I thought it was a risky proposition to write a lot about oneself because of the chances of being seen as immodest. On the other hand, I thought many of us in ICA would still do it anyway, partly because it is likely to make our elders in Iree even more proud of God’s grace on their children’s lives even when they are so far away from home. Also, partly because it may inspire younger ones coming behind us to work harder and smarter.
I am the eldest son of Pa Israel Oyerinde Omotosho of Ile Ofele (Oyetite Ruling House of Iree) and Chief Mrs. Alice Oladuntan Omotosho (nee Olaniyan) of Ile Oluawo. My father was the eldest child of Pa Moses Oyediran Omotosho and Madam Phoebe Ojuolape Omotosho (nee Adejumo) of Ile Oba Ruling House, Eripa. My grandfather was a descendant of Oba Oyetite, the 6th Aree of Iree. My parents were very devout Baptists. My father loved everyone that came along his path, almost to a fault, particularly his junior ones. One of my father’s junior brothers was Oba Michael Omoloye Omotoso, the 14th Aree of Iree, who reigned between 1975 and 2003, and was the first Aree to be crowned. His reign is still remembered in Iree today with a proud, pleasant, and grateful nostalgia. Another junior sibling of my dad’s that many knew well was Dr. Samuel Oyedokun Omotoso. He was very close to Kabiyesi Omotoso, and they were like twin brothers. You would note that they both removed the “h” from their surnames. I think that was just in reverence for the purity of the Yoruba language. But that is how close they were.
Dr. Omotoso was my mentor and role model. He loved me, dearly. I lived with him for four years, during which I read primary 3 to 6, a crucial period when the environment can impact the personality and life dream of a child profoundly. Some of my other aunts and uncles who are still alive today include Mama Deaconess Abigail Ogunniyi of Ile Idigba, Pa Isaac Iwaloye Omotosho, Uncle Akin Adejumo of Ile Oba, Eripa, Mama Elizabeth Alayande, Uncle Segun Alayande, and Auntie Bolatito Bolarinwa. In fact, I always remember Auntie Bolatito for one thing she did when the chiefs came to Ibadan to encourage my dad to become the new Aree, and my father persistently told them he was not interested and that they should pick one of his brothers. Auntie Tito came out of the meeting and kind of pressured me, saying, “Please, come in and tell my brother to accept; this is a big historical honor, you know. Maybe if you too talk to him, he will accept”.
I did not yield to her pressure, and my father stood his ground. I say this because recently, history tried to repeat itself. After the last Aree died, an uncle called me from Nigeria, saying, “Akinloye, iwo ni kini yi kan o”, i.e., Akinloye, it’s now your turn to be king, you know? I burst into laughter. I did not want to be harsh or rash in my response. Like my dad, I knew I was not interested, but I said ok, uncle, I’ll pray about it and get back to you. I shared the story with my junior brother, Prince Depo Akande, and we both laughed it off. I knew he was interested, and so, I encouraged him. However, I really thank my uncle for thinking so highly and graciously of me.
I attended Fiditi Grammar School, Eleyele School of Nursing; University of Ibadan; University of Ife; the University of Maryland in Baltimore; and the University of Missouri. I have worked as a primary school teacher in Ifo, Ogun State, accounts clerk at Posts and Telecommunications, Ibadan, and as a Registered Nurse, State Hospital, Osogbo, Harlem Hospital, New York, and the University of Maryland Hospital. I was privileged to serve as the first teacher for the State Nursing School, Osogbo, when it was opened in 1977. While Mr. Paul Ajayi served as the principal, I served as the teacher of the very first two classes admitted to the school. I have also taught at the University of Ibadan Department of Nursing, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Howard University School of Nursing, Essex Community College School of Nursing, Towson State University School of Nursing, and Coppin State University School of Nursing. Currently, I teach at the University of Phoenix, Online. I also serve as the Executive Clinical Director of Optimum Health Systems, Inc., the Director of Education and Clinicals for the Nursing Education and Research Institute, Inc., and the Pastor Emeritus of Abundant Grace Baptist Church, Maryland.
I have been married to my beautiful wife, Deaconess Titilayo Ayobami Omotosho, since 1977. She loves Iree so much that she knows many Iree people, almost more than I. We are blessed with four married sons and five grandchildren, with many more on the way, by God’s grace. All thanks and glory be to God.