Chief Anthony Adebowale Ashaolu: The Man Who Never Turned Me Down. By Aduralere Oluwagbohunmi.
Aba Rawa—as he was fondly and widely called—was a man of rare depth and uncommon grace. A distinguished historian of the highest order, a devoted teacher, a tireless community mobiliser, a respected leader, and one of the most impactful sons of Igbole Ekiti. He was not just a man who lived in Igbole; he embodied Igbole.
My journey with him became personal in 2015, when I authored a historical work titled “Ekiti Kete: One People, Two Generations.” When Ekiti State marked her 20th year of existence, the book was selected for review on Ekiti State Television. I was asked to invite two guest speakers for the programme.
Without hesitation, I ran to Chief Rawa. I invited him to EKTV—and instantly, without conditions or excuses, he said yes. That was who he was.
Shortly after, driven by a burden for the future, I launched a programme at Igbole High School tagged “Igbole Ekiti Educational Link Forum.” My vision was simple but profound: to build a bridge between generations, allowing young scholars at the secondary school level to drink from the well of experience of the older generation.
Once again, I ran to Chief Rawa.
And once again, he never turned me down.
Even when it was inconvenient.
Even when it demanded sacrifice.
Even when others would have said no.
Year after year, he showed up—faithfully—at Ojo Ugbole High School, mentoring, teaching, inspiring, and pouring himself into young lives through my platform. He believed in the vision. More than that, he believed in me.
His commitment to humanity, and to Igbole Ekiti in particular, was second to none. He loved Igbole with a purity that cannot be pretended.
Anything that bore the name Igbole had his heart. He was Igbole personified.
Today, my heart is heavy, but my gratitude is deeper than my pain. I have lost a supporter, a mentor, a father, and a man who never turned me down.
Rest on, Dad.
Your labour was not in vain.
Aduralere Oluwagbohunmi
President, EduLink Concepts