Connect with us

Featured

We Give Services That Are Hardly Found Elsewhere – Kehinde Iyiola, CEO, Finesse Events

Published

on

By Eric Elezuo

Meeting Mrs Kehinde Onabanjo Iyiola, the brain behind Finesse Events and White Stone Hall, for the first time will leave one completely awed, especially if you were privileged to have heard of, or come to terms with her tremendous exploits in the hospitality industry. Beautiful, intelligent, jovial, highly attentive and upwardly mobile, Kenny, as she is fondly called, is an epitome of self discipline, determination, commitment to duty, focus and attendant hard work. In this brief chat, she exposed her inner self, beliefs, story behind the glory and why her projects, Finesse and White Stone should be the first in the event owner’s list. Excerpts:

Can you give us an insight into your personality

I am Kehinde Onabanjo Iyiola. I am a lady that has the fear of God, selfless and believe in life principles of what you give is what you get, treat others how you want to be treated. I believe that life is a circle; there are no lucks, there are no circumstances – what you put into life is what you get out of life. That has been my perception about life.

I was born over three decades ago to a Pharmacist father from Ijebu Ode (Onabanjo) in Ogun State and mother from Aiyetoro, also in Ogun State.

Kindly trace your educational background

I attended ASCON Staff School, Badagry where I had my primary school classes. From there, I attended Lagos State Model School, Kankon. I majored in commercial subjects. After Kankon, I went to Lagos State University (LASU) in 2001 where I studied Law. Afterwards, I attended the Lagos Business School, OMB 27 Class where I did the Ownership Management course in 2019. I have also done other business trainings thereafter.

Also trace your work experience

While I was in school, I did ushering jobs with some event companies. Basically, I did ushering jobs with Elizabeth R, and while at that, I started making the usher’s uniform, and from there, I started planning to sew for some people. That was never my passion though I use to do some drawings. I am very creative in terms of imagining things, and deciding how I wanted anything to look. And this drew me to fashion. But all I wanted to really do was event. So after school, I registered my company, and ended up in this business.

Did your growing up as a child affected in anyway who you finally become today?

I am the third child in the family, though my twin sister will always say I’m the fourth of five girls. God has been faithful to me in my life journey. I have had to do things once. For example, I did my JAMB exam once, and instantly got admission into the university. I also wrote WAEC once. All in all, God has been faithful to me. While I was in LASU, I was a member of Junior Chambers International (JCI) and I was very active in terms of being in the forefront of organising things whenever there is event involving the club.

 

While growing up, I was passionate about cooking, home keeping and maintenance. In fact, if one wishes to dress up, I was always on hand to decide the combination of colours and attires. Then, my mum was dealing in beads, and I spearhead its arrangement. I like being creative; I like designing things. I believe it has a hand in the profession I ended up with.

Somehow, there was a long strike during my second or third year in school, and that was when a friend of mine invited me for ushering job, and I grabbed the opportunity, and that was how I landed into ushering for Elizabeth R.

What prompted your movement into event planning

Studying Law in school was really very demanding. I once had a conversation with my mum, I don’t know if she would remember, and I told her that I want to into events planning. She told that she knew I could actually do it because I have the trait, the energy and the drive. I was like ‘where and how would I get the ‘big time’ clients to give me the big jobs. She submitted by saying that I should go ahead and give it a try; that with God nothing is impossible. She actually gave me the first encouragement that made me decide it was something I can actually do. And because of the passion I have for hospitality, seeing to the needs of people, I decided to settle for it after school

Kindly recall the first job that you did, and what was it like planning for the whole thing

The first event I did was my sister’s wedding in 2007, and funny enough she paid me. She paid the sum of N250,000. And there reasons she did. In the first place, she saw value in what doing for her, and secondly, she knew I was just starting, and i didn’t have the materials or anything instrument. But she knew I had the ideal knowledge of putting her event together to make it a big success. In fact, I put all my efforts into that event. It was done at LTV 8, Ikeja. After my sister’s wedding. I got two more weddings, and that has been it

What job exactly launched you into big time or the realm of breakthrough

You know because I go the extra mile for every of our event, every event has always been a testimony, but I could recall that there is one particular one I did that was blew my mind on how God can make something so small so big. We had a Christmas party for one of our clients. We have really done that for about two years, and it usually holds in their house. In that particular year, the governor of Bayelsa State came for the event. It was for the AG of Bayelsa State. It was a small gathering of about 100 guests. The PA to the governor also attended the event. And when she got there, she was blown away by what the beautiful things she saw. And she told me. As fate would have it, her birthday was in two days time. She immediately told the AG that she would want this person to handle her event, and the AG was like ‘why not’. I was called that someone needed to talk to me, and went and met with her, and she invited over to Bayelsa State in two days, and I accepted. She asked for an estimate of the cost. When I promised to work on it, she demanded an instant estimated cost. So I did, and right there and then, she transferred the money, And that was how we stated preparations and moved to Bayelsa for the event. After that event, we did all Bayelsa State government event while Timipre Sylva was the governor.

Can you mention the landmark events that you have done

Another event that we did that opened up a lot of other royal events that we handled was the coronation of Oba of Ijora. I could recall that for that particular event, they had loads of vendors bidding to get the job. But then the then chairman of Apapa Local Government Area, Mr. Ayo Joseph, whose wedding I also did shortly after my sister’s wedding, and who has always been pushing Finesse forward for every event, insisted that it was going to be us even as Alli Dapo Balogun, the Oba’s cousin, who was also a member of the organising committee, mentioned he didn’t know us, and had doubts about our work.

I could recall that on the day of the event, Mr Dapo searched voraciously for me because the picture of the event went viral, and when I met him, he apologised for doubting me. He confessed that what he saw was beyond his expectation. From then onwards, he brought me closer, took me as his sister, gave me his events and that has been it. Each of my events gives birth to different other events.

And some of the landmark events we have done include the Coronation of Oba Ojora, the Coronation of Oba of Epe, the Coronation of Oba Elegushi, the Coronation of Oniru, Governor Seyi Makinde’s birthday as well as his inauguration and mother’s burial. I must mention that it was a big event, spanning two whole days. The first day was for five thousand guests while the second day was for 22,000 guests held at the recreation Club in Ibadan. We did the planning and execution. There was also Chief Razak Okoya’s 80th birthday celebration, Ohief Olu Okeowo, whose event we have been handling in the past 12 years and Chief Elegushi since he became the Oba of Ikate; we have actually been handling his events in the last 11 years. And of course, we have done lots of weddings, burials and get-togethers. In fact, we have done over 8,000 events. The truth is that God has blessed us with quality and enduring clients. On the human level, I can assure you we give services that are hardly found elsewhere.

Tell us how lucrative is the event planning business

The event planning industry is a very lucrative one, and I always believe that once you put passion in whatever you do and give it value, the returns will always come. All you need to do is project yourself, put in all your efforts in every job you get the amount you are paid notwithstanding. The fact you have collected the job, and committed yourself to do the job, you must go all out to do a good. At the end of the day, it is the outlook that people will see, not the amount you were paid. People must understand that you so privileged to market yourself in a gathering of about 1500 people, and so must give it your best and ensure the event is well delivered. You will probably be able to knock down one or two potential clients. The industry is very lucrative. I have always said that I started my business/Finesse with zero kobo, and over the years, God has been faithful to us.

What was it like when you made your first one million naira

Oh my goodness! The truth is that the first one million naira has been made over and over again. I can’t even remember, but I know that when I just started, I never saw profit; I reinvested every kobo I made into the business. So I took me a long time before I started making profit.

Which of your jobs so far could you say was the most challenging

For me, it’s really the job; it just have to be the client. There are some clients that are just difficult you can’t explain it . I could recall that some years old ago after we did Governor Makinde’s birthday and the burial which was for 3000 people. He was blown away afterwards, and dashed me $4000 just to say thank you, and me too I was blown. I saw true reward for labour. There are some clients one would have made the same sacrifice for, put in so much for, and all you get is after all I’m paying you for your service. Anyway, the truth remains that once you get a brief, you have to go all out and deliver. There are clients who are not patient enough to see the ending; they always want to interrupt the process. They forget that you may not appreciate the process; what they see as rubbish becomes wow at the end. Personally, I have not had difficult project; I probably have difficult clients.

What are the features of your events planning as regards services you render to clients

When I started initially, it was just event planning and decoration. But over the years, we have added rentals of decoration items and we have a training school where we train those interested in learning event management and decoration.

What do you source out when planning your events

In Finesse, which is the event management company, we assist clients in co-ordinating the vendors. We help them engage vendors for their event. We don’t do food, we don’t do drinks, small chops and the rest. We just plan on all those vendors and decoration of the event venue. We bring in all the vendors for the event to be a success

White Stone, on its own, is a sister company of Finesse. They have nothing to do with each other except that they are sister companies. If you book White Stone for your even, you are at liberty to bring in your event planner and your vendors. This is in exception of our own client using our facility. White Stone is totally different from Finesse.

At what point did you decide to build an event centre

I recall that the first business plan I did with a plan in 2013 had event centre in it. So, it has always been my passion. It has always been my wish to set up an event stage that people will use. So, it has always been a vision I had for years, and once you trust God for something and stick to it, backing it up with constant prayer and working hard towards it, somehow God will make it a reality.

What was it like building such a gigantic edifice

I tell everyone that cares to listen that I can never take glory for White Stone; I can’t. It is just God. It was God from start to finishing. I just know that I got this dream, and God made it real. Its been God all the way. I could recall that after the edifice was 80 per cent done, we still didn’t have a name for the hall. When I got home that day, and had a discussion with God, and said ‘God I leave it in your hands, I need a very nice name for the hall’. Then I slept. I have not even slept for long, like five minutes when I heard ‘White Stone’. Then I woke up. I thanked God for that was a nice name. Then I called the lawyer, and it was registered. So it is God all the way. He just used me as a front, to appear.

What distinguishes White Stone from other event centres

White Stone is a one stop event space. It takes away the stress of accessibility, interior, finishings and having to pay attention to all the details. There are beautiful chandeliers, moving headlights, beautiful tables and chairs. Everything one needs to have a befitting event is already installed inside White Stone. The property is in a beautiful premises that one will be proud to hold an event. We also have accommodation for lodgers coming from a distance or those that need to change repeatedly during their event or those that want comfort before strolling into the event hall. We also have restaurant that runs daily and a rooftop bar. There are two halls (big and small) and a conference room. It is a one stop event space that provides whatever a client is looking for in terms of having to run any kind of event; conference, trainings birthday parties, burial receptions etc. The space is conducive and befitting enough for any event.

Who can afford White Stone

Everybody

What do you hope to achieve with White Stone

My vision for White Stone is for people to come in and have an experience that is second to known in terms of hospitality, and taking their event stress off them. There are event centres that can’t facilities as common as where to plug and all that. It is not just for event planners, but also for vendors. It is all in all a one stop space for anything events. My number mission therefore is comfort for event owners and satisfaction of vendors and customers.

Any plans to replicate White Stone in other locations 

It is in God’s hands

What can you say about people who had really made an impact in the course of your entrepreneurship journey

Over the years, God has really blessed me with exceptional people. In fact, a lot of people has been a blessing to me chiefly among them is my husband; he has been a great pillar of support for just allowing me to be Kehinde without holding me back. I have had great customers that turned family such as Chief Olu Okeowo, Mrs Shade Okoya, Chief Elegushi and many more. I can’t even mention all. I won’t forget my beautiful darling friend, Bukky Airiyibi. I have known her for 12 years now, and our friendship keeps growing stronger. I also have new darling friend, Toyin of Royal Horse; she is amazing, she has been a blessing and positive vibes. There’s also Governor Seyi Makinde, Dillon, Mr Wale, Kemi and very many other. God has really blessed me with exceptional people.

You worked with Elizabeth R, owned by late Ibidunni Ighalo in the early days. What kind of person was she and how did she motivate you

She was sweet and was a sister. A week before she passed on, we talked for over 30 minutes. Before then, we have not seen for a very long time, and there she was sitting next to me. We had a very lengthy talk. We had very deep conversation that day, and I didn’t know it was a way of saying goodbye. She was sweet, amazing and I’m sure she is smiling where she is right now.

A lot of people motivated me, and a lot of people has added to who Kehinde is today. However, I must say that someone like Preston Bailey motivates and inspires me a lot in the way he is able to conceptualise and create mind-blowing events. I look into the international space more than the Nigerian space.

Who do you think is your competitor in the industry

I don’t have ooo. The sky is too big for everybody. Just imagine only me hosting 10 events in one weekend. I’m sure I will end up on drips. There are so many events happening in Lagos, so I don’t need competitors. We just have to carve out a niche for ourselves and God will keep doing wonders.

Can you categorise yourself as a religious person

No I won’t say I am a very religious person. Number one, I believe in the God factor – things don’t just happen without a supernatural force. I believe in God. If that if God says He would do it, then He would do it. I believe that you treat people rightly and justly. I believe that we are just in this world for just a matter of time. We need to make impact during our time. I also believe that tomorrow is not guaranteed. From experience, no one has ever bee buried with anything. So all we can give people is our selflessness and good nature. Your investment in people would surely yield returns from God. So I believe in God.

If you were not an event planner, what would you have been 

A fashion designer. I like craft, art and imagining things, designing, conceptualisation and executing, arranging and putting things together. It is a passion for me and I do it effortlessly.

Can you describe briefly what your immediate family is like and the kind of family woman you are

I am a mother of two; boy and girl, and I have an amazing husband. I believe in investing in the family. in as much as I don’t have so much time, but whatever time I have, I try to take care of the children, pack their bags and put them to bed. I generally try to create family time when I am around. I believe in family; it is all we have to hold on to. When the chips are down, the family is the one you run back to. I try to invest in family because what you sow is what you reap. When you are available for family, they will be available for you. There are some days I will be too tired but because I know I was not around the day before, I will stand and do as much as I can for the children.

Still on family; how do you joggle between being a wife, mother and CEO

When God puts you in a position, He just gives you the grace and ability to manage it. I can’t even say how but i know that I do it effortlessly. When we have event, my staff always say I don’t rest, and until I am done with whatever I have I don’t rest. If decide to cook the next morning, regardless of how tired I am, I will still try to do it. It is just God. I am aware that if you give commitment to family, they will do same for you when you need it. So I try to balance it up with everyone I am related to; my husband, children, parents and even friends. The truth is I call myself to order to ensure that I put balance in every area. I am not the best at it in terms of maintaining good relationship, following up on people, especially family and friends, but with my immediate family, I try to measure up. I try not to push anything till later once it comes to my memory.

How do you relax

I enjoy watching movies; I enjoy going on vacation, exploring new places and shopping.

What are we expecting from Kehinde as a person and the business by the time you hit 40

I have a lot of things in the pipeline, and we should just keep our fingers crossed and watch it unfold. I believe in putting in my efforts, and allow God make it a reality. In five years from now, Kehinde Iyiola would have been an household name by the grace of God.

With the blessings of God in your life presently, how are you using it to affect humanity

I do a lot of empowerment and trainings. I am also in partnership with an organisation, and we are empowering women. For the event space, I do trainings for people that desire to learn decorations and event management, which explains why we have a training school, and presently, we have a project on empowering women. I have people I send to school and pay their their school fees. I need not announce to people all these. However, I try as much as possible to be a blessing to people in terms of having to train them in the area I specialise in. The women empowerment we are doing now cuts across skills acquisition.

Do you also relax in games and sports

Yes, I walk and skip.

What is your favourite food

I am not so particular about favourite, but I am particular about food being ‘sweet’. Once the food is ‘sweet’, i feel the food in my dream. And I like to explore new recipes.

What is your favourite attire

I like looking grand and stylish. I like a bit of drama in my dressing. I just like something that is befitting and suits me, but will never wear something that exposes my body.

What kind of people turn you on, and what kind turns you off

I like smartness in people. You are brilliant, smart and trendy; you will definitely be my friend. I have zero tolerance for people that are not smart, forward thinking. I like to have around me people that drive and impart me, not just those that will take from me.

What legacy would you like to leave after all these

I have said it earlier that we are only here for a time. We have what we have today just by the grace of God – tomorrow, it can turn around. How you handle what you have today determines how long it stays with you. my legacy remains don’t hold on to things because you can never leave with anything. Invest in people, and your legacy will live on after you are no more

Can you talk about your twin sister

She is just a darling. She left the country so early. She left after secondary school. She lives in London. She is married with three children. She is in the medical profession. People say we look alike, but because of where she stays, she is fairer while I am darker. She is wonderful, and I love her dearly.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Featured

Exit of an Awujale Indeed! Tributes to Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona 65 Years of a Distinguished Mornarchy

Published

on

By

By Hon Femi Kehinde

“Ninu offii, ati olaa ni Omo Pandoro n’ dagba” is a Yoruba aphorism that may not be easily captured in English interpretation, without losing its essence, context and philosophy.

But, nevertheless, one may say in the face of adversity and visisitudes, the Pandoro tree thrives!

Pandoro is an unplanned plant, “o’ la le hu.”

These perhaps may capture the life of Awujale Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Ijebu Kingdom potentate, from the 4th of January,  1960, (date of appointment) to date, and better known as Alaayeluwa Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, the Awujale of Ijebu Ode.

Sikiru was born on Thursday, the 10th of May 1934, to Omo Oba Rufai Adetona and Wulemot Ajibabi Adetona (Née Onashile) of Ijebu Igbo, a year after the ascension of Daniel Richardson Otubusin Adesanya, to the throne of Awujale of Ijebu Ode.

Daniel Richardson, the 56th Awujale of Ijebu Ode, starting from Awujale Olu Iwa, was a Tailor and Draper in Lagos, before his ascension to the exalted throne of his fore fathers as Awujale of Ijebu Ode, and Gbelegbuwa II. He succeeded Awujale Alli Ogunaike, who reigned between 1929 and 1933.

He was on the stool till 1959. He witnessed the political evolution and transformation, that visited the position of traditional rulers, as a result of the Macpherson constitution of 1951. Awujale Adesanya was regarded as a highly cultured Oba, who demonstrated humility and devotion.

Hitherto, Obas were real Kaabiyeisis, who had political power and authority.

As if undergoing leadership training, Sikiru attended various Primary Schools, Baptist school Ereko Ijebuode, Ogbere United Primary School,  Ijebu Ode. Ansarudeen Primary school Ijebu Ode between 1943 and 1950. In 1951, he was admitted to Olu Iwa college (now Adeola Odutola college Ijebu Ode), and left school in 1956 . In 1957, Sikiru left Ijebu Ode for Ibadan and was in the employment of the Western Region Ministry of Finance, where he worked in the Audit department. It is interesting to note that around this period, Ibadan, being a melting point of the Yoruba Nation and even Nigeria, had so many of Sikiru’s age grade,  beginning to navigate their lives and future. Olusegun Obasanjo, also around this period, moved to Ibadan, after the completion of his secondary school education at the Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, and worked as a class room teacher, at the African Church Modern School, Odu-Ona, Ibadan.

Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, also an ex-student of the Baptist boys high school, Abeokuta, relocated to Ibadan, where he worked at the Barclays Bank,  Dugbe Ibadan and later the Finance department of the Western region government.

Olusegun later enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1959, and Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, also secured a Western Regional scholarship, to study Accountancy at the Glasgow University, Scotland, United Kingdom, in 1960.

In later years, their paths were later to cross.

Towards the end of 1958, Sikiru left the services of the Western Region Government and moved to Port Harcourt, to travel to the United Kingdom, to study Accountancy. From Port Harcourt, he travelled by sea, on the popular passenger vessel, MV Aureole, to begin a new life. He arrived in the United Kingdom early in January, 1959.

He had settled down and began to savour the new life of a student in the United Kingdom. As a young man, he had all the thrills and frills of the student life and looked forward to the journey back home, as a qualified Chartered Accountant, in no distant future.

However, destiny lurked in the corner to change the tide of events for Sikiru, who was already in England, fond of dressing impressively and impeccably, in a three piece suit. Sometime in September 1959, the 56th Awujale of Ijebu Ode Oba Daniel Richardson Adesanya, who had been on the throne since 1933 joined his ancestors, and thus the frenetic race for a worthy successor, from the next ruling house – Anikinaiye Ruling House.

Naturally, there were about five aspirants from the ruling house, including Sikiru’s  father – Rufai Adetona, who, as if a star gazer, surrendered his aspiration for his son Sikiru, who was already studying in the United Kingdom.

Interestingly, Sikiru’s father, gave him “the crown which would have been his,  thereby, according to Sikiru – “setting him on the path of destiny”.

Chief Adeola Odutola, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu Ode, became the Regent of Ijebu Ode, in the absence of an Awujale. The Anikinaiye Ruling House, formally presented Sikiru Adetona to the Odus – the kingmakers, for endorsement, approval and recommendation for appointment.
Chief Samuel Olatunbosun Shonibare – the Asiwaju of Ijebu Ode and Chief Honourable Emmanuel Okusanya Okunowo, the Damask merchant and Honourable member representing Ijebu Ode Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, were also involved in the process to pick an Awujale, that would be young, charming and literate.

The experience of having a highly literate, dynamic, intelligent, charismatic and extremely handsome Joel Adeboye as the Orumolusi of neighbouring Ijebu Igbo, was a sufficient guide.

Joel Adebiye had trained as a Nurse in the Ogbomoso Baptist Hospital and School of Nursing, and thereafter worked with various government agencies, before ascending the stool of Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo in 1947. This vantage opportunity, made Joel Adeboye to be elected as the first Chairman of the Ijebu Divisional Council in 1955, as against Daniel Richardson Adesanya, the then Awujale of Ijebu Ode.

Unfortunately, Joel Adeboye died in a plane crash (BOAC Argonaut Aircraft) in Tripoli, Libya, on the 21st of September, 1955 on his way back home, after attending the Cocoa Allied Conference, which held in London, between September 13-15th, at the Grosvenor House, London. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, then Premier of the Western Region, at the grave side of Adeboye, in a funeral oration, described him as “one of the most progressive and enlightened natural rulers in Nigeria. He was a class by himself, a benevolent and constitutional ruler”. He died at the age of 46 years.

Samuel Olatunbosun Shonibare, founding member of the Action Group in 1950, former employee of the UAC in Ibadan and Ijebu Ode, Managing Director of the Amalgamated Press Limited, with head office in the United Kingdom, under the Chairmanship of Mr. Thompson, a very wealthy Briton, was given the responsibility to travel to London and unofficially search Sikiru out, evaluate his comportment, character and readiness for the stool, and report back home.

In England, Shonibare was not dissapointed with what he saw in Sikiru, as a ready occupier, of the exalted stool of the 57th Awujale of Ijebu Ode.

On the 4th of January, 1960, the Permanent Secretary of the defunct Western Region Ministry of Local Government, in a letter with reference number, CB. 41/333, conveyed to the Local Government Adviser in Ijebu Ode, approval of the Western Region Governor in Council led by Olola Sir John Rankine, the appointment of Sikiru Adetona, as the Awujale of Ijebu-Ode and thus the beginning of a Royalty, that has traversed 65 years, in glory, splendor, turbulence, defiance and glamour.

The king-elect, flew back home on the arrangement of Chief S. O Shonibare, who lodged him in his Mary Land Estate Ikeja, Lagos, and on the 18th of January, 1960, Sikiru was introduced to the Ijebu nation, by the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu Ode- Chief Adeola Odutola and immediately moved to traditional seclusion at the “Odo,” for three months.

On Saturday the 2nd of April, 1960, Sikiru Adetona was formally installed as the Awujale of Ijebu Ode and Ogbagba II, amid pump, pageantry and glamour. He was presented with the staff of office by Premier SLA Akintola.

On this memorable day, the new Premier of the Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, who had assumed office on the 15th of December 1959 and the former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, now, leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives, Lagos, with their wives; HID and Faderera, were cynosures of eyes, centres of attraction and attention.

The power dynamics had changed. There were shouts of the usual “Awo! Awo!! Awo!!!” and splinter shouts of “SLA!  SLA!!”
Awolowo had earlier been used to an undivided share of power and Leadership, having been Minister of Local Government and leader of Government Business from 1952 to 1954, Leader of the Action Group, and Premier of the Western Region from 1954 to December 15, 1959.

The wife of the new Premier, Faderera, was certainly not comfortable with a divided share of attention.

On Tuesday, the 5th of April, 1960, the new Awujale of Ijebu Ode, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, was introduced to the Western Region House of Chiefs as a new member of the House, with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Tadeniawo Adesoji Aderemi as President.
Unlike the other Regions, the Western Region had a bicameral legislature; the House of Assembly and the House of Chiefs.
From the House of Chiefs, Sikiru Adetona became a Minister without portfolio, in the Western Region Government, alongside five other equally distinguished mornarchs –

1. The Hon. Oba Isaac Babalola Akinyele-The Olubadan of Ibadan.

2. Hon.  Oba Tewogboye II,  the Osemawe of Ondo

3. Hon.  Oba S. O. Abimbola, the Oluwo of Iwo.

4. Hon. Oba Obiaka A.  Gbennoba, The Obi of Agbor
5. His Highness, the Hon. Erejuwa II, the Olu of Warri.

He became a member of the Regional Executive Council of the Western Region Government alongside 20 Regional Ministers.

The 26 year old monarch and the 57th Awujale of Ijebu Ode, now began to see what fate and destiny had thrust on him and how to hold that office, without lack.

Shortly after his ascension as Awujale, the cracks in the Action Group, began to unfold and the crisis reached its crescendo, at the Annual Conference of the Party in Jos, in February 1962.

SLA Akintola was dismissed from the Party, Ayo Rosiji was removed as National Secretary of the party and replaced with S. G Ikoku, and Bola Ige became the Federal Publicity Secretary.  There was a wide gulf, that snow balled into a major crises, that perhaps, began the end of the First Republic and the sack of the Western Region Government  by the Federal Parliament.

This led to the appointment of Dr.  M.A Majekodumi as the Administrator of the Western Region from May 29 1962 to 31st of December 1962. Capt. Muritala Mohammed, who later became the Head of State of Nigeria, between July 29 1975 and February 13, 1976 was his Aid-de camp (ADC).

The new Administrator, upon assumption of office, also appointed the young Sikiru Adetona as a commissioner without portfolio, during the Emergency period. Modele Odunjo Née (Akintola) was a dotting daughter and first child of Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola. She was alleged to be friendly with the young Awujale.

Modele was a very active participant in the crisis of the Western Region, and ran her father’s errands, as a trusted ally, on several occasions. She was her father’s envoy to the United Kingdom, in 1962, to deliver her father’s letter, personally to Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of England, following the political lock-jam in the Western Region.

Reality soon dawned on Awujale  Sikiru, that he needed a secured means of financial life line, to enable him entrench his foothold in office and also prevent him from being an indegent monarch.

He went into merchandise.  He was fully involved in the business of transportation and haulage and that at a point in time,  he had about 50 trailers in his fleet of vehicles. He also set his mother up, in the business of beer distributorship
As a result of this crisis, Awolowo had been jailed for treasonable felony and lost his son, Olusegun, in a ghastly motor accident, on his way to Lagos, from Ibadan to be part of his father’s Attorneys at the Coker Commission of Enquiry, on the 10th of July, 1963. Modele, SLA’s daughter, also died in 1965. Magistrate Dapo Aderemi- first son of Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, had also died in 1964.
Chief Olatunbosun Shonibare the man with the Midas touch, had also died in 1964, at the age of 44 years and Chief Okunowo had gone to the opposite side of the political divide of Obafemi Awolowo.

In fact, on the 29th of May 1962, at a Plenary Session, to formally pass the Emergency Rule Act, 1962, Honourable Okunowo had implored Prime Minister Hon. Tafawa Balewa, to “find something to do about Awolowo” whom he had derided uncomplimentarily, insinuating, that the insanity of a mad man, may not be easily discernible. Awujale Adetona was also at this period, seen as being perhaps, not supportive of the Awolowo cause and political tendency.

As a result of the military putsh of January 15 1966, Colonel Yakubu Gowon, who would have been the first Aid De Camp (ADC) to Sir Adesoji Aderemi, as Governor of the Western Region, became the new Head of State and Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces, after the sack of the First Republic
He granted Chief Obafemi Awolowo pardon released him from the Calabar Prison,  made him Federal Minister of Finance and Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council.
Awolowo later became the Asiwaju of Yoruba land in 1968.
Oba Sikiru Adetona at this point in time, was also fully entrenched in his position as the Awujale of Ijebu Ode, but political old wounds did not heal.

Oba Sikiru was fingered as being supportive of the “Demo”, cause of the NNDP, of the Akintolas, as against the UPGA cause of Obafemi Awolowo in the First Republic.
This political divides, percolates  in defining Awujale’s political position in the First and Second Republic.

In 1977,  a strong member of the Awolowo political machine, brilliant and cerebral journalist who had been Editor of the Daily Service newspaper and founding member of the Awolowo committee of friends, became the Chairman of the Ijebu Ode Local Government following the Local Government Reforms of the Obasanjo Government in 1976.

Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, born in 1927, attended Baptist Academy Lagos, studied journalism at the Fleet Street School of Journalism in London, between1950-1951.
He was the popular Columnist of Ayekoto in the Daily Service Newspapers. He writes in sweet prose. As evidence, in the Daily Service Newspaper Column of the 3rd of March, 1954, editor and columnist Bisi Onabanjo Alias Ayekoto wrote;

“Mr. Awolowo, leader of the AG Government in the West will be 45 on Saturday, March 6. I understand he does not normally celebrate his birthday elaborately. It is usually limited to his immediate family, and as a rule; he always likes to have the day to himself and rarely receives visitors. But on Saturday, there may be a break with the normal practice. He is bound to receive visitors and if there will be no celebration, it is likely that iced water and orange squash will be served. Mr. Awolowo himself is a teetotaler”

Onabanjo and Adetona, despite suspected political divides, were initial jolly good fellows. Sikiru Adetona had at some point, assisted in taking care of some of Onobanjo’s needs, most especially, in his failing health and also in his business.

In 1979, Chief Obafemi Awolowo lost election to Alhaji Sehu Shagari as President of Nigeria on the platform of the UPN, but Onobanjo won election on the same party platform to be Governor of Ogun state on the 1st of October 1979 and was sworn into office for a second term in office on the 1st of October, 1983.
Onobanjo from 1979, as Executive Governor of Ogun State, became a man with immense power and there was a cat and mouse relationship, between the governor and his king- the Awujale of Ijebu Ode. Shortly after assumption of office as governor, he wrote a letter to the Chief Imam of his town, Ijebu Ode, that he would be joining the Muslim faithfuls on a Friday Jumat service, for a thanksgiving service to commemorate his election as Governor of Ogun state.
Upon receipt of this letter,  the Chief Imam, bewildered that a Christian could pick the Ijebu Ode Central mosque for a thanksgiving service, informed the Awujale,  who foiled this arrangement.
The Chief Imam wrote back, that his Excellency, the Governor,  could not be accommodated.

Onobanjo felt slighted, embarrassed and insulted. On the scheduled date, he simply did not turn up.There was a strained relationship between the royal stool and the executive office of the Governor of Ogun State.

As if waiting for a pound of flesh, that came actually in August 1981, the Awujale wrote to the Governor, informing him of his proposed visit to the United Kingdom, for medical vacation and also left his oversees address and phone contact, in case the Governor may wish to speak with him.
The governor thus siezed opportunity, to reply the Awujale, by requesting for further information about the trip, to enable him make his decision.

The Awujale upon receipt of this letter, fired back that he was not seeking his permission to travel, but was only informing him, of his contact address during the vacation.
The Awujale travelled, nonetheless, without waiting for a further reply from the governor.

Onabanjo felt slighted and insulted by this action of the monarch of his home town-Ijebu Ode. He asked emissaries to inform him to quickly come back home.
The Awujale, rather than being bothered by this request, thoroughly enjoyed his vacation, and also, changed his contact address and phone numbers.

After vacation, he came back home, and was on the 23rd of November 1981, suspended from office as the Awujale of Ijebu Ode and a Justice Sogbetan Commission of Enquiry, was set up, to probe the Awujale’s  defiance, non chalance, audacity and indiscretion.

Justice Sogbetan was appointed a Judge of the Ogun State High Court in 1977. The panel of Enquiry, hastily constituted also came out with its decisions in haste, to recommend the deposition of Adetona as Awujale of Ijebu Ode in 1982.
The governor, almost immediately, summoned the meeting of the Executive Council and approved the deposition of Sikiru, as the Awujale of Ijebu Ode.

As would be expected, Sikiru Adetona filed an action against the government of Ogun State, to challenge his deposition.

His legal team was ably led by the legal titan Chief FRA Williams, and also assisted by Chief Sina Odedina, a prominent Ijebu Lawyer.

The case was on. Adetona was deposed and Onabanjo was re-elected and sworn in as Governor of Ogun State on the 1st of October, 1983.

For Adetona, fate and destiny still lurked in the corner.

On the 31st of December 1983, the Second Republic was aborted by a military putsh, announced by Brigadier Sani Abacha of the Second Mechanized Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan. The civilian government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari was replaced by Major General Mohammed Buhari as Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.

Brigadier Oladipupo Diya, another Ijebu son from Oduogbolu, became the new Military Governor of Ogun State.

Justice Kolawole of the Ogun State High Court delivered a land mark Jugdment in 1984, that upturned the decision of the Sogbetan Commission of Enquiry and ordered the immediate restoration of Sikiru Adetona back to his stool as Awujale of Ijebu-Ode.

The Military Government of Oladipupo Diya, did not appeal this judgment, but rather, enforced the judgment. Sikiru Kayode Adetona went back to the stool as the Awujale of Ijebu Ode and Ogbagbao II.

Now, being unencumbered, the Awujale went back to his stool like a cat with nine lives and thus, another fresh journey in the last 36 years.

As a re-invigorated monarch, he now has  a settled mind, to think of giant developmental strides, for Ijebu ode and the ijebu nation. He continues in his independent mindedness.

He has always enjoined monarchs to be stubborn, independent minded in whatever they set their hearts to do and also be non partisan, whatever that may mean.

In childhood and adolescence, Sikiru Adetona acknowledged the pivotal role of his maternal aunt, Chief Mrs. Oyin Adenuga, who, according to him, was the “force behind his mother in her determination to see me educated.”

In his growing up years, Sikiru had lived at various points in time, with Chief Mrs. Oyin Adenuga in Ibadan. She was the mother of the wealthy business man, OIL and telecommunication giant, Mike Adenuga.

In reciprocating this motherly love and affection of his mother’s younger sister, in his early up bringing, Sikiru has always been protective of her interest and that of her children.
On the 9th of July, 2006 according to the Awujale “the EFCC had come calling brusquely on Mike Adenuga, Chairman of Globacom. They broke his gate and swarmed into his house and kept him under house arrest.

The Awujale swung into action and raised a legal team to defend him. Consequently, Mohammed, son of Ibrahim Babaginda, former Head of State, was also quized because of an allegation, that Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria and Chairman of Petroleum Trust Development fund had placed some of PTDF’s fund in Mike’s Equatorial Trust Bank which had assisted Mike in paying for the globacom licence.

Mike debunked this and showed evidence of payment for the licence through a loan from the BNP Paribas Bank of France. Former President Ibrahim Babangida, was also suspected to be a shareholder in Globacom.
Mike subsequently went on exile to London, and whilst in London, went on vacation with the Awujale to France…

Coincidentally, President Olusegun Obasanjo was also in France to attend a conference of African Presidents, on the invitation of President Chirac of France.

Awujale used this opportunity, to visit Chief Obasanjo to further explain Mike’s case and how he was just being a pawn in a political chess game and connundrum.

At the lobby of the Embassy hotel, where Mike had waited for the Awujale, who had gone for a private meeting with Chief Obansanjo, he told Mike that he had nothing against him, and a clever Mike, replied back to the man of power, “Your Excellency, I  understand, thank you!”

Through thick and thin, Awujale fought for Mike’s cause until it was finally resolved.
Awujale also accused Obasanjo of being enstranged with his friend and former Minister of Defence Theophilus Danjuma. He told Obasanjo of his rumoured interest in the Obajana Cement Factory of Aliko Dangote, and also accused him, of being an ingrate, and advised him, to mend fences with some of his friends who had assisted him at one point or the other, to be in office in 1999, as he was approaching the end of his tenure.

A good example, according to the Awujale “was chief S. O. Bakare. (Oluwalogbon), who “gave everything to support Obasanjo, when he was down. Inspite of Obasanjo’s condemnation by the populace, Bakare still stood by him. I had forewarned Bakare that Obasanjo would eventually dump him.  Notwithstanding, he stood by Obasanjo. In the end Obasanjo walked away. A few months in the office,  they separated as friends.”

Obasanjo’s only response to the Bakare issue, in his latest response to Awujale, was that he had asked Chief Tony Anenih, as Minister for Works and Transport, to patronise Chief Bakare’s Pegeout Automobile Delearship Business. Chief Stephen Olukunle Bakare is the Babalaje of Ijebu Land.

He also, in his response accused Awujale of being “a serial liar.”

His auto biography – Awujale the Autobiography of Alaiyewa Oba S. K Adetona Ogbagba II, published in 2010, to mark his 50th year on the throne is a Magnus Opus on the Awujale story.

To him, nobody could tell his story better than himself and thus the 17 chapters book.
According to him “Chief Bayo Kuku, the Ogbeni-Oja of Ijebu Land, who believed I had a story to tell, commissioned a biography to be done some 10 years ago.
When I read the draft, I knew it was not my story. One night in a dream, I saw the book, my book, with the title and the various chapters. I woke up in the morning and started to write. Here is the book.”

Sikiru Adetona has blended tradition with modernity. He has resuscitated the Ijebu age grade system (Regberegbe)
He has given Ijebu Ode a new altra modern palace – Ojude Pavilion.

He encouraged the creation of the Ijebu development board on poverty reduction which has assisted in no small measure the indigents in the society.

He is Chancellor of a Federal University and has also endowed a professorial chair on good governance at the Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Oba Johnson Adebayo Okubena, the Elerunwon of Erunwon Ijebu – a first class monarch and Attorney at law, has eulogized the Awujale as “a quitenessential monarch, moderniser and excellent leader.” To him,  Sikiru Adetona is “certainly non pariel”.

There is no gainsaying, the fact Awujale Adetona has brought prosperity, class, elegance, glamour, grandeur, panache and exceptional grace to the exalted throne. At 86, 60 years on the throne, and still bubbling, it is certainly Igba odun,  Odun kan!

Hon Femi Kehinde, a legal practitioner and former Member, House of Representatives, National Assembly Abuja, represented Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency of Osun State (1999-2003)

Continue Reading

Featured

LASTMA @25: Former GM Oyedokun Hails Tinubu’s Vision

Published

on

By

A former General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Peter Ayodeji Oyedokun, has commended President Bola Tinubu, for his courage to dare all odds to set up the traffic management agency while he was governor of Lagos State, despite that odds that he faced at the time.

Oyedokun, who served as the second General Manager of LASTMA, after Mr. Adegboyega Coker, of blessed memory, described Asiwaju Tinubu’s leadership as visionary and forward looking.
The former General Manager spoke at the sideline of the Second Lagos Traffic Conference at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. The event also marked the 25th anniversary of LASTMA.

While expressing his gratitude to President Tinubu, for giving him the opportunity to serve as General Manager of LASTMA, despite not having met me personally, he described his time in LASTMA as a very difficult one.
Oyedokun who was also recognised at the event for his pioneering efforts, said; “I was appointed as GM LASTMA at a time when it was very rough, that was because of the altercation between Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and LASTMA at the time, it was so bad that I nearly ran back to Abuja, because I never expected that level of violence between an agency of the Federal Government and another agency of a state, at the time they were claiming superiority.

“At that time there was no week that they will not carry at least two of my officers to my office drenched in blood, it was terrible.
“At that time too if you remember, uniformed men will sit beside Danfo drivers who will drive against traffic to ensure that LASTMA officers do not arrest them, it was tough then, but we thank God that today it is calm.
“We were able to solve the FERMA problem by daring to go to their camp. they had a camp at Iganmu and the head of the organisation then was Commissioner of Police retired Oyenuga, I dared to go there with my driver to go and meet them there, I was able to get into his office, sat with him for one and half hour to discuss why they should not be injuring and killing themselves and since then the problem was solved.
“We were really very traumatised at the beginning, because we were not really properly accepted at the time, but I was happy when I came back to Lagos after 10 years to see that the tension is gone and there has been a lot of improvement both in technology and human capacity.”

He also expressed appreciation to the men and officers of the agency and honoured the memory of those who lost their lives in the course of their duty.
He expressed appreciation for his recognition by the agency, noting, “This recognition is a humbling reminder of a journey that was not walked alone. It belongs just as much to the brave and selfless men and women of LASTMA, past and present, who stood on the frontlines to restore order and discipline on our roads.
“I pay special tribute to the first General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Adegboyega Coker of blessed memory, whose pioneering and groundbreaking work laid the foundation of this great organisation under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Permit me also to honour the memory of those officers who paid the ultimate price, those who lost their lives or suffered unjust brutality, sometimes in the course of enforcing traffic laws. Their sacrifices must never be forgotten.”

Continue Reading

Featured

Buhari’s Era Was Marked by Service, Discipline and Patriotism, Abike Dabiri-Erewa Mourns Passing of Ex-President

Published

on

By

The Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his demise as the end of an era marked by service, discipline, and patriotic dedication to Nigeria.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa commiserated with the Buhari family, the Government and People of Katsina State, as well as all Nigerians, on the irreparable loss of a statesman whose contributions to national development spanned decades.

In a statement issued by Mr Gabriel Odu of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, she recalled the late President’s efforts in repositioning Nigeria on the global stage, strengthening foreign relations, and promoting the active engagement of Nigerians in the Diaspora in national growth and development.

“President Buhari’s support for the establishment of NiDCOM in 2019 demonstrated his deep appreciation for the Nigerian Diaspora and his belief in their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the nation,” she said.

While praying for the repose of his soul, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians at home and abroad to uphold the values of integrity, patriotism, and selfless service that the late President exemplified.

She also prayed that the Almighty Gid comforts the family and grants them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Continue Reading

Trending