SR0155 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0155 LRB104 12491 LAW 22865 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Raufu Olayinka Ishola "Ola" Bello, who passed away on February 6, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Ola Bello, the son of Adebayo Yunisa Bello and Wosilat Aduke Bello, was born in Lagos, Nigeria on June 14, 1954; in his youth, he excelled at academics and sports and was fluent in several languages, and he was an avid soccer player, swimmer, and tennis player; he was awarded an academic scholarship to University of Illinois Springfield, formerly Sangamon State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in public administration; he married Kemi Amoo, and they had three children; and

WHEREAS, Ola Bello's passion for higher education continued at Illinois State University in Normal, where he served as a residence and area hall coordinator for over a decade; he also served as the academic advisor at Mennonite College of Nursing in Normal and as an academic advisor at Alfred University in Alfred, New York; throughout his life, he remained steadfast in his belief of the importance of higher education, which he instilled in his children; and

WHEREAS, Ola Bello was an avid gardener, renowned for his green thumb, and he enjoyed growing and cultivating plants; he was also a great cook; he enjoyed watching international news, politics, work outs, soccer games, WWE wrestling, historical documentaries, and Nollywood dramas and listening to Afro-Beats, with Fela and King Sunny Ade being among his favorite artists; he also enjoyed literature and reading, and his favorite book was Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe; and

WHEREAS, Ola Bello was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend; he will be remembered for his contributions to higher education, his love of the arts, and his resilience as a 5-time cancer survivor; and

WHEREAS, Ola Bello was the brother of Rasaki Kolawole Bello, Tajudeen Olanrewaju Bello, Rafatu Abosede Bello, Rashidat Olayinka Asekun Nee Bello, Abdul Lateef Olakunle Bello, and Lukman Olayemi Bello; and

WHEREAS, Ola Bello is survived by his children, Bukola Bello, Bisola Bello, and Adebayo Bello, and his grandchild, Esaias Prince Akinbola Kea; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Raufu Olayinka Ishola "Ola" Bello and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Ola Bello as an expression of our deepest sympathy.