BACKGROUND

Pa Joseph Ojo Daniel was the firstborn male in Obbo-Aiyegunle, born into the family of the late Pa Daniel Alasi Arasin and Mama Alice Fatokesi approximately 98 years ago. He was the twelfth child and the only surviving offspring of his mother. His father was a farmer, while his mother was a trader. Both were devout Christians, and his father played a pivotal role in introducing the Anglican Church to Obbo-Aiyegunle.

EDUCATION

In 1936, he was among the first pupils enrolled at St. Luke's Primary School, Obbo-Aiyegunle. However, due to low enrollment and a shortage of teachers, the school was closed in 1938. In 1939, through the assistance of the late Joseph Bodunde, he was transferred to the Native Authority School in Omu-Aran, where he had to restart his education. In 1940, he moved to Ilorin, where he was among ten students selected for a special class at Ilorin Middle School. He completed his studies in 1946 with exceptional results. In April 1946, he enrolled in a clerical training course in Zaria, which he completed in March 1947 with distinction. Later, in 1954, he pursued a Diploma in Native Treasury Accounting at the Institute of Administration, Kongo Campus, now Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He was among the first cohort of Northern elites to undertake this course.

FAMILY

Pa Joseph Ojo Daniel had three wives: Late Mrs. Elizabeth Aina Daniel_Mother of Modupe. Mrs. Rachael Ibiteye Daniel – Mother of Abiodun Late Mrs. Hannah Ebun Daniel – Mother of Yemisi He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Rachael Ibiteye Daniel, 14 children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren,

CAREER AND PUBLIC SERVICE

His career began as a Typist /Storekeeper at Ilorin Native Authority (1947). By 1948, he became Store Accountant, and in 1955, after earning his diploma, he was promoted to Treasury Accountant. However, despite being qualified, he was denied the position of Treasurer in Ilorin due to being a non-indigene.

The case was reported to the Resident Officer, who facilitated his transfer to Borgu Native Authority as Treasurer. Within two months, he successfully reorganized the accounts, earning the admiration of the District Officer. His competence led to an appointment in Kaduna as Administrative Assistant (Grade 3) and Lecturer at the Institute of Administration (1956-1957). In 1957, the post of treasurer became vacant again in Ilorin native authority and he was appointed as the first non indigenous treasurer. In 1964, he was appointed as Councilor of Finance and Administration. In 1966, Baba was appointed as a member of Northern region leaders of thought. Administrative Secretary, Igbomina /Ekiti Division (1969) Deputy Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Government (1970s) Resident of Borgu Division Resident of Ebira Division Secretary, Kwara State Constituency Delimitation Committee (1977) Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works (1978) He retired voluntarily in May 1979 as Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Kwara State. After retirement in 1984, baba was appointed as sole administrator of Local Government Authority. Under the former governor of Kwara State, His Excellency C. O. Adebayo . In 1992, Baba was appointed as state chairman of NRC under General Ibrahim Babangida as Head of State and under former Govneor of Kwara State Alh. Shaaba Lafiagi.

SPIRITUAL LIFE

Born into a Christian home, he joined Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (C&S), Ilorin, in 1940 while studying at Ilorin Middle School. Alongside six other Christian students, he discovered the church while exploring Ilorin. Despite his Christian faith, he once possessed charms but was delivered after Prophet E. O. Akinrele revealed his spiritual contamination. His charms mysteriously disappeared, marking his complete devotion to Christ.

Late Most Senior Special Apostle (Dr) Chief J.O Daniel as a devoted Christian leader and a General in the Army of God served as chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (C.A.N), a n d u n t i l d e a t h B a b a w a s t h Leader-in-Charge of Ilorin District Hqtrs and also the chairman Ilorin District of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church where he worked relentless by planting so many other Church branches across Ilorin District.

Leadership in C&S Movement Church

Established C&S Movement Church in Old Bussa (1956) Leader of the Soldiers of Christ Band (1960) Member, C&S Executive Committee (1957) Delegate, National Conference of C&S (1968) Manager of C&S-Owned Schools (1959-1987) Managing Director, C&S Movement Company Limited (1990) Leader and Chairman, C&S Movement Church, Ilorin District (2002-2024) Under his leadership, the church experienced immense spiritual and physical growth. Treasurer, Unification Council of C&S Worldwide (1982-1992) President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara State (2003) Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem (1986).

 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP

Obbo-Aiyegunle Progressive Union Elected President in 1945, he led efforts to develop the town, including resolving a long-standing chieftaincy dispute in 1973, which granted Ilawe and Iwodi/Iletemo wards equal rights to the Owa-l'Obbo throne. Recognition and Honors Asiwaju of Obbo-Aiyegunle (1990) J. O. Daniel Street was named in his honor.

POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE IMPACT

Creation of Igbomina and Ekiti Division; Between 1958 and 1962, he worked with notable figures to advocate for a separate Igbomina/Ekiti Division, which was created in 1969. He was honored as Balogun of Igbomina/Ekiti Land for his contributions.

Creation of Ekiti Local Government; His advocacy led to the eventual creation of Ekiti Local Government in 1991, which later split into Ekiti and Oke-Ero LGAs. Though he favored Osi as the headquarters, he supported AraromiOpin, as chosen by the majority.

Chairman, Ekiti Leaders of Thought; After Pa D. O. Matanmi's passing in 1995, he became Chairman, ensuring peace and unity across Ekiti and Oke-Ero LGAs. He was honored as Asiwaju of Ekiti Land.

LEGACY

A philanthropist, peacemaker, and advocate for justice, he sponsored numerous individuals for education and church programs abroad. He believed in unity, fairness, and service to humanity. Final Words Pa Joseph Ojo Daniel passed away on November 11, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of service, integrity, and devotion to God and humanity. Baba, sun re ooo.

Compiled by: Oladele Robert Daniel (Son), MBA,

By:Countdown