Educationist Mayor Ojeifo dies at 73: "He helped to mould future generations of leaders", says Okpeseyi, SAN

The education community in Edo North is mourning Mr. Mayor Tajudeen Ojeifo, a retired vice principal and respected teacher, who died on Saturday, June 27, 2026. He was 73.

In a statement issued on behalf of the family by his son, Mr. Frank Ojeifo, the educationist died in Agbede after a protracted illness.

*A Career in Teaching*  

A product of Auchi Polytechnic and the University of Benin, Ojeifo dedicated most of his working life to teaching in secondary schools across Edo North.

Shortly after his Higher School Certificate [HSC] programme, he taught at Imade College, Owo, before spending the bulk of his career at Government Technical College, Igarra, where he shaped thousands of students.

Colleagues remembered him as a firm, articulate, and selfless teacher whose influence extended far beyond the classroom.

*A Life of Service, A Family Man*  

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Vivian Ojeifo; five children; three grandchildren; and two younger brothers: Mr. Sufuyan Ojeifo, publisher of _THE CONCLAVE_ online newspaper, and Mr. Kabir Eromonsele Ojeifo, a senior management staff member at the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, Abuja.

*‘He Was Full of Life and Hope’ – Tributes Pour In*  

News of his passing drew heartfelt messages from family, friends, and former students.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and OFR honouree, Chief Oladipo Okpeseyi, recalled a final conversation with the deceased in a condolence message to Mr. Sufuyan Ojeifo.

“My dear Suffy, OMG, Mayor is gone? We spoke warmly a while back and the last time we saw at Owo was when he said he would soon relocate to Agbede,” Okpeseyi wrote.

He described Mayor Ojeifo as “one of the seniors, bold and strong leaders we had growing up” who “remained very articulate and appreciative of every assistance with his signature smile always.”

“Though frail he was full of life and hope for a better tomorrow... He was a committed and dedicated school teacher who helped to mould future generations of leaders,” Okpeseyi said.

Also mourning, Mr. Abiodun Ogundele, an APC chieftain in Ondo State, said he was “deeply saddened” by the news.

In his condolence message to Mr. Sufuyan Ojeifo, he wrote: “Please accept my sincere sympathies during this difficult time. I pray that God grants his soul eternal rest in His heavenly kingdom and comforts you and your entire family.”

Chief Tajudeen Aderibigbe, the Nene of Owo and a businessman in the oil sector who was one of Ojeifo’s students at Imade College, also commiserated with the family. He recalled his last meeting with his former teacher in Owo and how Ojeifo shaped him and other students. He prayed for the repose of his soul in the bosom of the Almighty God and for fortitude for the family.

*Legacy of a Teacher*  

For many in Igarra and across Edo North, Mayor Ojeifo will be remembered as a blunt, energetic, and faithful gentleman who gave his best to education and to the community he served.