In an exclusive interview with The Punch, Lanre Oyekanmi, the elder brother of the late Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ogun State governor’s office, Taiwo Oyekanmi, shares insights into his brother’s life and tragic demise at the hands of suspected armed robbers on November 29, 2023.
Lanre Oyekanmi revealed the close bond shared with his younger brother, recounting their childhood in Ifonyintedo village in the Ipokia Local Government Area. He reflected on their upbringing, which involved a mix of farming and baking bread in a close-knit family environment.
Despite humble beginnings, Taiwo Oyekanmi’s academic brilliance stood out. Lanre described him as a focused student who excelled in the sciences during his secondary school years in the 1980s and early 1990s. After completing his national youth service in Abia State, Taiwo joined the civil service during the administration of Chief Olusegun Osoba.
The elder brother highlighted Taiwo’s journey from the Bureau of Establishments to the Ministry of Finance, where he eventually rose to the position of Director of Finance and Accounts in the governor’s office. Throughout his civil service career, Taiwo remained dedicated to farming, earning a reputation as a skilled and passionate farmer.
Lanre Oyekanmi shared that Taiwo had plans to retire into farming, emphasizing their family’s deep-rooted connection to agriculture. The devastating news of Taiwo’s demise reached Lanre while he was in Owode-Idiroko, receiving a call from a younger brother at the Governor’s Office. As he made inquiries on the way to Abeokuta, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr Toyin Taiwo, confirmed the tragic news through tearful silence.
The family now grapples with the loss of a beloved member whose life journey, from farm fields to public service excellence, came to a tragic end. The Punch extends condolences to the Oyekanmi family as they navigate this difficult period.
