A Legacy of Vision and Service

Archbishop David Olugbesan Onabanjo

Founder of Mount Olivet Grammar School, Bodija, Ibadan

Archbishop David Olugbesan Onabanjo was born on September 24, 1917, in Awa-Ijebu, Ogun State, Nigeria. His early education at Sagun United Primary School in Oru-Ijebu was interrupted due to financial constraints, leading him to join his parents in farming—a path he reluctantly accepted. A transformative moment occurred one Christmas when a peer’s taunt over his inability to speak English ignited a resolute vow: to pursue education relentlessly, master the English language, and ultimately empower other underprivileged individuals through learning.

Driven by this promise, he joined his uncle, Reverend Albert Orekoya, in Osu, assisting with pastoral and domestic duties. Following his uncle’s transfer to Ibadan, Onabanjo seized the opportunity to complete his elementary education, studying alongside much younger pupils without hesitation. His determination led him to further private study, culminating in the successful passing of his Cambridge examinations. He briefly served as a sanitary inspector for the Western Region Government before a deeper calling redirected his path.

Compelled by his vision to educate the disadvantaged, Onabanjo left government service to embark on private enterprise. He first ventured into commercial transportation, acquiring vehicles through diligent saving and loans. This venture naturally expanded into the oil distribution sector, where he became a dealer for Total Oil Company at the Adamasingba station in Ibadan. The financial success from these enterprises became the foundation for realizing his lifelong mission: establishing an educational institution.

The Founding of Mount Olivet Grammar School

In 1963, then Bishop Onabanjo—as he was affectionately known—rented a space within the compound of Saint David Anglican Church, Kudeti, Ibadan, to establish Mount Olivet Grammar School (MOGS). By 1965, he had completed the first floor of a storey building on several hectares of land at Kongi Corner, Bodija, which would become the school’s permanent site. The institution was formally dedicated and established to the glory of God on December 22, 1965.

Under his visionary leadership and through his generous scholarship program, countless underprivileged children gained access to quality education, achieving dreams that might otherwise have been unattainable.

During the widespread government takeover of private and missionary schools, Mount Olivet Grammar School was included. Demonstrating extraordinary magnanimity, Archbishop Onabanjo surrendered his school, along with its extensive lands, without seeking compensation. He did so with the profound satisfaction that his core mission—to use education as a tool for social empowerment—had been fulfilled.

In 1980, the Oyo State Government, under Governor Bola Ige, honored the founder’s immense contribution to education. A new school constructed on a portion of the MOGS land was named Bishop Onabanjo High School, a lasting tribute to his legacy.

Archbishop David Olugbesan Onabanjo was a true achiever, philanthropist, educationist, and an exemplary minister of God. He often encapsulated his philosophy thus: “My aim is to encourage the young ones to know that with hard work, faith in God, and determination, dreams of life can be achieved.”

He passed away on December 12, 1994, and was laid to rest in his hometown of Awa-Ijebu on February 4, 1995. His life remains a powerful testament to the transformative impact of faith, perseverance, and selfless service to community.