The Olu of Itori Egba, Oba AbduFatai Akamo is the architect of what is known as the Progressive Obas Forum in Ogun State. How he came up with the group, comprising traditional rulers in six local government councils, was the subject of discussion in this interview by TUNDE BUSARI shortly before his 58th birthday on October 1.
Can you shed light on the conception of the Progressive Obas Forum?
The idea of the council was the product of my thinking on how to foster more unity among traditional rulers in Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ifo, Ewekoro, Obafemi Owode and Odeda with a view to impacting positively on the society.
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The idea (Progressive Obas Forum) was given life in December 2017 and the council was inaugurated in May 19, 2018, and since then we have done our best to be strict with that purpose for which the council was formed. I realized the strength is unity, hence my little effort in championing that course. I am very delighted that members of the council also see what I see. Today, the government does not only recognize us, the government also follows what we do and listens to what we say on issues affecting the public. Through us, government knows more about problems being faced in rural communities. In a nutshell, we are like a bridge between the ruler and ruled due to our proximity to the two. We have formed a synergy and the synergy is working well, even working beyond our expectations.
How can you describe the role played by the Oloris in the palace?
Let me throw the same question back to you by asking ‘how can you describe the role played by your wife in your home?’ An Olori is first a wife before she is Olori. Don’t forget she was not married an Olori. She might not even come from royal family. What am I saying? An Olori is a wife, a mother and when God elevates her husband to the position of Oba, she becomes Olori. I must tell you that the Oloris play different roles in the palace. One important role they play is conducted behind the scene. That is, they are behind the curtain helping the Kabiyesi out on matters that involve women in particular. But there must be love between the Kabiyesi and Olori for her to sincerely play that role well. You can’t just imagine an abused wife to offer useful advice to her husband. Love must be there because it is most paramount in human relationship.
What is the place of your Olori in your scorecard?
Isn’t that a personal matter? I think we should not go into that because if I go into it, you are simply taking me back to where we were before I became the traditional ruler. My Olori is an integral part of me and my modest history, a fact which is not hidden. That is how God has designed it, and we thank God for designing it so. I should not be seen to engage in flattery. That is why I will not go into details. But I am confirming to you that she has always been a pillar of support.
How do you feel sharing same birthday and year with Nigeria’s independence?
How I feel is not as important as how thankful I am to God who created me through my parents. I am, naturally not a birthday freak person, one who goes extra mile because of birthday. But I must say that I always use my birthday to reflect, to take the stock of how far I have gone in the journey of life.
In your reflection, what did you see?
What I saw while I was meditating, especially in the morning of my birthday, was a person who has done his best within his capability to do something different for himself and his people. I saw myself as one, who has lived a life of blessings, a life of fulfillment and a life full of stories to tell. But above all, I give glory to God for where he has taken so far.
At 58, what has life taught you?
When I was growing up, I was a focused young man with my eyes of a bright future in order to compensate the struggle of my parents over me. And when I grew and found myself doing well in my chosen profession, I always saw myself as a privileged one because I believe that only God distribute wealth according to how he wants it. For him to have counted me among the privileged ones who can eat three square meal, I always give glory to him. Without mincing words, my past 58 years have been years of different lessons, particularly lesson in humility and lesson in sense of appreciating God. And I am thankful to those with whom we journey together to reach this age. Honestly, the whole things look to me like yesterday.
You are often surrounded by youths who appear to believe in you. What do you tell this young blood?
I consider it a compliment describing me in such superlative. I must say that I am a believer in the youths. I am also a youth, if you can permit me to categorise myself such. Basically their being with me is their own way of washing hands with the elder. I love seeing them around too because the future we always talk about belong to them. They should not reduce themselves to tools used to cause unrest in the society. They should believe in themselves and know that they also have brighter future, if they are focused. They should use the immediate past President of the US, Barak Obama, as an example of what youth can become if they are focused. There are many other examples in our own environment to emulate instead of offering themselves to the services that would not add to their value.
How would you describe a 50-year old calling himself a youth?
That is a funny and sad aspect of our life here. A 50-year old should be preparing for retirement. But because of the state of our economy, you see a 40-year old still seeing himself in the picture of a 20-year old. The truth remains we can’t cheat nature. Once you cross certain age bracket, it is irreversible forever. I can only advise our youths to be focused as I have said earlier. They should start the race of their life early before it is too late for them.
Given your interest in the youths, what have you done to walk your talk?
I don’t think it is fair to embark on self-glorification through the media. I think, whatever one does in that direction should be treated as private matter. That has always been my guiding principle. We should learn how to be humble in giving to the underprivileged. The beauty of it is that the youths we are talking about are not underprivileged. They are like you and me but who need encouragement and inspiration to do well in life. For instance the Ofa bank robbery incident was carried out by a set of youths who had submitted their life for evil acts. I will continue to inspire the youths because doing so is an act of God.
It is not common to have a royal father doing Non-Governmental Organisation. What is your NGO all about?
This question relates with what I just said about blowing one’s trumpet. My NGO is not done for the media or publicity. It is my little way of identifying with the needy in the society. It is a way of expressing appreciation to God for this blessing. It is also a way to give hope to the hopeless in order to reduce tension in the society. We should not kid ourselves, when majority poor are not happy, the minority rich will not enjoy their rest. That is simple truth I tell people on the need to show concern to the majority. I am happy for the little we have done through the NGO and the feedback so far. The feedback is even enough reward because it excites me learning of how happy our recipients are after they have received our little items. There is joy in sharing with the needy, and that is one of the things I derived through the NGO.
Specifically, what is the name of the NGO for future reference?
It is called Great Expectations Foundation (GEF). It was founded about 10 years ago covering different areas of humanitarian services. Health, Education, Social, Food are major areas of focus. We give thanks to God that we have about 43 students on the list of our scholarship. We are not doing this for any other reason than empowerment, eradication of poverty, welfare among others. The NGO is operated in a way that it will outgrow me. The essence of life is not on your fleet of cars, your big wardrobe or number of property. It is about the impact, tangible and intangible, you make in the lives of other people, especially the downtrodden. I am happy for where the NGO is today since 10 years ago. I am also happy for the direction to which it is going.
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