A story is told of a land know for good soil and vegetation. The soil held many trees thought to be big, long until one day, a tree not common to the inhabitants of the land sprouted. It doubled the height of what they knew to be their tallest tree. They named it the "MAHOGANY".

As it grew, there was no hiding place for it; it was different from all the other kinds of trees. It leaves; lush, green, bold and beautiful. It stems spread to the north, south, east and west. It became the pride of the inhabitants. It shade was available to all, no discrimination of any kind.
It provided cover for the other trees, shielding them from the heat of the sun. It stem was source of timber for the inhabitants of the land. With it, they built houses, markets and even sold some to the neighbouring villages.

No sooner than the stems are cut, new ones emerge. It fruits were available for everyone’s consumption.

This tree greatly improved the economic activities of the inhabitants.

The tree described above gives an insight to the personality of Sir James Oloruntoba
.
He empowered Oweland economically; by giving us a gift no individual or government thought wise.

A man whose love for his community transformed into a nail factory; providing employment for her youths and to further boost the economic activities of Owe community.

We are not in the dark about the efforts he made under the Kwara State government to see that Kabba housed a University.
His academic brilliance saw him excel at home and abroad. This combined with hardwork, determination gave rise to a successful business and family man. With his resources, he served the need of his community and Church.

The building of his home parish in Kabba, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, which is still under construction is a magnificent sight to behold. He provided the architectural design, dedicated his time and resources to its building until he was incapacitated by ill health.

He did not use his resources as a tool for oppression. You will find that the projects he pursued for the community far outweighed his personal projects in Kabba. The Kabba Central Market which he single handedly built and donated to the community sits on a landmass bigger than his personal properties in Kabba. Common arithmetic reveals that he committed more resources in building the market than his Kabba residence.

He does not fit for the average Okun man, Nigerian who alienates the place of his birth. He travelled far and wide, yet he had a home in Kabba. He never gave up on his land of birth.

There is much to write about this Hero of Owe descent. A man of several first; his achievements within the community will be hard to surpass. His life was a spring of knowledge from where any forward looking man or woman can freely fetch without regret. That spring will never dry.
He has gone to meet his creator. The light he shone shines on. Let this light be a guide to all of us who he has left behind. We must learn the lessons his life taught.

To contribute to the development of society and to do it without expecting any rewards.

Sir James Oloruntoba will forever live in our minds. The unborn generation will hear about his uncommon generousity. Adieu Great man!!!

Adieu Sir James Oloruntoba..

Rip