“Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.” — Epicurus. Chief John Ayo Oguntunase was one of the most influential philosophers of his generation. In my view, he was an embodiment of the ancient school of thought that happiness is rooted in truth. Rather than promoting envy or the pursuit of power and wealth, he encouraged people to understand life through truth, experience, and calm reflection. As one of the finest community leaders of his time, this tribute reflects my personal experiences with Oga Ayo.
1.
Though I observed him from a distance as a child, I became closer to him in the 1960s in Ado-Ekiti when he was a teacher. He and his friend, the late Ojo Fakorede—popularly known as Baba Taju—lived together. At that time, there was also HRM Oba Osalusi, who worked at the Local Government Courthouse and is now the Kabiyesi of Orun-Igbemo. The three of them were excellent role models for us, their younger ones (aburos).
In addition, Oga Ayo was a philosopher and a master storyteller who used parables to heal the stressful pains of our world. He also had a beautiful young lady who regularly visited him from Ifaki. She gracefully became his first, only, and last wife.
2.
In April 1980, I had just returned from the USA. During an Igbemo community meeting, some inconvenient and pessimistic reactions arose. Oga Ayo offered his wise counsel in a calm, meaningful, and measured manner. Among other things, he said:
“When a madman is being bathed in a river, you let him finish. Then you allow the water to settle before taking your own bath from the same river.”
It was profound. Alamudu of Igbemo had spoken.
3.
Oga Ayo was a superb role model. A man’s character is often the best predictor of the compassion and values his children will exhibit. For example, in 2007, I had never met nor known Bayo Oguntunase. Yet, simply because he was Oga Ayo’s son, my admiration and affection for the father immediately extended to the son. Character matters. This earned Bayo my immediate trust.
4.
Even in 2009, Oga Ayo remained the epitome of honesty and trustworthiness. This distinguished him as one of the few unelected patriots of Igbemo. He had no envy in his bones—only blunt truthfulness and a genuine love for progressive ideas.
5.
About two decades ago, during the struggles, trials, betrayals, and disappointments associated with our efforts toward the socio-economic and organizational transformation of the Igbemo community, Oga Ayo’s commitment to truth, equity, and progress never wavered.
He stood as a living proverb—a philosophical oak tree whose roots drank deeply from the ancient wisdom of our ancestors: the wisdom to understand the consequences of actions taken and to recognize the implications of actions not taken.
These highlights reflect the lessons Oga Ayo taught us. They remind us that envy and material wealth do not automatically bring satisfaction. Some people find contentment with very little, while others, despite abundance, still feel empty.
His philosophy taught us to shift our focus away from constant accumulation and toward peace of mind, meaningful relationships, and a life grounded in truth. He was an enduring philosopher whose happiness was not defined by possessions but by his ability to appreciate and experience life to its fullest.
So, my Oga, you did well.
Alafia ni fun atunlu se.
May your soul rest in perfect peace.
In Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen. 🙏
