Ex-Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, is a son to the late military governor of the defunct western region, Maj. Gen, Adeyinka Adebayo (retd). He talks about his father’s life with GBENGA ADENIJI
how was growing up with your father?
It was a very interesting experience. Even though he was a military person, he had a fondness and weakness for his children. He was a bit of an indulgent father.
How comfortable was his family when he became governor of the defunct western region?
He tried to shield us because of the tense situation in the country at the time. It was not a life of complete luxury or indulgence. It was not different from the life we were living or used to before then.
One would have expected you to pursue a flourishing career in law before joining politics. Was your father the one who influenced your interest in politics?
I like to think I had a flourishing career in law. I had a successful law practice before I went into politics. At the time I went into politics, my father was quite surprised himself. He did not influence my interest in politics. It was something that I decided to do myself.
How did he describe your performance as governor?
He was very proud of me. The day I was declared Governor of Ekiti State, I think it was one of the proudest days of his life.
Where were you when he died?
I was at home and I immediately rushed to his residence when I was told about his death.
What was your reaction upon hearing the news of his death?
I was very sad.
He died a day before his 89th birthday and his family members must have planned to celebrate it with him. How do you feel that he did not live to celebrate the day?
I saw him the Friday before his death and I asked him how he wanted his birthday celebrated. He was not keen on anything elaborate. So, I just thought that since all the children knew his birth date, we would all meet in his residence, eat with him and give him birthday gifts. These were what I was looking forward to.
Do you think he had any premonition about his death?
I do not think he did. Nobody did since nothing was wrong with him. Like I said, we were looking forward to celebrating his birthday with him.
What was your last discussion with him about?
It was basically that we would celebrate his birthday with him. We used to have normal father-son discussions.
What are the important things he told you about life?
I learnt about life through watching his own life.
Do you think he felt fulfilled about Nigeria and the realisation of the country’s forefathers’ dream before his death?
I think Nigeria is still at a foundation stage. I mean 50 in the life of a nation is the beginning of that country. I would not say he died fulfilled but I believe that at the time he died, he believed that there was hope for Nigeria. He believed in President Muhammadu Buhari because the President served under him in the military. He supported him wholeheartedly before and after the election. He believed that there was hope for Nigeria and I pray the hope would come to fruition.
How do you feel that you would no longer enjoy guidance from your father on issues and decisions?
I feel a sense of loss because we were very close. We related very well. Nobody can live forever. Like you also stated, he was almost 89 but lived a day short of 89. I am 59 now. I would be 60 next year. It is not that I am a baby myself. I believe that he guided me as God willed him to guide me. It is left for me to continue on my own.
Your father’s death signaled the depletion in the ranks of genuine elders in Nigeria. What do you think his demise indicates for South-West and Nigeria as a whole?
Like they say, baba ku, baba ku (a new generation springs up as the old one ends). Several people are growing up now who have served the country and the region (South-West) and will continue to do so.
What lessons do you think Nigeria can learn from his death?
I think what we should do, not necessarily only about him but the founding fathers of this country, is to live up to the ideals and aspirations they had for Nigeria. We should also join hands to build a nation that would command respect all over the world.
What were his views about the Nigerian civil war and the clamour for secession by a section of the country?
I am sure that all he preached attested to the fact that the civil war was unnecessary and he did not want it to happen. And when it happened, he did all he could to ensure that the country stayed as one. After the war, luckily, the Gen. Yakubu Gowon administration made him chairman of the reconciliation committee. He discharged that assignment meritoriously.
Your father was well loved as evident in the testimonies of crowd of sympathisers who thronged his Lagos residence after his death. What lessons do you learn from this?
The lesson I learnt from it is that one should emulate him. One should be humble, true and real.
What outstanding memorable moment with your father can you recall?
I think the true emotional moments I have with my father, first was the day the National Independent Electoral Commission announced that I had been elected Governor of Ekiti State. A crowd of people from Iyin-Ekiti trooped out as early as 7am to his house. They were dancing and singing. My father came to meet them and one could see the tears of happiness streaming from his face.
The second was when I lost my younger brother seven years ago. I was in England when he died. When I arrived in Nigeria, my father had been informed about the incident. As I entered the house, he held me tightly and was crying. It was an indeed an emotional moment for me.
Your father was passionate about Yoruba and its values. Do you think many of his aspirations for the ethnic group were fulfilled before his death?
Of course not, what he would have liked is work-in-progress which is true federalism.
What do you think your father should be remembered for?
He should be remembered as a man of peace, a man who loved his people, who loved Nigeria passionately, loved his family deeply and one who wished the best for all Nigerians.
What would you have wished to do better to your father when he was alive?
I believe that I fulfilled my obligations to my father as a devoted son just as he was a devoted father to me. He always told me that I was a devoted son. I am satisfied with the way things are.
How did he relax?
He liked to read the papers and listen to the news. There were different stages of his life; young, middle-age and old. When he was younger, he was an active sportsman. He used to play tennis, hockey and basketball for the Nigerian Army
Would you have wished he chose any other disciple rather than being a soldier?
I enjoyed him being in the military. I grew up in the barracks. Life in the barracks in those days was fun. We had sporting facilities, swimming pool and there was freedom of movement. I did not know any other life when we were young. When we were growing up in the barracks, British traditions were more in the Nigerian Army. The British traditions and values were the ones in the Army. In fact, at the time, I wanted to join the Army. It was my first love.
Why then did you study law and not join the army?
My father insisted that I should go to the university first even if I wanted to join the army. And by the time I left the university, I had lost all the discipline needed to join the army.
What was his daily schedule like?
He woke up at 7am, ate his breakfast, sat at a table in the house, listened to the radio and read the newspapers. He also received visitors. In the evening, he would go into the room with his wife and listen to the news.
How did he react when angry?
As he grew older, he mellowed. When he was younger, yes, he could have a bout of anger. But his anger was instantaneous. He could be angry, let out the anger and ended it immediately. He never held a grudge.
What punishment can you recall that he gave you when you did wrong?
When I was about 16, I wanted to attend a luncheon with some of my friends in Ikoyi, Lagos. At the time, there were security reports that I was not safe because he had some military issues. He told me not to go. But I did not listen to him. I sneaked out. He later discovered that I went out despite his warning and he waited for me to arrive. He caned me that day and that was the first time he used the cane on me.
How did he feel when he became the governor of western region after the death of Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi?
You must remember that I was a young boy at the time; about eight years. So, I did not know a lot of what was going on then.
What was his favourite meal?
Until he grew older and was advised to slow down a bit, he used to eat pounded yam every day.
What was his favourite drink?
He used to drink a lot of champagne when he was young. But as he grew older, he stopped drinking alcohol.
Did he have a preference for any particular music genre?
Yes, he loved juju music.
What do you miss most about him?
I greatly miss talking to him.
Who were his best friends?
My father has many best friends over the years.
How has your father’s name opened doors for you?
I would say it has done a lot. Even in my political life, the name, Adebayo, helps a lot.
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