By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Pa Pesu Agogo |
Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun State – The Ogu Concern Forum has conferred a lifetime recognition on one its foremost leader, Pa Samuel Olufemi Pesu Agogo, honouring over half a century of his dedicated leadership that has shaped the identity and development of the Ogu people in Ogun State.
The event, held at his family home in Shoki, Ere on November 22, 2025, was a heartfelt tribute to the 94-year-old patriarch. Dignitaries, family members, and beneficiaries from across Nigeria and the Diaspora gathered to celebrate the man widely regarded as the face and rallying point of the Ogu people in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area and beyond.
The Chairman of the occasion, Elder Hoteyin Elesinmogun, a retired diplomat, eulogized the virtues that set Agogo apart. The chief host and President of the Ogu Concern Forum, Elder Patrick Avoseh, led the gathering in a solemn minute of silence for departed Ogu heroes, including Mr. Joshua Jidenu Hunsa, Mr. John Hunge, Mr. Abraham Húngẹ and Madam Modupe Fatile.
Personal testimonies illuminated his character; Professor Jendele Hungbo recalled living in Pa Agogo’s house, being treated as a son, and drawing lifelong inspiration from his community and political leadership. Similarly, Honourable Michael Sewedo Fasinu highlighted Agogo’s crucial role as a political mentor.
Pa Àgógó's biography was delivered by Mr. Mewhenu Hosu, an Orator of the Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa, and author of acclaimed the just published books: "Reflections in Ogu Anthropology" and "Footprints and Tributes: Ogu Hall of Fame." Hosu regaled the audience with account of Agogo’s journey from his birth in 1931, through his education, teaching career, and prolific community mobilization. He illuminated the celebrant’s core philosophy, rooted in the principles of honesty, dignity, bravery, and selflessness, urging the community to be fervent in laying a good legacy.
The celebration was richly infused with Ogu culture, featuring a vibrant display of the Zangbeto masquerade, a royal entertainment reserved for personalities of the highest esteem. In a tangible show of gratitude, the Ogu Concern Forum presented Pa Agogo with a cheque of N300,000 and a giant, engraved photo frame. Most significantly, the forum announced the institution of the Pesu Agogo Foundation, a landmark initiative designed to preserve and perpetuate the legacies of the revered leader for generations to come.
Goodwill messages poured in from academics worldwide, underscoring the far-reaching impact of Pa Agogo’s work. Professor Mejai Avoseh from the University of South Dakota connected Agogo’s life to the Ogu moral philosophy of Medagbe. From the University of Ibadan, Professor Senayon Olaoluwa, Nigeria's first Professor of Diaspora and Transnational Studies, praised his exemplary resilience. The Planning Committee Chairman, Professor Pius Sedowhe Fasinu of the University of Alabama, Birmingham, called for a renewed commitment to unity and progress, urging all to emulate Pa Agogo’s selfless service to humanity.