Barrister Adegboyega George OGUNTUWASE: (1958 – 2025)
A Profile
Some lives announce themselves quietly; others arrive already carrying a glow.
Adegboyega George Oguntuwase was born with the glow. A child of distinction from the Ìsùnrìn compound of the historic town of Ikole-Ekiti, he inherited a lineage of courage, refinement, and uncommon accomplishment.
He was surrounded by greatness from birth. His father, Alfred Ayotunde Oguntuwase, was a brilliant lawyer whose reputation travelled across the Southwest and beyond, fearlessly taking on controversial—and occasionally dangerous—cases. His performances in courtrooms from the 1960s to the 1990s became
legendary: sharp, elegant, and unflinchingly courageous.
And history favoured him.
When the votes were counted, it was Georgie—once defeated at Ife—who succeeded the Prince of Benin, not the Prince of Ibadan.
His election remains one of the most storied victories in the history of the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan. It was a triumph not only of strategy and eloquence but of character, resilience, and democratic persuasion.
From Ife’s bitter loss emerged Ibadan’s sweet victory.
What Ife denied him, Ibadan returned abundantly.
Career and Public Life
Following his LL.B and Call to the Bar, Georgie ventured briefly into journalism, serving as Sub-Editor at The Punch and Nigerian Tribune, where he was admired for his clarity and sharp editorial mind.
Returning to Ekiti, he entered public service.
He served as Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation under Governor Ayo Fayose and later became Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ekiti State, before returning to full legal practice.
He was a political actor with intellectual depth—combining eloquence, strategic thinking, and a refined sense of public duty.
A Mind of Many Tongues
Georgie spoke English, Yoruba, and Ekiti dialect with equal ease. His oratory could charm, persuade, provoke, or illuminate. He embodied Emerson’s reflection:
“The eloquent man is he who is no stranger to the great thoughts of his time.”
Conversations with Georgie were experiences—enriched with history, poetry, politics, and humour.
Transition
At about 2:30 p.m. on November 20, 2025, after a brief illness, Barrister Adegboyega George Oguntuwase departed this world. His passing left a silence that echoes across the political, legal, and cultural landscapes of Ekiti and beyond.
He is survived by his wife, Adebisi;
two accomplished daughters—
- Nifemi,an accountant and a Human Resource Specialist,
- Feyikemi, a medical doctor;
and his siblings:
- Pastor Abayomi Oguntuwase
- Mrs Iyabo Ubogagu (née Oguntuwase)
- Mr Oladipupo Oguntuwase
- Mr Oluwatosin Oguntuwase
- Mrs Motunrayo Ogunseemi (née Oguntuwase)
- Mrs Olufunke Ajayi (née Oguntuwase)
- Mrs Tolulope Folayan (née Oguntuwase)
A Life of Grace, Courage, and Conviction
Georgie lived fully—with charm, courage, generosity of spirit, and a mind sharpened by history and experience. He walked through life like one born for the stage, leaving footprints on law, journalism, politics, and in the hearts of all who encountered him.
May his memory continue to be a blessing.
