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Oriki of Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́, Ọba Lamidi Adeyemi III. The panegyric comes in part. Kindly take time and peruse as compiled by Abiola Jagunmolu, Oluokun Salman Abiodun from Baba Olanrewaju Adepoju 1974 renditions & translated by Toonday’s Perspectives:
Kìnìún òkè Àkẹ̀sán, Part 1
Séríkí olówó.
Ọmọ baba nígbà nígbà.
Ọ̀jọ̀gbọ́n alákọ̀wé ọkọ. Abibatu.
Ọláyíwọlá di baba kò sé fi ọwọ́ rẹ́ ní’mú.
Àtàndá di òrìsà Ọ̀yọ́.
Ó di ẹni àjí f’ìlù kí.
Ẹni tí a ò sẹ́ tí a nfi ahọ́n pọ́nlẹ̀ lẹ̀ láá fún.
Egun sónsó tí parí iké.
Ọba tí mú ọba jẹ.
Ògìdán ìbẹ̀rù tí búú ramú-ramù ní kọ̀bì.
Ẹni Adéyẹmí bá bínú sí.
Kí olúwa ó káwọ́ ẹkún l’órí.
Ẹni Àtàndá bá nà’ka ìjà sí lójú.
Tí ò bá kánlu igbó kò ṣe nkankan.
Tí ò bá bẹ̀rù kánlu omi kí ṣe èwọ̀.
Ibi kìnìún bá tọ̀ọ̀ sí,
Ẹranko tí ó bá báá’bẹ̀ lọ ò s’oríre,
Ibi Àtàndá bá tutọ́ ìjà sí,
Ó ku baba ẹni tí ó rìn níbẹ̀.
Ìrònú ìkokò ní p’ajá,
Ìrònú ẹ̀yìn ọ̀rọ̀ ní p’èké,
Ìrònú ọlọ́rọ̀ ní p’ọ̀lẹ,
Ìpín àìsẹ̀ ní pá oní rìgímọ̀.
Ẹni Àtàndá bá f’ọwọ́ ìjà gùn ní’mú,
Olúwa rẹ̀ ló lùfin ọba,
Egun ẹran tí káyín olórí kunkun,
Òkèlè ràbàtà tí pinnu ọ̀kanjúà.
Àtàndá nṣe yín,
Ẹ n b’ọ̀sun,
Ẹ lọ sáré gb’ẹ́bọ fún iyemọja,
Bẹ́ẹ́, òrìsà bíbọ ò tánràn,
Èèyàn tí ó rúbọ,
Tí ò rúú ti Àtàndá,
Ara rẹ̀ ló tàn jẹ,
Ojú rere Ọláyíwọlá l’ẹbọ,
Àwàdà Àtàndá kọjá ètùtù.
Tí oní’fá bá n bọ’fá,
Kí wọn óo bọ ti ọmọ Ìbírónkẹ́ mọ́’fá,
Abọ̀rìsà tí n bọ̀’rìsà,
Kí ó máa bọ Lamidi,
Àtàndá ni eégún Ọ̀yọ́,
Ọláyíwọlá l’orò tí ngbé inú ààfin,
A tóbi nílé,
Tóbi l’óko,
Ògìdán fi ọwọ́ ìjà lalẹ̀.
Ìwà ọmọ ọkọ L’àtàndá ọmọ Alówólòdù nwù,
Ọláyíwọlá ò tàsé baba rẹ́ nínú ìwà Akin,
Adéyẹmí èèyàn nlá ọkọ Oyinlọlá.
Igijẹ́gẹ́dẹ́ ọba tí ó rí owó j’ayé ọba,
Ọ̀pádìjọ ìgbò,
Káríọlá kànnà-kan-tán-súá
Aborí ọmú dáranjẹ́ bámú-bámú,
Olówó eégún mọhuru,
Òròkí amọ́ lẹ́sẹ̀ bí òsùmàrè.
Ọ̀pádìjọ ìgbò,
Àtàndá náwó títí,
Owó ọ̀hún ò rántí,
Owó pọ̀ gẹ́ẹ́,
Owó kún odù,
Owó fa odù ya pẹrẹgẹrẹ bí aṣọ,
Ọ̀gọrọmitì tí náwó bí ẹlẹ́dà láyè àgbà.
Òkìkí owó kàn nílé,
Ayé ngbọ́ ariwo ọlà lẹ́yìn odi,
Ọjọ́ gbogbo bí ọdún,
Ọmọ Olúkúewu,
Àtàndá ọba oní fàájì.
Adéyẹmí ní káá kan ẹ̀tù,
Káá kan ààyá,
Káá kan ayaba,
Káá kan sòkòtò,
Káá kan ẹ̀wù,
Káá kan fìlà,
Káá kan ìkó Adé sí.
Abi ilé gbogbo ní jíjẹ mímu,
A fi ìgbà gbogbo rà bí ẹni tí n sọ̀wẹ̀,
Tún ayé ṣe,
Máa jẹ́ ó fọ́ọ́,
Irúmọlẹ̀ tí ngbé inú àpò pani jẹ,
Sànpọ̀nná ojú ìjà,
Tí k’ọmọ olódì n’ílà.
Adéyẹmí wọ́n ní o mọ́ ṣe oògùn ìkà mọ́,
O ní ò ṣe oògùn ìkà mọ́,
Èèè tijẹ́ Àtàndá,
O tún rán ìkan jẹ’lé èké lókè agúnpopo,
O tún nṣe ọsẹ bí-odó-bí-odó,
O tún nṣe ọsẹ bí-ọlọ-bí-ọlọ,
Èwo tún ní ọ̀kan gànnàkù tí ó ga bí ìdúró ènìyàn,
Èwo tún nìkan rìgìgbà tí nkọ lákùkọ ìsájú,
Igijẹ́gẹ́dẹ́ kínni o fi pamọ́ sílé tí ngbin bíí ẹbọra,
Kínni nbẹ lókè àjà tí tún fọhùn bí èèyàn.
Adéyẹmí ìgbò,
Àtàndá ìgbò,
Igijẹ́gẹ́dẹ́ ìgbò,
Káríọlá ìgbò,
Ọ̀pádìjọ ìgbò.
Kìnìún òkè Àkẹ̀sán,
Abi orí ẹṣin báábá lọ́nà kọ̀mu,
Abi ìrìn ẹṣin tìkọ̀-tìkọ̀ lọ́nà bààrà.
The Lion on the Hill of Akesan
Seriki the rich,
The son of a quotidian father
A learned sage the husband of Habibatu
Olayiwola becomes a father that cannot be slighted.
Atanda becomes Orisa Oyo.
He becomes the person to be adorned by dawning drum.
The person we didn’t offend that we lick the humble ground for in reverence.
The cresting bone on hunchback
The king that crowns Kings
The fearsome that roars in the shrine
Who faces Adeyemi’s wrath
The person should be in throes and cries
Whom Adeyemi points battle fingers at
If the person runs into the thick forest, that may be better
If the person out of fear rushes into the deep water that is not farfetched
Wherever a lion urinates
A prey that strays along that path is done for
Where Atanda spits his venom of battle
No one dares to walk the path
The fear of wolves bothers the dog
The fear of repercussion worries the gossiper
The fear of wealth burdens the lazy
Portion left undone bothers the hypocrite
Who Atanda challenges into a battle
The person falls under the wrath of the king
The stubborn bones that ends obstinate meal
The heavy morsel that devastates the greed
Atanda is your problem,
You are appeasing Osun
You are quick to sacrifice to the Mermaid
Yet worshipping gods won’t exonerate you (from
Atanda’s wrath )
He who makes sacrifice
Who doesn’t appease Atanda
His strife is futile
Finding favour with Atanda is the sacrifice
A joke with Atanda surpasses sacrifice
When Ifa worshippers are doing their rites
They should make due recourse to the son of Ibironke
The Orisha Worshipper that performs the rites
Should worship Lamidi
Atanda the masquerade of Oyo
Olayiwola is the deity that dwells in Palace
A force at home
A force far and wide
A maestro that set the rules of battle
As a true son, Atanda the son of Alowolodu acts right,
Olayiwola acts the daring hero like his father
Adeyemi a great man, the husband of Oyinlola
The meek King that has the opulence and kingly luxury
The Uniting pole that holds the thicket as bunch
( Opadijo the man with brimming force)
Kariola the indefatigible philanthropist
The owner Mohuru masquerade
Oroki, who has freckleless legs like rainbow
The uniting pole that holds the thicket as a bunch
Atanda spends money till
Money couldn’t keep tracks
Money so plenty
It fills container
It tears the container apart like cloth
The beast that spends without limit
The fame of his money spreads far and wide
The news of his wealth is known abroad
Everyday like festive
The son of Olukuewu
Atanda the king with luxury
Adeyemi has a roomful of gunpowder
A roomful of wives
A roomful of ayaba
A roomful of trousers
A roomful of tops
A roomful of caps
A roomful of crowns
His surroundings are for wining and feasting
He makes purchases like someone with unlimited fund
He makes the world a better place
Don’t let it scattered
The god that dwells inside pocket to kill someone
The god of battle
That teaches fools the missing wisdom
Adeyemo, forewarned to desist from wicked charm
And you agreed not to do it
Why Atanda?
You sent termites to infest a hypocrite’s house at the hill of Agunpopo
And you still cast spells like mortar like pestle
And you still cast spells like grindstone like stone.
Which one is that silhouette as tall as human
Which one is that robust that crows before the first cock
The meek one, what do you habour at home that breathes like a gnome.
50. 11/8/1885 – Aare Latoosa died during the Ekiti Parapo war.
51. 1885 – Balogun Ajayi Osungbekun (2nd child of Orowusi,
Head of Ibadan, 1870-1871) was installed the 13th head of Ibadan people at the Kiriji war camp.
52. 23/9/1886 – The warring parties of Ibadan and Ekiti Parapo finally dispersed by the British at Oke-Mesi Battle Field and Peace Treaty signed to end a 16-Years (the longest in history) and the last internecine war in Yorubaland. It was witnessed by Henry Higgins and Oliver Smith-Special Commissioners.
53. 21/9/1886 – The Ibadan Army left Kiriji Camp for Ikirun led by Balogun Osungbekun.
54. 28/9/1886 – Firing up of the War Camp took Place.
55. 1888 – Methodist Church of Rev. C.B Macaulay first came to Ibadan.
56. 22/3/1893 – Ibadan Army returned home from Ikirun with the bones of Aare Latoosa in a casket preceded by his son Sanusi. Eight years after his demise.
57. 26/3/1893 – Ibadan refused to sign the British Treaty brought by Gov. Carter.
58. 1893 – Madam Lanlatu Asabi Giwa was installed the 4th Iyalode of Ibadan land.
59. 1893 – Ibadan refused to accept the Leadership of Ajayi Osungbekun on the grounds that he was not appointed by them. He was asked to leave the town but his family members clubbed him to death in order to prevent the shame.
60. 1893 – Baale Fijabi (Omo Babalola) from Ogbomoso) was installed the 14th Head of Ibadan land.
61. 15/8/189-Treaty on British Protectorate of Ibadan finally signed in the presence of the Capt. Denton and R.L. Bower.
62. 15/9/1893- Capt. R.L. Bower resumed work in Ibadan as the 1st Resident and Travelling Commissioner of the Interior.
63. 1894- St Pauls Church Yemetu was built.
64. 1895- Baale Osuntoki Olosun was installed the 15th Head of Ibadan people.
65. 1895- Methodist Church Elekuro was built.
66. 2/3/1896- Last war of Ibadan (led by Capt. Bower) against Ilorin with Ibadan Army stationed at Odo Otin took place.
67. August 1897- Mr. F.C. Fuller, the new Resident set up a Council for Native Administration in Ibadan land which now becomes the Olubadan-in-Council.
68. 8/1897- Ibadan Town Council (Igbimo Ilu) constituted- The Resident Commissioner and Chiefs.
69. 1897- Bashorun Fajimi (Yeronbi) was installed the 16th Head of Ibadan people.
70. 1897- At. Stephen’s Church Nalende was built.
71. 16/9/1897- Under Baale Osuntoki Olosun – Prison Services started in Ibadan.
72. 1898- Christ’s Church Mapo was built.
73. 1899- The Retail store- Lagos Stores Ltd- opened office in Ibadan.
74. 1901- The Native Ordinance for Provincial, District, Towns and Villages Councils came into effect.
75. 1901- Under Baale Fajimi- Railway Service from Lagos to Ibadan started.
76. 1901- 1903- Under Baale Fajimi/Baale Mosaderin- Capt. Ross constructed the 1st three roads in Ibadan- 1)Agodi-Isale Ijebu, 2) Oja’ba – Bode – Oke Ado and 3) Ojaba – Ido Gate.
77. 1902- Paterson Zockonis (PZ) opened office in Ibadan.
78. 1902- Baale Mosaderin was installed the 17th Head of Ibadan people.
79. 1902- Oranyan Dispensary was opened by the Ibadan Native Authority.
80. 1903- The Colonial Government enacted the Education Ordinance.
81. May 1903- First recruitment of Policemen took place in Ibadan with 20 officers.
82. 14/3/1904 – Mapo Customary Court was opened.
83. 1904 – Baale Dada Opadere was installed the 18th Head of Ibadan people.
84. 1904-1907 – The number of Tributary towns under Ibadan land reduced to 86.
85. 1905 – Jericho Nursing Home was built.
86. 1905 – Methodist Training Institute changed name to Wesley College and opened at Elekuro under Rev. W.F. Melbon as the principal.
87. 1906 – Ibadan got linked with Lagos by road.
88. 1906 – The First Motor Car arrived Ibadan brought by Gov. Egerton.
89. 1906 – Baptist (Rev. Bowen) built church at Idi-Ikan.
90. 1907- Ibadan got linked to Oyo, Ogbomoso by road.
91. 1907- Bashorun Sumonu Apanpa was installed 19th Head of Ibadan people.
92. 12/1907- Baale Dada Opadere committed suicide as a result of interference and intimidation by Capt. Ross’s subordination of Ibadan to Oyo.
93. 1907/1910- Lebanon Street- Oja’ba and Oranyan-Agodi Roads were built.
94. 1908- Bank of British West Africa (now 1st Bank) opened 1st Branch in Nigeria, at Ibadan.
95. April 1909- Methodist Church Agodi was built.
96. 1910- Baale Akintayo Awanibaku Elempe was installed the 20th Head of Ibadan people.
97. 17/11/1911- Egbe Onife Ile Yoruba- a socio-cultural organisation was formed, Chief I.B. Akinyele, (later Olubadan of Ibadan from 1955-1964) delivered a lecture.
98. 1912- Baale Irefin (Omo Ogundeji) was installed as the 21st Head of Ibadan people.
99. 1912- The first Ibadan man to obtain a University Degree- Bishop Alexander Akinyele CBE (1875-1968) graduated from the University of Durham, UK.
100. 2/2/1913- Ibadan Grammar School was established under the headship of Canon A.B Akinyele.
2. 1640 – Lagelu installed as the 1st Balogun of Yorubaland by Alaafin Ajagbo.
3. 1774/1779 – Alaafin Agboluaje/Majeogbe ordered the destruction of the 1st Ibadan.
4. 1782/1810 – Akasi (suroral nephew of Lagelu), Akinola, Ogundowo, Sotayelo (children of Lagelu) ruled as Olubadan of Ibadanland.
5. 1782/1810 – Olowu Akinjobi, Prince of Isheri (Lagos), Abu (son of Ooni Sooko) all came to settle in the 2nd Ibadan.
6. 1810 – The combined forces of Ife, Oyo, Egba, Ijebu waged wart against the Towns of Orile- Owu, Oje, Offa, Ojoo, Ijaiye, Erunmu, Ikija, Podo and 2nd Ibadan (the 2nd Ibadan was sandwiched among those Owu Towns).
7. 1810-1820 – The ruined 2nd Ibadan was used as War Camp by the combined Warrior of Ife, Oyo, Egba, Ijebu in waging wars against other Yoruba settlements.
8. 1820 – The war camp became a permanent settlement to the warriors (of many towns), thus giving birth to the 3rd Ibadan.
9. 1820 – Maye Okunade, leader of the Ife warrior was made the Head of the 3rd Ibadan.
10. 1829 – Islam was first practiced in Ibadan at Ayeye Area by one Abdullai Igun Olorun who was the Chief Imam of his small congregation.
11. 1829 – The Oyo warriors revolted against the high temper, domineering personality and nepotism of Maye Okunade who then fled to Ilugun.
12. 1830 – Sodeke leader of the Egba warriors in the allied force relocated to Abeokuta because of the dominance of the Ife and Oyo warriors.
13. 1829/1830 – Maye Okunade was captured alive and beheaded by the Ibadan from his exile in Ilugun.
14. Maye Okunade was captured alive and beheaded by the Ibadan warrior.
15. 1831 – Oluyedun of Ilorin descent, was installed the 4th head of Ibadan.
16. 1833 – Lakanle from Offa (Kwara), though of Oyo descent was installed the 3rd head of Ibadan.
17. 1835 – Bashorun Oluyole (from Oyo Ile) was installed the 4th head of Ibadan.
18. 1835 – Islam became widely practiced in Ibadan with the 1st and 2nd Chief Imam being Uthman Abubakar and Ahamed Qifu respectively between 1839-1871.
19. 1839 – Oluyole was conferred with the title of Bashorun of Yorubaland by Alaafin Atiba.
20. 1840 – Balogun Oderinlo led the Ibadan arm (the Jalumi War) that crushed the Fulani Jihadists against the invasion of Yorubaland by Alaafin Atiba.
21. 1850 – Balogun Oderinlo (from Aagberi in the Present Osun state) was installed the the head of Ibadan people.
22. 1850 – Baale Omololu Opeagbe (of Ogbomoso descent) was installed the th head of Ibadan people.
23. 1850 – Baale Ope Agbe allocated the present site of Ibadan Central Mosque to the Muliisms.
24. 1850 – Madam Subuola was installed as the 1st Iyalode of Ibadan.
25. 20/5/1851 – 1st European Christian Missionary- Rev. David Hinderer visited Ibadan.
26. 1851 – Baale Oyesile Olugbode (from Kuta in the present day Osun State) was installed as the 7th head of Ibadan people.
27. 1851 – Ibikunle was installed as the Balogun of Ibadanland.
28. 1851-1864 – Under Balogun Ibikunle number of tributary Towns to Ibadan rose to 143.
29. 1851-1864 – Baale Oyesile Olugbode properly established and consolidated the republican system of governance in Ibadan for civil and military matters.
30. 27/4/1853 – David Hinderer with his wife Anna final came to settle at Kudeti, Ibadan.
31. May 1853 – Rev. and Mrs. Hinderer started the first school in Ibadan under a shed at Kudeti.
32. 23/7/1854 – First Service held at St. David’s church Kudeti by Rev. Hinderer.
33. 1857 – Mrs. Anna Hinderer established St. Anne’s school at Kudeti and now at Molete.
34. 1858 – Balogun Ibikunle built protective wall (Odi Ibikunle) around Ibadan.
35. 1858 – St. Peter’s Church Aremo was built.
36. 1860 – St. Jame’s Church Ogunpa was built.
37. 1864 – Balogun Ibikunle (from Ijado, near Ogbomoso) was installed the 8th head of Ibadanland.
38. 1865 – Balogun Ogunmola (from Feesu near Iwo) was installed the 9th head of Ibadanland.
39. 1865 – Lagos-Remo-Ibadan passage road was opened.
40. 1866 – Ogunmola was made Bashorun of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo.
41. 1867 – Madam Efunsetan Aniwura was installed the 2nd Iyalode of Ibadan.
42. 1/3/1867 – Balogun Ogunmola died as a result of old age.
43. 1867 – Balogun Beyioku Akere (from Igbeti Oke Ogun) was installed the 10th head of Ibadanland.
44. 1870 – Balogun Orowusi (from Ogaagba, new Iwo) was installed the 11th head of Ibadanland.
45. 1871 – Aare Obadoke Latoosa (from Ilora near Oyo) was installed the head of Ibadanland.
46. 1/3/1871 – Obadoke Latoosa was installed the Aare Ona Kakanfo (Generalisimo of the Yoruba Empire) by the Alaafin of Oyo.
47. 1874 – Madam Iyaola was installed the 3rd Iyalode of Ibadan.
48. 13/4/1880 – Aare Obadoke Latoosa went to Kiriji War.
49. 4/5/1880 – Ibadan Warrior marched to the battle field under the command of Aare Latoosa.
50. 11/8/1885 – Aare Latoosa died during the Ekiti Parapo War.
References
Chief Yemi Soladoye in “The 3rd Ibadan at 200 Years” … 22/11-28/11/2020
“Ibadan Facts and Figures” – Dr. Jide Fatokun
“Iwe Itan Ibadan” – Oba Issac Babalola Akinyele
“The Traditional Rulers of A Great City – Ibadanland” – Prince Olubunmi Oyebiyi
BBC Reporter: What is happening at your house and are you been arrested?
Abiola: I am been arrested and I am just going out now with the police. You see, there is a large crowd here and I am being escorted out to detention by singing the National Anthem.
BBC Reporter: Why are they arresting you?
Abiola: They are arresting me on an allegation of felony; namely treason or something like that. They are not doing me anything; they are just taking me away. Please let me go. I am delaying them.
BBC Reporter: Please where are you? You are in your car?
Abiola: I am in my car now.
BBC Reporter: Is that police are with you in your car?
Abiola: The Commissioner of Police is here with me.
BBC Reporter: Why are they allowing you to talk with the BBC while they are in the middle of arresting you?
Abiola: Laughs… They have come to arrest me not my mouth o.
BBC Reporter: You sound very cheerful Chief Abiola.
Abiola: Of course, laughs. You know it’s all part of democracy here.
BBC Reporter: And you are happy to go with the Police with whatever charges they are going to file against you.
Abiola: I am not in anyway disturbed by it. Any sacrifice is in order if it will bring democracy, peace and prosperity to Nigeria.
BBC Reporter: Is it possible to speak with the Commissioner of Police who is with you in the car?
Abiola: I don’t know if the Commissioner of Police is authorized to talk.
Commissioner of Police: I cannot talk (undertone).
Abiola: He cannot talk to the press.
BBC Reporter: What is your advice now to your supporters many of them we had a moment ago?
Abiola: I told them before I left home to just remain calm. It is very very important that they stay calm.
BBC Reporter: You are appealing for calm you don’t want them to take any direct action in your support.
Abiola: No No No!!!
BBC Reporter: You still say you are the president of Nigeria but it is no much in good if you are going to be in jail.
Abiola: Well, Mandela was in jail for 27 years. Kenyetta was in jail. That is one of the qualifications you need in this part of the world. Don’t worry yourself my friend. “_ Abiola’s Telephone Interview with BBC (23 June, 1994).
He never came back home alive. He died four years later in detention. As a young boy (aged 9) in 1994. The whole town was put on fire the day the election was annulled.
But as a grown up, someone so much interested in history, one can conveniently say Chief Abiola died of over-confidence and trust. He trusted a lot of his friends in the Army, in Yoruba land, in the North and particularly, his political associates. But they all let him down.
According to Chief Dele Momodu while on telephone with Chief Abiola on the day of his arrest. The Chief said: ‘ Dele, I think you should go home. I have heard that they are coming to arrest me at 1 am. But, I don’t think Sani can try it o.’
If you asked me, he should have exiled himself. Fight the battle from afar. Not staying within Nigeria. His greatest mistake was announcing himself as president of Nigeria while in Nigeria.
It is 29 years today since he was first incarcerated and later killed in 1998. Those ideals of Nigeria he had in the mind: Sacrifice, peace, prosperity and democracy are they achieved today?
I don’t know what it feels to be covetous, disloyal and lazy. But I have learnt and practiced the acts of hard work, determination, contentment, and courage. It took me some 22 years to know my father could afford almost anything apart from humans. The impression deposited in us, particularly male children was that of orphans and sons of a-nobody.
At the age of 22, I didn’t have a kobo in my personal account. I don’t lack clothe, food and shelter. Father extended his benevolence to having a vehicle, not solely for pleasure but to fulfil his numerous estate chores.
By the time I was 25, I became aware of the powers in being born into such a noble home, but then, I have mastered simplicity and at that point, it became almost impossible for me to live a flamboyant lifestyle. I chose to be different, mastered the best parts of my parents and rejecting their weaknesses absolutely and completely. As a child, I started rejecting boil-meats from father. This was his first encounter with me.
He quickly noticed the difference in me and my siblings. I was not pretending about my desire to be different and unique. Father embellished so much trust in me in returns. He would give me millions of naira to count and booked in the bank without any supervision. I was that boy that counts millions but with zero naira in his bank account. Four incidences happened that taught me integrity, loyalty and contentment:
1. At age 22, I was offered a bribe of 5m naira by one of my uncles who had sold the family land for 68 million naira but needed my support (being the family’s secretary). The money, perhaps, was influenced by one of my other uncle in Lagos who was also offered same amount. At that period, I worth almost nothing than the air I breath. No kobo in the bank, no degree, nothing but the family name that I bear. I was not moved, but rejected it. I thought of father, and the people that sent us. Till today, my other uncle from Lagos stopped talking to me. He felt I blocked his 5m as a result of my foolishness.
2. Then, at about age 23, one of my elder siblings sold one of father’s construction machines at one of our estates. At the time of sale, father traveled to England. When my brother sold the machine, he came home and offered me some cash. I accepted it because I wanted him to save face. It was around 4pm when the money was brought. He said ‘ Dara I sold something that belongs to father and felt you should have a share.’ I was damn broke as usual. But the pressure was minimal since I had no girl friends just male friends who at my level I was richer than. I held the money and at around 6:40am, I called my younger brother Adekoyejo and instructed him to return it to my elder brother. He did. By 7:10am, my brother came and said to me jovially ‘ you fool, you are rejecting money. That’s your problem anyways.’ I didn’t uttered a word in response to that. Father came, but didn’t go to the said estate until another one month. When he discovered his machine was missing, he asked people around, his gardeners at the estate told him it was my brother that sold it.
Dad came back angrily and approached my brother’s mother about what her son did. She instantaneously said: ‘ Have you asked Dara about it?, I think he knows about it.’ Father was shocked! Dara was his favourite son. He does no wrong. He must be feeling disappointed that I was involved in such looting. At that point, he called for me. He asked ‘ Dara, what do you know about my machine?’ ‘ Sir, it was my brother… that came some weeks ago and said he sold one machine. He offered me XYZ amount but I rejected it because I didn’t know what machine he sold and we didn’t planned selling it together. Sir, I didn’t tell you because he didn’t send me to you. I know today would come, and this I believe is the time to talk.’ Then I faced my elder brother’s mother and said ‘please ma, don’t mention another person’s son name anytime your son stole. I am not a thief and I won’t steal for any reason.’ I left the scene as my response rekindled the hope and trust father had in me. My step-mum felt ashamed of herself and her son.
3. At age 25, while in final year, there was a contract that worth 28m naira we were executing, I was father’s representative, while there was a politician and our driver working with us. We made lots of progress until I was to return back to school. Our driver then approached me with a juicy offer. ‘ Dara, there are some of the stuffs that Chief is not aware of. Let’s sell three and I will give you 400k to take to school.’_Said our driver. ‘ Sir, thank you for the offer. It’s true I’m broke and father don’t give me more than 10k. But I am not interested in the money. I also wants to beg you not to try stealing any of those things. You know we use soldiers, I won’t want them to waste your life and that of others.’ _I submitted. ‘It is fine, since you don’t approve it that’s the end o. I won’t even dare it.’_Said our driver. Some days after, a Local has alerted father of some people trying to steal the stuffs.
Father called his soldiers and asked me to drive him. We were almost half way when he told me some people were trying to steal his stuffs. I immediately remembered my discussion with our driver. I used one hand to texted him ‘ run away, soldiers coming.’ When we got to the scene, we met all the robbery equipments. The soldiers (12 of them) faced the bush and rained live-bullets into it. I was so scared that they were probably lying inside the tick bush. They later realised no one was there. I was happy again. Later when I saw our driver, he was sobered. He wept and said ‘ I am so sorry Dara, and you warned me.’ ‘But I told you not to. Thank God you got the message, you would be dead by now.’ _I said.
4. I was already aged 29, planning to pick my doctorate degree form. Our most senior house-help had forged father’s signature to unlawfully withdrawn 1m naira from his bank account. The boy was learning Weldering. He had come a day before to dash everyone in the compound 2k each (including father). When he got to my room, he said, ‘ Daro, I want to thank you for everything. I made a huge gain from work. Chief was the one that introduced me to these Chinese. I wish to share part of the money with you for recharge card for all your supports. I have given all the wives and Chief too. This is yours.’_He submitted. ‘ Wow! Thank you for the money. However, how much did you make that you are dashing everyone. Look, take your money and invest it in your job. When you are big, I will collect mine.’ _I said. He begged me to take it but I refused with thanks.
The next day it was reviewed through father’s bank account that the boy had taken a million naira in one week. I was the only person that didn’t take a share of the stolen fund. Now, these four incidences had taught me that contentment is profitable.
Almost all I didn’t have that day, I have in excess today. I don’t want to tell you how everyone that was greedy in these stories ended. How did I become who I’m today, I don’t know. But I know I seek honour, and integrity than quick-fix, quick-money and shortcut. I have gained so much from self-discipline, self-determination, trust, contentment, loyalty and integrity.
By the time father was planning his exit from this planet, he gave me the privilege to write his Will,something I was also a beneficiary. He told his banker ‘ Dara is my best son.’ And I did the same in all ramifications.
My father was my best friend. The day he died, a part of me accompanied him.
Our society should work more on ‘asset audit’ if cases of fraud, yahoo-yahoo or yahoo-plus, embezzlement, kidnapping, armed robbery, drug trafficking, terrorism, human trafficking and prostitution should stop.
It’s ridiculous seeing a photographer, tailor, civil-servant, micro-business owner, teacher, medical doctor, school dropout, juvenile and a jobless person owning a mansion or ridding a vehicle unmatchable to their financial status. While the society celebrates them.
In other words, sum of individual’s annual or monthly salaries should not be more than what they own. When it’s, the society should ask questions and go further to investigate it. How come we have too many people spending without working?
Growing up as a child, there were values and morality. In those days, 80s and 90s, you dare not associate yourself with vagabonds, fraudsters, armed-robbers, a jobless or lazy person. The old order fumes against such shameful adventure.
So, when our kings, political leaders, respected men and women of God, and community leaders give recognition (chieftaincy titles, baba adinis, deacons and deaconesses) only to money and not merit, the outcome is what we witness today.
We have to audit people’s assets to know if they are dangerous to our existence. The ‘kokanmi’ (I don’t care) mentality must stop. You should care because you could be victim tomorrow.
Yahoo-Yahoo or Yahoo-plus is not a career, but STEALING that requires HUMAN SACRIFICE for money and DANGEROUS to our communal growth. The fact that your friend, son, daughter, brother, father, mother, mentor, pastor, imam, babalawo, king, and political leader are into it doesn’t legalize the DANGEROUS ANIMALISTIC act.
Can we start teaching our children that hard work pays? Can we be responsible parents? Can we give birth to the children we can carter for? Can we stop asking anyone to bring human parts as ingredients to success?
I am certain those into it are not happy with the mansions and cars in their possession. Why do you want to be unhappy for the rest of your life?
My best moments were the days I spent learning from you. You were 2.3 times older. Born in March 1939, I came in April 1985.
Whenever you gave us anything and we came back to thank you, you would say ‘ let’s thank God’. In truth, I didn’t know what this meant until recently. What can anyone achieve without God?
God here is not the God of Muslims, Christians, Yogi worshipers or traditional institutions. You must be referring to God of all! The omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent God. Looking back at those tête-à-tête, I realized you knew you won’t have been nothing without God.
You lost your father (DSD Oduguwa) when you were three months of age.Your father estates must have be misappropriated by uncles and your father’s clerk.
I took a lot of semblance (not physically) from my father’s father. One of the soft sides of you was your fearfulness. You fear about death, failure and almost everything. But you were determined, humble, diplomatic and could be tough.
If father is angry with you even if you sliced his belly you won’t see it there. A trait mostly common with March babies. They are the king of diplomacy. Nay wonder you achieved so much for yourself and us.
By 20th of this month, it will be 2 years since you left us. As you knew during your existence, I am working so hard to continue making you proud.
In my forthcoming episodical documentary ‘The Bith-Effect’ I have offered you a space for millions of audience to watch your time here on earth. This is one of many pleasantries that comes with your investment on me.
Father, you loved me so much, and you knew I loved you more than anyone in this world could. I know you know! I know you are seeing how determined I am to lift the family banner beyond my generation. Just like all of you did during your time here.
If I build houses, your fathers’ father and yourself started it. If I marry several women your fathers’ father started it. If I own businesses across our borders, your father was already transacting businesses in 27 countries as at 1922. If I become a king, your fathers’ father were kings. If I become a renowned national figure, your fathers’ father and you were in your time.
From Sinupori, Oduname, Oduguwa, Soyebo and Kofoworola, you people have been unique and great. And now to Adedara, the baton is well passed and the Relay race has just began.
I celebrate you my mentor, political leader since 1996, deputy-maker and my beloved father. There are times I wish to talk to you, or call your mobile number, but sadly, that cannot be possible again. You were a great historian, record keeper, history maker, and lover of your large family.
My intention is not to write too many lines, so let me stop here to take a pause.
The Nigerian Prime Minister and member of Northern Peoples Congress was quoted ‘ one would not believe that one of the Nigerian Founding fathers is trying to bring down the house built by him.’
Immediately Chief Awolowo and 27 others were wrongly accused of treasonable felony against the mere geographical expression called Nigeria, many of his political opponents mocked him and celebrated the victory of his incarceration on May 29th, 1962.
Akintola (Awo’s deputy leader in Action Group) was on top of the world for disgracing his benefactor and mentor. He, Maja and others forget nothing last forever.
It’s was at this period, Ogunde the playwright, was invited to stage a play for the Western Region’s Government under Chief Ladoke Akintola. He came and shocked his crowd with YORUBA RONU, what I termed ‘prophesy of a future to come’. Airing the opera, Akintola and his boys angrily moved out of the hall. And for such insult, Ogunde Theater was banned in Western Region. The Group became very broke and Ogunde was in a tight corner feeding his large family and paying salaries of his staff. Well, this penalty won’t change the prophesy of a doomsday rapped in a fine linen of Yoruba Ronu.
What happened? Ogunde lampooned Akintola’s government in Yoruba Ronu. He told a story of a king called Fiwagboye, who was betrayed by his deputy ‘Ikeji Oye’, just for mere jealousy and greed.
According to Ogunde in Yoruba Ronu, Ikeji Oye sold Yorubaland to ‘Yeye Iloba’ what’s at the time synonymous to the ‘Hausa Fulani Tribe’of Nigeria. Then, Oba Fiwagboye was captured after Ikeji Oye exposed his ‘Opa agbara ’ (staff of authority) to his enemies in Iloba. He became a slave (synonym to Chief Awolowo’s incarceration), then, everything became so bad for Yorubaland since the powerful king has been captured.
Then, Ikeji Oye couldn’t be made a king. The Yorubas formed a team of Army after sometimes and rescued Oba Fiwagboye backed to the throne of his forefathers. Ikeji Oye was banished from Yorubaland. And everything lost was regained in triple folds by the Yorubas and Oba Fiwagboye.
Ogunde used his creativity to put the people of Western Region in suspense. He metaphorically used banished to represent ‘maimed’. Because, by the time the real play was staged, Akintola, Balewa, Bello and numerous others were maimed in cold blood and on the 3rd of August 1966, Chief Awolowo was released and consequently installed as Deputy President of Nigeria (first under any military regime in Africa) and minister of Finance of Federal Republic of Nigeria (even being a lawyer, journalist and politician).
Before this period, the ruling party paid a visit to Awo in jail and advised him to relinquish his stand on formidable opposition by joining the ruling party if he must be freed. Awo (the visionary and transformational leader) refused the juicy offer. Chief Ogunde was Chief Awolowo’s best friend and confidant. He was also a student of Ifa (since his grandfather and mentor was a renowned babalawo). I believed, he must have consulted the oracle (Ifa) to know the fate of his Friend, Chief Awolowo before writing that play.
What Ogunde predicted that day was not only for Chief Awolowo’s Judas’ but for all Yoruba traitors. It was a prophesy that will usually come to pass until the end of time.
Are the Yorubas not still at Iloba today? Yoruba Ronu! Iloba ki n sele.
the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.”
It is exactly 12 months today since the great man Chief Kofoworola Adenuga David Oduguwa JP left the stage to join the spirits’ world. I searched within myself on how best to remember him, and then, thought of his reminiscence struck. The Except below represents father’s miniature autobiography. Trust you will find it inspiring.
“My Story
I was born on 09/03/1939 to a Lagos-based Merchant late David Soyebo Darlington Oduguwa (A.K.A– D.S.D Oduguwa). My father died on 05/06/1939 at exactly 5 am of the year I was born. After the burial which lasted for about a week without an embalmment. My mother returned to Sagamu and was trying to make three square meals possible. No support from anywhere. My mother had to stay with her aunt late Madam Felicia Efuyela Odujinrin, who was showering her some supports.
At the age of 6 in 1945, my mother went back to my father’s brothers and relatives telling them Kofoworola is of school age. They called a family meeting. Those present at the meeting were, the administrator of my father’s estate, Pa Buraimon Soleye, with him were; Pa. Williams Oduguwa, my father’s immediate brother (who had no say); Late Mr Olanipekun Toru; Alhaja Soleye and Baba Lemomu from Akoka including late Akinola Daodu to whom my mother was betrothed. They were to meet Kofo, Adekunle, and Afolabi Oduguwa.
The meeting started, Pa Buraimo Soleye the Administrator spoke first;
‘Since my late brother’s property i.e. shop 1&2 in Lagos,1 in Sagamu and 1 in Abeokuta had all nearly finished and in other not to waste these little children’s time. I will advise as follows: That Kofo will go and learn Mechanic, Adekunle to learn Carpentry and Afolabi to learn Tailoring.’ He submitted
My mother was the next to speak. She burst into tears and ‘only 6years after D.S.D. death the properties are all gone. My son will go to school before any apprenticeship.’This was the beginning of my life’s history.
I started from there. My mother sat me down and said, ‘this is life, there is none anywhere. Are you ready to go to school?’ She questioned. ‘Yes,’ I replied. ‘We need to work hard’ She further argued. My mother bought me a school uniform, book and paid nine (9) pence as my tuition fees. School started and no time to waste or play around again with friends except during school hours. I had to fetch 2 kerosene tins of water and sold for 1.5 pence every morning before going off to school and in the afternoon after school, I would follow friends to their father’s farm and fetch firewood to sell at 4 pence.
On Saturdays, I would fetch water and then go to fetch firewood in the farm. My mother was impressed by my handwork. In those days, my head was bald at a tender age due to the consistent carrying of heavy loads. I would go to Sabo Olobi in the evenings and on Saturdays or early in the morning to do Kaya (Carrier) for 6 pence a basket. My mother was impressed. However, the manual work I did to support my family affected my studies. Subsequently, my mother decided that I must leave hard labour and start living with one of my teachers Mr Lawal because she wanted me to know my book. I moved to Mr Lawal’s place. No more sleeping at 11 pm and waking at 5 am again. I was able to concentrate on my studies. The first year in Mr Lawal’s house, I came 2nd in the class and since then, I could concentrate.
I did a weekend Bricklaying job, which fetched me 2/6d (two shillings and sixpence). The only friend that my mother would allow to our house at Isote was late Ambali because he was helpful to her.
In 1954, I sat for the G2 exam but failed the exam. The exam was universal then. As I was about to retake it in 1955, our elder sister from my father side late Mrs M. Olufunke Yebove (nee Oduguwa) came on annual leave and decided to take me with her to continue my education in the North.
On the day she came to pick me up to live with her, she met me on my way from the farm but could not recognise me. It was only after I had dropped the bundle of wood that she recognised me. Upon seeing me, she burst into tears realising the hardship I was going through. ‘Kofo are you ready to come with me to the North?’ Sister asked. ‘Yes’, I instantaneously replied without hesitation. She gave me one Shilling and picked a date for our departure. The date came, I was crying before the arrival of my sister thinking of how I would miss my friends, football and my daily routine. Sister came and the journey for Lagos began.
Our first journey was to Lagos. We took off at Iddo Railway Terminal first to see the station. We left Lagos at 12noon and our next stop was Abeokuta from where we headed to Ibadan and Ilorin in the 3rd day. We stopped in the dark at about 2 am in Gusau Northern Nigeria. On a journey of 140miles of an un-tarred road on a flat truck from the Ministry of Works. We got to Sokoto at 7 am. Feelings of homesickness began. On the third day, I was given a note to Holy Trinity Anglican School, Sokoto.
I was enrolled on Standard 6. The school commenced with the ordeal of missing home, friends and my normal freedom. My new home was boring. I would cry from morning to evening. Whenever I was asked to do anything, I would feel cheated. I was myself the Landlord in Sagamu, but here I became a puppet (someone to be controlled and monitored). Four weeks at Sokoto, the transfer came. My boss must resume at Mina Sub Treasury under the Ministry of Finance. Then my sister had gone to London. Leaving me, the husband and their children at home in Sokoto. We moved from Sokoto to Minna.
At Minna, I was enrolled at St. Peters Anglican School Minna. My master was an Anglican. This made it easy for me. We were at Minna. I was attending my school and had to couple it with domestic work at home. I had to wake up every morning by 4 am, to prepare food, boiling water for the bath, clean the bicycle and clean the big yard. At times, it would be the turn of Akara and Ogi. Then, I must prepare the beans in the evening for grinding in the morning. No engine for grinding then. I must use my manpower. The school at Bosso road was about 3miles to our quarter and I had to trek this daily and go to the market to buy things for soup. As my master did not eat leftover soup. The school closed at 1 pm. My master would return from work to eat at 2:30 pm. I had to run to the market and back to the quarter to grind the pepper. By 2:30 pm before the arrival of my master, all would be ready.
We were at Minna till August 1956, when another letter of transfer came. This time to Kaduna. At this time, I had got my examination number. We got to Kaduna in September that year. I was taken to St. Michael Anglican School Kaduna, just two months to Middle 2 final exam. School here was about 2miles to our house and the market the same story as before domestic work. Hardly did I have time to study. We had 3 classes with 126 pupils. We sat for the exam and I got the 32nd position. My master praised me.
Now, what is the way forward? Sister had gone to London; even if she were home would she be able to do it? Who knows? In March 1957, my master Mr S.O.A. Yebove (My sister’s husband) got me a job in their ministry as a Temporary Ungraded Clerk on a salary of £7.0s a month. I was living in a free house, eating free food and receiving a salary at the end of the month. I would take it to my master who would instruct me to keep it on the window of his room. This continued for two years with my master sometimes giving me £2 as pocket money. I was on this for 2 years until I had my annual leave when my master gave me £5 to go on leave in Sagamu.
I went to the Administration Department of our Ministry, Ministry of Finance and requested a transfer, so that I could be free from this oppressor. My master being an Officer at the ministry stopped my transfer and came home to bully me. I went on 2 weeks leave not to return to Kaduna. I was at home (Sagamu) playing and my master covered me with sick reports at work. I later went to pack my things and return to Lagos. At the time of my departure, my master was weeping that I am running away from him. ‘Kofo why don’t you wait for your sister to come from London before you leave me. She asked you to look after the house for her and now you are going’ He lamented. ‘Goodbye Sir’ I objected. That was my last parting word with him.
I entered Lagos and reported to Mr M.A.K. Sonowo alias Owoduni. He was my father’s upbringing. He did well, took me to a company where he was a director. G. L. Gaizier a German Company to learn Auto Mechanic. I was there with other apprentices of about 50 in number. We were doing well, attending classes once a week in Yaba College of Technology for theory. The company was owned by the then Western Region under Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The company was sold to a private company and they could not absorb all of us. I had to leave; late Mr Olanipekun Toru took me to a Construction Company where he worked. My role was to follow the truck about to deliver Iron rod to sites. I found that this would not help me, and so, I resigned and left.
In 1960, my sister Chief Mrs Sucie Adesikuola Ogunyanwo (Iyaloja of Awolowo market, Sagamu) met with her husband Chief M.A. Ogunyanwo in courtship; she told him I was looking for a job. Chief Ogunyanwo took me to a textile importing Company owned by one English Merchant. Here, I was given £10 as a monthly salary. My English master was not always around in the office, So, I was free to do many things. I started getting overseas correspondence. I registered with Manchester School for Salesmanship and I got monthly tuition, studying until I got a diploma in Salesmanship. Then, I started from there. I could get a job of £25, which I left after 3months for another company for £30 a month in Nigeria with Noye Wilkison Nigeria limited.
Immediately after the independence of Nigeria (October 1960), our boys (Young Nigerians working with us) were all rushing to travel to the U.K and other countries in search of the Golden Fleece. I felt indifferent. So, I decided to follow suit. I was already a manager in the then-popular U.A.C group. I resigned from my appointment and could not go (travel aboard) for about a year after all my friends had gone.
My first house at Age 23
During my 3years Service with Noye Wilkison Nigeria limited Subsidiary of United Africa Company Ltd, Lagos, I managed to build a 6-bedroom house through the assistance of my director, the Late Ronald Eldwin Tullet, an English gentleman who liked coloured people. He said and I quote ‘David, you have been with us for over 2years now, I have not seen what you do with your salary and your annual commission than spending it on your friends who hadn’t got the job that you are carrying about. Don’t you have a place to build a house in Sagamu?’ He queried. He was always with me in Sagamu at weekends, ‘We have’ I answered. ‘I am coming to see it at the weekend’ He concluded.
On the Sunday following our discussion, my boss came, I showed him our land where our Ibido house is today. Number 5, Odufolakun lane. He called my late grandmother to enquire if I would be allowed to build the house. This was around December 1962. I was 23years old then. My grandmother gave her approval for the building on the said land. That December, I was given £2,500 as commission and £20 as a Christmas bonus for a job well done that year. My master came back to Sagamu, paid £20 for red burnt brick, which was supervised by late Pa Akinyemi Akinsanya, the father of the present Oba Ewusi of Makun. By January 3rd 1963, the house construction commenced with the help of baba Awoyemi and baba Deji Awofeso’s supervision. In December 1964, we moved into our new house at number 5, Odufolakun lane Ibido Sagamu. The house where Deji (father’s mother last born) and his children are living today.
My first Voyage at Age 27 (August 5th, 1966)
It started on a bright faithful sunny day of 05/08/1965 from 5, Odufolakun lane in the company of my first wife E.O Oduguwa, my mother Mary Gbemisola Oduguwa and her niece madam Saratu. We took off at about 7.30 am in an Ijebu Ode bus bound for Lagos. We were early getting to Maryland and took an Ikeja Bus to the airport (now Muritala Muhammed Airport). I checked-in my luggage, in the company of my friend the late Tunji Benson of blessed memory.
The Plane took off as scheduled. Our first point of call was Madrid Airport in Spain where we spent about an hour in transit. We took off from Madrid at about 2 pm and got to Brussel in Belgium at about 3 pm. We went straight to Brussel’s Railway Terminus; where we boarded a Hamburg Western Germany train still in the company of my friend and partner the late Tunji Benson. We got to Hamburg Railway station around 3.30 am and took a taxi to 220 Aster Dover Street, Hamburg to meet my uncle late Sunday Toru of blessed memory. He received us and complained about my partner (Tunji) who had been to Hamburg before, stayed with my uncle and was later deported.
The following morning, we went to the Student Advisory Education Office where we met Mr Partner Shaft at the Student Advisory Board, who also complained about Tunji. We were given a joint letter to the police to get a stay permit in Deutschland. However, my partner objected to taking the letter to the police. Thus, we were left roaming about in Hamburg for about 2months without any hope of a future. Then, my friend suggested we move to London. We went to a shipping agent who booked us on an eastbound small boat Aquarius (carrying Copper) to England destination. We had to have some money to embark on this journey. My partner had only £8. I had some surplus money so I gave him £5 in addition to his £8. However, instead of my partner to keep this money, he secretly spent a huge part of it on a suit (Tunji was a show-up type). It took us 3days to get to Hall, North of England.
Getting to Hall, the immigration officer came on-board and interviewed my friend who lied to them. When my turn came, the first question he asked me was ‘who is that man to you?’ ‘He is my friend’ I replied. ‘Did you come together from Nigeria?’ ‘Yes’ I replied. ‘How much do you have on you?’ ‘£25’ and I showed them the said amount. They asked me again, ‘you said this man is your friend?’ ‘Yes’ I answered. ‘Has he been faithful to you?’ ‘Yes’ I said. ‘He has not been truthful to you’ said the Immigration Officer. ‘Since you said you are together, you have to go back together’. That was all, we were deported and remained on the small boat Aquarius (a Russian boat) for 13days and were not able to touch down. We returned to Hamburg after 15days. Over there, our first point of call was Kiel Kanal in Germany. My friend dropped at Kiel. I went to Hamburg with the first letter to the police. On getting to the polizie (police), they gave me a 3month stay permit, after walking about for about a year.
My new life started as a practical student under Herr Schobach. I was in this company when my wife Mrs E.O Oduguwa joined me in Hamburg in 1966 and was admitted to Empendoffer University Hamburg to do her University course in pharmacy. She was in the University when she got pregnant with our first daughter Omowunmi. Pregnancy was forbidden for students in Hamburg, so, my wife had to move to London in 1967. She was with my brother late Owolabi Oduguwa in London when he telephoned me to say, and I quote ‘the house agreement I entered to would not allow your wife to stay with me , you must come dawn and take care of your wife ,she has already been moved to the Nanny house’. I was then on a 2years fabrication course at Hamburg Engineering School Berlin. I had to abandon that course and relocate to London owing to the love of my wife and our unborn Omowunmi.
However, before I moved, one Dr Obatayo Ogunkoya of blessed memory, whom we lived together within Hamburg had a house in London. Dr Ogunkoya was a good man to us. He later came back to Nigeria, joined the UPN (Unity Party of Nigeria) and was elected Member House of Representative of Remo Federal Constituency. So, he called his wife on phone to prepare a room for my wife and me. We were expecting our baby in 2 weeks. This was in December 1967. It was the very night that I came to London that we moved into the apartment in a deadly winter without the heater.
The following morning, we started a new life. It was difficult getting a job in winter. My first job was in a Laundry Company, a job most people avoided. I continued with the job until the 3rd week when I fell sick and could not continue with the job. I quit with the hope that God would provide a better job.
Luckily for me the following day, after I had recovered from my illness, I went to Railway Station Holborn Viaduct in the heart of the city of London and was given an appointment as a Porter. As a Porter, I was earning £9 a week while I incurred £3.5 on food and transportation an amount which put a huge strain on my income the week our daughter arrived; I was given more shifts (Overtime) and got £19. In preparation for this new amount, the baby was born. When the baby was about to be discharged that faithful Thursday afternoon, there was no penny for her baby’s needs. Late Dr Obatayo Ogunkoya telephoned me at work that the baby will be discharged this afternoon and the hospital Authorities was asking for some essentials for the baby. Since I had received my payslip showing £19, I was confident.
We moved from Dr Obatayo‘s house in Brockley to Hangus St house, No 5. We were here for about 6 months in a 6*8 room with husband, wife and a baby. We decided to move out and get a bigger apartment. We moved to late Mr Odusile’s house in Ludwick Road, SE 14. London. It was here that we had our second child and later moved to our own house at 91, Wickham lane Abbey Wood, SE 2.Here we were till 1971 when we gave birth to our 3rd baby Oluseye. That was when my wife and children relocated to Nigeria while I remained in London and then resolved to on and off in London on business.
Return Journey to Nigeria (1972)
I remained in London with my work as usual under the British Railway New Cross Gate as a Wheel Tipper, a job I left finally in 1974 for Nigeria.
In Nigeria, life began as usual with some settling down problems. We settled down when I came back in 1974 and continued with my importation business shuttling between Nigeria and London. We were able to make a lot of progress as is evidenced. I thank God today for what he has done for me in terms of good health, progress and good progressive children. Thank you, God.” __Culled from Chief Kofo Oduguwa’s registered Will. Originally written in the New Cross Gate’s House, London by Adedara Oduguwa (his 15th child, 8th son) in 2011.
I cannot still believe it’s already a year since you transited into the spirits’ world. Daddy, your death was truly the end of an era. I will continue to thank you for those pieces of training. They made up for your absence today: I am proud. You lived a life of simplicity, humility, meekly tough, and hard work.
Nowadays, when I see some people with almost nothing but big shoulders up, then, I know what it’s to be wealthy, influential and still keep calm. I know you are truly resting well because you have immortalised yourself by training over two dozens of us (and assisting others). I am living those legacies of you; I believe others (my siblings) too are proud of your many exploits.
You would say occasionally to me, ‘Dara, Ko si eyan (Dara there is no one, don’t rely on people) … God’s time is the best… I am proud of you…help as many as you can when the time comes…God is great…Let’s thank God… endurance and perseverance…trust nobody except God…’
During your time here, you cared for everyone and paid your dues. You were a responsible father, leader, mentor and community man that was ready to do anything and everything for his children and his mentees. You wanted a good education for us, and you did everything to achieve that sole aim. You told me how education means everything. You said houses and cars are nothing when compared to a good education. You still gave me stipends even while on my doctorate programme. You were consistent and focus on your goal of raising the best from us. We are the best today! Yes, the best!
You were lucky! I never saw you broke to the point of selling anything to feed, pay children’s tuition or borrow from anyone. No wonder when your estate was valued at ten digits, I was not surprised. In all this, Kofo was humble! Then, you left at a ripe age of eighty years, 11 months and sixteen days on February 21st, 2020. You came, you saw and you conquered. Daddy, I know you may see this, everything you have asked of me I will do in due time (God help me). Amen.
Keep sleeping Lisa Ajuwa Barago.
Omo Olowu iji lasaku
Omo Isote, omo Asa asewelori
Omo Aboku oloku biribiri
Oku naso Isote abo kenaso
Isote abo
Omo abena ola norio meji
Omo eluku meden meden ara Iraye
Omo Osoro Sagamu
Omo Ologun nta bi oba
Omo Agbenuran wo ran
Omo Odede Ogboro
Omo Ojutun abo bi se se
Omo Alakoka ogbara mu gbaramu
Omo Olobi woroko eba ona
Omo Olule ayo ayo
Omo Figbedu sile
Ara Ibido Oke
Omo Elewu ola
Omo Agbodu
Omo Olunla
Omo alagbede ijimiji
Omo Ewusu koilu Akarigbo
Omo Molulubu Batoro
Omo memu memu memu memu mefurin
Omo Erinwole Efon jade
Omo Jigijigi ko se fatu
Omo Agbenu ota gba bi ogede
Omo a won l’oja bi esun isu
Omo ara Offen Legunsen
Omo a ke ki won wo keregbe lona eri
Omo o so imo sile f’owo yele (ye ile)
Omo onen lewu oku, o pa ate owo sile d’oye
Omo Liyan modu Wara petu
Omo nmope rayee, omo o s’oro s’agemo
Omo Owuye asoro so bi oro
Omo Alagemo a bijo wenne wenne wenne
Omo Olupe oku, Omo O’lubi yeye yeye yeye
Omo Otunba Owa mojo-Owa daniyan
Omo a sa won ni poriki poriki ese
Omo a ge le doye
Omo Soyebo Oduguwa ni Akoka, Oduname ni Isote
Omo eni ba Oyinbo n soro
Ara Ake san baale oja, lati imo bido de oke mara ni ona Ibu
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