OAU ALUMNI STORM COUPLE’S RUBY ANNIVERSARY IN ONDO, AS GREAT IFE ROMANCE REPRODUCES PROFESSIONAL PEDIGREE
He studied Chemistry. She studied Physiotherapy. But what exactly was the chemistry between them at Great Ife?
What began as a campus friendship grew into love, marriage, a family of professionals and a legacy that has touched lives beyond the home.
As the Olasehindes mark 40 years together, how did their Great Ife romance begin, and what has it become today? Oluwaseyi Elizabeth Jimoh, Human Interest Reporter Reports.
THEY FELL IN LOVE AS UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, FOUR DECADES LATER, THEY RENEWED THEIR VOWS
It was an atmosphere of celebration and nostalgia in Akure, the Ondo State capital, at the weekend as family members, friends, colleagues, professionals and alumni of the prestigious University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), gathered to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of Elder Akinola Olasehinde and his wife, Mrs Moromoke Olasehinde.
Held at Goodness Event Hall, Akure, the colourful celebration also became a reunion of Great Ife alumni, whose familiar chants of “Great Ife!” filled the venue as they celebrated two of their own.
But behind the music, reunion and jubilation was a love story that began on a university campus more than four decades ago.
Elder Olasehinde gained admission to the University of Ife in 1977 and obtained his B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemistry in 1981. It was during his time at the institution that he met Moromoke, then a Part One student of Physiotherapy in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Olasehinde was already in Part Three of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science.
Different departments. Different levels. But their paths crossed, friendship grew and, with time, the friendship blossomed into love.
That love eventually led to marriage, beginning a journey that has now spanned four decades.
The couple, while recalling their early years, reflected on how a friendship formed in the university environment developed into a lasting partnership.
And the partnership did not stop with the two of them.
Their children have also established professional careers, with both maintaining the family’s connection to OAU. Dr Oluwamuyiwa Ayokunle is a dental surgeon, while Mr Ayomide Oluwasola is a practising Chartered Accountant.
Interestingly, the children revealed that their parents never forced them into their chosen professions.
Instead, Akinola and Moromoke allowed them to make their own career choices, providing guidance and support as they pursued their interests.
For the dentist, however, his father’s professional example became an influence on his career trajectory.
Olasehinde’s own career journey also demonstrates how an encounter in the university can open doors far beyond the classroom.
During his penultimate session at the University of Ife, he shared a room with some Agricultural Science students. Through them, he learnt about the examinations of the Institute of Marketing in London, United Kingdom.
The information sparked his interest and eventually led to his obtaining a Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, United Kingdom.
He went on to build a career in accountancy, taxation and private practice.
Today, Elder Chartered Accountant Olasehinde is the Managing Partner of Akin Olasehinde & Co., a firm of Chartered Accountants. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
He has been in full-time private practice as a Chartered Accountant and licensed Tax Practitioner for nearly three decades.
His wife, Mrs Moromoke Olasehinde, has also built her own professional legacy in Physiotherapy, serving as the Managing Director of Rapha Physiotherapy and Gym Centre in Akure, bringing together two distinct professional journeys that began from the same university environment.
But perhaps the most moving testimony at the anniversary came from outside the immediate family.
One beneficiary recalled losing his mother at a tender age and how the Olasehindes supported him through his education.
With their assistance, he was able to further his studies and enrol for the ICAN examinations. He eventually became a chartered accountant.
Overcome with emotion while recounting the couple’s role in his journey, he prostrated before them in appreciation.
The gesture brought into sharp focus a legacy that extends beyond the Olasehindes’ children— a legacy of helping others find their feet through education and opportunity.
Read Also: 40 Years, One Love: What Has Kept This Ondo Couple Together
The family has meanwhile continued to grow, with grandchildren now surrounding the couple as they celebrated their Ruby Anniversary.
Mrs Owolola Olasehinde recently retired as Director of Physiotherapy Services, leaving a meaningful impact during her years of active service.
Elder Olasehinde has also shared his values and experiences through authorship, with five books to his name: Divine Leaders, Treasured Samples, Divine Builders, Divine Great Women and Divine Virtues.
From Elder Akinola Olasehinde’s admission to Great Ife in 1977, to meeting Moromoke two years later, building a marriage, raising professionals and extending support to others, the Olasehindes’ journey has become more than a celebration of 40 years of marriage.
It is a story of two students who found love at Great Ife — and built a legacy in which education, professional excellence, family and service continue to meet.
Watch the highlights of the event
