CELEBRATING HIGH CHIEF JOSEPH BABATUNDE OLOWE, THE ENURIN AGBA-OYE OF EGBOROLAND, IJEBU-JESA @ 75

CELEBRATING HIGH CHIEF JOSEPH BABATUNDE OLOWE, THE ENURIN AGBA-OYE OF EGBOROLAND, IJEBU-JESA @ 75
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High Chief Joseph Babatunde Olowe was born on 17 May, 1945 in Iseyin, Oyo State, to the family of Late Pa Michael Oladipupo Olowe from Ajigiteri ruling house, Okenisa and Mama Felicia Ayodele of Oke Iloro, both of Ijebu Jesa, Osun State.

Baba started his education at the Local Authority (L.A) Primary School, Iseyin from where he moved to L.A Primary School, Saki, also in Oyo State where he completed his primary education atop the class in 1958. Thereafter, he had his modern education at Baptist Boys High School (BBHS), Saki and finished in flying colours in 1965.

Armed with good grades from the modern school, it was not difficult for the young Joseph Babatunde Olowe to secure a job. Baba had his first stint at work when he joined an Italian company, Balfour Biti Construction Company as a Recording Clerk at the Kainji Hydro Power Site, Kainji Dam, Niger State between 1967-1968 when he resigned voluntarily.

The Ijesa trading instinct (Osomalo) in him made him to leave Nigeria for the Republic of Togo where he engaged in international and cross-border trading as he buys merchandise from Togo, Ghana and some other African countries to sell in Nigeria. It was a brief stint as he returned to Nigeria and settled in Lagos in 1972.
On return to Nigeria, the young prince secured employment with the Federal Ministry of Trade as a Store-Keeper in 1972. He then enrolled with the London Institute of Purchasing and Supply for a Tuition Course where he obtained Diploma in Store-Keeping. He left the government job for a private company and joined Continental Pharmaceuticals Limited as a Store-Keeper from 1973 to 1975. He also resigned and joined Tarmac Engineering Company, (Manufacturers of Asphalt and other road construction materials), as a Store Supervisor and was later promoted to the position of Store Manager. He left the company in 1978 and had a short stint at Academy Press, Ilupeju as Store Manager in the Lithography department.

Tired of salary job, Baba started his private business in 1981. It was a turning point in his life as he registered his business, Jossy Babatunde & Co which undertakes Sales and Supply of Electrical and Telecommunications materials, as well as installations of Telecommunication gadgets. The company started off in Mushin and later moved to Dopemu area of Lagos with the Head office at Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. Till date High Chief Olowe still undertake contracts in Telecommunications with installation of PABX, intercom and CCTV in hotels, corporate organisations and private buildings with Clients spread across Nigeria.

Baba has remained ever grateful to his Uncle, Late Pa Joshua Olajide Ojelabi who infliuenced him to develop passion and sincere interest in Ijebu Jesa. As a royal prince, the late Uncle ensured they come home together during festive periods and that entrenched the love for Ijebu Jesa in him.
In the year 2009, the Okenisa Quarters where he belongs choose him to be the Enurin Agba-Oye as one of the highest ranked chiefs and kingmakers representing Okenisa in the Oba-In-Council since then.
He also bagged the honourary title as the Agbaakin of Onilekere community in Ikeja local government area of Lagos where he has lived since 1986.

Though born of Anglican parent, Baba fell in love with the Baptist fellowship when he gained admission to Baptist Boys High School, Saki, as he enjoyed the Baptist doctrines and settings which is liberal and allows for democratic processes. He has remained committed to the church since then.
In the church, Baba has served in different capacities. He has served as Youth Pastor severally; he is a former Chairman of Board of trustees of the church. He has equally served as a Treasurer as well as head of many societies and departments in the church at different times. He is a foundation member of the Christian Fellowship Pioneer Society of Providence Baptist Church, Dopemu in Lagos. Baba has also founded Christian Pioneer Society in First Baptist Church, Ijebu Jesa where he currently fellowships since returning home.

High Chief Joseph Babatunde Olowe has a moderated social lifestyle having travelled wide. He is a pioneer member of KOBAH Club of Lagos, and Onilekere Elites Club, Lagos. He is also a member of the Ijebu Jesa Social Club (IJSC).

Baba is happily married to his loving wife, Chief (Mrs) Olayemi Olowe and the union is blessed with lovely children and many grandchildren.

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