J. M. Akinola

CHIEF JONATHAN MAYOMI AKINOLA (1928-1990)

By

Seye Adetunmbi

There was a period in Nigeria that the well trained career civil servants that got to the peak of their career made public service so attractive to the ambitious members of the younger generation. The personality, character, carriage, exposure, professionalism and integrated disposition of these senior public servants made them to standout in their community, province and the region from which they came from. In essence it was not uncommon to see working class and other educated Nigerians, aspiring to join the civil service with the ultimate goal of becoming a Permanent Secretary or School Principal especially in the post colonial era. The top civil servants that succeeded the colonial masters were essentially well educated and exposed to good quality training which prepared them adequately for the administrative job after the exit of the British officials. One of the distinguished public servants in the old western region was Chief Jonathan Mayomi Oke Oguntolu Akinola who was popularly called J.M. Akinola and oga Jona (Jonathan) by his younger Ekiti kinsmen. He was among the prides of Ekiti people at home and abroad in the civil service of the old western region who were admired by many because they got to the peak of their career.

My memory of the famous Chief Jonathan Mayomi Akinola (JMA) was more like someone I first knew by his notable reputation. I was able to see him in few occasions whenever he visited Ekiti from Ibadan and stopped over to pay a courtesy call on Chief D.O. Adetunmbi at Ifaki and whenever he attended functions in his hometown and one happened to be there. Ido-Ekiti is another home for the Adetunmbi family by virtue of my father being among the pioneer teachers of Ekiti Parapo College that worked between 1954-1957 closely with Chief Ade Akomolafe before he co-started Ifaki Grammar School in 1957 at the instance of his kinsmen. It was during his stay in Ido that the lasting bond evolved with Oba Olojido Olayisade, the families of Pa Jerimiah Akinola a respected community leader, Adewa, Ade Akomolafe, Familoni, Fakuade, Ogunruku and Ogunmiluyi. Naturally I warmed up to some his children, Dr Akinjide Akinola, Akinyemi Akinola and Dotun Akinola when we met as well as his nephews that we met in the secondary school.

Hull University Law graduates, 1956, standing 4th from left was Chief J.M. Akinola

    Chief Akinola was born in Ido-Ekiti on Tuesday, 7th August 1928 into a Christian family of Pa Jeremiah Aina Akinola and Mrs Comfort Aina Ogunjolagbe Owolabi, nee Familoni. He started his primary education at Ido Public School in 1937-1940 and completed the then standard six at Emmanuel School, Ado-Ekiti in 1940-1942. He gained admission into Christ School, Ado–Ekiti for his secondary education with the school number 43/065 and was in the famous school 1943-1945 during which he displayed a distinct aptitude that earned him a double academic promotion. He completed his secondary education at Ondo Boys High School, Ondo between 1946 and 1947. He worked for two years before gaining admission to the University of Ibadan to study Classics. He later gained admission to study Law at the University of Hull Yorkshire, UK in September 1952. At the University of Hull, he excelled, finishing both a Law degree and obtaining a postgraduate certificate in Public Administration in 1956.

1st Republic South Western Region House of Assembly in the early 1960s

    JMA had a remarkable career in the civil service of the old western region. He was Clerk Assistant in the Western Regional Legislature until 1960, when Nigeria became independent. After independence, he became the first indigenous Clerk of the House, a post he occupied until 1966. Subsequent to the political unrest of the 1960s, he was absorbed into the Regional Civil Service, firstly as an under-Secretary in the Military Governor’s Office. Later in the same year he was promoted to the post of a Permanent Secretary. In this capacity, he served in various ministries, including Works and Transport, Establishment and Training, Lands and Housing, Finance and Health. He worked tirelessly to set standards in these ministries. His job took him outside Nigeria to many European countries where he represented the regional government positively and secured working partnerships with foreign useful partners to secure industrial development in the western region. Chief Akinola was a proficient, kind and dignified public servant. He extended this attitude of service to many people outside of his work environment. He gained respect and recognition from both high and low for his exemplary kindness and outstanding generosity.

    JMA was a handsome and suave family man who left lasting impression with his children and wards that he gave his best. He took up the responsibility of educating not only his immediate biological family, but extended and distant relatives as well. He was instrumental to facilitating academic scholarships for many people. After retiring as a Permanent Secretary, he was nominated and contested for the governorship seat in the then Ondo State under Great Nigeria People’s Party (GNPP) in 1979. He later consolidated his legal practice and business interests at Ibadan which he sustained until his transition on the 11th of March 1990. To the glory of God he obeyed God in witnessing the Gospel of Christ till his time came. He was survived by his wife, seven children and thirteen grand children.

    JMA can be described as an uncommon personality who was an outstanding technocrat, public servant, entrepreneur, philanthropist, academic, and a very caring family man. To his children he was the world's most charming, dashing, dignified and loving man. Some of them grew up under the impression that their father was larger than life, bigger than all the superheroes in the comic books he bought for them. In fairness, he was a modest man; a very polished, suave, warm and intelligent Nigerian who bestrode his environment, like a colossus. The children had it all: protection, peace, plenty and harmony in a large home full of happy people where discipline and love endured.

   Akinyemi Akinola said about his father and I quote: “Daddy had all the answers to all the questions we asked, and inscribed on us sound moral virtues. Confidence; no one alive was better than us. Humility, God made all people equal (the difference between the beggar and the prince is grace & divine appointment). Respect for others as an expression of self worth. My father was truly a wonderful fellow, very special. I look at his early years and wonder how a man with so many challenges could grow into a philanthropic titan and a bastion of love and compassion particularly to his children and at large to anyone in need. I am in awe of the warmth and enthusiasm he displayed solving problems and helping people and most of all his quick temper and then the speed with which he forgave and reconciled. He is my role model to the core. Not many could have impacted on the life and values of the people around him like my ‘super Dad’"

    Dotun Akinola captured his role model father in his fond memories thus: “My Father was always there for me. He always knew my needs and never failed to solve them. He was there for me at home, where I could always hop on his lap and tell him all the silly things I did at school; or just to report my older siblings and ‘ina (Sina) when they disciplined me. He was there to take me to school on my first day at secondary school and tell me I could be the best. He was always home at my birthday parties for me to show off to my friends. He was there to take us all out on Saturdays to Kingsway and the pool. He was there to drive us to music lessons at Mrs. Santos. He was always there when it mattered. He was always there when I needed him. I could always hop on his lap and just talk with him. He was there to pick me up and take me to bed when I fell asleep on the sofa. He was there to kiss me goodnight every night. He was there to love me. I remember I once told him that I would like to be just like him when I grew up. That was a tall order but now At least I know what to do; which is half the task.”

    I have longed to write about Chief Jonathan Mayomi Akinola. This is why I took advantage of the anniversary of his transition after I have got vintage photos to do this modest pictorial tribute. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace, Amen.

Seye Adetunmbi

11/3/17