The exit of an Awo disciple

I have been reading all the pieces that Ebino Topsy (Chief Ebenezer Babatope)  has been writing, especially of his dearly loved ones that have crossed the bridge. I never thought I could one day take the baton from him. Death is absolutely inevitable. Yes. But who signed the visa for Papa Demola Awosanya’s exit? Alhaji Chief lliyasu Demola Awosanya (1930-2017), Baba Oba-Simawa, Baba Oba  Lowa  Ibu-Batoro—both Kingdoms in Sagamu Local Government—was a multi-talented senior citizen. His health profile gave all those close to him the solid impression that he  belonged to Professor Oladipo Ogunlesi’s longevity camp. Pa Ogunlesi, by the way, is still agile, enigmatic and vibrant at 94 (July 2017). By God’s extraordinary grace, we shall all be there to celebrate the first Professor of Medicine in West Africa when he turns 100. So help us God.

Awosanya, all his life, had been a veritable epitome of the late avatar, the inimitable Papa Obafemi Awolowo. He veered into politics in the Awo camp right from England. All through his life, he was a dedicated Awolowo disciple, both in words and deeds. He demonstrated dignity, integrity and service sincerity. His prime motivation force was unalloyed service to the masses and he turned out to be a great pillar of empathy, responsibility and dependability. Altogether, he was a rare model in public service devoid of self aggrandizement. I began to know him closely when he was chairman, Remo Local Government (1977-1979). I wanted to clear the site of my house, then a thick jungle in Idado Sagamu. I was advised to meet the chairman directly. I was in my military uniform—a Major, Nigerian Army. He gave instructions that I should show the place to an official. He added that I should call back in two weeks. I demanded how much I was to pay. He said, “Major, go and show them the place first…” Within the next 10 days, the place had been cleared. When I got the i nformation, I ran back to Sagamu and met the Chairman second time.

“Thank you sir”, I said. “Sir, how much am I to pay and …?” His answer shocked me: “Major, we want people like you to come home and develop your roots. Invite others to come home.” In sum, I did not pay a dime. Additionally, my great Uncle had given stiff directives that no one should collect any dash from me. To ensure his orders were complied with 100 per cent, he had given tips-from his own pocket to ensure no one  behaved like the Biblical Gehazi. Second shock, all my diplomatic attempts or military  tactics to know who to thank or tip were blocked.

Along the line, he became a natural and powerful role model to the three Michaels— Michacl Segun Okeowo (sadly, now late), Michael Olusola Oyedele Olootu and Baba ljo, himself now a big entrepreneur and my humble self. On  the social scale, he was a notable member of Sagamites Club. Please don’t jamn this with Sagamu Club. Both have distinguished members of notable or philanthropic  dignitaries. Equally both clubs are saturated with men of timber and caliber academically,  socially and generally. From Sagamites Club we have Prof. Tunde Ogunsanwo and Prof.  Lawen Odusoga, big business gurus/givers like Asiwaju Remo, Chief S.K Onafowokan  (OON); technocrats like Papa Olapeju Adedoyin, who retired as a Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, Ogun State, among others.

Years back (late 1970’s), Sagamites Club and Remo Peoples Organisation (REPO)  had a Siamese-twin-like relationship. How? REPO, my club, had done a local clinical/powerful research on three significant establishments located in Remo and had  anchored on Federal Government Girls College (FGGC). While the signpost of the FGGC was prominently displayed at its site in Saganu, certain influential forces had ensured that the school was kept running smoothly in llaro-up to fifth year. REPO produced pamphlets-over 2000 copies and distributed to all notable clubs ill Remo. This jerked the nerves of Sagarnites Club. They invited REPO to analyze, defend and confirm the claims in our propaganda brochure. We did. Then Sagamitcs Club  sponsored a one-page advertorial in the Daily Times, then the reigning king of all Nigerian newspapers. It is on record that the FGGC relocation to her permanent site in Sagarnu carne within the next one or two sessions. This collaborative work between REPO and Sagamites Club extended to W APCO (West African Portland Cement), now LAFARGE.

Back to the nerve-wracking question: Who signed the exit visa of  Awosanya? Sagamites Club, by the way, had lost the Akarigbo of Remo Kingdom in September 2016. Totally agonising, totally excruciating, we are yet to outgrow the pains. And now Baba Oba Awosanya has crossed the one-way bridge. Though an Alhaji, his retinue of friends, his socio economic pendulum had zero demarcation between Christians, Muslims and traditional worshippers camp. I am not too sure if he didn’t have more Christian associates than Muslims. Reminds one of the cbullient, irresistible toast of Nigerian Students-Unionism the Senior Advocate of the Masses  (NANS-titled), Chief Gani Fawehinmi. Talking about giving, Papa Awosanya’s giving habit was extraordinary. Just two examples for demonstration. First scenario, he was hurrying to go to Lagos, then this visitor, an elderly man came. He couldn’t turn the old man back. He then gave me his daily newspapers-about five per day and said, “Aburo, just give me five minutes to attend to  Egbon”. The dialogue lasted more than an hour.

On arrival, I said,”Uncle … Haba!” he knew what I meant and pointedly remarked: “That one hour given to him could save up to five lives.” He several times delayed his staff till 11:00p.m but also ensured safe driving home of everyone. in a way, he could rant, push or even curse (yes, curse) whoever didn’t put in his best to ensure overall good image of the system—be it the political party, mosque, social club, or any organisation. To be sure, he never did any of these for his personal aggrandizement. It was absolutely dictated by corporate positive image.

• Bisuga is a retired Lieutenant-Colonel based in Sagamu, Ogun State.