The remains of Dr. Samuel Adebayo Osanaiye, former Chief Medical Director of Kogi State Hospital Management Board who passed away on June 5, 2025 is to be committed to mother earth at his country home, Iyara, headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area on Friday 17th October 2025.
According to a statement by the family, Christian wake holds on Thursday 16th October at his residence, Okedayo Street, Ayewa Ilupa Iyara at 5pm.
A Valedictory Service to be organised by Iyara Development Association (IDA) will take place same day at 2pm at the Captain Smart Olaiya Civic Centre.
Burial Service hold the following day at Saint Paul Anglican Church Iyara at 10am, to be followed by interment, while reception will be held at Saint Paul primary school.
Biography of Dr. Samuel Adebayo Osanaiye
Dr. Samuel Adebayo Osanaiye was born on June 24, 1945, in Iyara, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, into the Omo Ehi Mogo clan of Oke-Ilupa. He was the son of Chief Jetro Olufaiye Osanaiye (Obaduni) and Madam Sarah Omoboja Osanaiye.
He began his education at St. Paul’s Primary School, Iyara, from 1952 to 1959, and later proceeded to Okene Government School (now AAMCO) through a government scholarship under the free education scheme. He graduated in 1964 with a Division One in the West African School Certificate (Ordinary Level).
In January 1965, he gained admission into Government College, Keffi, for his Higher School Certificate (HSC). After completing his HSC, he was admitted into Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 1966, as one of the pioneer medical students. He graduated in 1972 with an MBBS degree, becoming the first medical doctor from his hometown, Iyara.
Dr. Osanaiye joined the civil service and was posted to the General Hospital, Okene. In 1975, he was transferred to Pategi, in the then Kwara State, and later worked briefly with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in 1976. That same year, he won a Commonwealth Scholarship to the Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow, United Kingdom, where he trained as a surgeon and was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS).
Upon completion of his fellowship, the British Government offered him an appointment, recognizing him as one of the best surgeons of his set. However, he declined the offer, saying, “I am going home to serve my people in Nigeria.”
On his return to Nigeria, Dr. Osanaiye was posted again to Okene, and in 1987, he was transferred to Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, as Chief Medical Officer (Clinical Services). Between 1989 and 1991, he served as Director, Medical Services and Training, at the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Ilorin.
Following the creation of Kogi State, he became the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Hospital Management Board, Lokoja. In 1999, he was appointed the first Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) of the Federal Medical Centre (now Federal Teaching Hospital), Lokoja, a position he held until his retirement in 2007.
After retirement, Dr. Osanaiye was re-engaged on contract at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, where he devoted his time to mentoring and training younger doctors until 2012, when he finally disengaged from public service. He then returned home to manage his private clinic and pursue his passion for farming.
Dr. Samuel Adebayo Osanaiye passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, shortly after his evening meal, leaving behind a lasting legacy of service, dedication, and compassion.
