The Nation Newspaper

Tag: exit

  • The exit of Suleiman Abba

    The exit of Suleiman Abba

    just as this newspaper speculated two Saturdays ago, President Goodluck Jonathan finally yielded to pressures to toss out the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Suleiman Abba from his post. An Acting IGP was immediately announced. Also, as expected, the president declined to offer reasons for the sack, though the media gave enough reasons to convince everyone that Mr Abba, notwithstanding his shortcomings, inconsistencies and lack of character, was less than altruistic and smart in many of his actions during and after the epoch-making general elections. Mr Abba’s poor judgement is truly startling, and it manifested early in his leadership of the police. He exceeded limits and boundaries, displayed irrational loyalty to the president in the early weeks of his appointment, provoked and ridiculed the National Assembly, and seemed uninterested in carrying out major, fundamental and impactful changes.

    But paradoxically, during the polls, he appeared in some respects to be neutral, though some police commands were already on autopilot, unstoppably partisan and uncontrollable. Moments after the outcome of the presidential poll became public, however, Mr Abba performed what must qualify as the most amazing volte-face ever. He threw in his lot with President-elect Muhammadu Buhari, met with him a little beyond the bounds of duty, and seemed to give the unwholesome and embarrassing impression he knew which side his bread was buttered. Together with what was described as his indiscretion in the Rivers State governorship poll, to wit, his reluctance to support the president’s political agenda, and his pussyfooting over the reposting of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Tunde Ogunshakin, the president was sufficiently enraged to fire him.

    However justified or otherwise the sacking of Mr Abba was, what is quite remarkable about it is not the serial indiscretions of the former IGP but the equally appalling poor judgement displayed by the president in consenting to the drastic action against the police chief barely four or five weeks to the transfer of power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the victorious All Progressives Congress (APC). What did President Jonathan hope to achieve? It was learnt from the media that the president wished to arrest any act of disloyalty before it became a trend, especially among the security services. And given the fact that a few house of cards remained, such as the one delicately inspired by the president in Ekiti State under the obstreperous Mr Fayose, the president feared that Mr Abba’s postings exposed some of his loyalists, among whom was the witless braggart and compulsive liar in Ekiti.

    Expectedly, Mr Fayose will now receive support from the Acting IGP, and the army, which had reportedly recalled the conniving Brigade Commander in the region, Brig-Gen Aliyu Momah, might no longer be tempted to want to conform with or second-guess the incoming administration of Gen Buhari. But the cost to the president’s integrity and so-called statesmanlike disposition in sacking Mr Abba will be huge and permanent. After conceding defeat to Gen Buhari, President Jonathan was widely described both locally and internationally as a statesman. He was also seen as a genuine democrat who allowed free and fair elections. But, now, given his obvious connivance at the Rivers State electoral madness, which Mr Abba’s sacking emblematised, his fury over the AIG Ogunshakin fuss, his indefensible condoning of Mr Fayose’s mad gambit in Ekiti, and his supine acquiescence to many other acts of constitutional subversion, such as the ones masterminded by his wife, Dame Patience, few Nigerians are going to be convinced he actually meant well for the country by his famous act of condescension, or that he was in any way capable of true acts of statesmanship.

    If the president worried that by appointing Solomon Arase as Acting IGP he was undermining or abridging the officer’s career, he hid that fact it conveniently. In his flirtations, Mr Abba might not have demonstrated exemplary character, nor the skill, judgement and balance his job required, but the president’s response was far worse, both in terms of calibration and timing. Both men will be haunted by their actions for a long time to come.

  • Exit of ‘a good man’

    Exit of ‘a good man’

    The remains of Chief Adenrele Adebiyi Adejumo were interred on March 10 at Ikoyi Cemetery in Lagos. Reception followed at the Harbour Point, Victoria Island. SAFIYYAH ABDUR-RAZAQ was there.

    Everywhere was blue. Guests either dressed in blue or had a touch of blue on their attires. The hall was also decorated in blue. This was the setting at the reception for friends and relatives, who attended the funeral of Chief Adenrele Adebiyi Adejumo, the past president, Association of Consulting Engineers of Nigeria, member of Lodge Academic 1150SC and former Deputy District Grand Master, District Grand Lodge of Nigeria. He died on February 1 at 85.

    The chairs and tables were decorated in white, sky blue and navy blue drapes. There were lace overlays on the tables.

    Members of the District Grand Lodge of Nigeria were dressed in their customary attire of white shirts, black business suits and aprons.

    His daughters and their children were dressed in cream lace; his sons and their children wore cream guinea brocade.

    As the guests arrived, a bevy of women dressed in blue ushered them to their seats.

    The funeral service, conducted by Rev. Canon Josephus Jaja, began with the cleric receiving Adejumo’s remains.

    The hymn, Hark, Hark, my soul was sang. It was followed by the scripture reading taken from Ecclesiastes 3: 1-15.

    In his sermon, Rev. Jaja urged the bereaved family to be happy because the late Adejumo lived a wonderful life.

    After the sermon, the hymn I know that my redeemer lives was taken.

    Interment was at Ikoyi Cemetery.  It was followed by reception at the Harbour Point at Wilmot Close on Vitoria Island.

    The eldest daughter, Mrs Adefunke Adeteju Kuyoro, described her father as a man with a good sense of humour who loved all his children.

    “He educated us to wherever level we wanted. He never told us: “you have had enough. Don’t go forward”. He had a quiet disposition and sound sense of humour. He was not ill. He was running temperature for a day. The doctor came and treated him for malaria and said they were going to run some tests to see if he had any infection. He died before he got to the hospital, but it was as if he was sleeping so I believed he must have died a peaceful death,” she said.

    His son, Aderemi, said his father would be missed.

    “I am tongue-tied. He was such a wonderful man and did a lot. This is Wilmot Point where the Naval Dockyard is. He built the dockyard and worked in Lagos Executive Development Board as the resident engineer that reclaimed the Victoria Island. One of the memories of him is all that he did. He was very illustrious as you can see from the gathering today. It shows the impact he had on people  and the environment. There is a lot he did in his lifetime and he would be sorely missed,” he said.

    One of his granddaughters Mayowa Kuyoro described him as a wonderful man.

    Adejumo is survived by seven children and many grandchildren.

  • Mukhtar’s exit

    •She has tried her best; we can only hope her successor will continue from where she stopped

    Come November 20, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), would bow down, having meritoriously served for 28 months. She will be succeeded by Justice Mahmud Mohammed, whose name has been sent by the President to the Senate for confirmation. With just a few controversies, the departing CJN has had a distinguished career, particularly as the CJN. We recall particularly the zest with which she tackled the challenges of corruption in the judiciary, to the admiration of most Nigerians.

    Prior to her appointment, the image of the judiciary was very low, and it was made worse by some of her predecessors involved in corruption-related controversies. So, appearing before the Senate for her confirmation, the question of how to tackle corruption was uppermost in the minds of Nigerians. To their admiration, she said: “on the perception of the judiciary by the public, indeed as it is as at now, it is very bad and I am saddened by it. I will try as much as possible to ensure that the bad eggs that are there are flushed out”. Admirably, she did flush out many bad eggs, even though a few of the sacked judges are in court protesting their sack.

    During her reign, action was taken on 11 judges by the National Judicial Council (NJC), which she heads, either by outright sack or issuance of queries over their performance. The affected judges include Justice Charles Archibong of the Federal High Court and Justice Thomas Naron of the Plateau State High Court, who were recommended for compulsory retirement. Another was Justice Okechukwu Okeke of the Federal High Court, who was cautioned. On his part, Justice Mohammed Talba of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, was suspended for 12 months for wrongly exercising his judicial discretion.

    Another judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Lawan Hassan Gunmi, was found guilty of gross misconduct, even after he had resigned to avoid the hammer. The other judges also affected were Justices Gladys Olotu of the Federal High Court and Ufot Inyang of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, who were compulsorily retired for gross misconduct. The NJC also warned three other judges; they are Acting President Court of Appeal, Justice Dalhatu Adamu, Justice A. A. Adeleye of the Ekiti State High Court and Justice D. O Amaechina of the Anambra State High Court, for low productivity.

    Among the far-reaching disciplinary actions of the NJC against judges under the leadership of Justice Aloma Mukhtar, the most controversial appears to be the suspension of the former President of the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Peter Agumagu. The NJC suspended Justice Agumagu, following his controversial appointment as the Chief Judge of Rivers State by the governor, Rotimi Amaechi, despite the objections of the NJC. Justices Agumagu, Gunmi and Olotu are all in court to challenge the decisions of the NJC against them.

    The learned CJN who also presides over the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) equally dismissed five Supreme Court workers and a Court of Appeal, Abuja Division worker, for their involvement in the leakage of a judgment in the case of Senator Alphonsus Uba Ugbeke vs Lady Margery Okadigbo and three others.

    Considering the many disciplinary actions taken by the departing CJN, we can say without equivocation that she substantially delivered on her major agenda. We also note that she has championed the computerisation of the Supreme Court. While wishing Justice Mukhtar a well deserved rest, we urge the incoming CJN to also adopt the cleansing of the judiciary as his major agenda. This is important because the judiciary is the last hope of the common man. It therefore must not be found wanton, particularly in a democratic system, if the system is to  endure.

  • Agagu: A painful exit… then, a disaster

    Agagu: A painful exit… then, a disaster

    Relations and associates of the former governor of Ondo State, the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, will converge on the International Conference Hall, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, today for the first anniversary of the demise of the former university don and astute administrator. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reflects on the life and time of the foremost politician.

    His death was even shocking to his foes on the slippery political field. When news of his passage was broken, political differences disappeared. Relations, friends and foes were united in grief. All had nice things to say about Olusegun Kokumo Agagu, geologist, former university don, Third Republic deputy governor of old Ondo State, former Minister of Aviation, and later, Power and Steel, governor of Ondo State and acclaimed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader.

    Tributes poured in torrents. Old school mates, former colleagues  at the University of Ibadan where he taught for years, board room gurus in oil industry, and political associates extolled the virtues of an unusual politician. “He was a honest adviser, a dependable associate, a confidant, a hardworking colleague, a sober and peace-loving politician, an indomitable leader and loyal follower, a lover of his community and  a selfless and committed worker in the political vineyard,” said former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    Paying tribute, Vice President Namadi Sambo said Agagu was a vibrant politician whose exemplary life and loyalty will be greatly missed in the PDP and the country. Echoing him, Senate President David Mark described the deceased as “a quintessential administrator who was prudent in the management of public resources.” Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko alluded to his intellectual brilliance, capacity for hard work, multi-disciplinary talent, disarming social grace, endearing wit and knack for instant name recall. “I bid farewell to an erudite academic, a worthy political flag bearer of Ikaleland, a great son of Ondo State, a prominent state and national leader, and above all, the immediate past governor of the Sunshine State,” he added.

    But, former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, spoke on the legacies of the politician. “He left many indelible marks on the sands of time, which will continue to speak for him. If anything, his unique style of live and let live politics, the Olokola Deep Sea Port, which he started during his administration as governor, his large heartedness and deep love for the state will continue to speak for him,” he stressed.

    Agagu exemplified two virtues. He was incorruptible. Also, he was not a political oppressor.  As governor, he promoted transparency and accountability in governance. He was prudent. When he left office, he walked freely on the streets without being threatened by arrest and prosecution by anti-graft agencies.

    In his life time, he was at peace with his neighbour. Either as a teacher or oil worker, he was very accommodating and a good mixer. Even, as a politician, many have testified that he was not desperate for power. In 1999, he was defeated at the governorship election in Ondo State. When the result was announced by the electoral commission, he congratulated the winner, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, who he later succeeded as governor.

    Agagu had borne the vicissitudes of political life with a mixture of shock and philosophical calmness. Since he was comfortable, he did not perceive politics as an avenue for primitive accumulation. Agagu was an accomplished Nigerian before he entered politics. He was full of life. Indeed, he enjoyed life to the fullest as a social guru and political gladiator. Yet, he was not reckless in socio-political dealings. In and out of power, he was on the service lane. The PDP had just enlisted his service as a reconciliator before answered the final call. Although he had hoped to live beyond 65, fate decided otherwise. Death, as it is said, is inevitable.

    But, the good man never bargained for any funeral turmoil and crisis, having led a good life and made great contribution to socio-economic development. Little did his family, associates, and friends think that another agony will herald his final journey home. A year ago, the Agagu family had to endure multiple tragedies. The plane convening his body to Akure, the capital of Ondo State, for a state burial, came down at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja. The chief undertaker, Tunji Okunsanya and his son, Commissioner Deji Falae and few people on board lost their lives. Ironically, those saddled with his burial arrangements died before the ceremony.

    It was a sad day in Iju-Odo, Agagu’s home town. Family members were enraged. There was a rush of emotion. People were raising puzzles:  What was the condition of the aircraft? What actually went wrong? The dead had no business with these questions. But, for the living, they were burdensome.

    The death of former Ondo State governor  created vacuum on many fronts. Agagu was an esteemed community leader in Ikaleland. He was a homeboy. As minister, he tried to resolve the electricity problem in the Ikale/Ilaje axis. The people of the area will also continue to treasure him for the university he established in the South zone. In fact, when he left the Alagbaka Government House, Agagu had narrowed down his political pursuits. Sources said he had expressed the desire to serve as an ambassador in one of the Caribbean countries before retiring to his Iju-Odo.   In the Ondo State PDP, he was the undisputed leader.

    In 1999, his colleagues in the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) were shocked when he pitched his tent with the conservative bloc. He had justified the shift in allegiance, saying that the Yoruba could not afford to be in the opposition at all times. In fact, he maintained his links with his progressive associates, despite their political differences. In that Third Republic, his analytical prowess and sheer brilliance did not go unnoticed in the SDP caucuses. He was loyal to his boss, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua.

    Agagu was a Geology teacher at the University of Ibadan in the ‘70s. He was a mentor and role model. He was famous for his numerous geological surveys. In the lecture theatre, he was a cosmopolitan tutor. When he moved into the oil industry, he emerged as power broker in the sector. The technocrat made money and he used it judiciously.

    Agagu’s first contact with politics was in the Second Republic. He was fascinated by the men of the old order under the leadership of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He was one of the young stars who assisted Governor Adekunle Ajasin’s Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) with his expertise in statistics and information technology. Their efforts assisted the party in detecting the pattern of rigging by the desperate National Party of Nigeria (NPN). In his memoir, Ajasin pointed out this modest contribution.

    For ethnic balancing, Agagu emerged as Olumilua’s running mate. They defeated the National Republican Convention (NRC) candidate, Chief Ayo Ogunlade, who was the Federal Commissioner for Information, at the governorship poll. Mimiko was the Commissioner for Health in that administration, which was short-lived. If the slot had been zoned outside Ekiti, Agagu would have been a leading governorship contender. But, since Ekiti has been on the queue for the governorship, the SDP gave its ticket to Olumilua, who defeated other Ekiti aspirants at the primaries. In 1983, when Olumilua lost the senatorial poll to Senator Lawrence Agunbiade, eyes have been on him. Thus, during the SDP primaries conducted by the party chairman, Hon. Blessing Kayode, Pa Ajasin mobilised the progressive family and the new breed actors to swing the pendulum of victory towards his direction. Other aspirants included Dr. Kunle Olajide, Chief Ayo Akinyemi, Prof. Opeyemi Ola, and Senator David Oke.

    Between 1999 and last year, Agagu was politically visible. The year 2003 was the turning point.The 2003 poll was keenly contested. Ahead of the election, crisis had seized the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere. The group was losing its grip on the party it formed, the Alliance for Democracy (AD). A group of aggrieved AD chieftains led by Mimiko had defected to the PDP, following the protracted crisis. The tradition in Afenifere/AD favoured the distribution of political slots, based on seniority and record of contributions to the political family. But, the young men in the fold were in a hurry. Therefore, they collaborated with Agagu to defeat Adefarati. Since then, attention has been on Mimiko as the man of the future.

    In 2007, Mimiko, who served as the Secretary to Government under Agagu, and later, the Minister of Housing, defected to the Labour Party (LP). The former governor could not prevent the split. In particular, he could not manage the irrepressible actor, Mimiko.The propaganda against Agagu worked. The former governor, who had become a victim of media war, was misunderstood by party chieftains, who wanted stomach infrastructure.  Agagu was defeated at the poll by his former collaborator, the shrewd politician from Ondo Kingdom, who party faithful had nicknamed ‘Iroko’. Although the electoral commission rigged the election for the PDP, progressives forces in the Southwest assisted Mimiko in retrieving his stolen mandate.

    The Ikale born politician never anticipated the turn of events. He was optimistic throughout the protracted governorship litigation. But, when the court deposed him, he accepted his fate.  He was literarily chased out of the Government House. But, he bore the tragedy with equanimity and understanding of the indisputable reality that power was transient. As Mimiko was being sworn in as his successor, he headed for the church for a thanksgiving.

    Agagu never bounced back, although he was held in high esteem by PDP chieftains who were loyal to him. If he had remained as the governor till 2007, he would have emerged as a more powerful force in the PDP and an ally of his former colleague, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. However, he did not retire from politics. For him, hope was an elixir of life. He contested for the Senate in 2011, but he was defeated by the LP politician, Kunlere, his former disciple. Initially, one of his boys, Eddy Olafeso, insisted that he would contest against him at the primaries. For Agagu, the senatorial race was not a do-or-die affair.

    Despite the electoral misfortune, his leadership position in the Ondo PDP did not diminish. President Goodluck Jonathan has respect for the political warhorse. Thus, the PDP national leadership appointed him into the new reconciliation committee to resolve the protracted crises. Many chieftains in Ondo State looked up to him as a father figure and rallying point, who could wield the caucuses together.

    With his demise, the troubled chapter was bereaved. Nobody has stepped into his shoes. As a governor, he was an asset to the political family. As an ex-governor, he was neither a liability nor a loafer. Agagu took solace in the fact that he had tried his best, although political self-actualisation was an elusive goal. Being a contented fellow, he engaged in sober reflection without boxing himself into emotional wrenching.

    The import of Agagu’s absence is not lost on the Ondo PDP. In post-Agagu period, Mimiko is returning to the fold. The governor had intimate political relationship with many PDP leaders before he defected to the LP. If Agagu were alive, would he have embraced Mimiko’s decision to return? Would he have defected to the APC? Would he have welcomed reconciliation? Would the duo have healed old wounds?

    With Agagu’s death, a chapter had closed in the history of Ondo State.

  • Exit of a ‘virtuous’ woman

    Exit of a ‘virtuous’ woman

    The funeral service for Madam Felicia Oluremi Abina, wife of the General Overseer of Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Elijah Oludele Abina, has been held at the church’s headquarters at Km 40, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Aseese, Mowe-Ibafo, Ogun State. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    It was the celebration of a life well spent. Notable Christian leaders and members of the Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT) Worldwide, family members and friends turned out for the ceremony.

    They converged on the headquarters of GOFAMINT at Km 40, Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Aseese, Mowe-Ibafo in Ogun State last Saturday for the funeral of Madam Felicia Oluremi, wife of the General Overseer, Pastor Elijah Oludele Abina. She died in the United States (US) at 75. She is survived by her widower, six children and many grand children.

    Her body was not laid at the service because it arrived late from the US.

    The church hall and its gallery were filled. Guests also sat under a large tent outside the church. The church hall and the tent were decorated with blue, red and white fabrics. The ushers were dressed in either cream shirts and green trousers/skirts; or black skirts/trousers with white shirts.

    The service began with a processional hymn “Great is your faithfulness”, with the choir leading its singing. The ministers and family members entered amid the hymn.  All the ministers wore suit; the choir wore white shirt on navy blue skirt/trousers.

    The children wore gold lace with red head gear/cap; the grandchildren wore blue lace.

    The Bible reading from 1Thessaloninas 4:13-18 was taken by the first son, Folorunso.

    The second hymn: “Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven” was taken next.

    The National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev Felix Omobude and Chairman of PFN’s Lagos chapter, Bishop Sola Ore prayed for the deceased and her family.

    Chairman of Lagos State Pilgrims Welfare Board Rev Adega Balogun took the second Bible reading from 1 Corinthians, 15: 35-58.

    The children sang in memory of their mother, followed by choir’s ministration.

    In a sermon, The General Overseer, All Christians Fellowship Headquarters, Abuja, Rev Williams Okoye, spoke on “Build your life on values that would last”.

    Rev Okoye urged the gathering to stop being carried away by worldly things.

    “You can die at anytime and you will face God to give account of how you lived on earth. When you think of death, it will help you to re-evaluate and re-examine your life,” he said.

    Evangelist Bola Aare, a popular gospel singer, rendered soul-lifting songs with the congregation singing along.

    The service ended with the recessional hymn: “O Lord of Heaven and earth and sea”.

    Outside the church hall, Layo Daniel Classical Entertainment life band entertained guests.

    Pastor Abina said the most memorable moment with his wife was when they had no child in the early days of their marriage.

    The widower said: “My late wife endured the time and it was wonderful.  Today, we have three boys and three girls. My wife also supported me when I had financial problem and in all things. When I felt sick, she came to the hospital to stay with me, as a matter of fact that was when her sickness started. “She was loving and caring; she is a woman that I cannot forget in my life.

    “When she fell sick, I felt her absence because nobody was like her to me. But one thing I believe is that she did not die; she sleeps and she lives on.”

    Mr Folorunso Abina, the Chief Executive Officer, Micro Alliance Limited in Abuja, said his mother was the closest example of Jesus to him.

    “She was a true servant of God, a genuine and authentic leader that I wish every leader and Christian lives like her. She left the legacy of love, sacrifice and prophecy which she has poured into every one of her children even her grandchildren. I will miss her love and godly counsel,” he said.

    The first daughter, Mrs Olabisi Ogundele, described her mother as loving, generous and accommodating.

    “I learnt many good things from her that helped me in my marital home. I will miss everything about her – her presence, cooking and encouragement,” she said.

    Her last son Mr Femi Abina, Chief Executive Officer, Real Estate Development, described his mother as an awesome human being with unique qualities.

    A son-in-law, Pastor Sunday Ogundele of GOFAMINT in the United Kingdon, described her as a woman that brought to pass the fullness of God in the life of everyone who came around her.

    The reception continued in Pastor Abina’s house at 1/3, Elijah Abina Street, off Lake View Estate Phase Two, Amuwo Odofin in Lagos.

    Her body arrived at night and she was buried around 9am on Sunday.

    A thanksgiving service was held at Pastor Abina’s church, in Mushin, Lagos.

  • Exit of the teacher’s teacher

    Exit of the teacher’s teacher

    The late Prof Jacob Festus Ade Ajayi bestrode the academia like a colossus. At a young age, he was Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) where he made a mark after a six-year stint. The renowned historian died last Saturday, about three months after his 85th birthday, reports KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE .

    Forty-two years ago when the late Prof Jacob Festus Ajayi became Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), he was 43.

    At that age, the late Prof Ade Ajayi was one of the youngest VCs in the country then.

    But his age did not stop him from proving his mettle as an administrator and a taecher.

    Under him, UNILAG grew. Many of his students remember him today for what he did at UNILAG and the University of Ibadan (UI), where he started as a lecturer and returned after his tenure at UNILAG.

    His many students, including Emeritus Professor Akinjide Osuntokun, Pro-Chancellor, Ekiti State University (EKSU); Prof Ayodeji Olukoju, Vice Chancellor, Caleb University; Prof Ade Adefuye, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States; and his protégé, Dr Toyin Falola, will not forget how he laid the foundation for their success in life, and put African History on the world map.  They will not also forget the many innovations he introduced as an administrator.

    A Teacher/historian

    Teaching had always been in the late Prof Ade Ajayi’s blood.  Even before he completed his bachelors and masters degrees in English, Latin and History as a foundation student of the University College, Ibadan (now UI), he taught at the Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, and Ibadan Boys’ High School between 1948 and 1951.  He continued his teaching and research activities in far away United Kingdom where he went for further studies at the University of London and University College, Leicester (1952-1958).

    Returning home in 1958, he became a lecturer at UI, rising to become a professor of history in 1963.  His mission was clear to his students – he wanted them to study, research into the various areas of history and return to teach others.

    Prof Adefuye testified of the late Ade Ajayi’s influence on his studying Ugandan History for his Ph.D research.  Dr Austin Nwagbara of the English Department, UNILAG, added that the late Prof Ade Ajayi helped many of his students to secure scholarships abroad.

    Prof Osuntokun was one of those privileged to study abroad, courtesy of the late Prof Ade Ajayi.  He credits his late teacher, whom he calls his academic father, as a builder of men.

    “He was a great known figure; a great teacher; quiet worker and meticulous researcher.  He also built people.  He was largely responsible for the younger crop of historians like me.   He organised postgraduate training for those who wanted to pursue academic careers.  He made sure we researched into the various areas of history because he wanted us to replace all the expatriates at that time,” he said.

    Prof Abayomi Akinyeye, Dean, Faculty of Arts, UNILAG, said he found support in Ajayi for his postgraduate research in the 80s.

    “I had one-on-one talk with him when I was just starting my post graduate studies. I was writing on the History of Post and Telegraphs in Nigeria then, that was way back 1982.  After my proposal here, I went down to Ibadan and I went to his office to show him what I was writing and he encouraged me,” he said.

    Another student of his, Prof Ayodeji Olukoju, who he taught as a postgraduate student in 1981, said Ajayi was held in high esteem as an authority in all areas of history.

    “He was a teacher.   Before asking us to present our seminar papers as postgraduate students back then, he would take time to teach us.  By the time we knew him, he was already a living legend. We held him in awe.  Baba Ajayi was a deep man – he had breath of knowledge of history.  He could write.  He had a way of writing that was interesting.”

    In his days, the late Prof Ade Ajayi worked hard to establish a place for African History, which was then not reckoned with on the international scene.    According to Prof Adefuye,  through research in which he engaged his students, the late Prof Ade Ajayi proved that Africa had a history before colonialism.   His essay titled: “Colonial: An Episode in African History”, is noted for settling the matter.  In a tribute to the historian on his 85th birthday on May 26, Adefuye wrote: “The response of Ajayi and the Ibadan History School was the undertaking of rigorous research of the study of pre-colonial African societies: the kingdoms, the institutions and their constitutions. The study and publication of scholarly works on such kingdoms of Oyo, Benin, Ife, the Niger Delta societies, the Sokoto Caliphate, Segu Tukulo Empire, blew the top of euro-centric philosophy of African History. It established a theoretical foundation and justification for African nationalism leading to independence.

    “Ajayi pointed out that the partition of Africa and the impact of colonial rule and even post-independence environment cannot be properly understood without the knowledge of pre-colonial African History. African history existed before colonialism. Colonialism was no more than an episode in African history. Like the history of all humanities, the history of Africa is a continuum. Colonialism was merely an episode but not the totality of African experience. African values, culture and biases though dynamic, continue to be enduring and shaped events even in contemporary times.”

    Ajayi also contributed to academic discourse through his textbooks, which the UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof Rahamon Bello, said were widely read in secondary schools.  The books include: A History of West Africa (1971); The Planting of Baptist Mission Work Among the Yoruba, 1850-1960: A Study in Religio-Cultural Conflict, Yoruba Warfare in the 19th century (1964), and Christian Missions in Nigeria, 1841-1891: The Making of a New Elite, among many other publications.

    A professor of History at the University of Ibadan, Charles Adesina, said the late academic giant helped Africans to understand and appreciate their own identity.

    “He placed Africa squarely at the centre of their own history.  So that constituted the basis for the field that subsequently became known as African History. This inevitably also led to the development of African Historiography,” he said.

    Prof Adeyeye said the late Prof Ajayi’s shoes in the academic circles would be difficult to fill.

    “His reputation is phenomenal worldwide.  He was among the generation of historians that opened another perspective to the study of African History and he made enormous contribution at different forums.  He was a member of the UNESCO General History for Africa – he was an Editor of the volume; and his intellectual spanned a broad spectrum of history.  And the void he has left would be difficult to fill,” he said.

     

    An administrator

    Ajayi’s administrative skills were evident in his grooming of the UI History Department to a place of reckoning in international circles.

    Vice Chancellor, Prof Isaac Adewole, said in a statement that it was under the deceased that the Ibadan School of History, based in UI’s Department of History, became the dominant school in the study of African and Nigerian History.

    As the UNILAG’s third VC between 1972 and 1978, Ajayi is credited with building most of the enduring infrastructure dotting the university today.

    A well celebrated man before he became VC, the late Prof Ade Ajayi could be described as the father of modern UNILAG.  He constructed the Faculty of Arts block, guest houses, staff club, main auditorium, council chambers/library building, Faculty of Engineering, Sciences, and residential quarters.

    Prof Bello, said Ajayi not only developed infrastructure but introduced programmes that earned UNILAG respect in international circles.

    He said: “As an administrator at the University of Lagos, his regime shaped this institution. And you could move around and see the effect of his administration on this campus.   He conceptualised and built the New Hall, where we have the greatest number of students housed; he also built the three high rise buildings for the university; and he went on to develop quite a large number of programmes.  I remember Chemical Engineering was his baby; and many other programmes in the institution which have really created a name for the university.  As far as development is concerned, he was the interregnum between the old era and the new era in this university.”

    Prof Osuntokun, who moved to UNILAG while Ajayi was VC, praised his late teacher for establishing an academic tradition at the university.

    “He elevated UNILAG to what it is today because a university without a great academic tradition cannot excel,” he said.

    Dr Nwagbara added that the late Prof Ade Ajayi played a great role in preparing the present crop of university administrators for their careers.

    “The crop of professors running this university now was trained during his time.  Many of them had their scholarships; which showed that he had vision – not just for that time, but for the future as the vice chancellor.   And he provided them with funding, and some of them studied abroad,” he said, adding:

    “In his time, many of them had their scholarship, which showed that he had vision.  He really prepared the university, not just for the time being but for the future.  Because a whole lot of them were trained.  They did their postgraduate studies during his time and he sponsored it.”

    As activities to give Prof Ade Ajayi a befitting funeral kicks off, Prof Bello promised that UNILAG would play a prominent part to honour the man who brought so much development to the university.

    “University of Lagos will forever be grateful to him and will remember him, and it is our hope that his name will be immortalised in one way or the other at the University of Lagos,” he said.

     

     

     

  • Exit of a loving mother

    Exit of a loving mother

    The eighth day prayer for Alhaja Moshudat Kareem, mother of Director of Finance and Administration, Lagos State Office of Transformation Mrs Samiat Kolarinwa, was held on Tuesday at Adeyemi  Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI and OMOLARA OGUNWALE reports

    It was a gathering for a beloved mother who left an impact on her children’s lives.

    Family members, friends and well wishers came in large numbers for the eighth day prayers for the Otun Alatilehin Adinni of Mogaji Central Mosque in Epetedo, Lagos Island Alhaja Moshudat Kareem, mother of Director of Finance and Administration, Lagos State Office of Transformation, Mrs Samiat  Kolarinwa.

    Alhaja Kareem died on July 21 and her remains were interred at Abari Cemetery in Epetedo. She was 79.

    For about an hour, they prayed for the deceased. An Islamic cleric Abdul Rahman Mogaji coordinated the prayers last Tuesday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja. He was assisted by other clerics. Guests wore traditional attires, the women made fashion statement with different styles and designs of the uniformed pink lace. They complemented their outfits with head gears.

    Guests sat in an orderly row. Ushers in pink satin attires, with black Hijab ensured that the guests were comfortable. The hall was decorated in a pink and white fabric, which was hung across the ceiling. The stage was decorated in same colour.

    After the prayers, there was a lecture by the Chief Imam of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Abdul Hakeem Abdul Lateef. He urged the gathering to serve Allah faithfully, saying no one can blame you if you choose to serve and worship him.

    “Read your Quran and make sure you understand it because the solution to every question or problem is in it and ensure that you carry your entire household along in serving Allah,” he said.

    He urged the guests to fill their hearts with the word of Allah and do good at all times, saying death could come at any time.

    The second lecturer, Chief Imam  Abdul Semiu Ibrahim of Gbagada Central Mosque described life as a stage which “we will leave some day”. He described life as a market where goods are displayed for sale; with different people coming together for collaboration. “We engage in running around, aiming for achievements and do all kinds of stress but later in life, we would relax when we are old and later die eventually. What will be said of you when you are no longer in this life?” he asked, urging the guests to live a good life.

    Mrs Kolarinwa described her mother as a loving, adding that she would miss her.

    “My mother was very prayerful and always there for us. She was very blunt and would not take any nonsense from you. Mummy was always there to guide us and give us good advice on any issue,” she said.

    Another child, Saliu Kareem, a sanitary engineer in the United States (US), described his mother as the best. He said: “The only way I can describe her is that she did everything a mother can do for her children; when we lost our father, she was 42 years and she did not remarried. She taught us practical Islam.”

    The last child, Bariu Kareem, Chief Executive Officer, The Janitor, described his mother as a straight forward person that loved her family, including the extended family.

    “She was God-conscious. Whatever I am today, my mother contributed 70 per cent of it, with her training, discipline and encouragement. She was caring and loving.

    “One of the attributes I got from her is that there is no problem that cannot be solved. She taught me how to face and overcome challenges,” he said.

  • Ogunbote blames careless moments for Sharks’ exit

    Ogunbote blames careless moments for Sharks’ exit

    Sharks coach, Gbenga Ogunbote has blamed their Nigerian football federations cup exit on some ‘careless moments’, after they lost 2-0 to defending champions, Enyimba.

    Two goals in the 23rd and 37th minutes from Kingsley Sokari and Raphael Boumsong respectively ensured Enyimba progressed to the semi final and halted Sharks’ hopes of winning the title this season.

    And Ogunbote told SL10 they should have won the game, “It was a game I thought we should have won, but for some careless moments,” he said.

    The ‘Blue Angels’ dominated possession within the first fifteen minutes, and probably should have taken the lead, but failed to create enough goal-scoring opportunities, which Enyimba capitalised upon to score their first goal through Sokari, who has been in impressive form for the People’s Elephants.

    And Ogunbote has rued their failure to make their possession count.

    “We controlled the game at some point, and I thought we should have created chances, but we didn’t. In the end, we paid dearly for it.”

    Ogunbote went on to allude that referee Benjamin Odey from Cross River State may not have been fair in his officiating, sarcastically describing both Enyimba goals as ‘fantastic’.

    “The first goal was fantastic, the second goal was fantastic as well. You can analyze them yourself,” he said.

    And when pressed if he thought the officiating should have been better, he said: “It’s your opinion, but you saw the game, did you think it was poorly officiated?” he asked rather sarcastically.

    “On a normal day we would have won,” he ended.

    Meanwhile, Enyimba captain Chinedu Udoji says they just have to take the games as they come before thinking of playing in the final again.

    “We’re not thinking of the final yet, we just have to play the next game and then see how it goes. We hope to win it again, but we can’t think about that now. The next game comes first,” he told SL10.

  • Federation Cup Exit: Great loss to Nasarawa United — Aloy Agu

    Federation Cup Exit: Great loss to Nasarawa United — Aloy Agu

    Nasarawa United goalkeeper  trainer Aloy Agu has told SportingLife that his players were down  following their Federation Cup defeat to Crown FC of Ogbomoso on Thursday.

    The Solid Miners lost to the Ajilete Boys 5-4 on penalties after 1-1 at the end of 90minutes in the match played at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.

    Lekan Agunloye scored the opening goal for Crown FC before Okan Ogunosi got an equaliser for Nasarawa United towards the tail end of the first half.

    The former Super Eagles goalkeeper in a chat with SportingLife said his side tried to end the game before the shootout but to no avail. He rued his boys’ missed chances.

    “It was a very great loss for us, penalties are anybody’s game. We had our chances during the game but couldn’t utilise it. We tried all we could to finish the game and avoid penalties but we missed our chances. You know in football when you have chances and miss them you pay dearly, that was exactly what happened to us.

    “We planned to go far in the tournament and lift the trophy but in football you win some, lose some and draw some. We give everything to God now,” Agu told SportingLife.

    He informed that the club will shift their focus to the league while expressing hope that the Solid Miners will get over the painful Federation Cup exit.

    “We will shift our attention to the league. That is what we have on our minds now. We will try and perfect that good job we’ve started when the second stanza resumes.

    “Everybody is down but I think we will get over it. They are professionals; you win, lose and draw,” he said.

  • Ogu confirms Academica exit

    Ogu confirms Academica exit

    Nigeria international John Ogu has revealed that he will not be extending his contract with Academica, with his current deal set to expire on June 30, 2015.

    Instead, the central midfielder has been locked in negotiations with the leadership of Academica, as he wants to severe ties with the Primeira Liga outfit before the start of the 2014 – 2015 campaign.

    The relationship between John Ogu and the Students is beyond repair due to his lack of game time over the course of last season, which contributed to a large extent to his omission from Nigeria’s World Cup roster.

    ”I have not started pre-season training with Academica because I want to terminate my contract with them. I don’t want to play here anymore.

    ”I am discussing now with the club. That’s why I didn’t turn up for the start of pre-season training, though I came to Portugal late because I had to get a new passport as my old one got expired,” John Ogu told SL10.ng.

    The 26 – year – old is not damaged commodity yet as he still has admirers in Europe, mostly teams from Turkey.

    Ogu has represented Drava Ptuj, Almeria,União de Leiria and Atlético CP in the past.