Prof., as he fondly being called by many is pathologically kind, integrated, rich in contacts, rich emotional untelligence, he is genuine, magnanimous and above all, Godly.
Prof. Akande is rich in collectibles of events as a Journalist with mentoring episode’s that could shape one’s perspectives about life.
Adeolu Akande is liberal and respect one privacy.
Adeolu Akande Esq is a catalogue of humility.
He drove me in his TOYOTA PRADO JEEP himself at 12.45am ( MARCH 2022), from Maitama to Apo Legislative Quaters zone C.
He offered me to stayed over in Maitama as i had slept his place couple of times but, I had a special guest also waiting for me in APO which have kept all day long. ( na male guest o).
He (Prof.), to ensure my safety in Abuja at midnight, insisted on driving me to APO LEGISLATIVE QUARTERS instead of me taking cab, which he did that odd hour.
I was in Abuja in March 2022 ( last year), I had spoken with him (Prof.), earlier in the day, so, we fixed as usual to see at his private residence in Maitama in the evening.
It was political-turbulence era and struggle for the soul of Oyo State APC.
I had confided in my supposed wife in Quebec, Canada, Dr Oyinkansola Adedayo ( née Adegbite) , on latest political-developments, she told me not to betray my political tendency because, of position or temporary advantage that, she believed strongly better platform ahead for me and I must consult and juxtaposed.
I had hectic day in Abuja that, particular day, it was on a friday. I was consulting critical stakeholders on Oyo State APC exco in which my name was included as Organising Secretary in the political-marriage arranged for NIYI AKINTOLA SAN and SENATOR TESLIM FOLARIN OFR by Senator John Akpandohedehe and Gov. Mai Mala Buni Caretaker Leadership.
Niyi Akintola SAN, based on our relationship actually bought me form, supporting my aspiration to be Oyo State APC Publicity Secretary, Son of late Olubadan of Ibadan, Mr Muyiwa Akinbiyi from Ibadan South East LG, brought the form to ibadan from Abuja in August, 2021 for me but, we are not in uniform political tendency within OYO APC. Some Niyi Akintola SAN adherents kicked but, Akintola, Lawyer Rotimi Okeowo and Muyiwa Akinbiyi stood their grounds for me.
The Senator Ayoade Hamzat Adeseun led wing of APC had a day earlier in Abuja at National Secretariat made case for Oyo State APC Chairman not to be innaugurated citing many political issue’s that , could lead to collapse of Oyo State APC fortune ahead of 2023 election.
I belonged to other political tendency but, Akintola SAN with Late Jacob Funmi Ogunmola had special intrest in me and wanted me as Organising Secretary in the political-marriage arrangement of exco with Senator Folarin.
I opened channel of conversation with my rich contact in Senator Folarin camp and my source detailed me that, Abuja political-marriage arrangement won’t be followed by Omodewu. He offered to linked I and Senator Folarin on phone who was in London at that time on phone, I declined.
Although, I had my reservation and eventually declined immediately I landed Ikeja Airport enroute Agege to see my aged Mum.
The political episode is better captured in my soon to be launched self-written book, MY ASPIRATIONS AND TRAJECTORY OF INTERNAL DEMOCRACY WITHIN NIGERIA POLITICAL CONTEXT.
Former Nigerian Minister for Communications, Barr., Shittu and I are from the same ward 2, Ajegunle in Saki ( my hometown). He asked me to come to his house in APO ( since have been there couple of times), but, i told him to let us meet at Abuja Airport , since Late Jacob Ogunmola and i were also to checked out at ROSEBUD HOTEL, GARKI, leaving for Abuja airport.
I consulted Barr. Shittu at VIP wing of the Airport.
Fortunately for me, Dr Festus Adedayo, a columnist with Nigerian Tribune Newspaper and former Special Adviser to Late Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi also awaiting to boarded overland flight to Akure from Abuja.
Dr Festus Adedayo ( Esq), a Veteran Journalist & very senior colleague is one of my Intellectual Confidants.
I soughted his view, I placed call to former Oyo State Commissioner for Justice, Adebayo Mutalib OJO SAN also, he spoke with Dr Adedayo too.
Late Jacob Ogunmola boarded to lagos , Dr Festus to Akure.
I left Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja, with disturbing mind in the cab.
I went straight to Ansardeen Mosque ( Yoruba mosque), on Sheu Shagari Way , Maitama to said my Jumah Prayer led by Ustaz Olaofe , Chief Imam of Abuja branch of Ansardeen before heading back to CHIEF NIYI AKINTOLA SAN residence.
Didn’t meet him ( Akintola) but, Mr Muyiwa Akinbiyi was at home, Akintola SAN sent his driver to picked us to TRANSCORP HILTON HOTEL, MAITAMA, where he was in a special room booked for members of Nigerian Constitution Amendment Review Committee ,headed by former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo Agege.
Egnr Joseph Tegbe FCA had just met with Akintola SAN on same Oyo State APC EXCO IMBROGLIO at Transcorp Hilton while I and Muyiwa Akinbiyi arrived.
Shortly after I ate with Akintola & Muyiwa , it was 9.30pm and my phone rang, it was Prof. Adeolu Akande. I coded and excused myself from Transcorp Hilton room.
Since Transcorp Hilton is in the same Maitama neighbourhood with Prof. Adeolu Akande residence, i got to his estate within 10mins and our critical discourse and comparing of notes dragged till midnight.
I was fed with wisdom. Prof. Adeolu Akande went into archive of event in the Presidency during former Obasanjo era .
It was that night I got to know how closed Professor Adeolu Akande and Late Pa Lamidi Ariyibi Adedibu were.
Prof. educated me about life in practical terms. How Pa Adedibu went to former President Obasanjo in the Villa in 2006, took Adeolu matter up with the President. Obasanjo obliged Baba Adedibu demand and asked Pa Adedibu to come to the Villa with Prof. Adeolu following morning.
Prof. respectfully raised observation and Pa Adedibu reasoned with him.
Prof Adeolu also tutored me about his life experience in 1999 as a Phd holder in UI. That, a former Deputy Governor of a South Western State, had approached him to come on board as his Chief Press Secretary ( CPS).
Adeolu Akande Esq, at that time was staying at MAJERITA area, Ring Road, Ibadan.
His landlord was his Mentor and Adviser . He narrated how the man schooled him about adding value, staying focus and not settling for temporary advantage.
Adeolu Akande then a Phd holder declined to be CPS to the former Deputy Governor of one of the South West State’s on the advise of his landlord that, better offers await hima ahead.
Barely 18months later, Prof. Adeolu Akande got offer from the Presidency attached to the office Vice President. …..his Landlord advise became reality……to be continue.
Happy birthday Omoluabi Exceptional
Prof. Adeolu Akande (Esq).
Azeez Fatai Adesokan writes from
National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Maitama, Abuja.
