J.O.B. Omotosho

REMEMBERING COMRADE J.O.B. OMOTOSHO 1918-1967

Seye Adetunmbi, 21/5/21

Hardly can you find a community, state or nation that had not lost patriotic and prominent sons in their prime. Ekiti district in western part of Nigeria has had her own share of this on a number of occasions in contemporary history. Comrade James Olajuyigbe Bolarinde Omotosho was among the distinguished ones in this category. As a teenager, I heard people talked about the Ipoti-Ekiti man, a legal luminary that was exemplary in his integrated dispositions and was a huge asset to his community, nation and profession. I was so fascinated by his impressive profile and brief eventful life that I said to myself that one day I will write about him and celebrate his chequered and impactful 48 years on earth. My findings revealed that he was dedicated to humanity cause. His devotion was outstandingly purposeful and resourceful which appealed to me because of my personal inclinations. The lifetime of Comrade Omotosho is worthy of study for posterity and benefit of those who wish to make the difference in their community, profession and nation. I wanted to do this write-up when his wife, Mrs Lydia Olaitan Omotosho passed-on in January 2021 but decided to use the opportunity of his 103rd posthumous birthday anniversary on 21/5/21 to publish this tribute after during some basic research on the inimitable personality

       Comrade J.O.B. Omotosho was born to christian parents, Pa Samuel Akande Omotosho and Madam Rebecca Omotosho on May 21st 1918 in Makurdi, Benue-State. His parents were of Ipoti-Ekiti origin, member of Pakuta family compound and he was the first born. His siblings were Madam Beatrice Adeoti Ayeni‐Akinola, Madam Alice Bamidele Saola, Madam Margaret Wuraola Omotosho, Mr Ayotunde Omotosho,  Mrs. Abike Ajibola, Mrs. Grace Ebunola Ige,  Mrs. Adunola Olagunju and Chief Mrs. Rachael Modupe Familade.

        He had primary education in Port Harcourt and passed Standard Six Examination to obtain the First Leaving Certificate in 1935. He started as a pupil teacher in Aba  where he worked from 1936 to 1939 and came back to Port Harcourt in 1941 after passing his Cambridge examination to work with her majesty custom and excise. He was brilliant and made conscious efforts to further his education. His academic qualifications and attainments included LLB. University College, London, (1945-1948), Diploma in International Affairs from the London Institute of World Affairs, University College, London (1948-1950) B. Sc. Economics, Regent Street Polytechnic (1951-1953) and Diploma in French and German from the Language Tuition Centre, London (1954).

Consequent to training as a legal practitioner in the United Kingdom and having been admitted by the Council of Legal Education, he was called to the British Bar as Barrister and Solicitor in Lincoln Inns. His desire was to deploy his academic laurels for the benefit of his nation and to serve his people. His inclination to progressive activism manifested while in the United Kingdom when he became very active in the affairs and activities of the Pan African Movement, the West African Student Union (WASU) which was established to protect and promote the welfare of West African Students in the United Kingdom and awaken nationalist consciousness in West African countries. Apparently his involvement with WASU exposed him to the ideology of communism which eventually became the basis of his choice of engagement with society as a legal practitioner and a front-liner of grassroots development agenda. He was also associated with the Daily Worker, a periodical publication that was the mouth piece of workers and the proletariat. 

        On his return to Nigeria in 1957, he to took up appointment in the Western Region as the Secretary of the then Western Region Production and Development Board at Ibadan. His capacity and inner zeal for greater exploits could not tolerate the conservative bureaucracy associated with the civil service and had to quit. Comrade Omotosho settled for private legal practice in 1958 as an enrolled barrister and solicitor up to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He was based in Ibadan, yet his practice covered most part of the country and beyond. He was committed to using his mastery of the law, procedure and evidence to protect the interest of the ordinary man against the atrocities of the state and privileged individuals. One of his celebrated cases was that of Professor Victor Allen, a British citizen, a sociologist, historian, economist and Professor at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom who was accused of sedition against the Nigerian State in 1964. Despite the seriousness of the charges, as the Defence Counsel. he succeeded in securing a very light sentence of 12 months imprisonment for the accused. It was feat that got the attention of the British House of Commons that commended the efficiency, diligence and brilliance of the legal luminary. ​

        He was a member of the editorial board of the Nigerian Socialist, the first publication that espoused scientific socialism in Nigeria. also served as a legal adviser to many trade unions, the Nigerian Tenants Association and was a member of the Nigerian Academy of Scientific and Technical Workers. His passion was to pursue how best to use the agency of law as shield in the protection of basic human rights and freedoms of citizens and also employ it as sword in the struggle against poverty, ignorance, squalor and disease imposed by unequal and inequitable access to national wealth typified by neo-liberal and capitalist arrangements. 

J.O.B. got married to his beloved wife, Mrs Lydia Olaitan Omotosho, nee Omotade in June 1960 and the matrimony is blessed with successful children. Mrs L.O. Omotoso was born on April 27th and passed-on on January 19th, 2021. The family is a member of Our Saviour Anglican Church, Ipoti-Ekiti and they worshipped St Anne Anglican Church, Molete, Ibadan.

        The nation lost him to road accident on Saturday 20th 1967 at Sotubo Village near Shagamu after an unidentified driver hit his stationary Volvo Saloon Car in which J.O.B. Omotosho was travelling. Quoting an eye witness account: "J.O.B. was coming from Ibadan and heading towards Lagos on Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode-Shagamu-Lagos highway. He was going to join other nationalists in resolving the Nigerian crisis and prevent the outbreak of the Biafra/Nigerian civil war. He had earlier been to Ipoti-Ekiti his home town where he was constructing and supervising a collectivist development agenda for his people and had thought that he would return to base after the meeting to complete the project and give his people a lifeline and a quantum leap forward in grassroots development. Comrade Omotosho noticed the recklessness of the approaching reckless driver and instructed his driver to pullover so that he could counsel the careless driver on safe driving. Unfortunately, the he ran into him and that was the end" No doubt his death caused so much pain for his kinsmen. This is evident in the tribute of the community at his burial on Saturday 27th May in 1967 at Ipoti-Ekiti and I quote: "He encouraged all our noble activities for the progress of our town and spent his hard earned money and efforts on us. He was executing communal projects that included: A fish pond, Rest House, Recreation Gardens, Parks, Nursing Homes, Dam, Industrial Estate and a Saw Mill."

    May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace.

Rejigging community values

DILAPIDATION OF ANCIENT WALLS: CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

By, Seye Adetunmbi

Being a Presentation as the Guest Speaker at the Symposium Organised by Ifaki Youth Council, scheduled to hold on December 26th, 2020

Protocols

Let me first appreciate you my kinsmen for requesting that I should be your Guest Speaker at the Symposium hosted by Ifaki Youth Council (IPC) during 2020 Christmas. Apparently, IPC is driven by a vision and this is why I deem it a great honor to be associated with your progressive activities.

   I was touched by the theme of the Symposium - FUTURE: TO BUILD OUR DILAPIDATED ANCIENT WALL and in particular for asking me to speak on the causes and solutions.

    Consequently, I put the dilapidated ancient walls in perspective by trying to define it philosophically beyond physical wall, but in relation to our peculiarities as a people, our lasting culture, enduring tradition and timeless values which made Ifaki to be unique and an outstanding community in Ekiti.

    Before highlighting the causes and solutions to the dilapidated ancient walls, let’s first relate the visionary IYC to Nehemiah in the Holy Bible. “When Nehemiah heard that the walls of Jerusalem were still broken down more than a half-century after the completion of the rebuilding of the temple, he “sat down and wept,” fasting and praying before God” (Nehemiah 1:4).

I see Ifaki Youth Council from this perspective because they must have seen the need for Ifaki people as a community to take stock, brainstorm and plan for the future. Implicitly, IYC took the challenge to initiate formulating a plan that will contribute to finding a lasting remedy to the situation in Ifaki. This is commendable and apt on the part of Ifaki youths because the future belongs to them. It is the right thing to do by rising to the occasion because if they don’t do it now, they will face the consequences in future.

    Spiritually speaking and quoting from a commentary on Nehemiah 1:1-7:73 with respect to the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem “Both the sacred and the secular were necessary to fulfil God’s plan to restore the nation of Israel. If the walls were unfinished, the temple was unfinished too. The work was of a single piece. The reason for this is easy to understand. Without a wall, no city in the ancient Near East was safe from bandits, gangs and wild animals, even though the empire might be at peace. The more economically and culturally developed a city was, the greater the value of things in the city, and the greater the need for the wall. The temple, with its rich decorations, would have been particularly at risk. Practically speaking, no wall means no city, and no city means no temple. In essence, the temple and the wall are mutually dependent. The wall is an integral part of the city’s protection, yet so is the temple wherein dwells the Lord”.

    Yes, Ifaki-Ekiti is our Jerusalem. If we put our acts right, consciously review some of the ways we go about our affairs, be sincere with ourselves and deliberately chart a lasting progressive course in unison as the early builders of modern Ifaki community, then we will have a city that we will all be proud of and be at peace with God too.

    Just as Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the king (Nehemiah 1:11), who had immediate access to the king as the one who tested and served his beverages, as a trusted advisor and a high-ranking Persian official, Ifaki youths constitute the heartbeat and engine room of Ifaki community. They have the capacity to make things happen and actualize the larger dreams for our Jerusalem with the support of other stakeholders in Ifaki. Our youths have the energy and good vision. Therefore, with the right attitude, they can build on the professional experience of the older generation and position by deploying collective resources to a great advantage as we embark upon the work of rebuilding the ancient walls of our Jerusalem, Ifaki-Ekiti. Once we put our trust in God coupled with sincerity of purpose, the task ahead is surmountable.

    Ifaki is a distinct community that’s why it is located in the centre of Ekiti-State which earned it the title of Abuja Ekiti from me. We are also peculiar as a people 1Peter 2:9. Rev D. O. Ayorinde was among the first set of priests to be ordained before 1930 in Anglican Communion in Ekiti. Rev D. A. Omotunde was the first graduate Methodist priest in Ekiti and Ifaki is the Headquarter of the church in Ekiti. The first African Principal of Wesley College, Ibadan was Chief J.O.O. Ojo while the first Ekiti man to lead the Nigerian Union of Teachers was Chief D.O. Adetunmbi. Ifaki has also produced a governor and a senator, yet God is not done with us. Okorobo festival remains the biggest cultural event that naturally pools the hugest crowd from all over in the history of Ekiti.

CAUSES OF DILAPIDATION

The causes of dilapidation generally include neglect, indifference, lack of planning, self centeredness, double standard, old age without succession plan and good maintenance culture, lack of fear of God, insensitivity etc. Our ancient walls have broken down because we allow our values and cultural heritage that made us unique people to be eroded away. Apart from our location advantage, it was our forefathers who brought greatness to Ifaki community because they were people of excellent character and huge intellect who loved the town with a passion and selflessly too. We must not render our community desolate by our actions and inactions either through internal strife or by allowing foreigners to infiltrate us for selfish sectional gain that devour shining or rising stars among the inhabitants. Isaiah 1:7, 24:6.

SOLUTIONS

To continue to make the difference as a community and rebuild the ancient walls on a lasting note, Ifaki community must not leave things to chances. We must plan deliberately in order not to fail and prepare adequately for the future.

    “Aso ko ba da fun igba na i lo fun igba”. For instance, if Okorobo festival could be repacked, it can graduate to a state carnival that will attract people all over the world without losing its traditional touch.

    Acknowledge and reward every good deed no matter how small. Rejig our corporate motto as a community. This will encourage people to do more for their community and prompt the undecided ones to act positively.

    In essence, Ifaki community will standout to the admiration of all if we are committed to ethics, as basic principles. Integrity must not be compromised while taking responsibility for our actions individually and collectively. Our people must continuously respect laws and regulations. We must respect one another as well as respect individual rights and of course give honor to whom honor is due. Our people must love work and be diligent at it, it is the way to productivity. The culture of saving and investing is imperative, wastage and squandering must be avoided like a plague. In all whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well and it should be done with dispatch. Procrastination is the thief of time.

In ku ajodun o, as’eyi s’eremurin rin o.

Ajuse o l’ase Edumare.

1

Osekita

COMMENDING OSEKITA EDUCATION FOUNDATION INITIATIVE

By, Seye Adetunmbi 25/2/2022

It is a thing of joy when we have people who have done very well for themselves at their base, abroad and yet, they commit their hard-earned resources for the benefit of others in their home town and environs. This why I am particularly delighted to commend my friend, Prophet Folayan Osekita and his beloved wife, a resourceful British trained teacher for their investment on Osekita Academy (OA), situated in Iworoko-Ekiti. The progress they have recorded on the school project is quite impressive and should be given the necessary support through Osekita Education Foundation (OEF) which they have set out to formally inaugurate on the 28th of February, 2022. The main thrust of OA is to contribute to social capital through education by providing low cost up-to-date education to under-privileged children. This is coupled with upskilling village teachers and staff through a strategic continuous training programme. The vision of promoters of Osekita Academy is to provide quality education at the grassroots, develop Osekita Academy as the flagship school and with time replicate the academy in other local villages and farming communities.

    Osekita Academy is the ultimate academy for children from the ages of 2 to18, the flagship of Osekita Education Foundation. It provides education at a very high standard for all children with specific financial support for low income families. They currently provide up to 75% fees bursaries for up to 100 children and the list is growing. The academy has essentially been funded by Osekita family (98%) and a few friends. The reality is that the project is getting too huge to sustain without external assistance of public-spirited net-worth individuals and some level institutional backing. The approach at the centre of learning at OA is to provide education from a very early age for the students. Puzzles, Mathematics, Computing, Science, Technology, Languages and the Arts will form an integral part of the broad and balanced British/Nigerian curriculum that the school set out to operate. More insights on the school are provided through these links https://lnkd.in/djXGBFkz, www.osekitaacademy.com and

https://www.osekitaacademy.com/post/the-journey-from-derelict-building-to-an-international-school-part-2

The aim of OA is to provide transformational, student-centred education for all learners within an inclusive nurturing ethos; Engender a commitment to ‘excellence for all’ through opportunity, scholarship, knowledge and innovation; Employ ‘cutting edge’ learning environments to help learners develop high levels of intrinsic motivation, leading to academic excellence and self-confidence; Develop creativity, numeracy and oracy through a broad and balanced curriculum and developing students as well-rounded individuals who will be able to engage at the highest levels of society. The target of OEF is to provide 75% bursaries for up to 600 children; ensure regular funding to pay workers at least the minimum wage; source funding to complete and fully equip the current school building; facilitate resources to equip a computer/robotics laboratory, Science Laboratory; provide fund to complete a boarding section for OA. OEF has completed 16 learning rooms, upgraded the library and the pre-school environment; and installed a low-cost laboratory. They have initiated the building of the next level of an additional 16 learning rooms and now need to raise funds to put a roof on the school.

    Prophet Folayan Osekita, the man behind this laudable project is an inspiration. He is Grand Patron and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Osekita Academy. The manner he has chosen to dedicate the rest of his life to God’s work and impacting his community positively by stretching his helping hand to the needy and for the good of the society is commendable. Looking back now at our secondary school days, we have cause to give thanks for keeping us safe to witness his current remarkable activities.

Folayan, a native of Iworoko-Ekiti was born in the early 60s to the family of Honourable High Chief Festus Adelusi Olowolafe Osekita and Mrs Aduke Osekita in Ibadan. He attended a variety of primary schools including Ibadan Polytechnic Staff School and Ebenezer Primary School, Ibadan, where he first gained admission to Government College, Ibadan. After his father later read in the newspaper that he was among the top ten students who passed the common entrance examination across the whole of Nigeria. This triggered his movement from Government College Ibadan to King’s College Lagos, an admission which he got on merit. It is on record that he was the first student in the history of Ebenezer Primary School to make it to King’s College. Whilst at King’s College, he recorded some firsts.

    Osei as he was popularly called was the first Commandant of the King’s College Cadet Unit in Form 4 and was a very keen all-rounder sportsman. He played both soccer and hockey for the school and was Panes House Football Captain when he was in Form 5. He was in the hockey team that won the Lagos State Sports Festival in 1979 Gold Medal. Also, he was a very keen and capable squash racket player right from his King’s College days. He spent a year at Christ's School, before gaining admission to University of Ife to study Psychology, where he met his heartthrob, wife. He graduated in 1984 and did his National Youth Service Corp at a secondary school in Ubiaja, a community in the Esan South East Local Government Area in Edo-State.

He got married in the late 1980s and the holy matrimony is blessed with 3 successful young men - two aerospace engineers and a statistician. He started working for the accounting firm of his father, FAO Osekita and co. and later where he moved on to become the first official manager of Osekita Estate where Osekita Academy is located today. He later relocated to the United Kingdom. In addition to his first degree, he bagged a Master of Business Administration, specialising in Organisational learning and reflection and obtained a post graduate certificate in further education. Fola worked in a number of colleges as a lecturer of Business and IT including Kingsway College London and Bromley College. In the community where he resided in England, he became the first Chair of African descent, of Southwark Community Health Council, spending several years working to champion fair treatment of mentally ill patients of African descent. This involved extensive work with the world renowned Maudsley Hospital, which led to recognition as he was presented to Princess Anne, the Queen’s second child.

    He retired to focus on his spiritual calling in the vineyard of Jesus Christ and continues to make use of his deep expertise in leadership, education, learning and change management to inspire many people to succeed in life by having faith and putting their hope and trust in God. He has to his credit, two books: The Flaming Sword which was published in 2010 and the Daily Sword that was published in 2018. He is a man of destiny who has so many testimonies on life, health, well-being and the grace of God in his life. He is sharing his God given blessing by establishing a standard institution, Osekita Academy. Prophet Osekita is a true blessing to his community by providing up to 75% fees bursaries for up to 100 children and still hoping to do more. The least I can do to support a worthy kinsman and friend is to tell his story and share it to the world while praying that the God he serves will reward his generosity and kindheartedness. Join me to celebrate this great man of God on his birthday on February 28th 2022 while looking forward to celebrating milestone-birthday with him in future. Keep up the good work awe, ogbe mi luka; the Grand-Patron and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Osekita Academy. 

High Chief F. A. O. Osekita (1923-2008)

By, Seye Adetunmbi

Every community has reputable indigenes that have done them proud at one time or the other. Such prominent figures might have recorded some firsts in their domain or led a fruitful career in the private or public sector. Iworoko-Ekiti is not an exception in the league of communities that have produced successful children. High Chief Festus Adelusi Olowolafe Osekita fell into the category of the early set of prominent children of Iworoko-Ekiti who recorded several firsts in the community and its environs. He didn’t allow his humble background and challenges of early life peculiar to people in his generation, deter him from pursuing his desired academic attainment which eventually led him to become the first chartered accountant in his native community and its environs.

    On the 13th day of March, 1923, High Chief F.A.O. Osekita was born to the family of Giwa Osekita in Araromi quarters, Iworoko-Ekiti. His mother was Mrs. Rachael Oladele Osekita and at the age of one year and six months, he lost his beloved father. This took toll on the time he started school. Consequently, as a young adult, he graduated from Emmanuel Primary School, Ado-Ekiti in the year 1946 and was awarded the famous Standard Six School Leaving Certificate. He took his first teaching job in 1947. He later obtained the Teacher Grade II Certificate at St. John’s Teachers Training College, Owo in 1952. While he was a Headmaster at Ikare-Akoko, he studied hard to hold the General Certificate of Education through correspondence. This was the period that his path crossed with Aare Afe Babalola, they lived together at some point and studied together to obtain higher education certificate.

    Between January 1954 and 1958, he was a teacher and a House Master at Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti and reputed to be a good teacher of Geography and Mathematics. He got married to his childhood sweetheart, Mrs. Funmilola Aduke Osekita on the 29th August, 1957. God blessed the holy matrimony with fruitful children: Messrs Folorunso Osekita, Gbenga Osekita, Folayan Osekita, Opeyemi Osekita and Ayodele Olukoju. His octogenarian wife was a career teacher, who once worked at Christ Girls' School, Ado-Ekiti. Mama is now a pensioner resident in Iworoko-Ekiti.

High Chief Osekita was man of foresight. In 1958, he left the teaching service and started a career in accounting. He worked for Z. O. Ososanya & Co. and later joined the prestigious accounting firm of Peat Marwick Casslaton Eliot & Co in 1960. There he was sponsored to prepare for his professional examination in Accounting from the defunct college of Art Science and Technology, Ibadan.

In 1966, he joined the civil service of the defunct Western Nigeria Housing Corporation as an Internal Auditor. Having written and passed the final professional examination at South West London College, he was admitted as an Associate member of Chartered and Certified Accountants in England in the year 1971. That same year, he was admitted as an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and became a fellow of the institute in 1982.

At the inception of the creation of additional states by the military administration in 1976, he transferred his service to Ondo State Housing Corporation as the Corporation’s Chief Internal Auditor. He retired same year to concentrate on his private professional practice as an accountant.

    In the general election of 1979, he was elected as a member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti Central Constituency until 1983. As a member of the House, he served as member of the Appropriation Committee, member of the Public Accounts Committee, member of the Joint Committee of Senate and House of Representatives for the agreement of the budget and he was a member of Selection Committee.

While serving his constituency, he initiated and played a major role in the siting of the Federal Polytechnic at Ado-Ekiti and the state university in Ado-Ekiti. During his period as a Representative, he connected his hometown, Iworoko to the National Electricity Grid and facilitated the supply of portable water to the entire community.

    In 1985, he went into the business of property-developers; he invested and completed one thousand capacity student hostels which were christened Osekita hostel. It was a pioneering private initiative to support the then newly established Ekiti State University.

    When you have done well for yourself and the society, you will be recognised and celebrated in your community and its environs. This is why Honourable F.A.O Osekita was honoured with the chieftaincy titles of the Jagunmolu of Igede-Ekiti in 1989, Otunba of Ayegbaju-Ekiti in 1990 and Aare Agadagudu Oniluojeotu of Iworoko-Ekiti in 1991. For his achievements and contribution to humanity, he was awarded several other honors: In 1984, he was installed the Baba Ijo St. James Anglican Church, Iworoko-Ekiti; the Baba Ewe of the old Ekiti Anglican Diocese and in 2007 he became the State Patron of Boys Brigade.

    In 1995, he bagged Ekiti Parapo Merit Award. He was the pioneer President of Iworoko Progressive Union, was the Chairman Iworoko Development Association, served as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of Iworoko Community High School. In 1999 to 2003, served as the pioneer Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Ado-Ekiti chapter and district member of Accreditation Panel, the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

    Education Liberation. He was a devout Christian who was a foundation member New Calvary Anglican Church at Osekita Estate, Iworoko which he solely funded and built.

    He was philanthropist who subscribed to the dictum that “the child is the salt of the home and education is power behind their success”. He awarded over 500 hundred students with scholarship and bursaries at various levels of education in his lifetime. He registered an education foundation in 2007 in his name with a specific blueprint which he passed to his successors.

    Like all mortals, his time came on January 5th 2008 at the age of 85 years leaving behind a legacy truly worthy of emulation.

    My memory of Baba FAO Osekita was that of a dignified gentleman, a family man to the core and a community leader. I first saw him during the time I went with my father to some of the Ekiti Anglican Diocesan functions and during visits to one another. They had mutual respect for one another. I naturally warmed up to Folayan Osekita, my very good friend right from Christ’s School when we met in 1979. A good tree never begeth a bad fruit.

Prophet & Evangelist Folayan Osekita

Apparently, the dreams and vision of the patriarch found an expression in the life and disposition of his son Prophet and Evangelist Folayan Osekita. I congratulate the Osekita clan, e ku bibi ire, ti ko se f’owo ra. May the gentle soul of Baba continue to rest in peace.

Atokeibeiro

SEYE ADETUNMBI ESSENTIALS FIT THE BILL: EKITI 2022

By, Tunde Oso

As the ruling All Progressives Congress begins the process of electing its executives at ward, local government, state and national levels, with ward congresses commencing this last weekend in July, one is persuaded, as an indigene of Ekiti State, to turn the searchlight on the gubernatorial contenders in the state, especially as the trending political topic in the state at the moment is who succeeds Dr. John Kayode Fayemi as Governor after concluding his term of office in October 2022.

    A perfunctory look in the field shows a titanic battle of political bigwigs, moneybags, influential professionals and businessmen, people who had made their individual marks in their chosen fields. However, Chief Adebukola Oluseye Adetunmbi, convener of Ekitipanupo Forum, a pre-eminent all-inclusive forum of the best brains in Ekiti -State, stands out.

    Seye Adetunmbi was born on July 21st, 1962 in Ifaki-Ekiti. He is a product of Ifaki Grammar School, Christ’s School Ado-Ekiti, University of Ilorin and University of Lagos and holds B. Sc. Hons, PGDE and MBA. His integrated progressive activities earned him the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Ikole-Ekiti in 2008, and the Eletolua of Ifisin- Ekiti in 2010. His marriage to Mrs. Olabowale Adetunmbi (nee Akapo of Isale-Eko), an Attorney at Law is blessed with four fruitful children. The patrician chief is a dedicated Christian, an Altar Server and a licensed Lay Reader in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

    Seye Adetunmbi is the first person in the progressive political camp, APC to formally signify interest in the governorship of Ekiti-State in 2022. He formally declared on March 6th, 2021 which was the 16th anniversary of Ekitipanupo Forum which he convened on March 6th in 2005. A typical passionate Ekiti indigene, inimitable family man, keen Anglican church man, an advocate of professionalism and a just society, Adetunmbi, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and the convener of Capital Market Round-table (CMR) in Nigeria, started his working career in the capital market in 1990 as a Corporate Finance Executive after his MBA programme. For over 27 years he worked with various financial intermediary and banking service providers until he established Value Investing Limited in 2008 as the Chief Responsibility Officer. As a consummate investment banker, tested stockbroker and integrated financial market practitioner, he worked at various times as a consultant to Department for International Development (DFID), PYXERA Global, few state governments in Nigeria and a number of other multilateral agencies.

    Adetunmbi is a prolific writer, who has over 120 published articles on a wide range of subjects not limited to the financial market, development economics, politics, biographies, lateral thinking, ethics, culture and tradition. As at 2021, he has over ten book titles to his credit. He established Mindscope Africa as a publishing company in 2012 towards building an economy and business around his passion.

    In 2005, he convened Ekitipanupo Forum, an indigenous intellectual round-table for the socio-economic and political emancipation of his kinsmen in Ekiti-State of Nigeria. The pre-eminent all-inclusive forum of the best brains in Ekiti-State, provides unequalled multi-party parliament platform for Ekiti people at home and abroad. The forum hosted its first public lecture in 2007 which was delivered by Dr. Ayo Ajayi, one-time CEO of UACN PLC. The second public lecture was held at ABUAD in 2015 and it was delivered by Emeritus Prof Michael Omolewa. Ekitipanupo also hosted Ekiti Colloquium in 2016 and the guest speaker was Prof. Banji Akintoye.

    In his usual character as an organized person with tested disposition to putting his best into every cause he is associated with, he convened Atokeibeirosi Strategy Group (ASG) on March 1st, 2021. ASG is made up of reputable indigenes from virtually all the 138 towns in the 16 local government areas of Ekiti-State. Essentially, the pioneer members of ASG are professionals in various human endeavours. The response of indigenes to his declaration of interest to govern Ekiti is overwhelming. It is a confirmation of the fact that Seye Adetunmbi is a grass root-man whose character and disposition seat well with the elites and the peasants. It is a further testimonial and endorsement of a unique omoluabi Ekiti who has paid his dues on Ekiti project right from its inception to date. ASG members broke into committees to develop a blueprint for lasting good governance in Ekiti-State. This underscores the fact that, this is not about a personal aspiration but a collective project for a better Ekiti-State.

Seye Adetunmbi and some members of his Ward in Ifaki-Ekiti during the APC Congress on 31/7/21

Seye Adetunmbi gave members of the ward moral support during the APC congress

    By global or every standard, Seye Adetunmbi has raised the bar of governorship aspiration in Nigeria with the manner he has gone about it. He has gone ahead to put his thoughts down on how Ekiti-State will be governed for the benefit of all in a compact and loaded ASG campaign handbook. The articulated manifestos received commendations from everyone who went through it. Apparently, it is first of its kind in the history of politics in Ekiti. What all these point to is the fact that, Seye Adetunmbi is the only aspirant, who has demonstrated adequate preparedness for the task of governing Ekiti-State in this challenging Nigerian economic and political situation of today. He is got a remarkable pedigree, prerequisite knowledge, intellect, goodwill, wide network, the required character and comportment to steer the affairs of the state. He has made himself available, it is now the prerogative of Ekiti people to send him.

    In glowing testimony, former D-G of Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms Arunma Oteh describes Adetunmbi as a role model and veteran in the market and a seasoned speaker on economic developments in the country.

    Political watchers maintain that his successes in the Nigeria’s capital market replicated in governance in the public sector. Also his applied knowledge development economics in general will be brought to bear in governing Ekiti with ultimate goal of uplifting economy of the state.

*Oso, a journalist, lives in Lagos

PURPOSE DRIVEN GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP: PARADIGM SHIFT BECOMES IMPERATIVE 

By, Seye Adetunmbi, 6/3/21

How benevolent, productive, relevant, and resourceful a government and an administration will be is a function of the purpose of the leadership. The mindset of a leader defines the kind of leadership that will be provided irrespective of the tier of government that is involved. This principle applies to the management of activities in the private sector too. The real leadership is not just a role one plays, it is a life one leads and this can only be built on a good and strong character to deliver an enduring good government to the masses.

Seye Adetunmbi FCS, the Convener of Capital Market Roundtable in Nigeria and Ekitipanupo Forum. The Okanlomo of Ikole-Ekiti and Eletolua of Ifisin-Ekiti

Good leadership in the governance of nations and states is the bedrock for development. The old western region of Nigeria remains an evergreen example in our clime. Consequently, it is imperative to consciously groom good leadership for future; a visionary leadership characterized by values and commitment to the custom of excellence. There is need to depart from rat race governing system and entrench a new paradigm for a more enduring purposeful governance for the benefit of the majority on a lasting note. 

The prevalent purpose of those who dominate the political space in Nigeria over the years had been less than altruistic. Many are involved for the winner to take all, the interest of the larger society is of no importance to them for as long as they are settled. “Bamu-bamu ni mo yo”. Once the foundation is bad, deceptive and structured to serve a narrow sect, the poor masses will be short-changed in perpetuity. For as long as Nigeria operates a questionable constitution it will take a sincere leadership with conscience at all tiers of government to deliver optimal benefits of democracy to the masses and make progress considerably as a nation or as a state.

Calling for a paradigm shift in the way party flag bearers emerge and how we are governed would involve a lot of commitment. The vision is to make Ekiti for an example the model state in the manner Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his team made old western region to standout in Nigeria. The targeted fresh perspective  will associate with the successes of the remarkable past and present leaders or heroes. In essence, every good deed of the past and present administrations will be improved upon while those aspects that do not align with the new paradigm will be jettisoned. Past mistakes will be consciously avoided.

Courtesy call on the then Governor Adebayo in December 2000

It would amount to self deceit/grandiose for any governor and the president in Nigeria today to say there is no room for improvement in the way our people have been governed and that there is no alternative to the status quo. Even after intervention by the paradigm shift movement, there will still be room for an improvement because we are dealing with the vagaries associated with humanity. What is fundamental is a sustainable leadership structure that will ensure manifestation of the desirable purposeful governance for the benefit of all, on a lasting note.

Just as the federal government of Nigeria needs a fundamental policy reset  to durably exit economic crises and warped system, the state governments need to get real and rejig the way politics are played. The advocacy is to explore tested new plausible ways for governing our people. We cannot continue to do the same thing repeatedly and expect a different result. Recycling people with the status quo mindset in government will continue to set us back. Whoever truly means well for the people will associate with the Paradigm Shift Movement (PSM). It is worth giving fresh vista of opportunities a chance under a disciplined, more dynamic and honest leadership.

Seye and his son Bukunmi flanked L-R by Gbenga Adeusi, Tokie Adebayo, Yemi Olayinka, Gbenga Ogunsakin, Banji Oyinloye, Toyin Oniyelu and Kunle Adeyemo after the thanksgiving at St Michael’s Anglican Church of Ifaki for a successful 1st Ekiti Day held on December 5th, 2003 in Ado-Ekiti.

Ekitipanupo Indigenous Intellectual Roundtable was initiated for the best brains of Ekiti indigenes irrespective of their location, to be deployed optimally for the benefit of the state and Ekiti people. It was structured to think ahead and have intellectual input to the manifestos of the ruling political party. This for instance informed the blue print that was presented to Ekiti State government in December 2010. 

Chief Segun Oni (r), Seye Adetunmbi was MC at the “Fundraiser” for his governorship race in 2007

Over the years, I have been called upon privately and publicly to run for the office of Governor in Ekiti-State by some well meaning indigenes. On a number of occasions, a few non-Ekiti associates who have been following my modest socio-political progressive activities all these years on Ekiti also prompted me along this line. My response had always been that I have at various times supported political aspirations of a number of people and stood by those who have governed Ekiti-State personally and through Ekitipanupo Forum. Let me see them through first. A good turn is expected to deserve another and wisdom demands that I should heed the call at the opportune time. In that, if it is not God’s time, you cannot force it; but when it is God’s time, you cannot stop it.

Prof Akin Oyebode (standing), flanked from l-r by Prof Demola Omojola, Chief Aderiye, Dr Ayo Ajayi, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi High Chief J Babatola and Yeye Bolanle Olatunde at the first public lecture of Ekitipanupo Forum in 2007

To some of my people, it is long overdue. I cannot see a better time than now for me to make myself more available to the service of Ekiti-State. It is an apt response to a collective call to duty. With all humility, by the grace of God I will be available in 2022 and leave the electorate to decide. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, “no man is good enough to govern another without the man's consent.” 

L-R: Prof J. Aina, Prof Sam Ade Ojo, Dr Adebimpe Okunade, Prof Michael Omolewa, Chief Wole Olanipekun, Seye Adetunmbi, Aare & Yeye  Afe Babalola and Otunba Niyi Adebayo at the 2nd Public Lecture marking the 10th anniversary of Ekitipanupo Forum in 2015

What I am humbly making myself available for is to unleash the potential, the imponderable goodwill, wide network and  huge intellectual capacity of over 1,000 tested professionals in all works of life who constitute Ekitipanupo Forum. No political party parades the caliber of brilliant technocrats in Ekitipanupo Forum. In essence, the forum which is a microcosm of Ekiti-State will be put into optimal use to complement the government of the day with vast and tested integrated intellectual inputs. Ekitipanupo has capacity to provide advisory and consultancy service to Ekiti-State pro bono in virtually all sectors of the economy.  I was involved in the Lagos Smart City Project sponsored by IBM in 2013, as a consultant through PYXERA Group. Indigenes shall be given top priority on professional services that they can provide at competitive rates.

With Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN after the formal presentation of the report of 2 weeks pro brono service of senior executives of IBM on Lagos Smart City Project in 2013.

Part of the PSM is to challenge every political party to allow a level playing ground for party flag bearers to emerge by playing down too much influence of money which often throws up the highest bidder. The implication of a corrupted process relegates to the background, competence, antecedents, relevant experience, character audit and verifiable inclination to the best practices; which tends to deprive the masses of good quality government. Because when the loyalty of a governor is first to the political godfather, then larger interest of the majority is secondary.

Political actors who treat Ekiti State as a “farm settlement” should not be encouraged. This category of people live outside the state, they come to play politics and go back to their preferred place of abode. Farm-settlement politicians are more likely to fleece the meager resources of the state. Let it be the other way round, by making Ekiti your home and any other place the farm settlement. The new order is to make the class of people who see Ekiti as their home-base to dominate our political space towards boosting Ekiti fortune and making the state to be better for it.

At Ekiti Colloquium in 2016, L-R: Mrs Fola Richie-Adewusi, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Prof Banji Akintoye and Seye Adetunmbi

PSM is about departure from a system that has become one huge waste. An intervention of a purpose driven governance that will clear debris of deceit, duplicity, double dealing, lies and treachery. An administration that will be bold to check and demobilize politicians who have turned our politics into a hoax, a portal of guile and dissimulation. When one is made a leader or called upon to lead, it comes with responsibility to bring the best out of others. It is not just a matter of wearing a crown or parading the title of being called councilor, commissioner, honorable, governor, senator or president.

Governor Fayose (r) at Ifaki in 2017. The 1s Ekiti Day, 2nd Ekitipanupo Public Lecture and Ekiti Colloquium were held during his 2-terms in office

The PSM is about “servant-authority” whereby whoever emerges as the president, senator, governor or councilor will see himself or herself as the chief servant officer and not a tin-god! "The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Mathew 23:11-12

Memory of Alhaji Lateef Jakande keeps resonating on the power of selflessness in government and Mother Theresa’s service to humanity at its best which earned her Nobel Prize. More than a president of any nation, any pope, state governor or chief executive officer of a multinational corporation, the virtuous woman in her simplicity had authority because she was a servant. She glorified God in her service to mankind. 

During Ekiti North senatorial election rerun in 2009

Looking back, I associated with the electioneering campaign of the first civilian governor of Ekiti-State in 1999. His successor was at the 1st Ekiti Day, hosted on December 5th 2003 by a group which I co-initiated. After the anthem I composed was rendered, the governor was so impressed and pronounced it the first Ekiti State anthem. On March 6th 2005, the inspiration to convene an indigenous intellectual Roundtable manifested,  Ekitipanupo Forum evolved.

A special edition of Ekitipanupo Magazine in 2018

The 1st public lecture of Ekitipanupo Forum was hosted on April 7th, 2007 during the emergency rule interregnum and Ekitipanupo Magazine was launched. The 10th anniversary of Ekitipanupo Forum was marked with the 2nd public lecture at Afe Babalola University in 2015 and the Ekitipanupo Legacy Book was formally presented to the public. In 2016, Ekiti Colloquium was hosted by Ekitipanupo Forum. 

Courtesy call on Governor Fayemi on 19/1/21

Leadership is essentially about service, empowerment and inspiration and not about control, power and manipulation. Towards driving the paradigm shift to fruition, Atoke-ibe-rosi Strategy Group (ASG) has been constituted. The pioneers are reputable indigenes from over 60 Ekiti towns across all the local government areas, who have encouraged me over the years and believe in my ability, with all humility, to provide the required leadership. ASG is open to people of good character who can add value to the 2022 mission in Ekiti-State. The target is for every Ekiti community to be represented in the strategy group.

Political party membership validation at Ifaki-Ekiti on 9/2/21

God may not call many to fame and fortune, but He calls everyone to serve faithfully with the given talents. If perchance, what we do earns us recognition, fame or affluence, let it be done to the glory of God. My prayer is that whatever my calling, my lot, my circumstances, and my divine given gifts, may God help me and grant me the grace to use all to serve my people and glorify our almighty creator. Here I am, send me (Isaiah 6:8) to lead the paradigm shift in a lasting purpose driven governance in Ekiti, come 2022, God being my helper.

An essay dedicated to mark 16th anniversary of Ekitipanupo Forum on March 6th, 2021 by the convener, Seye Adetunmbi.

Dola Bamgboye

QUINTESSENTIAL DOLA BAMGBOYE (1962-2020)

By, Seye Adetunmbi

The sad news of the transition of Okundola Bamgboye on Saturday October 10, 2020 came as a rude shock to family members, other relations, friends, colleagues, associates and others who came across him in his 58 eventful years on earth. I was not prepared for it to end too soon! Considering the fact that we were born the same year, he celebrated his natal day on January 13th while I mark mine on July 21st; my hope was that we will celebrate many milestone-birthday anniversaries together as he stood by me in 2012 as the co-anchor of my 50th birthday party. Naturally, I broke down (mo baraje) after the phone call came on October 10 and I was informed that my buddy slept but didn't wake up! Consequently, I am not prepared to write posthumous tribute here. My wish is to celebrate him in our old age and say it to his face that I love him and appreciate our friendship right from when we met as teenagers in Ekiti during his vacation to Usi-Ekiti, his home town. Alas, the unexpected happened! Death where is thy sting? What I have been able to do here is to bid him farewell with some selected vintage pictures of him and highlights of some of the things people have said about him after his sudden exit. I call this publication, "Very Fond Memories of Dola in Pictures" - A Pictorial Tribute. We have indeed lost a gem!

Suave, debonair and a good man

The Event and Sponsorship Manager of MTN Nigeria - Okundola Bamgboye (1962-2020)

Olumide, Dola, Mummy and Bola Bamgboye

1) Bola Bamgboye and Dola Bamgboye with their nanny in 1965 (2) Dola, his sister etc part of a bridal train

Dola in the middle row, standing 5th from right in December 1976 at CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos.

Dola, his lovely wife and children                         Mrs Ochee Bamgboye, Seye Adetunmbi & Dola Bamgboye on his 4th birthday

Dola on 13/1/2007, his 45th birthday with  his children and Seye Adetunmbi

Vintage Dola got the attention of the Prince of Wales who couldn't resist the sincere smile and his aide too

Some of the things various people said about Dola are quoted here. One thing remain constant in most of the testimonies, he was not inclined to turn blind eye to the needs of others. In whatever capacity he could, he often tried to assist others. His colleagues said that he went all out to support them with his energy, time and financial resources. He was down to earth and very humble. He generously shared his personality and character to the admiration of many who had encounter with him. He was a unique dude with an enormous heart and great sense of fun. He made people around him happy and long for his friendship and a was wonderful company to keep.

Dola in front of L-R: Wole Sowole, Mr & Mrs Dapo Adelegan, Funso Daramola, Seye Adetunmbi, Mrs Foluso Olaniyan, Segilola Oluwole and Duro Omogbenigun at the 50th birthday celebration of Seye on July 21st 2012 in Lagos Dola meant a lot to his wide range of admirers, friends, relations, school mates, mentees and other integrated associates. Dr Kweku Adedayo Tandoh wrote: "The Dollar $ Man”, that was my way of hailing him and his reply was “much respect bro”. In the last two years we had the opportunity on at least two occasions to have real and deep heart to heart conversations about life and its vanities. One time was May 2019 in France when we spent 3 nights attending a wedding and the 2nd time in March 2020 in Dubai, attending a 90th birthday. Dola, you were a true friend and bro; honest, humble, loyal, forthright and a family man who truly loved God. If one wanted to hear the truth about any matter, you could count on Dola to give you that truth, whether you want to hear it or not. You loved your wife Ochee and was always thanking God for giving you a true devoted “help meet”. You adored your children and was so proud of the great adults they had become; you never could stop talking about them too. There can only be one Dollar $ Man, and my wife Kunbi, my children and myself will never forget you. I pray that the Almighty God will comfort and console your wife, children and entire family in Jesus Name. Good night, the Dollar $ Man, much respect bro....."

Omotayo Tanwa Arewa wrote: "Egbon was truly larger than life. His gait and personality stood out wherever he went. His humility and keen sense of humour were such a gift that stood him in good stead. He was unmoved by “arranging” because he knew that he was enough. Egbon Dola ($) embraced my friends as his and would correct you in love and humour. He was a unique and lovely human in good and bad times."  Also Manny Osifo wrote: Dola was a fantastic guy who touched many generations. He was full of life and there was never a dull moment with him. Our paths crossed nearly 50 years ago in primary school and we remained family friends and eventually brothers till he passed on. Growing up back in the good old days in Lagos, he was a great social influencer, mentor and pacesetter to many in my generation and others that followed. He was so loved by all. Dola was indeed larger than life. Dola's social prowess and charisma warmed him into the hearts of so many cutting across gender, age and social class. This made him so popular in the Nigerian social circle at home and abroad, and one of the most popular happening guys of my growing up days in Lagos." 

The social media among his circle of associates, colleagues, relations, friends, school mates and other constituencies globally stood-still for him when the news of his death broke. Expectedly, the first Zoom Night of Tribute held for him on October 17th had 669 participants. Within nine minutes at the start of the zoom, the Zoom had 330 people. Yes, Dola was popular in life and in his transition. How could anyone forget a rare gem who made everyone around him felt special and loved? Yes, Dolapo was indeed amiable, kind, unpretentious, easy-going and jovial.

Dola was born on January 13, 1962 to the family Chief & Mrs Claudius Agboola Bamgboye of Usi-Ekiti. His father was the Federal Minister of State for Education in 1979. He attended CMS Grammar School, Bariga (1974-79 set) and was a product of University of Middlesex, University of Lagos and Brunel University in London. Until his transition, he was the Event and Sponsorship Manager of MTN Nigeria Limited.

The real McCoy and a jolly good fellow!
Well rounded Okundola
Suave and debonair Dola.
A good man and an outstanding jolly nice fellow has gone home!
I am short of words!
Just like that, our very dear brother and worthy friend left us!
We surrender all to God....
So sad

O digba, ore mi, omoluabi
Fare thee well, buddy.

Till we meet to part no more.
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Seye