. It is not about nepotism, neither is it restricted to Yoruba children nor children from my hometown. It is about any less privileged child around who is willing to be educated”
Oba Adedokun is worthy of emulation and we are inspired.