Saturday 12 August 2017

Oredein – The Other Side of the Story by Kemi Oredein





Following the publication yesterday of the story of Chief S. T. Oredein, I have received countless calls and messages. I thank you all. Onigegewura is about documenting our history for posterity. And as we all know, history is about perspective. It is therefore always A history and not THE history.

I thank Ms. Kemi Oredein, a daughter of Chief S. T. Oredein for finding time to respond to the story. Unlike some other messages I received, Ms. Oredein’s response was a mature attempt at setting the records straight. I thank you, Madam.

I pointed out in the story that Chief ST Oredein was a man of means. His involvement in the case therefore remains a conundrum up till today. I hope Ms. Oredein and the family will come out with a definitive biography of their illustrious patriarch in the nearest future.

A gbo ejo enikan da, agba osika ni. He who decides a case without listening to the other side is the prime minister of wickedness. I think it is fair that Onigegewura should  give this platform today to Ms. Kemi Oredein for her view of the coin.

Once again, I thank Ms. Oredein for the mature response.

-Onigegewura

MY FATHER’S ACCUSERS APOLOGISED TO HIM - KEMI OREDEIN

I've read it thoroughly and All I can say this. "One day, Taiwo's story would be rewritten. A man was jailed for life, yet his business flourished and while in prison, he educated 36 children and even died a rich man leaving vast Estate. How many Nigerian politicians encountered such problems and still died rich?

Well, there's much people don't understand and would never understand. There was never a time my father begged for leniency. He told that court back then that if he had a hand in the robbery, he would die in prison and if not, he would return and HE DID RETURN. 

He went into politics a wealthy man and of course he was a very intelligent and brilliant man nobody could beat. A political strategist that is yet to be equalled in Nigeria.

In his words "I thought it was a big joke. While in detention, the opposition party promised me freedom if I denounced Awolowo and I told them over my dead body. I had a bargain with them which of course they suspected I would not keep to cos they knew I was principled. I was shocked when I was jailed but I knew it was not over".

A cabal wanted him out of the way at all cost. That's a story for another day.
Once I watched a TV programme where one Olaifa a veteran journalist was interviewed and he was asked if he ever encountered any ordeal in the course of discharging his duty and his answer was "During Oredein's Robbery case, I was a young journalist and I was very keen on getting to the root of the case. I was privileged to know that the prosecuting attorney was visiting Oredein and I wondered why. Of course when I was found out, the authority was after me and I had to go into hiding for a while. Of course we, all knew what happened to Oredein".

I do not have anything against the writer, he only rewrote the history he has access to but the people who jailed my father knew he was innocent and GOD vindicated him.

One thing people don’t know however is that the sugar company that was robbed belonged to him. He was a major shareholder and Partner. More than 40 Tate and Lyle Bicycles were parked in my compound when I was a child and we had the riders deliver proceeds of the day's sales. How would a man rob himself? Laughable isn't it?

My father was an accomplished businessman and he abhorred crime.  He built most of the buildings in The University of Ife with his foreign partner, Gougard, a German. These are facts that can be crosschecked.

He was stupendously rich, he was well read, and he was powerful and was a power broker. He single handedly registered AG and others refunded his money later.

Samuel Taiwo Oredein was getting too powerful for them. His words were fire and when he moved, people moved. (According to Odemo of Isara) If only he had betrayed Awolowo, may be his story would be different.

Out of all the founders of Action Group, Only Oredein has a surviving "First child". A, son, who is going to be 80 yrs old next year. He refused to swear to an oath of allegiance and he never joined any cult. 

He was a High Chief of Ogere Land and the costume he wore back then "saki" was just honorary. He was a Christian to the core and his success was beyond them all.

He was a man after God's heart and he came out of it all stronger. He was in prison for 10 yrs and he was still being wooed and was funding politics from there. Were people robbing for him while in prison? May GOD open our eyes of understanding.
 
Once, Pa Jakande, said "Oredein was too open minded...that was what ruined him”. Baba Alayande had this to say "Your father had the Midas touch; he was a mirror they wanted to break at all cost”. Pa Alayande was a clergy. He stood with my father throughout his ordeal and had lunch with him every Sunday after his release till he died.

Taiwo was just a big threat. He was too big a bone for their dogs. One day, some day, his story would be rewritten. A man who refused to swear with the life of his son, would swear with common robbers? The robbers even denied knowing him but of course when the state wants you the state gets you.

I am very proud of my father and He remains my Hero. He looked at me once and said: "Never ever go into politics and don't ever be in the company of politicians!”
 
While he was in prison, we went to the best of schools and had the best of life. He may be their kingpin. He is my Hero, my father, my everything. The man who sacrificed it all for his children.

My prayer however is that anyone who judges my father would by GOD'S GRACE find himself in his shoes. They will be wrongly accused and feel the taste of his swear.  His accusers apologised and even offered him political posts on his return from prison. They were scared. In their minds, they were like... jagunlabi tun ti de... Awon asiwere.

The man declined all offers and still lived and died in affluence. He bore his cross gallantly. I will walk with my shoulder and head high up and be proud to be an OREDEIN. A man who was predefined but demonized!

More ink to your pen, Onigegewura!

Proudly OREDEIN




86 comments:

  1. Babatunde Ogungbamila(Babs Mila)12 August 2017 at 01:06

    Many thanks Ms. Kemi Oredein for the mature response. Many in your shoes would have gone berserk. They would have resorted to calling the writer unprintable names. But you chose the path ST would have taken. You calmly put your case across without allowing the crucial point to get missing in the midst of unnecessary noises. I admire your courage. May good children continue to live after us. To Onigegewura, many thanks for showing that we once lived as decent people.I sincerely appreciate the publication of the other side of this story.

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  2. Thanks to Ms Kemi for the other side of the story. Calmly told without abusive or pejorative words. Thank you Onigegewura too for airing the other side. We are all enriched

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  3. His story, my story, their story, our story of a History. There are many parts to a History, that now depend on which part you are revealing or concealing for whatever reason! No matter how long it is thwarted, it shall come out straight and true one day. I salute the courage of Ms Oredein.

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  4. The end to this history may not have come.

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  5. I commend Mrs Oredein. Omo rere agbeyin yin. Amin

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  6. Thanks to Ms Kemi, your children too will outlived you. Kudos to my man, onigegewura. I cherish you all.

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  7. Thanks to Ms Kemi, your children too will outlived you. Kudos to my man, onigegewura. I cherish you all.

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  8. My immediate brother and I once lived in the house of his younger brother in Afonta area of Dugbe in Ibadan the Oyo State capita, and was opportuned to relate with some of ST person's children and most especially his last wife, all I have to say is that, they are all honest hardworking and well behaved people, Sis Kemi, thank you so much for stating your own and family side of the story. I pray God to keep on comforting your family.

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  9. Thanks to Ms Kemi I salute your courage enlighten us about the other part of the history, also I thank Onigegewura for not shying away from publishing it. Well done job

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  10. This is very interesting, it shows maturity and understanding of what this blog is about. There are always two sides to a coin and in this matter both sides have spoken well, history will surely be the final judge.

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    1. Sometimes history fails to be the final judge especially in the case of my irreplaceable father and hero ST Oredein. Proudly Yetunde Oredein Atitebi

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    2. I really salute Ms Oredein for such a mature response despite such a damning accusation. Thank you very much for such a response, great lesson there. history depends on who is narrating, Whenever I remember this story I will always remember this good spirited response. I salute.

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  11. Akinsola M kunle12 August 2017 at 03:15

    This sound interesting,this woman is a woman of integrity, personality and a woman of distinction ,I really commend her matured responds to a brilliance conclusion

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    1. That's how my father ST has taught us to live and that is why he will remain alive even in death. Proudly Yetunde Oredein Atitebi.

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    2. But you were abusive in your comments on the main story, where you wrote;

      "the only prayer I have for you and your entire family is so simple *iru e a sele ni idile yin, ejo aimodi ko ni kuro ni idile yin, orisa Ibeji a fi Iya he enu ati owo to fi ko iru eleyi. I owe you no further explanation as I can see you are stucked with your opinion about the issue but in the meantime I dashed you the above to deal with.

      You should have been gentle and state your own side. Your sister however did better. - S. O. Ilesanmi

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  12. Thanks to Ms Oredein for shedding more light to the history of yesterday and kudos to Onigegewura for not concealing the other side of the story as told by Ms Oredein. One lesson I've learnt though is to be bold in the face of persecution. May our days be blessed

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  13. Thanks to Ms Oredein for shedding more light to the history of yesterday and kudos to Onigegewura for not concealing the other side of the story as told by Ms Oredein. One lesson I've learnt though is to be bold in the face of persecution. May our days be blessed

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  14. What a wonderful d other side of the story. Everyone has their own understand based on the available facts and figures as was available to individual. We are not judging anyone but thank God that their is a courageous living sole who illustrate own part of the story. We are known that prosperity will surely judge us soon or later.
    This is the law of prosperity. When apparent adversity comes, be not cast down by it, but make the best of it., and always look forward for better things, for conditions more prosperous. – Ralph Waldo Trine

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  15. I am impressed with Kemi Oredein, that's maturity and boldness with sagacity at play. The prayer of every parent is to bequeath worthy children to this world after their departure. Kemi is definitely one. History is like a matched clay, you mould it into a shape you so desire. Thanks to Onigegewura for stirring the journey's nest that eventually help us all to have some clear perspective to the twisted narrative. Kudos! I am educated.

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  16. Really appreciate this.............

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  17. Absolute rubbish.

    Mrs Oredein your father was convicted and on appeal to the suprrme court his conviction was upheld on counts 1 and 2 namely being aware of an impending robbery and supporting same and attempting to conceal a robbery.

    His alibi was discredited.

    Williams and akinjide two of the best legal brains in nigeria were retained to defend your dad and his co accused they failed.

    Ge may have been a good father to you but he was properly convicted by first class judicial determination when we were under military rule.

    Please.


    Following are excrrpts from the judgement and the citation for the supreme court report


     " With respect to the charge of receiving, the learned trial judge recounted the story of the night of the 13th April, 1971 and the visit to the house of the 17th P.W., Felix Dumeh, the oath-taking that there and then took place and the consequent departure from there with a parcel containing an amount of 5,000 pounds. He found all four accused persons guilty of receiving under section 317 of the Penal Code. He also found the 1st accused guilty on counts 4, 5, 7 and 9; the 2nd accused guilty as well on counts 4, 5, 7 and 9; the 3rd accused guilty as well on counts 4, 5, 7 and 9 and the 4th accused guilty as well on counts 4 and 6. He discharged and acquitted them on the other counts of the charge on which they were respectively charged. He convicted them on the counts on which he found them guilty and sentenced them accordingly." Per Coker JSC

    "We conclude that the charges against the accused person on the 1st and 2nd counts are proved and that all the grounds of appeal argued in their favour have failed. We make the following orders;

    (i) We direct that all the accused persons be discharged and acquitted on the counts other than count 1 and count 2 on which they were severally convicted by the learned trial judge because we agree with the Director of Public Prosecutions that those charges cannot stand.

    (ii) In respect of count 1 and count 2, the appeals of all the accused persons are dismissed and their convictions and sentences are affirmed."

    Per Coker JSC

    http://www.lawpavilionpersonal.com/lawreportsummary.jsp?suite=olabisi@9thfloor&pk=SC.7/1972&apk=11923

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    1. Thank you. All she did was just trying to play to sentiments. She claims the father was a shareholder of the sugar company and so couldn't have robbed it!😃 Isn't that funny. And two great legal luminary couldn't even use this as a defence!

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    2. Ori e lo daru. Omo ale jatijati o ni Ku ire

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    3. Every practicing lawyer knows that the mere fact alone that a case
      is either won or lost in court, including the Supreme Court, may not necessarily represent the truth of what actually happened. Justice dispensed by fallible human beings cannot always yeild an infallible outcome. Cases are decided on the basis of facts adduced in evidence, which unveil the truth sometimes, but not all the the time. There are several variables and intrigues at play in a criminal trial of that magnitude.

      It should be borne in mind that the role of the judge is very much like that of an umpire in a contest rather than a seeker of truth. The retiring President of the UK Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger drove the point home when he stated that:"All fair-minded judges know that they will sometimes believe a liar and disbelieve a honest person, and they will sometimes go wrong on an issue of law".

      We should therefore not jump to conclusions merely because ST Oredein's conviction was upheld by the Supreme Court.

      I will also lend a voice of commendation to Ms Oredein for the maturity in her reposte to the earlier publication. It shows that we can disagree without being disagreeable.

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    4. People die by history, our lives is more than our memory, our duty is not to allow it to be in vain, and our lesson is to learn that history may crush us, but we will endure and overcome.
      In Memory of our dear father ST Oredein.

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  18. I really enjoyed the thesis of this story as posted by Onigegewura, am also fascinated by the antithesis that was meticulously presented Ms Kemi Oredein and I am patiently waiting to read the synthesis that will climax the whole story.

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  19. Gabriel Olosunde, the fact that he lost at the Supreme Court did not disprove a set up! Nigerian judiciary can be funny from time immemorial

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  20. Matured response and more maturity in publishing the response.

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  21. An antithesis indeed.If the story as presented by Ms Oredein is true,I'm afraid as a people we're in trouble.While, i still hope for synthesis someday, please Ms Oredein i enjoin you and your siblings to remain strong and may the soul of your patriarch continue to rest in peace

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  22. The 1st story was simple n self explanatory. The clarification by Kemi sounds good but understandably sentimental, as it relates to St been very rich n a good father n that he was set up, n then the curse Keri made against those who accused her Father. That was highly sentimental, improper n very wrong.
    Truth is that St was accused, charged, got one of the best Lawyers at the material time, was found guilty, convicted and sentenced. He appealed to the then Supreme Court, n his conviction was affirmed albeit in parts. It is not impossible that it was a perfected political set up, but it chd also be a political game of "denounce.... and we enter a nolle prosecui ie we withdraw the charges against you.." and it is also possible that the talks about political set up was also all an after thought.
    Was the Sugar Factory that was robbed or the Bank Barclay's Bank now Union Bank? Kemi said it was the Sugar Factory that was robbed, which he said belonged, substantially to her Dad St, San n she posited that one cannot rob or steal from himself. Sorry, she is is wrong. Without prejudice to the fact that it was Barclay's Bank that was robbed, a Managing Director and majority Share holder in Lagos Company can steal or rob Company properties n he can be charged n convicted. The Ibro Lady n Oceanic Bank case is a recent history. She was convicted, even tho she was MD n big Shareholder of the now defunct Oceanic Bank.
    There was a Police CSP who was also convicted with St. That is a very senior ranking Police Officer, when Nigerian Police was good Police, whd he sacrifice his carrier to support a purported political set up, more so under a Military Era or regime.
    Anything chd ve happened, but Adewusi who was the CP Kwara , who later became the IGP, was a highly respected Police Officer, n one of the best IG till date.
    We might not know the truth, but we know the facts, and based on the available facts we must be objective n logical in taking a position. Yes, God knows the truth, but that is sentiments.
    I'm impressed with the stance of both the Author of the original story and that of Kemi on the rejoinder, but that of Kemi was, with due respect, n understandably too, highly sentimental. I understand how it is, when the family of the late St are all responsible n hard working and progressive and wealthy. The Author of the original story is also a well known and highly respected pen pusher. And the case is already reported in the Law Reports.
    I doubt if there was a set up or that the Judiciary was compromised. My take, pls, no offence intended.

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    1. Well done. Just as u said God knows what is open and hidden.

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  23. The 1st story was simple n self explanatory. The clarification by Kemi sounds good but understandably sentimental, as it relates to St been very rich n a good father n that he was set up, n then the curse Keri made against those who accused her Father. That was highly sentimental, improper n very wrong.
    Truth is that St was accused, charged, got one of the best Lawyers at the material time, was found guilty, convicted and sentenced. He appealed to the then Supreme Court, n his conviction was affirmed albeit in parts. It is not impossible that it was a perfected political set up, but it chd also be a political game of "denounce.... and we enter a nolle prosecui ie we withdraw the charges against you.." and it is also possible that the talks about political set up was also all an after thought.
    Was the Sugar Factory that was robbed or the Bank Barclay's Bank now Union Bank? Kemi said it was the Sugar Factory that was robbed, which he said belonged, substantially to her Dad St, San n she posited that one cannot rob or steal from himself. Sorry, she is is wrong. Without prejudice to the fact that it was Barclay's Bank that was robbed, a Managing Director and majority Share holder in Lagos Company can steal or rob Company properties n he can be charged n convicted. The Ibro Lady n Oceanic Bank case is a recent history. She was convicted, even tho she was MD n big Shareholder of the now defunct Oceanic Bank.
    There was a Police CSP who was also convicted with St. That is a very senior ranking Police Officer, when Nigerian Police was good Police, whd he sacrifice his carrier to support a purported political set up, more so under a Military Era or regime.
    Anything chd ve happened, but Adewusi who was the CP Kwara , who later became the IGP, was a highly respected Police Officer, n one of the best IG till date.
    We might not know the truth, but we know the facts, and based on the available facts we must be objective n logical in taking a position. Yes, God knows the truth, but that is sentiments.
    I'm impressed with the stance of both the Author of the original story and that of Kemi on the rejoinder, but that of Kemi was, with due respect, n understandably too, highly sentimental. I understand how it is, when the family of the late St are all responsible n hard working and progressive and wealthy. The Author of the original story is also a well known and highly respected pen pusher. And the case is already reported in the Law Reports.
    I doubt if there was a set up or that the Judiciary was compromised. My take, pls, no offence intended.

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  24. Good story and a great rejoinder!

    ST only lived up to all the accolades and great strides attributed to him to have maintained a balanced and impressive life track after that challenging phase.

    Wont be a Judge here but all sides add to the beauty of having a good sense of History.

    I salute your Courage @Onigegewura for given such chance and time to publish the response. I must also add that Ms Kemi Oredein must truly be a chip of the block with her style and manner of response.
    If only agents of the Nigeria State that had played any role in it all can simply come forward to close the matter for good.

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  25. The main reason I always enjoined our notable men of means to put down their biographical notes, for posterity to keep. Imagine an ST doing a 'My life in prison' Or 'My political persecution'? These controversies would have been put to rest. History is for posterity to judge.
    Onigege is doing a wonderful job as a keeper of records.
    Adeola Amusat

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  26. I am happy and grateful to onigegewura for writing and rewriting this story.His pen must searched for more like issues Ms Oredein posed like cultism among Awolowo And the associates many have accused them of. I think Chief Akinjide is alive today to throw more lights and he is in the best position to clear the Present of the true facts of the case. To Ms Oredein remain strong on your believe in your late fatherMay his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

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  27. I just love this woman Kemi Oredein for her constructive feedback that shed more lights to the whole estoppel sorrounding the incarceration of her dad Taiwo Oredein. Ki Oloun ma mu wa. Kudos to onigege ara for bringing the matter ton the limelight as well.

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  28. Kemi--Great write up---Summany of what's wrong with our country today by our refusal to realize that wealth creation is by hard work and investment which your Dad pursued throughout his life--Evidence shown with the education of all his children including some who were my schoolmates---Though justice was obstructed but truth always prevails no matter how long---Thanks for sharing

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  29. Regrettably, I am unable to agree with Kemi's rejoinder. The father had every opportunity in this world to set the record straight before he died, yet he did not avail himself of that golden opportunity.

    It is too late now to be canvassing the issue of political gangsterism/machination. The fact that the children are doing well goes to no issue.

    All in all, Onigegewura has satisfied the legal maxim let all/both sides be heard. Lastly, I submit "Oluwa l'omo ejo da", i.e, infallibility belongs to God.

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  30. Thanks Kemi Oredein for the daughter of your father. The story of Oredein didn't match up. Now we have a better picture.

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  31. Thank you Kemi Oredein for being the daughter of your father. The story of Oredein didn't match up. Now we have a better picture. It is always good to be courageous . Courage made you to educate us as see what the people of then didn't pursue.

    How can a man of substance risk everything, rob his own company and risk being condemned with robbers? For how much?

    Now we can see.

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  32. The main ingredient for crime is MOTIVE. What importance or value is £5,000 to ST when his daily Sales from his numerous businesses is far more than that amount?

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    1. @Gbolaga bless your reasoning

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    2. @Gbolaga,it wasn't even up to 5k.Remember it was gonna be shared with the Policemen.So how much would be his share?Ridiculous.
      Also,i dont believe a man as smart as that woukd have been present where common criminals were,freely exposing his face.
      This man was a strategist..he is too clever for that.
      Would you be present at that kind of meeting if you were so famous?

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  33. Latter in life now, Diezani Alison-Madueke,Omokore and Aluko's children or grandchildren will claim their mother or father was framed due to politics. If the Oredeins are sure their Father is innocent of the crime, they can reopen the case again or write a book about life and death of their father. Come to think of it o, which way Nigeria? How can someone that was sentenced life imprisonment spent just 10years in prison, how and why was he release. I don't think Oredein should have waited for this story from Onigegewura before coming out to clear their fathers name. ST Oredein came out from prison and became mute too, why would people that implicated him beg him in private and he wants to keep a legacy. To me now there is no way I will remember Oredein without saying, won ni baba yin ti jale ri (bitter truth), sorry if it hurts. Akoba adaba ko ni je ti wa.

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  34. Your response shows that you're the true daughter of your father. I am very proud of you There is nothing to rewrite about your father, you have said it all May his soul continue to rest in peace

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  35. Before circulating her response, av critically assessed it with my lawyer head and concluded that the attempted defense is baseless in Law and even common sense. As at 1971-1973 who were the politicians opposing themselves? I know as a fact that as at that time, there was military govt in place that was not interested in handing over to democratically elected leadership, hence, there was neither any political party, for political opponents. If she had written that her father was a critic of the military govt, it would av bin a different kettle of fish. Moreso, like someone wrote here, Awo, for whose sake he was said to be victimized was the Vice President and Finance minister at that time, more or less the most powerful Nigerian after the Head of State at that time. Her account of her father living in hotels while in prison, running his business, attending political parties and other illegalities can only be ascribed to his connection to the powers that be. Probably Awo and his friends in power couldn't help him out, but made him live his normal life, just as some influential people bribe prison officials to secretly sleep outside prisons while serving prison terms.
    I'm sure if we're not careful, in the next 30 years or so, children of Anini and Oyenusi will come out boldly to demand public apology from the Nigerian state. Alameisiegha's children will change the narrative and tell those who may be unfortunate to be around a concorted story of how their father was a great God fearing man who detests corruption, was a born again Christian that never belonged to secret cults, but an epitome of courage who gave everything he had for the liberation of his people, but was eventually set up because he didn't support then President Obasanjo's third term bid. If we rationalize this brilliant woman's position on her father now, I can assure you, some persons will rationalize that story wen it's told. Kudos, my paddy, Onigegewura

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  36. Am impressed with her level of understanding and with the way she stated her reasons without retorting to name calling and other abusive words.
    What baffles me is that she didn't quote any fact rather she was just appealing to pity and emotion.

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  37. I have critically assessed this response by Ms Oredein with my lawyer head and concluded that the attempted defense is baseless in Law and even common sense. As at 1971-1973 who were the politicians opposing themselves? I know as a fact that as at that time, there was military govt in place that was not interested in handing over to democratically elected leadership, hence, there was neither any political party, for political opponents. If she had written that her father was a critic of the military govt, it would av bin a different kettle of fish. Moreso, like someone wrote here, Awo, for whose sake he was said to be victimized was the Vice President and Finance minister at that time, more or less the most powerful Nigerian after the Head of State at that time. Her account of her father living in hotels while in prison, running his business, attending political parties and other illegalities can only be ascribed to his connection to the powers that be. Probably Awo and his friends in power couldn't help him out, but made him live his normal life, just as some influential people bribe prison officials to secretly sleep outside prisons while serving prison terms.
    I'm sure if we're not careful, in the next 30 years or so, children of Anini and Oyenusi will come out boldly to demand public apology from the Nigerian state. Alameisiegha's children will change the narrative and tell those who may be unfortunate to be around a concorted story of how their father was a great God fearing man who detests corruption, was a born again Christian that never belonged to secret cults, but an epitome of courage who gave everything he had for the liberation of his people, but was eventually set up because he didn't support then President Obasanjo's third term bid. If we rationalize this brilliant woman's position on her father now, I can assure you, some persons will rationalize that story wen it's told. Kudos, my paddy, Onigegewura.

    Ola Adeosun Esq.

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    1. Hmmmm. Courts of law are not necessarily courts of justice. I pray you will never be a victim o the Nigeria system. Reading through Kemi's narratives with a deep understanding of how our political system works, I pity the man ST. The Yoruba novel 'Aja lo L'eru' surely got inspiration from this case.

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    2. ST had every opportunity in this world to set the record straight before he died, yet he did not avail himself of that golden opportunity.

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  38. Hmmmm. Courts of law are not necessarily courts of justice.

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  39. Hmmmm. Courts of law are not necessarily courts of justice.

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  40. Onigegewura's pen flows with balanced historical revelations premised on available facts. Keep it up. Ms Oredein's rejoinder's verisimilitude is however doubtful. We are awaiting the biography

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  41. The facts of this case as presented by Onigegewura are documented in the law reports. And those are simply the facts . MS. Oredein's views are understandably a daughter's view of their father's travails. Her view are unfortunately not the facts of the case. They are views enshrined in her heart.

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  42. my admiration for the onigegewura and kemi Oredein knows no bound because it is on this same day i read both sides of the story.That the Supreme Court affirns the conviction is why the Oredein should do much more than this rejoinder by KEMI OREDEIN.By the very nature of the yoruba society,the ST oredein will still not be forgotten in the next 100 years.if the Oredein has the resources,which i want to believe they have,it is time to put it to the best use assuring the legacies of ther late Dad.One sure way to go before it is too late,is to get Chief Richard Akinjide,one of the lawyers that handled the case to please speak out and tell us what we dont know about this episode.In all sincerity,my prayers are with his descendants.Their burden,in a Yoruba Culture context is a very heavy burden.

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  43. Abdul Mohammad Rafindadi12 August 2017 at 19:14

    Please this cant be considered a rejoinder. Perhaps that will come in the near future, we hope it should. This is just a polite way of saying our father could not be a criminal even if the world say so because he is our father. A rejoinder should address the issues. Whilst they were charged with conspiracy,aiding and abetting armed robbery, their brilliant lawyers were rasing a defence of alibi in respect of the date in which the crime of robbery was committed! You need not be at the place where the offence is committed to be a paticep criminis! As to stealing from himself, it can be done. Many people do it to claim from thier insurance companies! As to his being too powerful, at the time of the crime, the military held sway. The activities of main stream politics had little to do with party affiliations. Ah, yes the angle of the firat born dying has no role in the facts. We still need a rejoinder that contain true rebuttal!

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  44. Fine journalism, fine family etiquette and decorum. Judicial system can be manipulated ( with hands legs and torso tied). Political actors have their motives and you can not separate them to military or democrats the same interests prevails. (That's why we have Democrats Mark, Obasanjo and Buhari all military general) It is the same vested interests of Power anyhow. Motive is very powerful in thesis antithesis and synthesis and things exist in the realms of facts, truths and even mysteries. From bible time evidences have been shown not to be conclusive of guilt many times ( Joseph vs Portiphar's wife) and other contemporary cases. God is still the only just Judge as we know only in parts even the best advocates. We operate a human system, take our portion and learn from experiences and move on which the patriarch Oredein did. He looked well-adjusted and may his soul rest in peace.

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  47. I can't be a judge here but I dare to say that madam should have given us a hint of how her father's accusers apologized, how the robbery of Backlays bank became the robbery of the sugar company, what led to the release of late ST (maybe on revelation of the truth or state pardon to a political prisoner), why her late dad went into oblivion after release from custody despite his affluence, at least, Awo was still mighty till he died in 87 after ST. All these answered will make anyone fall for your sentiments ma but till then, be proud of your late dad while history keeps his status as properly convicted.

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  48. Very well written but sentimental piece by Kemi Oredein. This will unfortunately will not be enough to clear the air of doubt.

    I believe strongly ST could never have been an armed robber. He simply didn't need to be. he was a man of letters and even wrote a book on politics. He had the connections to make money through other means..

    Facts are that ST courted the presence of political thugs in his home. Nigeria had just recovered from a civil war which had its origins in the instability on our budding democracy in the wild Wild West...

    The western region had turned on on itself and the yorubas went back to its pre colonial mode, the various nations were at war with each other... the Yoruba nation had never been one...

    Fact -The west was at war with itself, houses were burnt on a daily basis, assassinations was the order of the day. It was a mess.

    Fact-Politicians used thugs freely. ST was one of the commanders in this theatre of war. A bond must have been formed between him and his thugs. In War commanders allow their troops to plunder , loot and pilfer.

    Fact- the Yoruba war was halted by the military coup of 1966... and the nation eventually slipped into a civil war with the break away Biafra. This ended as well.

    Fact-At this point the thugs became jobless and needed means to sustain themselves. The politicians who courted this thugs must cater to the Frankenstein they had created.

    Fact -armed robbery which had never been heard of became a big thing after the civil war. There were more sophisticated weapons than had ever been seen.

    Please note that the War of the Wild Wild West was fought with bows and Arrows, petrol bombs to burn houses and cutlasses.

    The Nigerian civil war introduced more weapons which found its way into the hands of now Jobless thugs.

    ST is now caught in a dilemma. What to do with his Army. How do you deconscript an Army of thugs?

    These thugs automatically became armed robbers and still have access to the homes of their war commanders.

    At another level , as a commander and participant deep in the crisis of the west, ST was part and parcel of the political intrigues playing at the highest level. Enemies had been created within and without. I have no knowledge of this intrigues, but accusations of treachery, turncoat, and political espionage was rife..

    ST was a victim of this process. He was not and couldn't have been in the business of armed robbery. He was too much of a sophisticated man for that.

    Obviously he turned a blind eye to the new source of livelihood of his disbanded Army who still had access to his premises.

    I beg to speculate and go beyond facts at this point. I can visualise his band of former political thugs going to commit a crime without his knowledge and coming to him and saying "Baba we brought this to pay homage"

    Truth is he really can't say No, he's now riding on the back of a tiger. This was his army. They had hit at political enemies together they had fought battles together. The war is now over there is no hand book on how to disband this lot..

    All these combination of facts led to ST's problems. ST was probably too loyal to his army like any commander should be.

    It's all in the past now. But let's visualise this in today's contexts...the power of armed jobless youths... Very useful in times of elections and political battles but immediately become Boko Haram, kidnappers and oil pipe scavengers in times of no political activities...



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    1. Nice one. Very logical and analytical. He was a man of means and influence, hence I don't believe he could intend courting robbers or venture into robbery. But being an active politician till suspension of political activities in the mid 60s, with many supporters and thugs of "Wet E" during the Wild Wild West, coupled with the proliferation of arms after the Biafran war, his political thugs who are now jobless might have taken to robbery without his knowledge and in the course of paying homage to him, he might have compromised by helping to cover their track with some corrupt police officers based on his influence. And this might have eventually backfire at him, by they mentioning him as their kingpin even when he might not have never sent them on any robbery operation.

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  49. The law reports are sacrosanct, and as noted by some commentators, they have created an estoppel that cannot be disproved. Chief Oredein had all the wherewithal to set the records straight after his sojourn in prison, but he did not. He rather kept a low profile and became anonymous. When Fela Anikulapo Kuri returned from prison, he proclaimed that Justice Ayinde who convicted him had come to apologize to him (he don't beg me, as he said then). Who are those that apologized to Chief Oredein, and for playing what role in the saga?

    If there was any apology, I believe it was from his political allies who failed to save him the ignomy of conviction and incarceration, for failing to do so. Chief Awolowo would do no more than hire a brilliant lawyer for his ally, as he wouldn't want to be smeared beyond what he had witnessed in Chief Oredein being cited for accesso

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  50. The lesson in all this is for us all to watch our steps and avoid a situation where our innocent offsprings will bear the unpleasant albatross of defending what we did while alive. For all we know, Ms Kemi was not a witness to the events she's trying to recast now, and cannot be a better mouthpiece than her father. I really sympathize with her and her siblings for having to bear this ignoble burden. As the Yoruba's saying goes: eni to ba ja'le leekan, to ba da'ran bo'ori, aso ole lo da bo'ra (whoever has been caught stealing, even if he dresses in ornaments of gold, is believed to have gotten it from proceeds of theft).

    Someday, Ibori's children will say their father was misled to plead guilty in England by his counsel, whereas Ibori has been playing the ostrich since his return from prison in England. Does anyone know he's in town? Where is Salisu Buhari? Where is Madan Patricia Ette the former speaker? They all go underground after public disgrace and fall to grass from grace.

    Quite unfortunately their children went through hell having to face face friends and classmates while the trials lasted, some of them on cable television.

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  51. Following in the footsteps of Chief Oredein's children, one looks forward to beautiful, captivating rejoinders from the children of Jimoh Ishola (Ejigbadero) and Baiyewumi, whose stories we've read here.

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  52. The law reports are sacrosanct, and as noted by some commentators, they have created an estoppel that cannot be disproved. Chief Oredein had all the wherewithal to set the records straight after his sojourn in prison, but he did not. He rather kept a low profile and became anonymous. When Fela Anikulapo Kuri returned from prison, he proclaimed that Justice Ayinde who convicted him had come to apologize to him (he don't beg me, as he said then). Who are those that apologized to Chief Oredein, and for playing what role in the saga?

    If there was any apology, I believe it was from his political allies who failed to save him the ignomy of conviction and incarceration, for failing to do so. Chief Awolowo would do no more than hire a brilliant lawyer for his ally, as he wouldn't want to be smeared beyond what he had witnessed in Chief Oredein being cited for accessory before and after the fact (conspiracy, aiding and abetting under the Criminal Code).

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    1. @Anonymous, it was Justice Okoro Idogwu that begged Fela

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  53. I have known the Oredeins since my primary school days in the 1960s at Ebenezer African Church School, Ibadan. Many were my school mates and some were my class mates. Even in secondary school. Chief S.T Oredein had nice and brilliant children and many are very successful now through honesty and daint of hard work. People should also judge him from that perspective. It means he left good legacies behind regardless of what might happened. We should leave the dead alone and allow him to rest in peace.

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  54. The story touch my nerves,so painful for a political gladiator could find himself in that kind of horrible situation...... In some cases truth might be told either by reporters or history writers as individuals will like to write to suit his own write up..... To Kemio Oredeyin you are a woman to be reckoned with you show maturity till the last sentence.. I will always emulate your virtues... As for Onigegewura..... Good works too..... I just believe that none is perfect as we all have our flaws and mistaken representation

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  55. I share the feelings of Kemi Oredein and I know what emotional trauma she may have gone through upon reading this piece from Onigegewura. However, the emotions played too much than normal in her writing, understandly, anyway. That your father left vast estates and investments for your and siblings, that you went to the best schools and that businesses are doing good did not exonorate your father from guilt. There are many notorious armed robbers, cocaine pushers whose seeds are doing good after them. Eruobodo, the strongman of ibadan politics in those days have children in high places today and yet, their father left a bad memory in ibadan. So, I know it is painful to read such about one's father but there is no undoing what has been done.

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  56. So many things happen in life that are beyond ordinary. Why will the rich steal to have more riches? Why will a man with many wives rape another man's wife? Why will a wealthy man conspire with armed robbers to rob a company where he was a major shareholder and Director?

    The more you look, as they say, the less you will see. Could the trial have been an elongation of the persecution of Awo's people? There are many things we do not know.

    Nevertheless, I'm proud of M/S Kemi Oredein who despite all odds stood to be counted for her father. I know many children would not dare do that. As you promise, it will do your father's memory well for you to write the account of what happened or rather what your father and his Associates told you before their departure. It would have been better for your father to do it himself but with you alive, it is never too late.

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  57. Johnson O. Esezoobo14 August 2017 at 09:34

    Whether or not the late man was framed up, the whole episode is now history. It is now between the man and his God with whom he has his judgment like every one of us will after demise. If what Kemi has said is anything to go by,the family can still approach the Government for a post humous State pardon. And I am sure that if the facts are convincing the State will do something. As for the police officers involved, the story has given further insight into the spate of ever increasing level of Very serious crimes in Nigeria such as kidnapping, human trafficking, murder, ritual killings and drugs. The case of Edede in the 70s and the Lawrence Anini saga in the then Bendel in State in 1986 which a DSP was found complicit, just like the Evans saga and the Ozubulu 'Bishop' occasioning an attack on a church wherein the Governor, the Commissioner of Police and the traditional ruler are alleged to have had knowledge of the root of the problem tells much about the dangers we live with in our time. May God have mercy on us. Amen.

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  58. We have seen the climax and the anticlimax, if I may use these words. I only want Onigegewura to look at it from the Njovens angle.
    He will see a lot of "wonders", permit me once again, to use the word though it may not be appropriate.

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  59. Akosile Olayiwols15 August 2017 at 10:35

    I admired the maturity displayed by mrs kemi in her response to the publication. I duff my cap for her. There is nothing that is impossible in politics especially when the state is eager and desperate to take one out when the person had become a threat to their survival. I really learnt a lot from both publications. Please keep it up

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  60. If her father bankrolled the AG and after conviction TS enemies begged him, it could have been a frame up. I knew the Oredein in my days at Ekotedo, played football with his kids, at race course, watched movies at Queen, Rex and Obisesan hall Cinemas with them, your Dad was set up is all I could think off, he was too blessed or riched to be involved. On swearing with first born by fetish leaders of that time, the blood of those first born could a curse to those families, when Awolowo lost his son, he never cried, who else lost his first born? That is my question.

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  61. Nice contributions from commentators on the thread.Facts established is that there wasn't politics as at the time he was convicted. He had the best legal luminary defending him and he lost up to Supreme Court-i also sincerely doubt Kemi story. Late Obafemi Awolowo was a lawyer and i feel strongly that he distanced himself from the case after reviewing the case too. Who also know facts available to him concerning the case as the VP and a powerful man in Gowon's govt? Late Awo is not a man that will abandon his friend(s) when they are facing persecution. For Awolowo not to have intervened, there is much more to it. Let us not twist the fact- In earlier report, it wasn't a sugar factory that was robbed. It was Barclays Bank, now Union Bank. The fact that Kemi is trying to defend his father does not mean that his father is not culpable of the crime. Finally, i hope Kemi and others will allow the sleeping dog lies as their father did after he left prison which he was supposed to spend his entire life. My opinion.

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  62. surely, he was a man of means and I agree he could never have contemplated robbery, but being a politician who had thugs that had worked for him during the political era, he may not be able/willing to reject their criminal adventures when political activities were on since in the mid 60s till 70s when the just ended Biafran War brought about proliferation of weapons. Hence, he might have compromised and welcome his band coming to pay homage to him along with criminal minded policemen, perpetuating crime and riding on his influence in the society.

    Since late ST Oredein refused to write a memoir on the conspiracy against him, his trial and jail experiences, I think Chief Akinjide (one of the lawyers in the trial) should please help us with the truth on the matter, without fear of favour. This is a serious matter hanging in the balance, between the facts and the truth.

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  63. This is a learning process in the history of a nation, I have the privilege of watching a lot of criminal and investigative crime put together by FBI and CIA in the United State and have seen how criminal cases are unraveled with technicalities even if foul play was involved with forensics evidences. Nigeria is in pathetic state where we are stuck without any advancement, sometimes things are not the way we think they happened, the judicial system only look at fact presented even if the knows the actual truth behind the matter. My stake is "Should the court be a court of Justice" or " a court kangaroo facts to nail perceived enemy" Ms kemi Oredein you have shown that you are true child to your dad in the face of persecution. Kudos

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  64. This is unbelievable. History met the present, and the citizens got the best of the information. Thanks for giving the response the same opportunity and platform. I pray the children will have the will to actually write on their dad, and a principled man worthy of recognition. Growing up, the way you originally presented it was what I knew. Now we have a more complete information which is educational. Thank you.

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  65. There hardly a second chance to make first impression.

    I share your pain, Ms. Kemi.

    Ola Marcus

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  66. Its only God that knows the truth. Judges only deal with the fact, all over the world we have seen people being convicted wrongly and have spent long years of imprisonment before the truth comes out, so we should be very careful in our contribution.

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  67. The entire thesis and antithesis is completely informative, as well eduactive.
    Kudos to onigegewura for the write-up and Ms Kemi Oredein for her rejoinder.
    Courts of Law are hardly Courts of Justice. Olorun lo mo nkan t'enikan o mo to pa mo!
    Secret things absolutely belong to God

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  68. Thank you Onigegewura! Keep up the excellent work. You are an inspiration. More power to excel!

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