– By Adewumi Faniran
First Lawyer from Oba-Akoko, Former Ondo Lawmaker, Legal Luminary, Community Leader, and Devoted Christian
The family of the late Chief James Ilesanmi Oguntoyinbo, along with friends, colleagues, and well-wishers from across Nigeria and the diaspora, mourns the passing of a giant in law, politics, and faith. Chief Oguntoyinbo, a man of uncommon courage, deep integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice and community service, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, at the age of 90.
Born on September 20, 1935, in Oba-Akoko, now in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Chief Oguntoyinbo was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. He was the first lawyer from his hometown and the first indigene of Oba-Akoko to serve in the Ondo State House of Assembly, representing Akoko South West Constituency II between 1999 and 2003. He was a man who devoted his entire life to advancing truth, justice, and development—both in the courtroom and in public service.
From Humble Beginnings to Academic Excellence
Raised by Mr Solomon and Mrs Dorcas Oguntoyinbo, young James’s early life was marked by hardship, sacrifice, and resilience. After an adventurous childhood during the Second World War, and years of schooling across towns such as Ikare, Ogbagi, Irun, Omuo, and Lokoja, he completed his elementary education in 1951.
Though unable to immediately access secondary education, his determination never wavered. He taught briefly in Lagos before gaining admission into Lagos City College in 1953. After graduating in 1956, he worked and saved diligently, eventually fulfilling his father’s unfulfilled dream by travelling to London in 1961 for further studies.
While juggling work and evening classes, he earned a law degree from the University of London-affiliated Halborne College of Law and Languages in 1973. He was awarded a scholarship for foreign students. Upon returning to Nigeria, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1974, thus beginning a legal career that would span nearly five decades.
A Distinguished Legal and Political Career
Chief Oguntoyinbo served at various times in the Ondo State Ministry of Justice, in private legal practice, and as a trusted legal adviser and community advocate. In 1997, he was appointed to the Ondo State Judicial Service Commission on Chieftaincy Matters, and in 1999, he was elected to the Ondo State House of Assembly, where he served with distinction until 2003.
Even after retirement from full legal practice in 2020, he remained a pillar of wisdom in the legal community and a defender of the rights of the underrepresented.
Devotion to Faith and Service
A lifelong Anglican, Chief Oguntoyinbo was baptised in 1949 and confirmed in London in 1963. He led early morning family devotions with unmatched zeal and founded the Oore-Ofe Society at St. John’s Anglican Church, Oba-Ile, where he was a revered elder.
He was also honoured with several chieftaincy titles, including:
Majeobaje of St. John’s Anglican Church, Oba-Ile
Asiwaju of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Oba-Akoko
Mayegun and Baba Mofin of Holy Promise Church, Akure
Bamigboye of Emure-Ile, in recognition of his legal support to the traditional institution.
Community Impact and Legacy
Chief Oguntoyinbo was a former Chairman of the Oba-Akoko National Association (ONA) in Akure, Life Patron of Club 79 (Ominale Elite Club), and Life Patron of Egbe Ifelodun, Omo Oba-Akoko. He embodied humility and leadership, never hesitating to mentor, support, and uplift others.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who carry forward his enduring legacy of excellence, humility, and godliness.
Burial Arrangements
Final rites and celebration of his life will take place as follows:
Thursday, 12th November 2025 – Commendation Service at St. John’s Anglican Church, Oba-Ile, Akure, Ondo State.
Friday, 13th November 2025
Special Sitting at the Ondo State House of Assembly
Legal Community Tribute at the Ondo State High Court
Lying-in-State at 28, Aiyetoro Street, Palace Road, Oba-Ile, Akure
Christian Wake at Oguntoyinbo compound, behind Baptist Church, Owa Odo Quarters, Oba-Akoko.
Saturday, 14th November 2025 – Funeral Service at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Oba-Akoko, at 10:00 a.m.
The family appreciates all expressions of support, prayers, and presence as they honour the life of a man who gave so much and asked for so little.
“A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.” – Ecclesiastes 7:1
May the soul of Chief James Ilesanmi Oguntoyinbo rest in perfect peace.
