Ondo Publishers’ President Loses Father, Family Announces Burial Dates
The family of Chief Joseph Alabi Oyesusi, a retired Superintendent of Police and traditional titleholder in Imoru Kingdom, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, has announced October 27 and 30, 2026, for the commencement and conclusion of his funeral rites.
Oyesusi, father of Mr Olaseeni Oyesusi, President of the Association of Non-affiliated Newspaper and Magazine Publishers of Nigeria (ANPMPN), Ondo State Chapter, will be honoured with a commendation service at Saint Anne’s Anglican Church, Akure, on Tuesday, October 27.
The funeral programme will culminate in a burial service and reception on Friday, October 30, in Imoru, Ose Local Government Area.
Family members, friends, associates and well-wishers are expected to gather to celebrate the life and legacy of the deceased, who served the Nigeria Police Force for 35 years before retiring in 1999 with the rank of Superintendent of Police.
Born on July 27, 1943, into the royal lineage of Aribo Oliken of Imoru, Chief Oyesusi was the son of the late Pa Meshak Oyesusi Aribo and Mrs Olape Oyesusi.
Following the early loss of his mother, he was raised by his grandmothers, Mama Adenuun and Mama Onilamo, alongside his maternal relatives.
His educational journey began at St. Paul Primary School, Imoru, where he studied from 1952 to 1957. He proceeded to All Saints Modern School, Owo, between 1958 and 1960, before returning to his former primary school as a teacher from 1962 to 1963.
In 1964, he enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force and underwent professional training at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos.
During his policing career, he served in several locations, including Ijebu-Ode, Ilorin and Mokwa. He also served as the pioneer Divisional Police Officer in Iju/Itaogbolu, Ise-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti and Gbonyin Local Government Area.
Following his retirement in 1999, Oyesusi remained active in public affairs and grassroots politics. He joined the Labour Party and became a prominent political figure in Ose Local Government Area.
In 2009, he was appointed Supervisory Councillor for Community Development in the local government. He also served as the Labour Party’s vice chairman in Ose, contributing to political engagement and community development.
His contributions to peace, unity and development earned him the traditional title of Obasekola of Imoru Kingdom.
Beyond public service and politics, the late Oyesusi was committed to Christianity and the Anglican Communion. He worshipped at Saint Anne’s Anglican Church, Aule Road, Akure, and was a member of Egbe Irawo Owuro at St. Paul Anglican Church, Imoru.
His son, Olaseeni, described him as a gentle, straightforward and caring father who, in his words, “came, saw and conquered.”
The late community leader was also remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and compassionate family patriarch who upheld discipline, integrity, peaceful coexistence and the welfare of his extended family.
His death marks the end of a life dedicated to public service, Christian devotion, grassroots politics and traditional leadership.
As the family prepares for the final rites, his legacy is expected to endure through his contributions to the Nigeria Police Force, Imoru Kingdom and the lives of those he mentored and supported throughout his lifetime.
