File:Queen Elizabeth awarded Olufunwa a CPM (Colonial Police Medal) for meritorious service..JPG

English: Early Life

Chief Emmanuel Olufemi OLUFUNWA (Olufunwa) was born on 8th of December 1908 at Odogbolu,the eldest of three siblings. His father, Samuel Olufunwa was a farmer and an apothecary. His mother, Bernice was literate, a lay church leader well known in the community for her fabric dying business.

Education and Teaching Career Olufunwa had his early education at Odogbolu. In 1924 he moved to Ibadan under the able guardianship of Pa Otudeko and Pa Ogunsanya . He was educated at Methodist School Ibadan 1924-1927. He gained admission to Wesley College (a teacher’s college) Ibadan (Admission No 315) in 1928 to pursue a teaching career. He had an excellent academic career winning numerous college Prizes. In his year, he was a favourite of the then expatriate College Vice Principal, Reverend Hodges, who was to play a significant role in influencing him later in his life. His colleagues remember him as a great sportsman. He was the football captain of the college from 1930-1931, a prolific goal scorer nick-named “Olundo Clifford” for his immense skills and talent. He passed out of the Wesley College in 1931.

He taught at Methodist School Oshogbo and Ibadan from 1931- 1937. Many of his students in his maiden years of the teaching profession remember him as an admirable young man, always neatly dressed, smartly walking, friendly to all but quick in correcting mistakes. He was the Scout’s master, Games Master, Church Organist, Choir Master and Local Preacher- all activities to which he voluntarily committed himself.