Deaconess Phebean Oluwabunmi OJETUNDE

Born on Friday, May 5 1944, Mrs. Phebean Ojetunde slept in the Lord on Saturday, May 8, 2004.

BIOGRAPHY PROPER
The popular saying goes, thus: “It is not how long, but how well.” There could not have been a more apt statement with which to describe Phebean Olubunmi Ojetunde’s life, judging by the whirlwind of impact she had left behind in her own little world.

Born in Abeokuta, Ogun State on May 5, 1944, she was the first female but second child of late Pastor Joseph Aregbesola and Deaconness Maria Omotayo Aregbesola (nee Akitobi) of Ikhin (Owan L.G.A.), Edo State. Right from childhood, Phebean was always dutiful and obedient everywhere she found herself, as she did not always live with her parents. As such, she early demonstrated the qualities of hardwork and diligence for which she was known throughout her lifetime. Sequel to these qualities was her dressmaking skill which she acquired from her parents who were both dexterous tailors.

Her schooling began at Ijaiye Baptist Day School in the 50’s and continued at Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School. She then proceeded to United Missionary College (UMC), Ibadan between 1962 and 1964, where she bagged her Teachers’ Grade Two Certificate. It was in these places that she developed her mellifluous voice and her love for singing, as a result of the musical activities for which missionary schools were known.

In August 1967, beautiful Phebean Olubunmi tied the nuptial knot with young and handsome Titus Oladejo Ojetunde of Odeomu, Osun State, who himself was a fine singer and a scholar, among other things. And, had they explored the option, they would have made a wonderful singing couple. The union is blessed with five lovely children, and a few grandchildren, who took strongly to the musical traits and physical beauty inherent in their parents.

She taught in the following schools: E.D.C. Secondary Modern School, Gbongan, 1967 – 1968; Lagos City Council School II, Okesuna, 1969 – 1971; and Lagos City Council School, Fadeyi, 1971.

Having pursued her N.C.E. course at the College of Education, University of Lagos (1971 – 1974), she taught at the African Church Teachers’ Training College, Ifako from 1975. This she did (N.C.E.) as a wife-concurrently a nursing yet pregnant mother- an undaunted sign of purpose-driven nature characterizing her lifetime.

She then enrolled for her B.A. degree in Education and Yoruba at the prestigious University of Lagos (1976 – 1978), after which she not only underwent her NYSC (1978 – 1979), but also took a Citizenship and Leadership course, doubtless in preparation for her budding leadership.

Thereafter, she continued at A.C.T.T.C. until 1985. Subsequently, she was Vice-Principal, Sanngo Secondary School, Agege (1985); Deputy Principal, Keke High School, Agege (1995); Principal, Lagos Baptist Secondary School, Orile Agege (1996); and Principal, Sonmori Comprehensive High School, Ifako (2002), where she retired with effect from February 10, 2004.

It was in the course of her duties as a Principal that Mrs. Phebean Olubunmi Ojetunde’s natural leadership capabilities came fully to the fore. In fact, she consistently displayed an outstanding sense of leadership in both academic and non-academic circles: in impeccable punctuality, devotion to duty, a business-like approach to life and work, sense of urgency, goal-getting and purpose-driven orientation, excellent human relations, razor-sharp intellect, among others.

Of particular note was her mental capacity which earned her an “Upper Second Class Honours”
degree, even as a wife and mother of four! An excellent planner, she always knew what to do, as one who constantly practised James 1:5 (“If any … lack wisdom, let him ask…). In fact, she was a “MAN”, only one with a “womb”. Her knack for detail made her the “born” teacher she was, who could help her students assimilate in the simplest manner possible.

As a Yoruba teacher, her immense contributions to the development of Yoruba studies, particularly in the fields of teaching, research and writing cannot be undermined. Her works include, but are not limited to, the following: literary research and writing work for Nigerian Education Research and Development Council (NERDC – Primary Education Curriculum Development), Longman (co-authoring of “Iwe Imodotun Yoruba and assessment of the revised “Alawiye” series), etc. she was an active member of Egbe Akomolede Ati Asa Yoruba, Naijiria (Association of the Teachers of Yoruba Language and Culture), having served in various capacities, including, National Financial Secretary, National Secretary and National Vice-President. She was also a leading WAEC examiner in Yoruba.

In addition, she was a pioneer co-presenter of “Adiitu” (a Yoruba quiz competition between two couples) on the then Lagos Television Channel 8 – now LTV/LWT in 1983.

On the spiritual side, her exposure and upbringing as a pastor’s daughter helped Deaconess Ojetunde develop a deep love for God early in life which took her through the vicissitudes of life. She was born into and died in The Apostolic Church where she was baptized and subsequently given the Right Hand of Fellowship in 1978. She was made a deaconess in 1989 and she lived up to the responsibilities of the office. As a compassionate woman, she was a ready counselor who always had a word of advice for anyone she came across, particularly younger women. And she faithfully served in the various leadership positions assigned to her in the Women’s Movement in the various assemblies where she was asked to function!

A believer in the efficacy of prayers, she consistently prayed about everything, hence her ability to get things done in due course. And even in death, her prayers yet live on to yield fruit, particularly in the lives of her children.

She was also actively involved in Children’s Ministry, having taught severally in the children’s Sunday School and undergone some training at Child and World Evangelism Inc. She was a member of Chosen Generation Christian Club and a regular teacher in their Summer Children Programmes for a number of years.

As a wife and mother, mummy was the pillar of her home. Her innate managerial ability ensured that the house was well-run, even sometimes on lean resources. She was extremely warm, loving and compassionate; and was as open as a book. She wove the life of her family around her life such that there was, more or less, nothing they did not know about her. The life and soul of her home, she served the family, just like elsewhere, with her whole heart and put them uppermost in her mind in all she did. She was also the encyclopaedia of the family history and events. In fact, she was ALL THAT and much more.

In all, Phebean Olubunmi Ojetunde’s life was one of relentless service to God and humanity. She was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, subordinate, leader, teacher and Christian. Her memories will forever linger in the hearts of us who love her and whose lives have been immensely and unforgettably touched by her.

Mummy, though your exit to the great beyond was a very rude, grave and unbearable shock to all of us, we would find solace in the exemplary Spartan-disciplined and devout Christian life you had lived and also in the “legacy” you left behind: AN EMBODIMENT OF SELFLESS SERVICE TO GOD AND HUMANITY.

Rest in the bosom of your Lord till the resurrection morning when we shall meet to part no more! ADIEU!!!