From Service to Legacy: Reflections on My Old Students Association of Methodist High School Ilesa (OSAMETHSI) Journey

By Engr. Dideolu Falobi

As Methodist High School, Ilesa celebrates its 70th anniversary, it is impossible not to pause, breathe deeply, and look back with gratitude, humility, and—permit me to add—a few smiles at how far God has brought us. Leadership, especially in an Old Students’ Association filled with passionate and highly opinionated alumni, is not merely about projects or positions; it is a journey of self-introspection, community, and legacy.

Between 2004 and 2022, I had the uncommon privilege of serving alongside two extraordinary partners in service: Pastor Babatunde Ogunrekun as Secretary and Princess Tokunbo Adedapo as Financial Secretary/Treasurer. If leadership were a three-legged stool, Pastor Tunde ensured the minutes were accurate, Princess Tokunbo ensured the accounts were accurate, and I ensured that both of them remained patient with my “visionary impatience.” Together, by God’s grace, we navigated nearly two decades of transformation within OSAMETHSI.

A School, A Calling, A Community

Methodist High School, Ilesa, founded on January 26, 1956 by the Methodist Mission, has always been more than a school; it is a training ground for character. In the Yoruba worldview, Ìwà—good character—outlives titles. The philosophy of Ubuntu reminds us that “I am because we are.”

These principles guided us from the moment the Old Students’ Association resolved to move from nostalgic conversations to practical impact. When our journey of intervention began in 2004, we did not have all the answers. What we had was faith, stubborn optimism, and an alumni body that believed that complaining about broken windows was less productive than fixing them. Over the years, unity of purpose turned vision into visible transformation.

The Pioneers Who Built the Modern OSAMETHSI

No vision survives its infancy without courageous believers. As we celebrate this milestone, it is only fitting to honour those distinguished members who keyed into the dream at its earliest and most uncertain stages—the heroes of the establishment of the modern OSAMETHSI. In those early days, when meetings were long, resources were limited, and optimism sometimes had to compete with doubt, these individuals stood firm and gave life to a vision that has since transformed our alma mater.

They include, but are not limited to: Prof Yemi Kayode-Adedeji, Elder Bode Dada, Chief Koya Dada, Prof Ademola Ariyo, Mrs Omolara Euler-Ajayi, Mr Gboyega Fatimilehin, Prof Bamitale Omole, Badejoko Samuel Adeniran, Muyiwa Adebiyi, Akin Ajanaku, Enitan Mabogunje, Banji Ajijola, Obasola Alo, Ayo Ogunyinka, Tola Ojo, Adijat Olaniyi-Olopade (née Fagbo), Tola Adegboro, Taoheed Ogunbanwo, Rotimi Karokatose, Sina Agbeluyi, Segun Esho, Kola Ogunseitan, Mrs Funmi Adefarakan (née Oke), Isaac Bolaji, Bimbo Amodu, Ademola Bruce, Peter Folorunso, Fisayo Oke, Dr Yemi Ogun, and many others whose sacrifices laid the foundation we proudly stand upon today.

We also remember with deep respect our departed heroes—Late Olu Awobiyi, Late Dipo Ayeni (Merit Motors), Late Deji Awobiyi, Late Bonajo Badejo, Late Deji Obisanya, Late Tunde Awobiyi, Late Bayo Adewola, and Late Niyi Osewa (aka Jugnu) among others. May their soul rest in peace.

Their contributions remain etched permanently in the story of OSAMETHSI. If today’s OSAMETHSI look organised and strategic, it is because these pioneers endured the seasons when everything looked experimental and uncertain. They did not just support a vision—they became the architects of a movement

Of course, institutions such as Kresta Laurel Limited which has hosted Lagos and National Chapters meetings since 2006, Mind Builders Schools, Methodist Girls Grammar School, Yaba, Lagos, Pram Media deserve kudos for their support. Likewise, distinguished friends of the association like Papa Michael Ade-Ojo of ELIZADE GROUP, His Excellency, The Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Mr. Sunmola Bakare of The TAF GROUP deserve our gratitude for their generous financial support for our 50th and 60th anniversary celebrations.

Turning Reflection into Action

Self-introspection teaches mature leaders to ask difficult questions: Are we building monuments or building people? Are we reacting to problems or shaping the future? Those questions shaped our decisions and priorities.

With the collective support of OSAMETHSI members worldwide, we committed over ₦200 million toward the development of our alma mater. The results were not abstract promises but tangible interventions: a modern security gate, refurbished classrooms and laboratories, an upgraded Home Economics building, improved water systems, renovated school facilities, sporting courts, student support initiatives, technology donations, and ongoing projects like the E-Library and Astronomy Observatory.

Looking back, I sometimes joke that our Executive Committee became part-engineers, part fundraisers, part-motivational speakers, and occasionally part-marriage counsellors—because alumni meetings could become very passionate when budgets were discussed! Yet, beneath the humour lay a shared conviction: the school that raised us deserved nothing less than our best.

Leadership as Inner Work Leadership over such a long period required more than strategy; it demanded reflection. Mature leadership is not loud; it is thoughtful. The African elder listens before speaking and reflects before acting. During moments of criticism or intense expectations, introspection helped us ask: What response serves the larger vision of OSAMETHSI? There were times when restraint proved more powerful than reaction. There were moments when we had to accommodate different branches, perspectives, and generational expectations.

Elder Bode Dada’s timeless counsel—that we must work hard, invest our own resources, and carry everyone along—remained a guiding compass. And yes, we learnt that patience is easier to preach than to practise, especially when project timelines meet Nigerian realities!

Partnerships and Providence

No leadership journey succeeds in isolation. We remain grateful to successive Osun State governments for their cooperation, and to the Principals and teachers who welcomed our interventions with open hearts. The support we received during critical moments—including the reclassification challenges—reminds us that progress often comes through unseen alliances and divine timing. Above all, we acknowledge Almighty God, whose grace sustained every effort. When projects seemed too large or resources too small, faith filled the gaps that spreadsheets could not.

The Greatest Legacy: Preparing Worthy Successors

One of the most fulfilling achievements of our administration was not merely the projects we executed but the leadership transition we nurtured. Handing over to a capable and forward-looking team led by Arc Gbenga Akintola—fondly known as Kintor—remains, in my view, one of our greatest legacies. Leadership must never become a personal monument; it must be a relay race.

Watching the Akintola-led team build confidently on the foundation we laid has been deeply gratifying. Their energy, innovation, and commitment are already culminating in landmark projects scheduled for commissioning during this 70th anniversary celebration. From the impressive organisation of the anniversary activities to the renewed momentum within OSAMETHSI, it is evident that the future is in safe hands. To Kintor and his entire team—well done. You have proven that succession, when done with sincerity and preparation, multiplies impact rather than diminishes it.

From Achievement to Legacy

As the years passed, my understanding of leadership evolved. Early on, success felt like completing projects; later, it felt like building systems; today, it feels like nurturing legacy. Self-introspection invites every mature leader to ask three timeless questions: – What lessons from the past shaped our journey? – Where must we remain aligned with our values today? – What legacy will outlive our titles tomorrow?

Legacy is not measured only in buildings but in the spirit of collective responsibility we leave behind. If future generations of OSAMETHSIANS believe that giving back is normal rather than exceptional, then our tenure has truly succeeded.

Gratitude with a Smile

Permit me a moment of humourful honesty: when we started, some people wondered if alumni could truly unite beyond WhatsApp debates. Today, the physical transformation of Methodist High School stands as proof that when old students stop arguing about who scored the best WAEC result in 1983 and focus on building together, miracles happen.

To Pastor Babatunde Ogunrekun and Princess Tokunbo Adedapo—thank you for your loyalty, discipline, and resilience. To the Board of Trustees, set leaders, and every OSAMETHSIAN who gave time, resources, or prayers—this story belongs to you.

A Message to the Future

As we celebrate the 70th anniversary, may we remember that leadership begins within before it manifests outwardly. Titles will change, applause will fade, but character and service endure. The true elder is not simply the one who has served longest, but the one whose reflection deepens wisdom and whose actions strengthen community.

If our journey from 2004 to 2022 teaches anything, it is this: when introspection meets collective action, transformation becomes inevitable. May the grace of God continue to guide Methodist High School, Ilesa. May the teachers and their products remain living legends. And may future leaders improve upon what we have started— preferably with fewer emergency meetings and more sleep than we had!

Thank you, and God bless OSAMETHSI.

Engr. Dideolu Falobi, FNSE, FIoD(National Coordinator 2004-2006; President 2006-2022) writes this piece from Lagos

FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or   event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email [email protected]