It was one of those rare weeks that seemed to sprint past like a 100-metre dash yet managed to etch memories as indelible as carved stone. In just seven days, my calendar brimmed with nostalgia, honour, camaraderie, and renewed bonds—threaded through three distinct alumni encounters that spanned cities, professions, and decades of shared history.

In a seeming echo of “charity begins at home”, the week began in the tranquil town of Ede, Osun State, where the 1976–1981 cohort of Ede Muslim Grammar School had planned what I thought would be a modest get-together. It turned out to be far more. It ended as an effusive special reception in my honour to celebrate my recent elevation to professorship. The venue, Dignity Hotel, lived up to its name, dressed in understated elegance, and buzzing with anticipation.

Old girls and boys of my set streamed in, each bringing with them a piece of our shared youth. Among the earliest arrivals was the ever-first Elejigbo, Fatai Oyeyemi, accompanied by his gracious wife. Soon after came Haji Kazeem Mustapha, whose laughter could still fill a stadium, and Suebat Adenle, our indefatigable cohort secretary whose organisational flair remains undimmed. Alhaji Kayode Adetunji arrived with a warmth that instantly took us back to our school corridors, followed by Alhaji Isiaka Yusuf, better known as Ebedi,   The General Manager of Osun State Ambulance Services, Dr Olapade Mukaila also joined, alongside several other well-meaning colleagues who had travelled from their respective current locations.

The air was rich with the aroma of sumptuous delicacies, and pastries that got gulped as quickly as they were served. Drinks flowed freely, loosening tongues and lubricating memories. Soon, the room erupted into the familiar banter of old classmates: mischievous tales of school escapades, long-forgotten nicknames, and legendary incidents retold with dramatic flourishes. Laughter blared ceaselessly, echoing long after the sun had surrendered to night. By the time the evening wound down, I felt not just celebrated, but anchored in a community that had shaped my earliest ambitions.

READ ALSO: Lagos raises alarm over looming environmental collapse of lagoon

I unpacked from Ede and right on Monday, August 11, 2025, entered the second phase of my reunion week. This time, I joined my former UNILORIN folks, drawn from different sets though. The venue was the command post of none other than Dr Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC. As with Governor Adeleke at Ede Muslim Grammar School, Opeifa and I graduated the same year from Unilorin. Time to hum the Yoruba folk song of “ori’re kon’re mi…’ for Kay as he was fondly hailed at Ilorin.  Dr Opeifa was recently honoured as a distinguished alumnus of our “Better by Far” University of Ilorin.

The Lagos Branch of the Alumni Association, seizing the moment, arrived with a life-size congratulatory banner that stood like a sentinel in the room. As leader of the delegation, Engineer Isiwat Lawal from the Lagos State Ministry of Works announced our mission: to rally support for the national body’s plan to commemorate the university’s 50th anniversary in a manner worthy of its legacy.

Opeifa’s reaction was most prompt and pleasant. He instantly declared his full support for the anniversary plans and promised to marshal every resource within his reach. Wasting no time, he summoned all Unilorin alumni within reach at NRC, including Dr Toheeb Quadri, to join the courtesy moment. He urged them to be part of what he described as “a glorious proposal for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.” In that moment, the past and future of our alma mater  fused manifesting pride and purpose.

Running almost parallel to my Ede reception was the third phase of my reunion series.  It was the National Elective Conference of The Companion, held from Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the Peace Hotel in Ilorin, Kwara State. The Companion is not just any association. It is the post-university family of those who once belonged to the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) during their tertiary education years.  It is one family of professionals and business people bound by faith, ethics, and service.

This year’s conference drew an impressive roster of dignitaries. Royal fathers graced the opening: the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, and the Aala of Ilala, Oba Abdulfatai Oladega Talabi. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Sulayman Ibrahim, a transnationally seasoned IT expert, while the principal goodwill message came from Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, Principal of Ghalib Law Firm.

Fleeting though it was, that week of reunions has left me convinced that while honours and titles may fade with time, the bonds we build and the communities we serve endure far longer

Themed “Thriving Amidst Adversity: Strategies for Survival in Nigeria’s Challenging Economy,” the conference became a melting pot of ideas, reflections, and pragmatic counsel. From calls for attitudinal change and anti-corruption discipline to appeals for government support of MSMEs, the resolutions covered a broad spectrum of national concerns. Youth development was a recurring refrain: participants urged young Nigerians to embrace creativity, diligence, and entrepreneurship as shields against the harsh economy.

For me, the conference carried personal significance. At its close, I was entrusted with the role of Public Affairs Director in the new National Executive Council, led by the newly elected National Amir, Imam Nojeem Jimoh, a retired oil and gas executive whose calm authority inspires confidence. It was an honour steeped in responsibility, aligning with The Companion’s sustained mission to combine professional excellence with service to humanity.

The communiqué issued at the end reflected both the seriousness of the deliberations and the optimism that fuels the group’s work. From ratifying a nine-member Board of Trustees for The Companion Zakat and Zadaqah Foundation to granting autonomy to its youth wing, The Dawn, the conference underscored the association’s commitment to renewal and impact.

By the week’s end, I found myself mulling over a simple truth: reunions are far more than social niceties. They are living proof that time may separate us geographically, but shared experiences—whether forged in school classrooms, university lecture halls, or faith-based fellowships—remain potent connectors. Each event that week, in its own way, was a bridge between past and present, carrying both the laughter of youthful adventures and the gravitas of present responsibilities.

At Ede, it was the intimacy of childhood bonds and the joy of seeing how far each had come. In Lagos, it was the strategic alignment of alumni energy towards a shared institutional milestone. In Ilorin, it was the reaffirmation of purpose, rooted in faith and amplified by professional diversity.

Of course, these gatherings also had their lighter side. In Ede, the jokes about who had aged most gracefully and who hadn’t never quite ended. At NRC headquarters, the playful ribbing about radical and rascally students’ leadrers drew chuckles even from the MD.

But beneath the laughter was something enduring: the quiet acknowledgement that these connections—whether to classmates, alumni peers, or faith companions—are invaluable threads in the fabric of our lives. They remind us of where we began, they enrich our present, and they can, if nurtured, shape a better collective future.

As I returned to my desk after the somewhat colourful week, my mind was still warmed by the camaraderie, my spirit buoyed by the celebrations, and my sense of duty sharpened by the responsibilities newly entrusted to me. Fleeting though it was, that week of reunions has left me convinced that while honours and titles may fade with time, the bonds we build and the communities we serve endure far longer

*Akanni is a professor of Journalism and Development Communications at LASU, Nigeria.

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In a statement signed by Alhaji Mumini Lekan Salami, president of the executive management committee, the club described the landmark project as a bold step towards addressing one of Nigeria’s most critical development challenges—stable and reliable power supply.

“Power is the backbone of industrial development and a vital infrastructure for boosting civilization. The investment of our dear patron, Dr. Deji Adeleke, in this sector is highly commendable and worthy of celebration,” the statement reads in part.

The club further noted that the project not only demonstrated Dr. Adeleke’s visionary leadership and commitment to national development but also served as a shining example for other indigenous entrepreneurs in Ede and across Nigeria.

“We, the members of the Ede Senior Citizens Club, together with the people of Ede, congratulate you and pray for sustainable and profitable operations of this laudable investment. It is our wish to see more of such strides from the sons and daughters of Ede, and indeed, Nigeria at large,” the statement reads.

The club described Adeleke as a pacesetter and beloved patron whose contributions continued to inspire the community.

READ ALSO: Tinubu praises Nigeria’s armed forces at TICAD 9

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The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military during the second quarters, on Thursday in Abuja.

Kangye identified the suspects as Emeka Ede, Okwudili Aja and Onyebuchi Aja.

He said the raid was conducted in conjunction with DSS operatives at the residence of the suspected kidnappers/ESN criminals on Wednesday.

“Intelligence report has it that the suspects masterminded the kidnapping of the NDLEA Commander of Anambra State Command on June 12.

“Items recovered from them were assorted weapons and a large cache of ammunition as well as some illicit drugs.

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“The recovered items are in the custody of troops while suspects are currently undergoing interrogation,” he said.

Kangye said the troops had also, in offensive operations from June 28 to June 30, made contact with terrorists in Owerri West and Ihiala local government areas of Imo and Anambra states respectively.

He said that 21 suspected illicit drug dealers were apprehended while arms, ammunition, explosives making materials, vehicles, motorcycles and mobile phones were recovered from them.

He added that troops on June 26, acting on credible intelligence, nabbed two suspects at a Point of Sale (POS) belonging to an IPOB/ESN sponsor in Ihiala local government area of Anambra.

According to him, troops recovered eight mobile phones, transaction booklets and the sum of N1.5 million from them.

“The suspects are currently undergoing interrogations,” he added.

Source: NAN

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He was buried at his residence in Wakajaye area of Edeland in Osun State on Friday.

The burial of the Nollywood actor began at 4:15 p.m. after the arrival of some prominent personalities such as politicians and traditional rulers including Islamic clerics with community sympathisers.

The late Nollywood actor’s residence was filled with entertainers in the Nollywood industry across the country and abroad who came to grace the burial ceremony.

Present at the burial were representatives of the Timi of Ede land, Oba Munurudeen Lawal, and President of Theater and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, TAMPAN, Mr Bolaji Amusan (Mr Latin).

In his tributes, Amusan, represented by TAMPAN’s Director of Finance, Mr Ayo Oladapo, said the deceased would be missed by all the TAMPAN members and his supporters including family members.

READ ALSO: Lawyers petition AGF, IG, accuse Police of contempt of court

TAMPAN’s president said the late Aderemi played significant roles in the entertainment industry with many upcoming artistes looking up to him as a role model.

Amusan urged TAMPAN members and those who knew the deceased to always reflect on their last days by living a life worthy of emulation with the fear of God.

He described the late Aderemi as one of the pioneers of TAMPAN in the country, saying he was a good man during his life time but God loved him more.

He prayed to God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and also his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Also speaking, Mr Amitolu Shittu, former Field Commander of Amotekun in Osun and a human rights activist, described the deceased as someone who was humble and loved by everyone in Ede town and entertainment industry.

Shittu said the late Aderemi was one of the personalities that placed Ede town on the global map because of his exceptional character and reputation.

Prof. Siyan Oyewesan, a friend to the deceased said the state and the entire Yorubaland lost an icon who had impacted a lot on many.

Oyewesan said the name “Olofa Ina” was taken by the deceased from the founding fathers of Edeland and that made him to make Ede town popular.

According to him, humans are mortal with a time to die. Once a man crosses the age of 70, the rest will be to God’s grace and mercy.

“The Bible made it clear that we have three scores and 10 years to live on earth and once we cross, the rest is grace,” he said.

The late Adedeji Aderemi, popularly known as “Baba Olofa Ina” died at the age of 73 years after a prolonged illness.

Source: NAN

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INEC had failed to transmit results electronically from polling units nationwide in the February 25 presidential election despite assuring electorates before the election day.

Logistics glitches, violence, intimidation of voters, ballot box-snatching, and insecurity dominated reports from observers and civil society groups.

Speaking during Public Conscience, an anti-corruption radio programme produced by the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG, Wednesday in Abuja, data analyst at Dataphyte, Dennis Amata, called on INEC to prevent a repeat of logistics and technology glitches, as well as other forms of electoral malpractice ahead of March 11, state elections.

Amata asked the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu-led commission to adhere to its guidelines and ensure the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, and INEC Result Viewing Portal, IREV, works.

Amaka noted that the failure of the electoral body to transmit election results from polling units cast doubt on the credibility of the process.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was declared the winner of the February 25 presidential poll, sparking outrage and dissatisfaction from some political parties, some local and foreign observers, and some electorates over the manual transmission of results.

His words: “INEC must take a big lesson from what we experienced in the general election, which are issues of logistics, the IREV particularly is the major thing.

“INEC must ensure that things work. You (INEC) made a promise. They must keep to that promise. You have regulations and guidelines. Follow the guideline, ensure that the BVAS work properly, and transmit and scan the result uploaded on the IREV so that people at every level can track the result from each level to the final point.

“INEC must also boost security, especially in Lagos state where we had violence in the election. In Rivers also, there were issues of rigging and all of that. Those are comments we have seen. This must also stop. INEC must play its part. Citizens also have their role when voting, counting and ensuring the result is uploaded.”

Similarly, speaking on the integrity and transparency of the 2023 presidential election, Chief Facilitator at Equity Advocate, Ene Ede, stressed that “many things went wrong” while blaming INEC and the National Assembly.

Her words: “We (Civil society organizations) and Nigerians didn’t do enough to hold all stakeholders accountable, media CSOs, faith organizations, we didn’t do enough.

“Let me give you an example. When there was a problem with whether INEC had gotten money, we were not even pushy enough; we were not holding the National Assembly accountable enough. The National Assembly has to bring so much light to each responsibility of holding all stakeholders accountable; they failed in all their functions, even in the appropriation; we are not sure what transpired or how much money was released because we know what the Electoral Act states, so generally, the preparation was not good enough. The failure rests more squarely on the National Assembly, then INEC.”

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Between Alhaji Abdul Lateef Olumide Lawal and the late first executive governor of Osun State who later became a two-time senator, Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, exists a most mysterious but pleasant  tie. Adeleke died in 2017 but no year has passed without Lawal dispensing tributes with fresher angle each year. Countless fellow compatriots from Ede, appreciate Haji Lawal’s faithfulness to friendship.  Alhaji Lawal’s undying commitment to the bond is probably the least the community would jointly volunteer on account of the rescuer intervention that Adeleke’s emergence as governor symbolized.   His disposition to Adeleke only typifies his most outstanding quality-being appreciative of kind gestures no matter how insignificant.

From Uncle Olumide to children, nephews, nieces and his treasured younger colleagues, every encounter is routinely laden with prayers and inimitable words of inspiration and encouragement.  Not one that surrenders to fate where action is indispensable, he relentlessly scouts for opportunities for folks as if he is the potential beneficiary even as he is the last person describable as an opportunist. Who can believe that Haji Olumide doesn’t feel tempted to plunge into compromise to seek favours from Davido, the renowned musician publicly acknowledged as an indomitable spender, in spite of all he has done for Davido’s uncles Isiaka, Ademola and Adeeyo?  Uncle Olumide would not deride anyone either for not patronizing him.  Quite clearly his is a life dedicated to gratitude, by faith and personal conviction, I would argue.

All the good gestures from Haji Olumide were merely expressions of aniyan to daa ( or good wishes) rather than for pecuniary gains as this new septuagenarian is reasonably endowed materially and  visibly radiates contentment as much as discernible.

Uncle Olumide today savours the quietude of his country home in Ede as a journalist supposedly retired but he still beams with vigour.  He had relocated to Ede before the former late Senator Adetunji Adeleke died in 2017 and so was the commanding officer of the Serubawon political campaigns which yielded victory even as he had to compete with digital natives on the side of the opponents.  Serubawon’s death hardly impacted on anyone as much as Uncle Olumide, extremely depressed.  But that didn’t deter him from being protective of Serubawon’s interest even after his demise.  Promptly, he rose to rouse the campaign facilities for Ademola, Serubawon’s brother who offered to complete Serubawon’s term in the senate.  This he did so much to the extent that he became the trans-generational bridge for the success of Ademola beckoning the young and the old for Ademola’s support. Although this writer, for instance, was Ademola’s classmate, it was at the instance of Uncle Olumide that Ademola earned one’s support.

Uncle’s philosophy consistently manifests continuity of good legacy.  A descendant of the great Lawal Family of Ailaka Compound Ede, Uncle happened to be one of the leading science students in his class at the Seventh Day Adventist Grammar School Ede, clearly the most expensive in the entire Osun Division of that era.  But one of the teachers had managed to introduce political education of Marxian leaning to the smart ones among the students who would want to do their best to realize a better Nigeria.

One of the world leaders showcased as excelling with the ideology to the young Olumide was Fidel Castro.  On account of the young man’s obvious outspokenness, he earned the label Fidel Castro. The young Olumide was also outstandingly ever neat, thus had the Fidel replaced with Finni (short form of Ajisefinni, meaning one whose most constant priority is neatness. Ajisefinni was the sobriquet for Ede’s arguably most renowned barber in the 70s and 80s). Consequently, the young Olumide had his nickname properly indigenized to Finni Castro and the name has stuck through ages. He is hailed Castro till date by his contemporaries.

Beyond ‘flying’ out of the school with the Castro label, he has had his mind moulded.  Rather than purse a science inclined career, he chose journalism, the path of his uncle, Late Chief Sola Lawal, a pioneer journalist of the Tribune newspapers, Nigeria’s oldest surviving newspaper. “Having being politically cultivated at Seventh Day Adventist, there was no stopping the fire in me. I saw a convincing model in Uncle Sola Lawal. My uncle was a highly principled professional, yet was socially and economically successful in the superlative rating. Thus began my career in broadcast journalism, specifically radio.”

He continued in a recent conversation with this writer: “I love writing frequently, another strong practice cultivated at Seventh Day Adventist. So, for me, advancing the cause I believe in has to be done through all possible windows. But that’s why I defied all odds and threatening risks to stand by Senator Ademola Adeleke when he needed to speak out through the media during his travails. I got all reputable media invited to Ede to come hear his side of the raging story. Fierce looking security operatives had flooded the entire state just to ensure Ademola didn’t have access to the world through the media.  But what quality would a journalist appropriate to himself if not tenacity? I had to change venue some three times and finally I got Senator Ademola’s friends mobilized to speak for him and today the rest is history to the glory of God.

Beyond the Adelekes, Uncle Olumide has equally remained steadfast with Sir Eyo as he fondly referred to late Dr Wale Adeeyo, publisher of the defunct Anchor newspapers.  Is it not surprising that somebody who, beyond being grounded man of letters, was  a publisher of a national newspaper, didn’t attract published tributes worth citing from at least a few of his former employees?  Beloved Castro is the last man standing!

Haji Lawal has diligently paid his dues in rendering journalism and humanitarian services.  It may well be said that beneficiaries of his good heart may deem this special 70th birthday anniversary to reciprocate and even replicate such.

All the good gestures from Haji Olumide were merely expressions of aniyan to daa ( or good wishes) rather than for pecuniary gains as this new septuagenarian is reasonably endowed materially and  visibly radiates contentment as much as discernible.  Some five years ago, the wedding ceremony of one of the children which he personally bankrolled held at an “all amenities completed hotel” (to echo Fuji founder, Ayinde Barrister) in the heart of Lagos. In addition to the monarch from Ede, Kabiyesi Muniru Adesola, Laminisa 1, the Timi of Ede, the guests’ list was a spectacle of who’s who from around Nigeria, even as the lowly were duly catered for in line with the spirit of Finni Castro.

A distinguished broadcast journalist of decades with Nigeria’s largest radio network, Hajji Olumide’s professional trajectory was characterized by uncommon, high level engagements at different times: Spanning whole decade, 1990-2000, he was Public Relations Consultant to the defunct Nigeria Sugar Company, Bacita. In 1993, on account of his erudition and dynamism, he doubled as the Chair of the Directorate of Information, Public Relations and Think-Tank constituted by Governor Adeleke of Osun State. Ahead of all these, the energetic professional had been tasked to cover Hajj in 1984.  That was the same year the sitting Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, who I later learnt from my long time brotherly friend, Afolabi Gambari, happened to be a soulmate of Sir Eyo,  performed hajj.

As one of the outstanding and shining stars of Edeland, Alhaji Olumide Lawal, in a book edited by an Ede born, globally renowned historian, Prof Siyan Oyeweso,  is described as a: “ …self-made man who passed through the crucible and fire, and came out untainted and unscathed, a product of hard work…spartan discipline and abundance of native intelligence”

Haji Lawal has diligently paid his dues in rendering journalism and humanitarian services.  It may well be said that beneficiaries of his good heart may deem this special 70th birthday anniversary to reciprocate and even replicate such.

*Akanni, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Journalism at the Lagos State University, Nigeria. 

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Unknown to many, Davido was just exuding gratitude and aimed to support and sustain the reliable familial ties for the Adeleke dynasty of Ede.  A few weeks back, Sir Dr Adewale Adeeyo, one of the most intimate friends of Davido’s father, Dr Deji Adeleke, passed on to eternity. It was a most devastating incident for Dr Adeleke.  Indeed, some newspapers aptly noted that it was probably the most tragic incident for Dr Adeleke since he lost his wife, Davido’s mother, Veronica, and later, former Governor Isiaka Adeleke a few years back.  Incidentally Davido’s mother appears to be all the reason for all the chain of events connected with the N250million.

Unknown to many, Davido was just exuding gratitude and aimed to support and sustain the reliable familial ties for the Adeleke dynasty of Ede.

Widely revered by leading writers in Nigeria as exemplified in a short Facebook tribute by Uzo Maxim Uzoatu, Dr Adeeyo was like the official chronicler for the Adeleke family of Ede, inspite of being worth chronicling on his own.  In the review of the tribute published by Nigerian Tribune, Sulaiman Ajibade, the author noted that the 30-page tribute by Dr Adeeyo on the late  former Governor Isiaka Adeleke otherwise known as Serubawon, is about the longest known globally, in the recent time.  But Adeeyo, the publisher of the defunct Anchor newspapers, had done a similar honour to Davido’s mother, Veronica, when she died some years back.  It was about the only media-published tribute on the woman whose death coincided with a birthday anniversary of the hubby.

Incidentally, though Adeeyo was a man of letters, not much has been published in the media to celebrate his legacy.  This is why the singular intervention of a resilient journalism veteran, Alhaji Olumide Lawal, deserves all appreciation.  Also born in Ede, Osun State, like Dr Adeeyo, Alhaji Lawal described Sir Eyo as “an illustrious son of Edeland and a phenomenon”.  According to him the entire Ede universe stood still on learning of Dr Adeeyo’s passage. Why not?

Sir Eyo as Dr Adeeyo was fondly hailed was as much a scholar, a philanthropist as much as he was a boardroom guru.  Apart from setting up a national newspaper that thrived for some years, Sir Eyo had been a most enduring columnist for Vanguard newspaper  in which he ran the popular Barka Jumat column which endeared him to several Nigerians across religious divides on account of its scholarly strength devoid of pettiness.

Believing in giving maximally to humanity, the good man, as described by Uzoatu, also offered scholarships to several university undergraduates especially those enrolled at Adeleke University owned by his kinsman, Dr Deji Adeleke. Alhaji Lawal further recalled that Sir Eyo was an uncommonly endowed boardroom guru.  Dr Adeeyo was actually the immediate past chair of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN.  More important in this context perhaps is the fact that this multi-talented genius was a director of WEMA Bank. He must have ‘dragged’ ‘Son’ Davido to that bank.  Here lies the rationale of Davido’s choice of WEMA for the orphanage project funds. Afterall, Davido’s father, Dr Adeleke is major shareholder and director of Unity Bank.  He had also founded the defunct Pacific Merchant Bank. Who, therefore, will not applaud Davido for this inward-looking decision?  The patronage of WEMA was one loudly applauded by my compatriots from Ede. One even asserted that “Adeeyo deserves even more from Davido and the Adelekes”.  Some had wondered why Davido won’t even set up a bank of his own so that more opportunities could accrue to his compatriots from Ede who have been consistently supportive of the political bids of every Adeleke that contested in the town.  Davido’s grandfather was a senator of the Unity Party of Nigeria, 1979-1983, at least. Governor Isiaka Adeleke emerged from the blues to defeat the pre-existing political structure of the legendary Bola Ige and Bisi Akande combined at the level of the primaries during the Social Democratic Party, SDP, era. He later became a senator. The brother, Ademola, a frontline player in the PDP got massive sympathy votes from Ede people to enable him serve out the remaining term of Isiaka Adeleke. How benevolent and grateful my Omoluabi people were!

By the special grace of God, Davido, beyond the level of his father, has become a global player.  But he shouldn’t wait to be persuaded to do more for the birthplace of the Adeleke dynasty where he is well loved and probably being worshipped by some wannabe folks.

Hear this: In 2014, as a consultant trainer to the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA,  I led 10 NPA staff to Accra on a weeklong customized course I had themed  “Digital Surveillance of the Media”. Included in the team was a Philipines born Pharmacist Bakare. Midway into the programme, I overheard Mrs. Bakare speak Yoruba. Surprised was the least strong expression to capture the scene. I moved closer to confirm. She noticed my countenance and spoke even more in Yoruba.

By the special grace of God, Davido, beyond the level of his father, has become a global player.  But he shouldn’t wait to be persuaded to do more for the birthplace of the Adeleke dynasty where he is well loved and probably being worshipped by some wannabe folks.

Pharmacist Bakare smiled at me and announced that she was from Ede! “How?” I queried. I quickly dropped it that I was actually from there. Mrs. Bakare then probed: “Did you grow up there? Then you should have known my husband, Dr Bakare , now of Adeleke University. They used to call him Banker. He was a particularly famous footballer for Seventh Day Adventist Grammar School, Ede. “Who won’t know Boda Banker?” I retorted.  Boda Banker was a contemporary of my uncle, Mr Mufutau Ayinla Lawal, the inimitable goalkeeper”.  Pharmacist Bakare then went on to register the fact that Davido was her baby. She further recalled with relish the enduring relationship between the Adeleke brothers and her hubby which stands till date.

Same way Pharmacist Bakare was possessive of Davido, Senator Ademola Adeleke’s Ede-born classmates led by a medical doctor, Mukaila Olapade, stood up the other day to take bullets for him. Ademola was in the eye of a violent political storm with regards to claims made on School Certificate result. He was to be prosecuted and could go to jail for it. “Ademola must not go to jail” my people chanted round the town.  Then came the herculean task of organizing a press conference in defence of Ademola. Though now savouring his retirement peacefully in Ede, Alhaji Olumide Lawal rose stoutly to the occasion defying and dodging arrests and all forms of inhibitions. The unusual press conference held and was well attended by the media that mattered. The world finally heard my people’s side of the Ademola story.  No jail term for Ademola. Ademola is not only free today, but also running around with supporters, majority of who are from Ede working on his next political project of the governorship of Osun. Rain or shine, Ede people are with the Adelekes.  What fraction of N250million will come home?  What grander reciprocal agenda will Adelekes design for their hometown? Will they like to complement the recent laudable efforts of the silent philanthropist and owner of Matrix Oil and Gas? Will they revive the philanthropic programming of Alhaji Yisa Yagboyaju?

May God continue to guide us all.

*Akanni is an Associate Professor of Journalism at the Lagos State University, LASU

Follow him on Twitter:@AkintundeAkanni

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