MAN Oron Acting Rector Dr. Okonna bid farewell to Father of Academy’s Governing Council Chairman
By Ovie Edomi
The colourful burial ceremony of late Surv. (Chief) Olukunle Akinola, father of the Chairman, Governing Council of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Engr. Kehinde Akinola at the St. Andrews Anglican Church, Akinyele-Ipaja, Diocese of Lagos West Anglican Community Church of Nigeria, had the creme de la creme of the Lagos society and beyond in attendance including the Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna.
In a condolence signed by the Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna on behalf of the Academy community, he eulogised the late Chief Akinola, as a trailblazer and revered stAkinola whose legacy continued to illuminate Nigeria’s surveying profession.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Okonna described him as a towering community leader, celebrated for his integrity, humility, and unwavering dedication to humanity.
Furthermore he stated “His passing is indeed a great loss, not just to your family but also to all who were privileged to know him. Words may not suffice to ease the pain of such a profound loss, but we take solace in the fact that Papa lived a life of honour, integrity, and positive impact, values that are clearly reflected in your own exemplary leadership and character.”
Late Surv. Chief Olukunle Akinola was born on October 31, 1931, to Pa Moses Jonathan Akinola and Mrs. Julianah Akinola, together they laid a moral foundation for him that guided him through a lifetime of achievement.
His life aligned integrity, diligence, and service to map out a life of purpose. His journey from Ipaja’s dusty paths to international boardrooms remains a timeless testament to what vision, education, and humility can achieve.
In a world where ambition often races ahead of integrity, Surv. (Chief) Olukunle Akinola charted a rare course; one defined by precision, discipline, and service. From the quiet village of Ipaja to the global corridors of professional surveying, the late Akinola’s story reads like a meticulous survey plan: every coordinate of his life marked by purpose, principle, and quiet excellence.
Measured not by wealth, but by impact, late Chief Akinola’s life stands as a map for generations who seek to build not just structures, but societies. Surv. (Chief) Olukunle Akinola, FNIS, FRICS (1931–2025). He remains a man who surveyed the earth and left a mark on his people.
Apart from the Acting Rector, other epresentives of the Academy at the event were members of the Governing Council: Prof. Abiodun Sule, Hon. Segun Isichei, Mrs. Inja Hussaina Isabel, Hon. Shehu Maigari Doguwa and Hon. Faisal Lawal Halidu. They were joined by key members of the Academy’s Management: Directors, Research and Strategic Development, Dr. John Adeyanju; Registrar, Mr. P. M. Netson; the Bursar, Mr. Anthony Ambi; Director of Works and Services, Engr Wale Ogunsola and the Procurement Officer, Mr. Tunde Durosaro.
Others are Lagos Liaison Officer, Mrs Titi Imogore; SA to Acting Rector, Mr. Ime Morgan; PA to the Rector, Mr. Hope Inyang; the Protocol Officer, Mr. Ifaenyi Anih; Mrs. Rose Adeyanju and Academy’s Image Manager, Domo Umoekpe.
Also the presence of Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, President of the Alumni Association of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (AMANO) and other alumni added a touch to the gathering.This according to the Image Manager of the Academy, Domo Umoekpe, ANIPR, underscores the enduring bond between the Academy and its accomplished alumni network
No doubt the burial of patriarch of the Akinola family may have come to and end, the colourful event and the legacies, Pa Olukunle Akinola left behind will remain in people’s minds and treasurable for a long time.