Otunba Ogundeko Adebola was born on August 2, 1943 at Odokutegi, Ijebu Imusin. He attended St. Mary’s Anglican Primary School, Ijebu Imusin (January 1950 – December 1956); Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongida-Ora (January 1957- December 1962); and Muslim College, Ijebu-Ode (January 1963 – December 1964). He proceeded to the University of Ibadan to study from 1965 to 1968, graduating with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemistry. He got his Postgraduate Diploma in Analytical Chemistry from 1968 to 1969.
He attended Zaporostal Training Institute on Unido-Fellowship in Ukraine, where he obtained a Master of Science degree in Sintering Technology in 1975, and embarked on a course in Spectroscopic Studies at the University of Philadelphia, USA, in 1976.
Otunba Adebola worked as an Analyst at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, from June to September 1969. He served as Research Chemist at, Nigerian Railway Corporation from 1969 to 1973. He worked with the Nigerian Steel Development Authority, Jos, from 1973 to 1983, starting out as a Chemist in Grade I and leaving as an Assistant Director of chemical Services. He was a Research Analyst on secondment at Coal Research Institute, Dhanbad, India, from February to December 1978.
He is a Member, of the Institute of Sinter Plant Engineers; a Member, of the American Society of Spectroscopists; and a Member, of the Chemical Society of Nigeria. He is a member of the Ijebu Imusin Council of Chiefs, a member of Odolameso Elders’ Committee, and a member of the Parish Council, St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Ijebu Imusin. He is also a member of Ijebu-Ode Club and Plateau Club, Jos. He holds the traditional titles ‘Otunba Bobaselu’ of Ijebu Imusin Land and ‘Otunba Mojibade’ of Ife Ijebu.
Adebola is the author of several scholarly publications. He is a member of the Labour Party of Nigeria (LPN). He enjoys listening to traditional music and watching movies. He is married to Otunba (Mrs.) Bamidele Ogundeko (Nee Koya) and they have 5 children.
