It
is exactly fifty-four years ago this month. It was the news no one wanted to
hear. It was as tragic as it was saddening. The whole of Western Region, indeed the whole of Nigeria, was struck as if by thunder. When the news of his death hit the airwaves,
mothers wept with Mama HID. Fathers mourned with Papa Awo. Segun Awolowo was a
child of promise whose sun set at noon.
Were
Segun Awolowo to be alive today, he would have celebrated his 78th
birthday on January 20. He would have likely become a Senior Advocate of
Nigeria or a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He might have become the
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He could also have been the Governor of Ogun
State of Nigeria. Or may be a Senator of the Federal Republic.
It
is to keep the memory of this illustrious star alive that Onigegewura brings
you this story today.
Olusegun!
Yoruba names are usually reflective of circumstances of birth. Let me digress. I recall a young couple from the old Bendel State who lived in our village, Aba Alaro, in the 70s. They lived as tenants of Baba Idowu. They were treated as part of the family. They spoke smattering Yoruba and I recall that the husband was becoming an expert in spicing his sentences with Yoruba proverbs.
Yoruba names are usually reflective of circumstances of birth. Let me digress. I recall a young couple from the old Bendel State who lived in our village, Aba Alaro, in the 70s. They lived as tenants of Baba Idowu. They were treated as part of the family. They spoke smattering Yoruba and I recall that the husband was becoming an expert in spicing his sentences with Yoruba proverbs.
A
year after his marriage, his wife gave birth to a baby boy. To appreciate the
warm hospitality of his host, he named his baby after the first son of his
landlord, Idowu!
Idowu ke! Idowu bawo! They asked him why Idowu. He proudly told the villagers that it
was to honour his landlord, his adopted father. It was then explained to him
that traditional Yoruba names were symbolic of a child's birth and that Idowu was a name given to a child that came after twins. Without Taiwo and Kehinde, there's no Idowu. Idowu is never a first born. Their Landlord was addressed as Baba Idowu because he had lost his twins. He was therefore advised to change the name to Olumide, Idowu's middle name!
Olusegun
Awolowo was born on January 20, 1939. For anyone familiar with the history of Obafemi
Awolowo, the years preceding 1939 were one of the most tempestuous of his life.
Awolowo, as a fledging but ethical businessman, became a victim of the economic
downturn of the 1930s. Iya Agba told me that everything became so expensive
during that time to the extent that salt literally disappeared from the market.
Awolowo
lost his investment. His house was auctioned. His prized car, a Chevrolet, was
sold as part of the auction. Not only that, his clothes and other properties
were also auctioned. And his marriage was less than two years old. It was
during this tumultuous period that Segun was born. Oluwasegun – Almighty God
gives me victory – is therefore an affirmation of Awolowo’s abiding confidence
and faith in God’s power to make him victorious. Olusegun! A child of promise!
Awolowo regarded the birth of Olusegun, two months before his own birthday, as the positive turning point. He picked his pen and wrote:
"After rain comes sunshine;
After darkness comes the glorious dawn;
There is no sorrow without its alloys of joy;
There is no joy without its admixture of sorrow;
Behind the ugly, terrible mask of fortune,
Lies the beautiful soothing countenance of Prosperity;
So, tear the mask!"
Awolowo regarded the birth of Olusegun, two months before his own birthday, as the positive turning point. He picked his pen and wrote:
"After rain comes sunshine;
After darkness comes the glorious dawn;
There is no sorrow without its alloys of joy;
There is no joy without its admixture of sorrow;
Behind the ugly, terrible mask of fortune,
Lies the beautiful soothing countenance of Prosperity;
So, tear the mask!"
Segun
was a son any parent would be proud of! He inherited Papa Awo’s brilliance. His
mates and teachers at Agbeni Methodist School, Ibadan, where he was a pupil
between 1943 and 1951 testified to his uncommon intelligence. At a relatively
young age, he became the protector of his younger siblings.
In
1952, Segun became a student of Igbobi College, Lagos. He also distinguished
himself academically and he passed his West African School Certificate
Examination in Grade One.
Upon
completion of his secondary education, Segun found himself at a junction. He
had a career choice to make. Mama HID wanted some of her children to take to
business. Papa wanted some of them to read Law. But Papa Awo would never force
his view on his children. Young Segun was allowed to decide on his career path.
He chose Law.
In
1957, eighteen year old Segun left for London to study at the University of Cambridge.
As a student, Segun lived life to the fullest. He was described as an all-round
young man. He excelled academically and he was also sociable. Dr. Kunle Olasope, a childhood friend, recalled that Segun was a ladies' man and wasted no time with the girls which made his friends to give him a nickname "Quicky, Lucky, Lucky."
On
January 20, 1960, Segun came of age when he turned 21. As you already know, 21
was then the age of majority in the United Kingdom. Social Segun naturally
threw a party to mark the special occasion. The party which held at 15A Kensington Palace Gardens was attended
by his friends and classmates at Cambridge. His sister, Tola Awolowo; Degbola
Ademola and his sister, Nike Adegbola as well as Kayode Oyediran were some of the
youngsters who attended the birthday party.
Following
the successful completion of his Law Degree in Cambridge, he was called to the English
Bar in 1962. It was a proud moment for his parents, particularly his father who
had been called to the same Bar 16 years earlier when Segun was just 7 years
old. Immediately after his call to the Bar, Segun went to visit his best
friend, Yomi Akintola (the son of Chief Ladoke Akintola) who was in Dublin at
the time. It was from Dublin that Segun went to the airport to come back to
Nigeria in August 1962. In another account, Dr. Olasope recalled that Segun came back to Nigeria in January 1963.
Despite
his outward appearance as a playboy, Segun was an extremely serious young man.
According to Wole Soyinka, the Segun who returned to Nigeria was a young man
“with a clarified sense of mission, shedding the image of the young, pampered
playboy.”
Earlier
in 1962, the Sole Administrator for Western Region, Dr. Moses A. Majekodunmi,
had set up a Commission of Enquiry into the affairs of some statutory
corporations in the region. The Commission was headed by Justice George Baptist
Ayodola Coker, who later became a Justice of the Supreme Court in 1964. I can
see lawyers reading this nodding their heads as they remember the popular case
of Vaswani v. Savalakh!
As the premier during the period covered by the commission’s terms of
reference, Awolowo was one of the key people summoned to appear before the Commission.
It was at this period that Segun returned to Nigeria to assist his father with
his appearance before the Commission. His father found in him a dependable
companion who was quick to appreciate salient legal issues. A chip off the old
block. A son to be proud of.
Segun’s
first taste of criminal case was as one his father’s counsel in the treasonable
felony case. Segun appeared alongside other famous lawyers who appeared for
Chief Awolowo before Hon. Justice George S. Sowemimo. People marvelled at the
brilliance of the young man who was already his father’s rock at that tender
age. One of the people who noticed the morning star was the Attorney General of
the Federation, Dr. Taslim Elias. It was certain that Segun was going to be a
brilliant advocate like his father.
That
was until that fateful day! A black Wednesday in the month of July 1963!
Papa
Awolowo was in Broad Street Prison in Lagos. Mama HID was at the time in an
apartment in Somolu, somewhere off Ikorodu Road. It was Mama’s temporary
residence whilst she looked after her husband who was in detention. Segun and
Tola were living at their Oke-Bola residence in Ibadan. Tola was at the time
working with Shell as a secretary to the regional manager.
Tola
had a car but was just learning how to drive. It was a Triumph Herald, white in
colour. She had a driver who took her
around. Ogunjimi Odunlami was the name of her driver. Ogunjimi was popularly
known as No Paddy. That’s the name everyone called him. That’s the name he
loved to be called. No Paddy! It could have been a shortened form of ‘No Paddy
for Jungle’.
Segun
on the other hand was a licensed driver. He was as skillful behind the wheel as
he was deft with his legal practice. However whenever he wanted to travel he
usually asked his sister to allow No Paddy to drive him. This was to allow him to read and review his
case files. At such times, Tola would have to rely on her fiancé, Kayode, a
young medical doctor, to drop and pick her from work.
Segun spent the evening of Tuesday, July 9 with some of his friends, including Kunle Olasope, at Osunmarina Restauarant, next door to Radio Nigeria Ibadan. Segun left them early to go home as he was travelling to Lagos on Wednesday. At their Oke-Bola residence, Segun informed his sister that he would need No Paddy the
following day to drive him to Lagos. He had discussed with Mama earlier and
they had both planned to visit Chief Awolowo at the Broad Street Prison on
Wednesday. Mama was eager to see her husband and Segun also had some legal
issues to discuss with his father as well as a court appearance in Ikeja.
Rashidi
Ayinla was woken on Wednesday by the sound of the muezzin calling Muslim
faithful to prayer. He swore to himself as he looked at the time. He was
already late. He was supposed to have been on his way to Ibadan. He dashed to
the place where his stage carriage was parked on the street. It was covered
with early morning dews. Mud had splattered allover the contraption. It was
clear that the vehicle had seen better days. The mud had partly covered the
number plate. One needed to strain the eyes to see that the number was LF 2065.
Rashidi
tugged at the door. It was a moment before he realized that he was standing at
the passenger door. He swore again and rubbed his face. He felt sleepy. But he
had to be in Ibadan!
As
he drove out of Martins Street in Mushin, he noticed that the vehicle brake was
a bit loose beneath his foot. This brake again! He mumbled a silent prayer not
to meet any policeman on the road. He knew the consequence of being arrested
again. A pedestrian dashed across the road. Rashidi swerved. This brake!
He
yawned. He was tired. He was sleepy. He knew that was how he felt some weeks
earlier when he was involved in a fatal accident in Abeokuta while driving the
same car. He also knew he was not supposed to be driving the car in this
condition. His fatal accident case was still pending before a Magistrate Court
in Abeokuta. He sped on while trying to keep his eyes open.
On
the same Wednesday morning, Kayode Oyediran, Tola Awolowo’s fiancé, was with a
friend in Molete when he overheard some people lamenting that Awolowo’s son had
been involved a serious accident on the road to Lagos. With his heart beating
as if it was going to burst, Kayode approached the crowd and began to ask for
details. The response was as expected, conflicting and confusing. Some said the
accident was at ten miles from Ibadan. Others said it was fifteen miles from
Ibadan. One woman swore with Ogun,
the god of Iron, that the accident happened at Aba Nla village. Some said it
was a black Peugeot. Others said it was blue. Segun’s car was in fact navy
blue.
Kayode
was in apparent denial. It could not be Segun. Not Segun Awolowo, his
prospective brother in law. He told his friend that the people must be mistaken
and that Segun was probably with Mama already in Lagos. Dare, his friend,
wanted to share his optimism. He suggested that after dropping a mutual friend
at UCH they should drive to the supposed scene of the accident.
At
UCH, the entire hospital was practically upside down. Kayode learnt that people
were looking for Professor Latunde Odeku, a neurosurgeon of international
repute, to go to Adeoyo Hospital to attend to a road accident victim who had
sustained a head injury. Kayode and Dare decided to drive to Adeoyo first to
find out the identity of the accident victim.
At the
gate of UCH, he was shocked to see Tola and a relative. Someone had informed
Tola that her brother had been taken to UCH after an accident. Tola was already overwhelmed with emotion. Kayode was equally overwhelmed, but he put on a
brave face. He told her that they had heard the rumour too but that Segun was
not in UCH and that they were on their way to Adeoyo. They left her at UCH and
proceeded to Adeoyo, praying and hoping that it would not be Segun that was
involved.
At
Adeoyo, Kayode was informed of the news he dreaded most. He was directed to the
room where Segun’s lifeless body was being packed. Tears dripped down the face
of the medical doctor. “Am I dreaming?” He whispered to Dare. Dare himself was
speechless. Not Segun! Not Segun Awolowo. They both willed the prone body to
wake up and give them his boisterous laugh.
The Segun that Kayode remembered was the vivacious Segun, the brilliant
Segun, Segun the Advocate!
The
first visitor Papa Awo had on that Wednesday morning was Abraham Adesanya.
Adesanya had been sent with a bundle of document by Chief Anthony Enahoro’s
leading counsel. The counsel wanted Awolowo to review the documents and return
them to him the following morning.
Awolowo
collected the documents. They were vital for Enahoro’s defence. Adesanya was still with him when S. T. Oredein and J.
O. Lawson were ushered in. They wore a sombre look. Awolowo was not called the
Leader for nothing. He was gifted with the ability to read body language. He
immediately sensed that something was wrong. Oredein moved close to the Leader.
He knew he had to be tactical with how he broke the news. In a barely audible whisper
he told Baba Segun that they had just heard in the news that Segun had an
accident and that though the driver died on the spot, Segun survived and had
been taken to Adeoyo Hospital where doctors were battling to save his life.
Awolowo
intuitively knew the worst had happened. The bond between father and son is an
eternal bond. “Driver died on the spot;
and doctors are battling to save his life!” He mused aloud. Awolowo stood
up from his leaning posture, and in an emotion-laden voice, he exclaimed: “The boy has died!” His mind went to his
wife. How would HID cope? And he was not there to provide emotional support for
the grieving mother!
He
requested for the use of the prison phone to make some calls. The
Superintendent of Prison declined. Order from above. Calmly and without
betraying any emotion, Awo requested Adesanya to get in touch with their family
doctor to attend to his wife before the tragic news reached her. It was after
Adesanya had gone that Awolowo turned on the transistor radio in his cell and
heard the news no parent wanted to hear.
Alone.
Detained. Bereaved. Segun! Awo’s mind went back to his birth. His first day of
school at Agbeni Methodist School, Ibadan! His Grade One result at Igbobi
College! His graduation at Cambridge! His call to the English Bar! Ha! “And just as he was at the threshold of the
fulfillment of our hopes in him, and the progressive realisation of his own
aspirations, he was suddenly cut-off!”
But
Awolowo did not sorrow. He knew that death was never the end. Death was but a transition.
“In the fullness of our individual time,
everyone of us will be translated from this terrestrial sphere into the
celestial realm.” Awolowo spent the night trawling through Enahoro’s
documents. He was making notes on the documents as he went along. It was a
comprehensive editorial work that he did.
On
Thursday morning, Abraham Adesanya was one of the first set of callers to visit
Awolowo to offer his condolences. Adesanya was shocked when the bereaved father
handed him the documents, fully annotated. “Is this a man or a spirit?”
Adesanya wondered!
Awo
recalled: “I had worked all night to
study the documents and to jot my comments thereon. There was nothing I could
do to revive my beloved son. But there was a lot I could do for a friend who still
lived, and was fighting to regain his personal freedom.” What a man! What a Legend!
On the same Wednesday morning, Mama
had been driven to Ibadan at top speed by her driver, Elijah. HID also felt something was not quite
right when Segun failed to turn up as earlier agreed. When someone informed her that Segun had an accident at Abanla, near Ibadan on the old Shagamu-Lagos road, and had been taken taken to Adeoyo for medical attention, she knew she must go to Ibadan immediately.
When Mama got to the old Sahagamu-Lagos road, she asked Elijah to slow down because she saw many people at the scene of the accident. Her maternal instinct told her the worst had happened. She became apprehensive. Why should many people gather together because of that accident? She wondered. By the time she got to Challenge in Ibadan, Mama noticed that all the streets were crowded with people wearing mournful faces and wiping their eyes. It was at that moment that Yeyeoba of Ile-Ife knew that something had happened.
By the time she got to her Oke-Bola residence, T. O. Ogunlesi, Afolabi Ogunlusi and Muyiwa Adebonojo, all of them medical doctors, were waiting for her with their injections. Mama asked them not to bother. The doctors were shocked when Mama told them that she knew what had happened.
It was however Kayode Oyediran who formally broke the news to the grieving mother. Professor Oyediran painfully recalled: “We went upstairs to Mama’s room where I held her tightly and told her the truth. It was a most awful moment and experience.”
When Mama got to the old Sahagamu-Lagos road, she asked Elijah to slow down because she saw many people at the scene of the accident. Her maternal instinct told her the worst had happened. She became apprehensive. Why should many people gather together because of that accident? She wondered. By the time she got to Challenge in Ibadan, Mama noticed that all the streets were crowded with people wearing mournful faces and wiping their eyes. It was at that moment that Yeyeoba of Ile-Ife knew that something had happened.
By the time she got to her Oke-Bola residence, T. O. Ogunlesi, Afolabi Ogunlusi and Muyiwa Adebonojo, all of them medical doctors, were waiting for her with their injections. Mama asked them not to bother. The doctors were shocked when Mama told them that she knew what had happened.
It was however Kayode Oyediran who formally broke the news to the grieving mother. Professor Oyediran painfully recalled: “We went upstairs to Mama’s room where I held her tightly and told her the truth. It was a most awful moment and experience.”
The
news of Segun’s demise reverberated across the land. It was a death like no
other. Iya Agba told me that the entire Ile-Ife was shrouded in darkness
momentarily that fateful day. Messages of condolence poured in. Over 500
messages were recorded in less than 24 hours. The Attorney General of the
Federation, Dr. Taslim Olawale Elias wrote: “His untimely death is a serious blow to the Nigerian Bar!” Olu
Akinfosile, the Minister of Communications confirmed what Iya Agba told me when
he observed that: “Every home in the land
was deeply shocked at the untimely and tragic death of Olusegun.”
From
the North, Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello commiserated with Obafemi Awolowo. From the other side of the Niger, Michael Okpara condoled with the first premier of Western Region. Even the
Court, on resumption of his father’s trial, paid tributes to the memory of the
brilliant advocate.
Dr.
M. A. Majekodunmi, the Federal Minister of Health who served as the Sole
Administrator for the Region in 1962 sympathised with Baba Segun. In his
message, Dr. Majekodunmi recognized Awolowo’s strength of character when he
said: “You have borne many trials in the
past with Christian fortitude and I know that in this fresh trial, your faith
will sustain you.”
Segun
was buried in Ikenne the same day. A memorial service was later held for him at
St. Saviour’s Church, Ikenne.
Rashidi
Ayinla, the 35 year old driver who caused the gruesome accident, was later
arraigned before Iyaganku Magistrate Court, Ibadan and was charged with manslaughter of
Segun Awolowo and Ogunjimi Odunlami (No Paddy). The court was informed that
Ayinla was already facing another charge arising from a fatal accident at
Abeokuta which he committed with the same vehicle. The Magistrate ordered that
he should be remanded in custody pending conclusion of police investigation.
On
July 19, 1963, the West African Pilot ran an editorial titled We Bad Samaritans! It was authored by
Dr. Tai Solarin. Solarin argued that Nigerians’ carefree attitude towards
accident victims was a contributory factor in Segun’s death. According to the
human right activist; “let us figure out,
in rough estimate, how many vehicles must have driven past during those 100
precious minutes. Some say it was about one hour, 30 minutes. That is 90
minutes. For that hour of the day around 9am, there must have been a car or a
lorry or anything on four wheels after at least every two minutes.”
Yoruba
musicians also went to the studio to compose songs to console Awolowo. In his
mournful dirge, Kasumu Adio appealed to Awolowo to accept Segun’s death as the will
of God: “Awolowo gba n t’Oluwa ba wi!
Awolowo gba nt’Oluwa ba wi! Baba to bi Segun n be nile, won fi Segun da won
loro! Iya to bi Segun n be nile, won fi Segun da won loro!”
Pastor Funke Awolowo at her father's tomb |
Segun
Awolowo left behind two children who are keeping his name and legacies alive:
Pastor Funke Awolowo and Mr. Segun Awolowo, Jnr.
May
the soul of Oluwasegun Awolowo continue to rest in perfect peace.
I
thank you for your time.
Onigegewura©
Image Credit: Segun Awolowo, Funke Awolowo
and Mama’s autobiography.
What a colossal loss! Just as if it was a fresh incident, I was moved by the narration, wiping my tears while reading. Several years after his death, his demise was being recounted with a lot of sympathy, not only for his family but entire Yoruba nation. May his soul continue to rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this account of Segun Awolowo's death with us. It is very tragic indeed! How devastating and painful it would have been for his parents, siblings and friends as well as all those who knew him! I have the privilege of attending the same University as Segun Awolowo Jur., and I can see some resemblance between him and his late father. Like his late father, Segun Jnr. was popular in the social circle but he is very humble and kind; His father would have been very proud of him.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. I recalled so many stories bandied around while growing up regarding Segun's death. Most usually situate his death at the door step of SLA due to the political difference between Awo and SLA in the early 60's. But reading your story today, for the first time, I now know the actual cause of death of Segun Awolowo to be an accident.
ReplyDeleteI hope one day you will also tell us what led to the death of SLA first daughter. The two deaths are always connected together may be due to the relationship between their fathers.
Once again, I thank you for sharing this with us.
Auxilium Attorneys, many thanks for your kind comments. Onigegewura will work on Modele Akintola's story very soon.
DeleteVery touching. Recaptured in my book The Jewel authorised biography of HID Awolowo.(1993)
ReplyDeleteWell written. A master piece by Onigegewura
ReplyDeleteAkogun! I am humbled by your kind words, Distinguished Sir. This is our modest effort to follow in your illustrious footsteps, Sir.
DeleteThanks for sharing this piece of history. I do not know Segun but I know the daughter Funke and her mom Deola. Very touching story. A,father must not bury a child. It made me admire Awo more. Going through a framed reasonable felony charge and the death of his upcoming star son. Very sad. Thanks. Osha Kayode Jose (Akogun Olufe)
ReplyDeleteAkogun Olufe, your kind words are appreciated.
DeleteVery emotional, thanks for the master piece.
ReplyDeleteThanks for these details setting the records straight. Thank God for the sustaining grace granted the parents.
ReplyDeleteThanks for these details setting the records straight. Thank God for the sustaining grace granted the parents.
ReplyDeleteMay Barrister Segun Awolowo (Snr)'s soul continue to rest in Peace. Present day Nigerians should appreciate this journey into the past and appreciate the deep losses and huge sacrifices that our Leaders in the past endured. Nigeria can never for Papa Jeremiah Obafemi Oyeniyi Awolowo. Thank Onigegewura. Prof Jide ADEYEMI
ReplyDeleteMay Barrister Segun Awolowo (Snr)'s soul continue to rest in Peace. Present day Nigerians should appreciate this journey into the past and appreciate the deep losses and huge sacrifices that our Leaders in the past endured. Nigeria can never for Papa Jeremiah Obafemi Oyeniyi Awolowo. Thank Onigegewura. Prof Jide ADEYEMI
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Prof. Many thanks, Sir.
DeleteVery detail narration of all that transpired on that terrible day . Awo was a great man to have borne all the tribulations with courage. RIP Segun
ReplyDeleteGreat recount!It was indeed a great loss. May his soul continue to rest in peace. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Madam.
DeleteGreat narrative.
ReplyDeleteThat was a big blow to the entire nation then. May his soul keep rest in peace. Thanks for sharing. Dr adewale ayuba
ReplyDeleteDr. Adewale Ayuba, it is my pleasure, sir. Many thanks for finding to visit the blog. I hope you are 'Bubbling', Sir.
DeleteI enjoyed this piece. Well done sir
ReplyDeleteI really love your write ups; they are insighful and very educative. Such reminders will serve as guides for younger generations in their bid to contribute to national development. May you and your likes live long enough to experience a better Nigeria
ReplyDeleteAmen! Many thanks. We are convinced that Nigeria will be great again!
DeleteCreatively splendid and inspiring. Fetishisms make man to allude to the gods what is beyond man's understanding or power while pragmatism remove the veil for him to experience indubitable knowledge. Thanks for bringing the facts to the table for us.
DeleteHowever, it tells, your story, that machines, man made, must not be used except in perfect condition. Had No Paddy, Segun Awolowo's driver took time to service the vehicle that bad faulty brake, the great pains and loss that the unfortunate incident impacted on the Awolowos and Yoruba race could have been averted. Removing sentiment, there is the lesson to learn, that: No man is infallible, therefore, nothing must be taken for granted in ensuring personal security and protection of humans.
Once again, amofin, Onigegeara, thumb up for you.
..., Onigegewura
Delete@Feyi Abiodun...it wasnt No Paddy who didn't service his car or fix the brakes.It was the other driver involved in the accident
DeleteSir O.Onigegewura(ie golden pen,nothing amateur about your work,I bow & Tremble).Welldone for a well researched and thoroughly engaging piece on the Awolowo Dynasty.
ReplyDeleteVery poignant & emotional in parts.
Heartbroken to note that Today more than 55yrs after Dr Tai Solaria,writing about the lack of Speedy,Roadside Emergency services,If you are involved in an 'ExpressWay' Automobile Accident in most parts of Nigeria...'You are on you own' Rip to the Departed..Bode Lakoja Esq.
Barrister Bode Lakoja, thank you. Law is the profession. History is the passion. Literature is the hobby.
DeleteFew minutes ago a friend posted the link to this blog to me. I am addicted to history, especially of our forebears: those who beat the path we now tread. Enormously grateful for this offering in memory of the giants who's gone on before us. You've won to yourself a regular follower here. Thanks sir.
ReplyDeleteBode Maxwell, many thanks for finding time to read the story. I won't ever take your support for granted.
DeleteThis is the 3rd of your writeups I'll be reading but the very 1st, read directly from your portal. The earlier two were kindly posted on a forum I belong to. Having been fascinated by your writing style, I decided to search for the source and this piece - just like the other two, was fantastically crafted. I've therefore taken the liberty to share the articles on another forum I also belong to, with rave reviews. Pls, keep up the good work. And may your golden pen never run dry.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much for your interest. Please inform others of the Blog. It is OUR Blog.
DeleteI stumbled on this blog only yesterday and I've slowed through four of your stories already. Very captivating and inspiring, bringing a feeling of nostalgia. Keep up the good works sir. Revd Bamidele Sotonwa
ReplyDeleteI stumbled on this blog only yesterday and I've plowed through four of your stories already. Very captivating and inspiring, bringing a feeling of nostalgia. Keep up the good works sir. Revd Bamidele Sotonwa
ReplyDeleteVery emotional but well written. A master piece indeed. This is a good one from you Onigegewura
ReplyDelete“I had worked all night to study the documents and to jot my comments thereon. There was nothing I could do to revive my beloved son. But there was a lot I could do for a friend who still lived, and was fighting to regain his personal freedom.”
ReplyDelete~ Chief Awolowo
Uhnmmm....
At last, I got the true account of how Segun Awolowo died.
Appreciation!!!
Wot a wonderful writeup. Very emotional story. Onigegewura...ur writing skills is very commendable as it keeps one to d edge of d seat till d very end.
ReplyDeleteTunde Bayewu.
Wot a very touching story!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed with your writing skills which keeps one on d edge of his seat till the very end. My first time reading directly from your blog.
Thanks you Onigegewura, may God bless you real good.
Quite commendable, Onigegewura! These stories that throw light to our enquiries as to our common history need to be captured and preserved. Retaining it only in the consciousness of Iya Agba and relying on it being passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth and without distortion will not serve intended purpose, optimally. Well done, sir! Staying tuned for more historic facts from the pen of Onigegewura…
ReplyDelete- Omololu
At my age, i should flee from addiction. But here I am happily submitting to addiction to your blog. May God continue to bless you with the passion and strength to write the history of political gladiators of yore and epochal events that have shaped the country for better or worse. Let me go to the next write-up.
ReplyDeleteKudos to u sir and may God always refresh ur brain . Sir ,kindly tell us how Segun gave birth to his 2 Children,also we're waiting for ur App.God bless u. KB Topmost.
ReplyDeleteThough this incident happened many years ago, my emotions took the better of me. I am filled with tears as I am writing this comment. May his soul continues to rest in peace. Thank you Onigegewura for the impeccable presentation of this story.
ReplyDeleteBrillaint piece from you, the man with the golden mont Blanc pen.
ReplyDeleteWow!! This brought tears to my eyes. I could feel the pain and emotions like it was my era. Thank you
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