Dr. Valentine "Val" Ojo, of Tall Timbers, MD passed away August 23, 2014 after a protracted illness, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 14, 1948 in Ondo, Nigeria, Val was the eldest child of the late Chief Jerome Ojo (Baba D2) and Rose Eunice Ojo.

He obtained his early childhood education at St. Mathew's (RCM) Primary School and St. Joseph's College (Secondary School), both in Ondo town. Valentine married his beloved wife, Agathachristy Ngozi, in August 1989.

An avid reader and prolific writer, Val was a linguist who was very fluent in several languages. He started his undergraduate studies at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and continued to the then Soviet Union where he obtained his first and second degrees. He earned another Master's degree and the doctorate at the University of Tubingen, Germany (1978). Before relocating to, and settling in the United States with his family, Dr. Ojo was a professor of German and Italian at the University of Ife (Obafemi Awolowo University), Nigeria; and traveled extensively throughout Europe.

A proud educator, Dr. Ojo taught at St. Mary's College of MD, Lincoln University in PA, and Prince George's County public schools. He served on the Archdiocese of Washington School Board of Education and on the Mediation Committee of St. Mary's County. He was a passionate participant on internet for African and Nigerian political and social-economic issues.

Val also enjoyed music, photography, gardening, biking and camping. He was a connoisseur of good music and good wine. However, his greatest love was for his family whose company he relished; he was particularly committed to the well-being and education of his children.

Dr. Ojo leaves behind to cherish his memories: his beloved wife; four children, Mayowa, Omolayo Mayokun and Omotayo; siblings, Vitalis Ojo, Lucrentia Abdullahi and Crescentia Adelabu; many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Venantius Ojo and a sister, Emerentia Akintewe.

The Memorial/Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 30, 2014, at St. George's Catholic Church, 19199 St. George's Church Road, Valley Lee, MD 20692.

Funeral arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.