The Man Who Refused Darkness: The Extraordinary Life of High Chief Dr. S. Ade Okubanjo, MON, Nigeria’s Blind Icon from Ijebu Igbo
Ayo Marvel 
By MarvelTvUpdates Newspaper & Media
Some people become great because of the opportunities life gives them. Others become great because they refuse to give up after life takes everything away from them.
One of such remarkable Nigerians is High Chief (Dr.) Samuel Adebanjo Okubanjo, MON popularly called FOR THE BLIND, the respected Ojomo of Ijebu Igbo, a traditional chieftancy title conferred by the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo.
Today, at over 90 years of age, Baba remains healthy, active and highly respected across Nigeria and beyond. His life is a powerful testimony that physical disability cannot stop a determined mind.
MarvelTvUpdates Newspaper & Media recently carried out an in-depth investigation into his life and achievements. Our findings were confirmed through an exclusive one-on-one interview with Baba himself, as well as information provided by members of his family.
A Humble Beginning
High Chief Samuel Adebanjo Okubanjo was born on January 25, 1933, in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State.
His father was Rev. Joseph Okubanjo from Ijebu Igbo, while his mother, Mrs. Felicia Okubanjo, hailed from Ilesha.
He attended St. Badmus Anglican School, Ilesha, where he completed his primary education before proceeding to Methodist Teachers’ Training College, Ifaki-Ekiti to become a professional teacher.
He later taught in several Methodist primary schools across present-day Osun and Oyo states, beginning what looked like a promising teaching career.
The Accident That Changed Everything
On August 26, 1957, tragedy struck.
An accident involving an explosion of lime permanently damaged his eyes and left him completely blind. He’s just 24 years old.
He was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, where doctors made every effort to save his sight, but all attempts failed.
For many people, that would have marked the end of their dreams.
For Samuel Okubanjo, it became the beginning of a new purpose.
Choosing Purpose Instead of Self-Pity
Rather than surrender to depression, he returned to school.
He enrolled at Bartholomew School for the Blind, Ogbomoso, where he earned his first diploma in Special Education for the Blind.
He later continued his education at the Royal Commonwealth Society College for the Blind, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Special Education.
His determination proved that blindness had affected only his eyes not his vision for life.
Building Hope for Blind Nigerians
After completing his studies, he worked as a supervisor in education for visually impaired students.
However, his greatest dream was to improve the lives of blind people across Nigeria.
In 1964, he founded the Nigeria Association for the Blind, becoming its pioneer president. The association grew into the umbrella body representing blind persons across the country.
His passion for service later earned him appointments to several national and international organisations dedicated to the welfare of visually impaired people.
The School That Changed Thousands of Lives
One of Baba’s greatest achievements came in 1989, when he established the Ade Okubanjo School for the Blind in Oke Agbo, Ijebu Igbo.
The school has educated countless visually impaired children who later became graduates, professionals and even master’s degree and doctorate holders.
The institution continues to stand as one of his greatest legacies.
National and International Recognition
His commitment to humanity brought him many honours and leadership positions.
Among them are:
- Founder and pioneer President of the Nigeria Association for the Blind.
- Member of the Nigerian Advisory Council for the Blind.
- Chairman of the National Advisory Council for the Blind.
- Member of the World Blind Union.
- Secretary-General of the African Union for the Blind.
- Honorary Life Member of the World Blind Union.
- Recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Stanton University, Florida, USA.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Nigeria, Late President Muhammadu Buhari conferred the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) national honor on High Chief (Dr.) Samuel Okubanjo on October 11, 2022. This investiture ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja as part of the 2022 National Honours Award.
A Traditional Leader and Church Servant
Beyond disability advocacy, High Chief Okubanjo has remained deeply committed to his community and his Christian faith.
The highly respected Ojomo of Ijebu Igbo, a prestigious traditional title conferred by the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, one of the town’s respected traditional chiefs.
In 1995, he became the first blind Anglican lay reader, serving faithfully in the church and mentoring many organists through his love for gospel music.
High Chief (Dr.) Samuel Adebanjo Okubanjo, MON, is the Balogun Ijo of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Odumosu Memorial, Odorasoyin, Ijebu Igbo. He also serves as the Asiwaju Ijo of St. Thomas African Church, Obada, Oke Sopen, Ijebu Igbo, reflecting his unwavering commitment to the Christian faith and service to the church.
Chief (Dr.) S Ade Okubanjo, MON, is a gifted instrumentalist with a deep passion for music. He is an accomplished organist who has dedicated many years to playing the church organ and has trained numerous organists, using music as another avenue to serve God and inspire others.
Touching Lives Beyond Words
Our investigation revealed that Baba’s generosity extends far beyond advocacy.
Among his many humanitarian contributions are:
- Establishing home-based rehabilitation programmes that helped reduce street begging among visually impaired people in Ijebu Igbo.
- Donating wheelchairs to physically challenged individuals.
- Supporting churches and mosques.
- Building classroom blocks for schools.
- Donating land that contributed to the development of the General Hospital in Ijebu Igbo.
His impact has earned him more than 20 awards from religious organisations, professional bodies and community associations.
A Promise That Changed His Life
During our interview, Baba recalled someone he could never forget Mrs. Wuraola Esan, Nigeria’s first female senator.
According to him, she encouraged and supported him during the difficult years after he became blind.
He made a promise that if God helped him survive, he would dedicate his life to serving humanity.
Decades later, he says he has never regretted keeping that promise.
His Greatest Joy and Deepest Wish
Among Baba’s happiest memories were becoming a member of the World Blind Union, serving as Secretary-General of the African Union for the Blind, and welcoming his first child into the world.
He remembered how visitors came to check whether his newborn child had inherited blindness. When they discovered the baby could see, it brought him great joy.
Yet he also shared a touching personal reflection.
His greatest sadness is that he has never been able to see the faces of his children. He said that if God were to restore his sight today, he would only recognise them by their voices.
His final wish is simple but powerful that the Ade Okubanjo School for the Blind will continue to operate long after he is gone so that future generations of visually impaired children can continue to receive quality education.
A Man of Extraordinary Knowledge
During our exclusive interview, Baba also shared some remarkable aspects of his life that many people may not know.
According to High Chief (Dr.) Samuel Adebanjo Okubanjo, MON, he has travelled to more than 50 countries around the world in the course of his humanitarian work and advocacy for persons with visual impairments. He also said he can communicate in several languages, a skill he developed through decades of international engagements and public service.
Baba further explained that he uses physics and developed a deep interest in the study of the stars and the universe.
He also serves as a Patron and member of the National Association of Physicians of Traditional Medicine (NAPTMI), Ogun State Chapter, Ijebu North Local Government Area.
He said he has the ability to read and interpret the stars to understand a person’s journey on earth and the direction of their life.
Whether viewed as a spiritual gift, a personal belief, or knowledge acquired through years of study and experience, Baba described it as one of the unique abilities he has developed over the years.
His life continues to amaze many people, proving that losing one’s sight does not mean losing wisdom, purpose, or the ability to make a lasting impact on humanity.
A Living Legend
High Chief (Dr.) Samuel Adebanjo Okubanjo, MON, is more than a community leader.
He is a national treasure, a symbol of resilience, and a living legend whose legacy will continue to inspire generations in Nigeria and around the world.
I sincerely appreciate my brother and baba biological son, Ade Ade for giving us the opportunity to meet Baba and listen to the inspiring story of his extraordinary life and enduring legacy. Your support made this remarkable project possible.
My heartfelt appreciation also goes to my Media Analyst, Owoseni Ridwan Kakaki, for his dedication and commitment throughout this project. I am equally grateful to the Okubanjo family for their cooperation, trust, and invaluable support in ensuring the success of this important documentation.
Thank you all for helping preserve the legacy of a living legend for future generations.
SEE MORE PHOTOS BELOW;
VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH BABA BELOW
About the Author
Ademola Busayo 
Emmanuel Femi Adedayo 
Good lessons. Keep it up. More wisdom knowledge and understanding.
Amen 🙏