Pioneer principal C&S College, Akintola, dies @ 86
...he had premonition of death, says daughter
The pioneer principal of Cherubim and Seraphim College, Ilorin, Kwara State, Pa David Olanrewaju Akintola on Saturday breathe his last.
The foremost educationist in Kwara died at the age of 86 at a hospital in Ilorin, the state capital.
Akintola, who was principal of C&S College, Ilorin for 25 years between 1969 and 1993, was also former chairman of the state Sports Council from 1985 to 1986.
As a sport lover, he brought Base Ball to Nigeria through his friend, Gen. Ishola Williams and the game started at his school producing seasoned players.
He produced many sports stars such as Atanda Musa, Olapade Adenekan, Dele Aiyenugba, Toyin Ayinla, Mike Okoli among others.
Speaking on the demise of her father, Adetilewa Akintola, said the octogenarian had premonition of his death.
In a chat with National Pilot, yesterday, she said, her father had always expressed wish to die having lived a fulfilled life.
“Baba told me recently that he was embarking on a journey. He was eager to go. Before transiting, he always said, ‘I am done, I am fulfilled and there is nothing to weep for.”
On his virtues, the deceased’s daughter noted that he was, “peaceful, generous, kind, an encourager and a role model.
“He was passionate about people’s well being and progress and was a philanthropist. He was strict yet very loving, “she added.
Similarly, son of the deceased, Kola Akintola, who described his father as a disciplinarian, said he would be sorely missed by the family.
He said the late Akintola was a detribalised man who did not harbour divisive tendencies and accommodated all without religious and ethnic leanings.
“He was a disciplinarian to the core. He was a man who called a spade by its name and made truthfulness and honesty his watchword. This I cherish most about him.
“He would be missed for his life changing advice. He was always finding solution to challenges and he lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.”.
Late Akintola, who was born on April 11, 1933 started his educational pursuit at St. Barnabas Primary School, Ilorin.
He also attended Keffi Government College and Ohio University, USA, and began his working career as a teacher at Advanced Teachers College, Kano.
The deceased was the proprietor of David Akintola College, Ilorin.
