(Being an excerpt from Telling it as it is, the autobiography of Chief Ayo Adebanjo)
CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY
That was why during the NADECO days and during the military era, those of us who fought for independence were talking of restructuring of the country. As a result of the incursion of the military in 1966, they restructured the country by the system they set up, that’s why we are still fighting up till now. All the problems we are now battling with we had solved before independence. Unfortunately, while the country was doing well economically, the political field was tumultuous.
From my own delegation at the 2014 Conference, we are advocating a return to the parliamentary system. We came to this conclusion having observed that we are not ripe for executive presidency as practised in the United States of America.
Parliamentary system is more democratic, less expensive, and the system of changing leadership is much easier. Executive presidency can make the president very autocratic. That’s why, till today, the Nigerian President is the most powerful president in the whole world. But, unfortunately, a majority of the people at the conference have enjoyed the advantages of this system because many of them are from the north. So, we didn’t allow that to break the conference. In fact, we wanted to insert in the conference report that each region can adopt a suitable system. But we believed by evolution we can fight that out later.
But principally I am a parliamentarian. I believe in the parliamentary system more than the executive presidency system. It is important to state firmly that the parliamentary system did not fail in the First Republic as some people claim. The Western Region crisis was ignited by Akintola’s agitation to join the NPC. He was the Premier of Western Region at that time. The story of what transpired and eventually led to the Western Region crisis had been told earlier and does not bear repetition here.
I remember very clearly that something like the hybrid system (that is, a mixture of both the parliamentary and presidential systems) was recommended at the 2014 National Conference. But, as for me, I still believe in a purely parliamentary system.
As I asked at the national conference, ‘is what we have now a purely federal constitution?’ For instance, one of the iniquities in the present constitution is that you say you are federal, without any regional police, that means you are not following the American pattern of federalism.
Have you ever heard of an inspector-general of police in America? Everything we are doing, as late Chief Rotimi Williams said, ‘our constitution is a fraudulent document.’ It was never made by the people nor is it federal. Whereas the preamble says, ‘We the people of Nigeria…,’ we the people of Nigeria didn’t make this present constitution, it was the military. That’s why we are insisting that we must make a new constitution.
We must restructure the country on a truly federal basis where each region will develop at its own pace. There must be regional autonomy and all those conditions under the First Republic that allowed the late Chief Awolowo to perform all the wonders he did in the Western Region. He had the freedom to do them under the constitution. Even at that time, we had a representative in London. There was fiscal independence.
When he introduced free education, he didn’t have cause to go to Balewa for subsidy. We all knew how much would come to the region. He fought for derivation which we now call resource control. It was Chief Awolowo that fought for it at the 1956 Constitutional Conference. It was maintained up to the time we became a republic, even after oil was discovered in Rivers. The allocation of revenue was based on 50 per cent.
It was the military that distorted all these things. That’s why we are insisting on going back to the drawing board and having a purely federal constitution to solve all these areas of conflict.
Chapter 16
My Adorable Soulmate, Christie
My dream of having an enduring union and a soulmate and confidant has been fulfilled in Christiana (Christie, as I called her). Right from the time we were in the UK, she has been a pillar of support.
As the secretary of the London Branch of the Action Group, my wife ensured that the report I wrote was rewritten by her, saying my handwriting was very poor, and wondered how I could be struggling to read my own handwriting at a public gathering of the AG. So, because she couldn’t type, she would take the trouble to write my report all over again in her own beautiful handwriting which is very legible.
Since Chief Awolowo described his wife Hannah as ‘A Jewel of Inestimable Value,’ it appears that a lot of people have misused that statement. I am in a position to say that my own wife Christie is ‘a jewel’ in her actions, behaviour and my treatment.
Upon her return to Nigeria, she came into the political troubles of the time. When I left her in London, it was withthe hope of having her join me later after establishing at home. But contrary to our expectations, the political trouble of treasonable felony arose before her return.
By the time she returned, I was already in exile in Ghana, So, I had to go and meet her at Tema Port, to bring her to Accra where we were then living at Koko-mule-mule, opposite the house of the then Minister of Defence (under Nkrumah), Kofi Bako. She was shocked to meet me at the Port.
She told me it was no sooner they left Liverpool than they learnt that there had been a coup in Nigeria. So, I told her that after that coup, the Balewa government was after some of us.
Then from the little money I had in a bank in Ibadan, I wrote a cheque for her. The cheque almost exposed her because we didn’t know that she was going to be met by security agents.
While in Ghana, they had an affection for my wife. She was distinctive, and I still cannot find another woman that thinks that way. In one of her letters, she told me, ‘Ayo, you can do what you like with women, but don’t produce a child!’ That statement shocked me! Among the correspondence we had while I was in exile, that one really stood out.
When she got back home after our meeting in Ghana, she was looking after the children solely on her income.
Again, I recall that while we were in London, I was regularly sending some allowance to my father. Unknown to me, she had taken note of this and continued to send the allowance to my father from her own income while I was in exile. She never knew my father then, but because of the condition that I was in, I often told her that I didn’t know who would be taking care of my father in my absence. She used her monthly scholarship allowance to continue sending this allowance to my father regularly, which I was not doing until I met her. In this way, she endeared herself to my father.
Before I married her, I had two other ladies I was interested in. I sent the names of the three of them to my father for prayers. My dad got back to me to say that the one I told him was not a Nigerian was the one endorsed. When my father came back with his report, it matched perfectly with my wife.
My wife is from the famous Lawson family of Togo. In fact, she is now the head of the family in Lagos, as a result of which I hosted the Togolese King and other members of the family in my house at Lekki, Lagos in December 2015. When we were getting married in London, Chief Ladoke Akintola, who was the chairman of the occasion, joked that it was an international marriage, because my wife was from Togo.
The devotion of my wife to the marriage really came to play during the treasonable felony crisis. She was fully devoted to me during this period, and she was a great pillar of support to my parents. When my mother died in 1964, she stood in and played my role as if I was around. At this occasion, she also talked of the highly commendable role of my bosom friend, Alhaji Moshood Ola Owodunni, who placed his Chevrolet car at her disposal and this facilitated her movement during that period.
Before this time, since her arrival, she had been subjected to police harassment almost on a weekly basis. They would come to the house to search it thoroughly, thinking that I hid some incriminating things in the house. Her experience during the treasonable felony crisis was like a baptism of fire for her.
During Buhari’s military administration, I was employed in a private company as a non-executive director. The company had a contract with the Ogun State Government and the government had not even given them a kobo under that contract, but I was put in detention in Abeokuta simply because they found my name as one of the directors. My wife had to be bringing me food in Abeokuta.
For a woman who had lived too much of a Christian life with a minister of religion, one would understand why political activities were anathema to her; but my wife has accommodated me and my political vocation, till today, particularly after returning to Nigeria.
Each time we were engaged in our usually long political meetings with Chief Awolowo, her friends often asked her, ‘Are you sure your husband is really with Chief Awolowo and not in any other place?’ But she would reply, ‘I know where my husband is. I know about his programme.’
The period we spent at political meetings, we kept it strictly out of the home. When her friends doubted my whereabouts, my wife would say, ‘I trust my husband.’ Some of them would say, ‘Your husband is very handsome, don’t let him go to any function without you being there.’ But later on, doubting friends, came to realise that I was a loyal husband.
On the domestic front, I had no driver initially when I was practising. At the close of work, I would drive her to the market to buy some things for the house. She would never complain, because the income was very meagre. In fact, we pooled our individual incomes for the family’s upkeep.
The confidence we had in each other started in England when I made her a co-signatory to my account. When I was to buy my first piece of land in Surulere through my own friend and former Chairman of the Action Group in London, Chief Z.O.K. Adetula, I requested for two plots, one for me and the other for my wife. But by the time we were given the plan for my own plot, we found that the plan could not be accommodated in one plot. So my wife said, ‘Why don’t we just use the two plots for the building?’ I told her, ‘that’s your own land, I don’t want to combine it with mine, in order to accommodate her own plan.
Luckily, however, I had a friend who was in charge of lands, and I asked him, ‘Where can we get a substitute?’ He told me, ‘incidentally, the one adjacent to your land is also free.’ So, we had to buy that land.
Not only that, when we started to build the house, I asked her, ‘which one do we build first, is it the one on your plan or my own?’ I then offered to her, ‘let’s build the one on your own plan, so that if I can no longer finance it, you can raise money from the Civil Service to complete the house.’ She was shocked when I said this, and my prediction came true. By the time we got to a certain stage of the building, we had run out of funds, and she was to retire from service. So, she had to take a loan from the Civil Service to complete it, such that by the time she was going to retire, she had to use her retirement benefits to offset the loan.
I remember that some of my friends were mocking me by saying, ‘You have a joint account with your wife and you also bought a piece of land in her name.’ But to the glory of God, I must confess, I have no regret for everything that I did for her. And I bless the day I met her.
For what she has been to me, I will forever be grateful to the Ajayis. As I said earlier on, one of the good things that happened to me, when I was Organising Secretary for the Action Group in Remo Division was my meeting Olaniwun Ajayi in Sagamu and also registering him as a member of our party. To the glory of God, ours has been a match blessed through their own (Ajayis’) instrumentality.
Although my wife is a Togolese, all my family members admit that even if I had married an Ijebu woman, they may not have become as fond of her, as they have of Christie. That’s to show you how much she has acclimatised and wormed her way into the hearts of my people.
When I was practising as a lawyer, I did not know any eating house (canteen or restaurant) because my wife always prepared my food from home everyday.
During the Abacha regime, in the heat of the June 12 struggle, some of us were clamped in detention, but she was never worried. One incident that surprised my friends was when we (NADECO people) were holding a reception for former US Ambassador Walter Carrington in my house and soldiers stormed in, and broke my gate to disturb the event. We initially fixed the reception for Chief Onasanya’s house but prepared another place as a decoy when we anticipated a security breach. But no sooner had we settled down at Onasanya’s house than they came to disperse us. We now went to my house, but they traced us there to disturb us again. At that point, Pa Abraham Adesanya dared them to shoot him. On that occasion, the wives of our colleagues were all there for the reception.
A mild drama ensued while the police were there harassing us: my wife went up, packed all the things that I would take into detention, including my medicine. Then the policemen asked her, ‘Where are you going?’ She answered, ‘I know you will soon take him away.’ That showed her courage.
She always stood firm and was never a source of discouragement in my political activism in this country, although she believes now that I should pipe down on account of age. As for disposition to my friends and family, she is always welcoming, wears a permanent friendly look, and is a perfect hostess all the time.
With all sense of humility, not only is she beautiful, my wife has excellent sartorial taste. Up till today, even in her old age (I am only two years older), my wife ensures the cleanliness of my underwear… my singlets, pants, and even handkerchiefs. She supervises them up to the detergent and the water they will use for washing.
Chapter 17
Honour from Far and Near
I was not exactly averse to chieftaincy titles, I was just not keen enough to start looking for one. I was not desperate to attach Chief to my name. I was content with being
Mr. Ayo Adebanjo. If nothing at all, I was particular about ensuring that my name was neither tarnished nor brought into disrepute. I inherited a good name, and the best I could do was to ensure that I made it more respected.
Adding Chief to my name wouldn’t necessarily guarantee a good legacy. But there were pressures from my friends and associates, kinsmen and family to become a titled man. And from 1979 till now, I have quite a handful of titles from the Geregbedun of Iken-Ogbo; Bajulaiye of Ife; Baba Ijo of St. Philip’s Church, Isanya-Ogbo; Asiwaju of Ibido-Ogbo and Baba Oba Alamuren of Okelamuren-Ogbo.
Geregbedun, 1979
Being honoured as the Geregbedun of Iken-Ogbo was an honour I never sought. I was decorated by surprise in my house. The king just sent three chiefs to my house one early morning in 1979. One lady and two chiefs came to my house in Okelamuren when we were getting ready to leave for Chief Bisi Onabanjo’s swearing-in ceremony. Chief Onabanjo had won the election as Ogun State Governor, and he was to take his oath of office in Abeokuta, the state capital.
They had been looking for me for sometime, to surprise me with the honour. But I had a hunch about their intention.
The lady amongst the trio was carrying the calabash (one of the items used during chieftaincy title installation). I was coming out in fury to see who was disturbing me and they just put the beads around my neck. I was taken aback by such beautiful gesture from the king and his people.
The title of Geregbedun was from my paternal grandmother (my father’s mother). It’s a title named after a river. Some worship the deity, believing it brings peace and prosperity to the community. They gave me the calabash and beads that morning, and out of deference to the wishes and yearnings of my people, I accepted. Every year, they ask for money and I give them. I don’t participate in any of the rituals since I am a Christian.
Geregbedun has become an honorary traditional title.
Bajulaiye, 1986
My decoration as the Bajulaiye of Ife on May 3, 1986 was a big ceremony in Ile-Ife (Osun State), regarded as the cradle of the Yoruba race. The then Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, told me he wanted to make me a chief. The king had been a friend; even before he became king; we had known each other well, and related as friends.
He went through Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his wife Chief (Mrs.) H.I.D. Awolowo to persuade me to accept the title. Chief Awolowo invited me to Ikenne. And I went. He informed me that the Ooni wanted to make me a chief; that he had accepted on my behalf, and had fixed a date.
I was taken aback, made excuses, but Chief Awolowo refused. I wanted it postponed…and the sage said, ‘Those made chiefs, what have they achieved that you haven’t?’
I made more excuses about not completing my house, and Chief Awolowo said he had been there, that the building was habitable.
We had roofed it, and was only waiting to make it more habitable. I was already living there in Ogbo (and I was developing it gradually). When he said he had accepted and fixed a date on my behalf, there was nothing I could do.
It was the first time the Ooni installed a man and his wife as chiefs on the same day. My wife became Yeye Elere of Ife. The last Bajulaiye was about 200/300 years before. It’s a title that has historical significance, hence the Bajulaiye is one of the respected chiefs of the Ooni. Chief Awolowo had told the Ooni that he didn’t want a social title for me. That he wanted a title with history.
The ceremony in Ile-Ife was joyous and wonderful. That day my wife and I, as well as Mrs. Animashaun (her husband had been earlier installed a chief ) were decorated, and given our symbols of office, in the presence of Chief and Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo, in the palace of the Ooni.
Baba Ijo
I succeeded Chief J.O. Oluwole, after his death as Baba Ijo of St. Philip’s Anglican Parish Church, Isanya-Ogbo, a long time ago, but I was not installed. Prior to that time, I had been the Balogun of the church. My installation as Baba Ijo was delayed pending a facelift of the church. The vicar, then Rev. I. O. Olusanya (now late), made me the chairman of the fund-raising committee.
So, we fixed a fundraising day to renovate the church. The response I received from associates and admirers was amazing. We raised about N200,000.
Chief Awolowo was to preside at the fund-raising ceremony, but he died before the event. We had asked him to fix a date. He picked August/September 1987 (Chief Awolowo died on May 9, 1987).
When we eventually fixed another date, Chief Alfred Rewane was the chairman of the fund-raising. He alone donated N50,000 (through Alhaji Ganiyu Dawodu). At the event, Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun, Aare Arisekola Alao and Chief Laniwun Ajayi were present.
(Balogun attended personally. He flew into the country to be able to attend that ceremony). Dr. (Mrs.) Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu was one of those recording the donations and she also represented her parents, Papa and Mama Awolowo. The amount raised was so encouraging that we decided to build an entirely new church from the scratch.
Chief C. P. Odunsi (one of the leaders of the church) said he had a property he could bequeath to the church. Arc. Afolabi Kuku (from Ijebu Ode), drew the plan of the church. He was the Diocesan architect. He recruited the services of Engr. Adeoye Fowora. Their services were free, with no charge whatsoever. The Quantity Surveyor was Otunba T. B. Adebayo who also rendered his services free.
The church was under Ijebu-Iwade Archdeaconry, under the then Venerable Ayo Odukoya. He was an accountant. What’s interesting about the Archdeacon was that his suggestion can never be forgotten. He asked us to expand the size of the building with about two more windows. He said a church is never completed in one’s lifetime.
We expanded it, and every time I think about his advice, I am happy that we heeded it. It took sometime to complete the expansion. It was during this period that I celebrated my 70th birthday.
My father was advanced in age; I was praying fervently that it would not be a funeral that we would celebrate first in the renovated church.
In 1998, on my 70th birthday, I issued a letter of appeal that, instead of giving me money, my supporters should buy one window or two. That was done. I called a quantity surveyor to cost the windows.
Five years before my 70th birthday, in 1993, I celebrated the wedding of my daughter Adeola, at the uncompleted church. There were no windows; we rented benches and everything. I always wanted my in-laws to know my daughter’s hometown. That was why we opted to have the wedding there. At that time, the church had been roofed. The wedding engagement was held in Lagos. So, during my 70th birthday in 1998, more funds were raised, and all the windows were completed. But all the aluminium on the altar and the rail were donated by me. There were other contributions by some other groups.
With the church dedication on May 1, 2009, the chiefs in the church were installed. I formally became the Baba Ijo of St. Phillip’s Church, Isanya-Ogbo.
Asiwaju of Ibido-Ogbo
The Baale of Ibido-Ogbo just declared me the Asiwaju, with the consent of the chiefs. No formal ceremony other than the declaration. It was just to show that they recognise and appreciate my services. Ibido-Ogbo is one of the towns comprising the Ogbo community.
Baba Oba Alamuren of Okelamuren-Ogbo
There used to be eleven towns in Ogbo area, known as Ogbo Mokanla. Now, there are about 16 (which are prominent). More towns have developed, and now people say they are all claiming Ogbo heritage.
The traditional ruler of Okelamuren, Oba Oguntayo was installed by Gov. Gbenga Daniel who gave him the staff of office. He declared me the Baba Oba. This declaration was in August 2010. There was no big ceremony. The Baba Oba title is at the discretion of the Oba.
In Yorubaland, especially in the earlier days, chiefs were often made from respected and prominent citizens of the community. Some of the titles are historical and hereditary. But men and women of valour, who contributed to the development of any community, were rewarded with chieftaincy titles. When we were developing democratic socialism as the political philosophy of the AG, we found out that chieftaincy conferment was ingrained among the Yoruba. It was the then Ooni (Oba Adesoji Aderemi) that made Chief Awolowo the Adole of Ife.
A title is a recognition for the services of an individual. I accepted the titles in good faith, promising to do more for those who found me worthy of the honour, and Nigerians at large.
TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW
and then