A Tribute to High Chief Simeon Oguntimehin (Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, Past President of ICAN) – By Sileola Akinbowale

Erinwo!
Iba omo ti lo!
Odi arinako… Odi oju ala…

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A Tribute to High Chief Simeon Oguntimehin (Lisa…🤖 AI Summary

My heart is heavy. Words feel inadequate. The news of the passing of High Chief Simeon Oguntimehin, the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom and a revered Past President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN, 1996–1997), has left a void too deep to describe.

Just days ago, he was full of life—agile, present, and engaging. To now hear that he attended a birthday celebration, only to depart this world barely 48 hours later, is a painful reminder of how fleeting life can be. This loss is not just sudden—it is deeply personal and profoundly shocking.

High Chief was not an ordinary man. He was a symbol of excellence, a custodian of tradition, and a towering figure in the accounting profession. As a Past President of ICAN, he carried the Institute’s values with dignity, discipline, and distinction. His life was a testament to service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to both profession and community.

Yet beyond his titles, he was deeply human—warm, welcoming, and kind. I count myself truly privileged to have experienced his goodness firsthand.

At my investiture as Chairperson of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Ibadan Chapter in August 2024, he honoured me with his presence—arriving even before I did. That singular act remains a powerful reflection of who he was: a man of honour, punctuality, and genuine support.

My husband and I also had the joy of celebrating his 90th birthday with him in Ondo—a moment filled with grace, laughter, and the quiet strength of a life well lived. Each time I visited his residence, I was received with warmth and fatherly affection. He made one feel seen, valued, and at home.

One memory stands out so vividly in my heart. In December 2025, a day after Ekimogun Day, he hosted the Ondo and District Society at his residence. On that special day, he was honoured with an award. In his characteristic humility and generosity of spirit, he personally invited me to sit with him at the high table. That moment, simple yet deeply significant, revealed the depth of his character—honouring others even while being honoured.

As the spokesman during the historic first appearance of Ekimogun Chartered Accountants at Ekimogun Day, he spoke with remarkable clarity, wisdom, and pride as he presented us before the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom. He gave us a voice, a presence, and a place in history.

I always found joy in listening to him speak. His memory was extraordinary—he carried the past with precision and shared it with passion. His intelligence was unmistakable, his thoughts well-formed, and his delivery captivating. He was supportive, encouraging, and deeply invested in the growth of others.

And now… he is gone.

It is difficult to accept. Difficult to comprehend. Difficult to say goodbye.

We have lost more than a leader. We have lost a father, a mentor, a guiding light, and a living archive of history. A man who bridged generations with wisdom and grace. A man whose presence brought honour wherever he stood.

Erinwo!
The pathfinder has gone ahead.
The watchful eye has closed.

Iba omo ti lo!

High Chief Simeon Oguntimehin lived a life that mattered—a life of impact, of honour, of legacy. Though he has taken his bow, his footprints remain indelible in the sands of time.