Asiwaju Alex-Duduyemi's 85th Birthday Special by Ovation Magazine Re-Up

SINCE 1996

ISSUE 193

W I F E , C H I L D R E N , FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S S P E A K

ALEXDUDUYEMI ’S TH ASIWAJU OYEKUNLE

BIRTHDAY SPECIAL

ISSN-1362-7309 Issue 193

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ASIWAJU OYEKUNLE ALEX-DUDUYEMI IS 85 THE QUINTESSENTIAL BUSINESS COLOSSUS

You can refer to Chief Duduyemi as a people’s man, a rare breed, a consummate businessman and even a fun-loving great grandfather, and you will not be wrong because the ever stylish and debonair Lincoln Inn-trained lawyer is so many things wrapped into one. He has cultivated the uncanny ability of playing different roles so efficiently.

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ure joy, indescribable joy erupted inside Iredumi Compound in the ancient town of Ile-Ife, the source and centre of Yoruba civilization, on August 9, 1935 when a baby was born to the family of Henry Olaore Alex-Duduyemi and Alimot Adedoyin Alex-Duduyemi. That mustard seed that was planted on earth that fateful day has today developed into a giant oak-and is none other than the passionate philanthropist and respected Asiwaju of Ife, Chief Oyekunle Aremu Alex-Duduyemi who is celebrating his 85th birthday today. You can refer to Chief Duduyemi as a people’s man, a rare breed, a consummate businessman and even a fun-loving great grandfather, and you will not be wrong because the ever stylish and debonair Lincoln Inntrained lawyer is so many things wrapped into one. He has cultivated the uncanny ability of playing different roles so efficiently. In today’s world were quest for wealth is so keen, it is a rarity to find men who are successful in their careers and business as well as supremely successful at home. The Patriarch of the Alex-Duyemi family is among that exclusive class. His children and grandchildren have been pampering him with praise on account of this softside of his persona.

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Story: Michael Effiong, Eric Elezuo, Ajibade Morakinyo Photo: Sunmisola Olorunnisola (Sunmisolaphotography) Funmi Adeyemi & Family Album

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. ..T H E GE NE SI S

Chief Duduyemi had an interesting childhood. While his father was a Christian, his mother was a Muslim, which helped to shape his worldview about life, living, the God factor in human existence and relationships.

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Perhaps, it should be said that his commitment to family values was not out of the blues, it is a tradition occasioned by his own upbringing. According to his biographer, Oluneye Oluwoye, the young Oyekunle woke up most morning to the warm embrace of his mother and her sonorous voice chanting his different cognomen. His was an interesting childhood, while his father was a Christian, his mother was a Muslim, which helped to shape his worldview about life, living, the God factor in human existence and relationships. He was also the first of his siblings and was therefore taught to care and tend them. Of course, he also watched how his father never joked with the family, instilling values of culture and discipline. Growing up in Ife was exciting for the young Oyekunle and his school, St. Peter’s African Church School, Ita-Akogun, Ile-Ife was a place he still remembers vividly. He has fond memories of rushing home from school to exhibit his culinary prowess by preparing lunch for his dad. Of course, like all the children of his era, his father never sparred the rod. Being the Commissioner of the Boy’s Scout for Western Nigeria and Baba Ijo of St. Peter’s Church, Ile-Ife, Henry Alex-Duduyemi had a little black book where he recorded events that led to each disciplinary action. His love for his parents never wavered. His admiration for his parents was increased many Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi with his dad, Henry Alex-Duduyemi folds when his father became the Parakoyi of IleThough he was not initially enthused, but he found solace in the fact Ife. that his cousin, Prince Okunade Sijuwade (later, Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade That day, the palace and town were agog with drummers, singers and Sijuwade Olubuse II) also left and has been sharing palatable stories about well-wishers. The Ooni of Ife, Oba (Sir) Tutus Adesoji Tadeniawo Aderemi the city, and more so, his father had entrusted him to the care of his uncle, I, held court in all his grandeur. Chief Remilekun Fani-Kayode. For Chief Henry Alex-Duduyemi, he was atop the world with glee He comforted himself with the words of Roman Emperor and because his uncompromising character, forthrightness, honesty, Philosopher, Marcus Aurelius “Accept things to which fate binds you and entrepreneurial skills and fearlessness endeared him to many and earned love people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your him the title of Parakoyi, the overall head of all the merchants and traders heart” in the ancient town. Having resigned himself to fate, he seeped in the scenery during the The auspicious occasion left an indelible mark in the heart of the young ride to Lagos. He was in his reverie, when he realised that the car had come Oyekunle, not only was he full of admiration for his dear father, he to a halt and was informed by his uncle that he wanted to get some Law promised to follow in his footsteps by bringing honour and prestige to the books from CMS Bookshop. family. According to his biographer “Oyekunle came out of the car and At the age of 19, he had finished at Oduduwa College and the decision followed his uncle into the bookshop which had some young male Nigerian was made that he had to leave Ile-Ife to Lagos for the proverbial greener employees assisting the white European Manager who came out of his pastures. office to meet his uncle.

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The Asiwaju of Ife title was a fitting recognition for a giant of man who had spent millions over the years in the education sector providing scholarships, creating employment and uplifting the poor.

Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi with sweet mother, Alimot Adedoyin Alex-Duduyemi

“Barrister, how may we help you? The manager asked as they exchanged pleasantries….While savouring the beauty of the books and the sophistication within the store, the shop assistant returned with the biggest he had ever seen in years of his life. Immediately, he fell in love with the crisp smell of the books as well as their sizes. Oyekunle from that moment secretly nursed the ambition to study law in England” His mother’s dream of having him study Medicine went out of the window that day! So strong was his desire that he began a personal relationship with his uncle’s law books. During the day in school, his thoughts will stray to the books and the lawyer’s apparel. The highest point of his day was his evening’s visits to Williams, Thomas, Kayode & Co, the law Chambers established by his uncle and his friends; Frederick Rotimi Williams and Bode Thomas. His first job was as Clerk at the Lagos City Council, a job that

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guaranteed that he was able to buy his own spanking new bicycle. His desire to travel to England to study Law led to a quest for a higher paying job and the opportunity came when there was an opening in the Council for a Sanitary Inspector. According to his biography, Quintessential Colossus: Oyekunle Aremu Alex Duduyemi Barrister, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Patriarch, “One momentous morning at work, having made reliable enquiries, he got information that to travel, he needed a passport, as well as a signed guarantor form. “At dinner that same day he shared his dream and intention with his uncle who immediately advised and instructed him to visit a certain man, Tekumo Onayemi, popular referred to as “Jamboree” to sign a guarantor’s form for him. “The soft, cool breeze from his bedroom window lulled him as he made up his mind to see Jamboree at Ita Agarawu the following day…” Eventually in 1957, his plans came to fruition. The year was remarkable because it was that same year that his uncle and mentor, Chief Remi FaniKayode (fondly called Fani Power) made a historic trip to England where he represented the Action Group at the London Constitutional Conference to discuss Nigeria’s independence in the company of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, S.O. Ighodaro, E.O. Eyo, Adeyemi Lawson and S.G. Ikokwu. This momentous trip by his uncle gave him the impetus to succeed and so when he bade his family goodbye and stepped aboard a ship on that journey, he was filed with enthusiasm. He was also lucky to also have on board his kinsman and cousin, Prince Okunade Sijuwade. In England, he realised the essence of having a good name as well as being kind and benevolent to everyone irrespective of their backgrounds. This was because the goodwill and compassion of his father trailed him across the seas to England. D.R.O Omisore, one of his father’s protégé took him under his wings and accommodated him. Despite the seeming soft landing, he still secured a job to ensure his goal of becoming a lawyer was not truncated. The young Oyekunle was not comfortable with the unfriendly and unpredictable British weather but was fascinated by the fashion and lifestyle. Gradually, his sense of style transformed and he was at home in his new environment. His love for the fine things of love took him in later life on a quest from London to Italy, the home of lovers, arts, food, architecture, wine and more. His recognition, appreciation and love for quality, not necessarily in terms of price was astonishing. His penchant for style and quality left everyone spellbound. It was at the North Western Polytechnic (Now London Metropolitan University) on Prince of Wales Road, Kentish Town, that he took evening classes for nine months as the first step towards achieving his lifelong dream. He had to pass A-levels.

Of course, he was driven by the words of Walt Disney “All Your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them”. He faced this assignment with vigour and focus, and it was no surprise that in 1958 he was registered to study Law at the Lincoln’s Inn along with his closest friend, Yinka Oyenubi. Since he could not afford the privilege of full time study, he had to work and Oyenubi was kind enough to share his lecture notes which Oyekunle would study for weeks and months at night. He had to burn the midnight oil, like the cliché goes, to achieve his dreams. His circle of friends at the time were Prince Sikiru Adetona (now Awujale of Ijebuland), Pade Adewuyi, Olatunde Sugun and of course, Yinka Oyenubi. The 5th day of July 1960 will forever be indelible in his heart because this was the day that he achieved the major feat of passing his bar examination in Second Class Division 2 and was called to Bar! A few months down the line, he was one of the few guests invited to the Nigeria House on October 1, 1960 to mark Nigeria’s independence. While his friend, Obafemi Olopade and others held their wine glasses in toast to the epochal event back home. He was listening to the speech of Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa with rapt attention. The PM’s closing remarks “.. Now we have acquired our rightful status, and I feel sure that history will show that the building of our nation proceeded at the wisest pace. It has been thorough and Nigeria now stands well-built upon firm foundations….And in the words of “God Save The Queen,.I open a new chapter in the history of Nigeria and of the commonwealth, and indeed of the world.” struck a chord in him that he decided to return home and dedicate his life to the service of his country. In February 1961 after his return, he registered as a Lawyer with the Supreme Court of Nigeria alongside his friend, Tunji Baraithwaite. The brand new Barrister Oyekunle joined Williams, Thomas, Kayode & Co, that famous legal that he had fantasized over years back. Just when he was finding his feet in the legal profession, cupid struck! He had attended one of the parties hosted in commemoration of Nigeria, when he spotted a beautiful young lady and their eyes locked.

Parakoyi of Ife, Chief Olaore Henry Alex-Duduyemi

MAN

...BECOMING

Oyekunle AlexDuduyemi with his darling, Stella Shola Alex-Duduyemi ( Nee Da Silva)

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...WITH THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE

For Chief Duduyemi, he seemed to have taken the words of George Herbert “Storms make the oak grow deeper” to heartand from all indications, has decided to live his life to the fullest, spend quality with his family and give his very best to humanity. And like his father, who lived for 105 years, he wants to beat that record with joy in his heart.

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He could almost read her mind that she was assessing him from head to toe. Knowing full well his attributes: good fashion sense, oratory skill and status as Lawyer, the dashing Oyekunle approached her confidently and with the wine glass on his left hand, offered her a handshake. “Hello I am Alex”. He said without much ado. Her response, calmness and composure pointed to the fact that she too was a confident lady who knew what she wanted. “Her response was: Just Alex? I’m Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi, he replied with a chuckle and seriousness almost in the same breath! And I am Stella Olushola Da-Silva. A year later, they got married and began a family. And the rest as they say is history. She has stood by his side through thick and thin like the Rock of Gibraltar. According to her, she has no doubts that they weremeant for each other. In 1965, under the tutelage of his uncle, Chief Remi Fani-Kayode, who was a national political figure, Alex-Duduyemi joined politics and was elected as Member, House of Representatives. That was not all, he was also made Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. His political sagacity, erudition, humaneness, astuteness and deep insight endeared Oyekunle to his boss, Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa and it was no surprise that he was put on the official Nigerian delegation to the 20th United Nations General Assembly in New York. The December 1965 event which was led by Foreign Minister Nuhu Bamali was also attended by Chief H.O. Davies, Chief K.O. Mbadiwe, Mrs Aduke Moore and Mrs. Williams. The young Oyekunle learnt a lot from the Prime Minister, especially his cool mien and calm demeanour. Despite the political chaos rocking the country especially the incarceration of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, leader of the Action Group and Premier of the Western Region and the appointment of Akintola as Premier, Tafawa Balewa remained stoic. Perhaps because of his closeness to the corridors of power and close interactions with the prominent victims of Nigeria’s first military coup of 10

January 15, 1966, he quit politics and decided to return to his first love Law as well as chart new territories to conquer. With an office in the Lagos Central Business District, a corporate bank account at National Bank, he set up a company, BOLEX, in partnership with Chief Sobo Sowemimo. The company engaged in trading activities with exportation of chili pepper, Shea nuts, coffee and copra. At some point Chief Sowemimo pulled out of the partnership and his wife, Stella Olusola joined as new partner. With the entrepreneurial skills inherited from his mother, BOLEX Enterprises expanded its activities to the Northern part of Nigeria. His schedule involved sourcing for the commodities, with the exception of

copra, from the North and transporting them by train to the Iddo Terminus in the South. From Iddo, the commodities are transferred to Apapa Port and shipped to Europe. Later, Bolex Enterprises moved to sale of governmentcontrolled commodities such as Cocoa, Coffee, groundnut and palm kernel. He was the middle man between the government and his foreign partners. And in record time, earned himself the “Covetous” licence to trade directly with foreign partners, which led to a tremendous boom in his business. A change in government policy in 1976 adversely affected his business but he was not deterred, instead he switched to importation of palm oil from Malaysia. A significant moment in his business trajectory was the chance meeting with Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, the Commander, 9 Infantry Brigade, Abeokuta (who later became Lt. General & National Security Adviser). He worked under the command of Oyekunle’s brother and friend, Major-General Alani Akinrinade, the GOC 1 Infantry Division. After their introduction, exchange of pleasantries and discussion on a number of issues, Duduyemi was not in doubt that this was a “meeting of minds”. He was convinced that that it would be the beginning of a friendship that will stand the test of time. True to his conviction, Alani Akinrinade, Aliyu Mohammed Gusau and Alex-Duduyemi formed a brotherly bond that has lasted many decades. It was during one of their numerous discourse sessions that Duduyemi shared his business dream with Gusau and his counsel led to his adventure in fish trawling and importation. And it signalled the birth of MANUCOM Fishing Industries in 1985. It was the profit from the palm oil business that founded this new enterprise and in no time he bought four trawlers, which then hit an all-time high of 14 trawlers. The risks and losses encountered on the high seas caused him to have a rethink and this led to the formation of Equity Petroleum Services Nigeria (ESPN), a company that provided

Standing from left: Olatunde Segun, Alaba Onyenubi, Yinka Onyenubi & Olakunlen Alex-Duduyemi (right) Sitting (from left) Taiwo Duduyemi, Adedotun Sijuwade (middle) & Molade Sijuwade (right)

wireline and coil tubing services for the Oil & Gas Industry. His wife was very worried about this venture but he sat her down and shared his plan, which included his long term vision of handing the reins of the business to the children and partnering with foreign business ventures. He also brought to fore his interest in oil exploration and then he incorporated an indigenous marginal field exploration and production company, Network Exploration and Production company. His Oil & Gas interests entered into joint venture partnerships with US-based companies which specialised in cementation and stimulation of oil wells as well as marine logistics. His business trajectory has been steady. He had progressed from BOLEX, agricultural commodities to fishing, MANUCOM Fisheries automotive BOLEX Motors, Travels and Tourism (Orbit Travels), Shipping, Equity Shipping, real Estate to ESPN and Network Oil Exploration and Production. Never a man for quick fixes but always cool, calm and collected. He was living life to the hilt, but one thing many say about him is that he behaves like a true LIVERPOOL fan, " He Never Walks Alone", which is reason he never ever eats alone. And this has endeared him to many, young, old, rich poor. He is always willing to share knowledge, his posh office in the upper crust Knightsbridge, London is one of the places where he holds court. Not only does he seal mega deals here; he also uses his offices to express the worth of integrity, hard work and dedication. Despite his global travels and acclaim, which ensured that he was named as one of the Board members, a group of rich, Lagos Sociites, who had a whole praise album dedicated to them, he still had a strong attachment to Ile-Ife, his homestead. It was for his contribution to the ancient city that the then Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade saw that led to his being honoured with the title of Aro of Ife, and like his father before him, he too had become a respected Ife Chief. He held the title with so much grace and panache that many referred to him as ARO OF THE WORLD, little wonder therefore, that in 2009, he

was elevated to the respected title of Asiwaju of Ife. On the occasion of his conferment with the Asiwaju title, Ooni Okunade Sijuwade wrote “Asiwaju’s footprints are on the sands of time and is still vigorously pursuing the interests of his people, community and town at large. He is not only my kinsman, brother and revered Chief, he is a true son of Ile-Ife in whom I am well pleased”. The Asiwaju of Ife title was a fitting recognition for a giant of man who had spent millions over the years in the education sector providing scholarships, creating employment and uplifting the poor. The passionate philanthropist was also honoured by President Olusegun Obasanjo with all the dignity and privilege of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). It has not all been smooth sailing for Chief Duduyemi, he has had his fair share of disappointments in business, but by far the most painful incident that shook him greatly was the March 27, 2009 death of his eldest son and replica, Bankole. He was inconsolable for days, weeks and months. Nothing prepares a parent for such a loss, the anguish and pain was acute but being a deeply religious man, he was consoled by his deep faith in God and the great loving embrace of wife and immediate family. He then decided to prove to life that he still had a thousand reasons to smile and be joyous. For Chief Duduyemi, he seemed to have taken the words of George Herbert “storms make the oak grow deeper” to heart- and he has from all indications decided to live his life to the fullest, spend quality with his family and give his very best to humanity. And like his father, who lived for 105 years, he wants to beat that record with joy in his heart. Little wonder that at 85, he is still sprightly, still visits his offices, still enjoys his beers, wines and occasional glass of champagne. And it is therefore in order to raise a toast, on this occasion of his eight-fifth year on earth, to wish Asiwaju of the world, Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi, a wondrous and happy birthday!.

...THE HEY DAYS

Standing from left: Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Mr. Jack Angels, Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi & Gen. Aliyu Mohammed Gusau at the reception held in honour of Mr. Jack Daniels

Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi, his wife, Chief (Mrs) Olusola Alex-Duduyemi with sons; Bankole & Dele 18

Chief & Mrs. Alex-Duduyemi with children and grand children

In the full regalia of Aro of Ile-Ife

Chief Henry Olaore Alex-Duduyemi with his son, Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi

Chief (Mrs.) Shola Alex-Duduyemi with Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi during thanksgiving service as Are of Ife

...WHEN HE TURNED

...BEHOLD THE ASIWAJU OF IFE

Asiwaju & Yeye Asiwaju of Ife

2009, IFE

Asiwaju of Ife & Yeye Asiwaju of Ife with Oba Okunade Sijuwade with Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (Alake of Egbaland)

...EVER STYLISH, DEBONAIR AND DAPPER

Happy Birthday My Peacock

-His wife, Chief (Mrs.) Stella Shola Alex-Duduyemi

ugust is a very significant month in this family, it is always a time for great celebration. My grandchild will be celebrating, my daughter will be celebrating, of course my husband will be marking his 85th and I will be 80th on the 29th. We thank God for everything he has done for this family.

Regarding my husband, Asiwaju Oyekunle Aremu AlexDuduyemi. This is something difficult for me to do because he has so many good points, and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want him to be even more swollen-headed than he is. As you know, 9th of August makes him a Leo. He is a very typical Leo. He is like a peacock in every sense of the word. He dresses like a peacock, I used to call him my catalogue boy but you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t call an 85 year old man a boy anymore. So, from now, he is my peacock. I pray that God will continue to bless him with good health, you can see that he is very strong and many more years. May God keep us safe to continue to enjoy ourselves for a long long time

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Just when he was finding his feet in the legal profession, cupid struck! He had attended a party hosted in Lagos, when he spotted a beautiful young lady and their eyes locked.

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CHIEF DUDUYEMI: EIGHTY FIVE YEARS OF IMPACT

Chief Henry Olaore Alex-Duduyemi's house at Iredumi Compound, Ile-Ife

he first son of Chief Henry Olaore Alex-Duduyemi and Madam Alimat Adedoyin AlexDuduyemi (Nee Adefioye), Oyekunle Aremu was born on Friday 9th August 1935 in the ancient city of Ile-Ife. He commenced his primary education in 1940 at the African Church School where he was until 1945. He thereafter enrolled at the Anglican Central School where he spent the next 5 years, following which he completed his secondary school at the prestigious Oduduwa College Ile-Ife in 1950. His contemporaries there included Balogun Bisi Omidiora, Architect Dupe Omisore, Justice Babalakin, Justice G. Bakri among others. He arrived in Lagos for the first time in 1954 in the company of his uncle, the late Chief Remi Fani-Kayode who was his mentor and who inspired him to

study Law. After a three year period working in the Health Department of the Lagos Town Council, he proceeded to the United Kingdom in 1957 to study Law at the North Western Polytechnic and later enrolled at Lincolnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inn from where he passed the Bar in 1961. Oyekunle returned to Lagos and was registered as a Barrister and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the same day as Chief Tunji Braithewaite and Chief Olu Olakunrin. His legal career spanned the next four years at the chambers of Fani-Kayode and Sowemimo and would have continued but for a chance vacancy for a candidate in Ife Central. He was persuaded to contest and won the election to the Federal House of Representatives in the First Republic in 1964 and thereafter served as a parliamentary secretary to the then Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar

Tafawa Balewa. He was sent to the United Nations in 1965 as a delegate to the 20th session of the Assembly in New York which he attended until December 1965 when the Army took over Government in Nigeria. The period he spent in New York had offered him numerous opportunities to meet people desirous of doing business in Nigeria and this piqued his interest. Upon his return, he established Bolex Enterprises Nigeria Ltd and commenced the trading and export of commodities such as cocoa, copra, palm produce, and coffee. It soon became very obvious that this was where his passion lay so he decided to leave the legal profession to concentrate fully on his business. He went into the fishing business in 1983 when he set up Manucom Fishing Company which later became one of the largest in the fishing industry both

The home of Chief Henry Alex-Duduyemi in Iredumi Compound remodelled by son.

locally and internationally. The company received a prestigious award from the Fisheries Society of Nigeria in 1996 for corporate excellence and for its contribution to industrial fisheries development in Nigeria. In 1989, he entered the Oil & Gas sector with the establishment of BJ Services Nigeria Ltd, a joint venture with a US Oil services company. This was followed by another joint venture with Edison Chouest U.S.A which specialized in the provision of barges and other vessels to the Oil Industry. He thereafter established Equity Petroleum services and Network Exploration, both fully indigenous oil service providers in Nigeria. Over the years his business empire has grown to include the financial services, automobile, cable television

and others. Today he sits on the board of numerous other companies including Bureau Veritas and Secure Electronic technology (SET) In 1997, he fulfilled a life-long dream when he established Henry AlexDuduyemi Memorial College(HAMEC) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a co-educational secondary school in his hometown of Ile-Ife in memory of his late father. A passionate advocate of education, this afforded him the opportunity to give back to his community as well as to ensure the provision of quality education. Today, the college is considered by many to be the best in the state and has produced many brilliant young men and women. In recognition of his many achievements and contributions to the country, Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi was honored with the prestigious award of

the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) by President Olusegun Obasanjo on the 13th December, 2002. He is renowned for his deep concern for the welfare of others and continues to give back to his community through numerous philanthropic projects. The invaluable role he plays in Ile Ife was rewarded in 2009 when he was conferred with the title of the Asiwaju of the Source adding to his the title of Aro of Ile-Ife which he was conferred with in 1981. He is a Trustee of Lagos Island Club and member of Yoruba tennis Club, Lagos Metropolitan Club, Ife Metropolitan Club as well as the chairman of the Elderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Forum in Ile-Ife. Chief Oyekunle Aremu AlexDuduyemi is married with children, grand-children and Great grandchildren.

Chief Alex-Duduyemi with former President, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe

QUOTE

A FAMILY LIKE NO OTHER

I AM VERY GLAD I HAVE A FATHER LIKE HIM Mrs Funmilayo (Lulu) Anderson, daughter

Mrs Funmilayo (Lulu) Anderson, daughterMy father has been there for me throughout my days. He has been supportive and is very close to me. I am very glad that I have a father like him. When I was younger, I can still remember how my dad used to take me to Ibadan in his Volkswagen. Sometimes with mummy and Dele in the car when he visited. I used to cherish those moments. From my dad.I have learnt to be humble, to be a family person especially being close to my siblings, with your children. At 85, he is looking so young, my prayer to him is that he should stay with us longer. May God protect, guard and guide him. I pray that we the children should give him all the support to enable him live as much as 120 and beyond in Jesus name. 36

HE HAS A DEEP WELL OF PATIENCE AND TOLERANCE -Funmi Ajose-Adeogun, daughter

My dada, I am the only one who calls him that, I am so happy for you. What I can recall we have learnt from him is his sense of family. From a very young age, we were all made to understand how important family is to him. How he wanted all his children to be united, how he wanted everybody to behave. The good thing about it was that he set a wonderful example for everybody. he behaved in a certain way and we saw how he behaved and tried to emulate him, in the way he related with people, they way he reacted to people. Also his interaction in morals, ethics, what you can or cannot do,the importance of your name, the importance of your integrity and your reputation. As we grew up, at least in my case, there are times when you are faced with a moral dilemma. in business or whatever, what comes to mind is if he would not do it, so why should you do it. makes things a little more difficult because it means you cannot take the short cut, it means working a little harder especially in this our environment. An aspect of his that I aspire to learn is patience. He has a deep well of patience and tolerance.It may be a generational thing but it works for him, I guess he is different in character from me, but I admire that about him. My parents?They are a perfect example of perseverance, patience and understanding. They are now like chalk and cheese. and have been together now for 57 years, that is remarkable in today's world. I know that growing up was not that easy, but the good times outweighed the bad times. 85 is a big one, My prayer for him is that as he has always been the umbrella under which the family lives and prospers, I pray that he will continue to be that umbrella as long as God wills. I pray for good health, happiness, love for his family, surrounded by his family. Now that he has five great grand children, which in itself is a huge feat, I pray that he will be around to see them all graduate,get married and see his great great grand children. Amen

ENIGMA HE IS AN Mrs Biodun Alex-Duduyemi

-Daughter in-law

I see Chief Duduyemi as a father because that is what he has been to me since I joined this family. He has been a father in every sense of the word. My children idolize him as the other grand children do too. For me, I have always felt comfortable to come to him. He is a very approachable man and that is something many people say about him not only family members. He is very loving and extremely caring. He would attend every grand child's graduation no matter where it is in the world.I pray that God gives him the the grace to continue to do this because there are still a few left in Jesus name. Indeed, he is an enigma. The greatest lesson I have learnt from him is never forget who you are, , never forget where you are coming from. He says it all the time. For him integrity is everything. As he turns 85, 85 is the new 65 so has has probably another 35 years to go in Jesus name. I pray that even as he lives for this length of time, he will be in health, wealth and wpuld be surrounded by his family always. Amen.

I PRAY THAT THE LOVE HE HAS FOR HIS FAMILY WILL NEVER WANE -Mrs Bola Adeniyi-Taiwo, daughter

As daughters of Asiwaju Alex Duduyemi there was no pressure at all, rather the name strengthened us and defined us as children. He used to tell us that we can do anything, we can desire to get to any where we want and aim as high as we want to. As we were growing up, the name opened doors but as we got married and took up other names not so much, because we did not not throw it around. I mus t say though that there was a time I went for marketing in the course of my business and I mentioned his name to the governor, I just said daddy said I should greet you, and he asked who my dad was. When he came to speak, he referred to his relationship with daddy and spoke glowingly of him. It happened twice,then governors of Oyo and Ogun states. There was nothing out of the ordinary about our

growing up, but in terms of our graduation, marriages and our children, daddy was always there. Especially in our late teens and post university days, he would always be there. That was very precious to us. On his 85th, I wish him many ore years. His dad lived for many years, he will live for many more years. My wish is that he will live long to see the graduation of his great grand children and their weddings too in good health,in joy and happiness. I pray that his love for his family will never wane. That everything he desires in his heart God Almighty will grant to him. I pray that the unity this family has enjoyed will continue for many years and generations in Jesus Name. daddy, Happy Birthday! 39

BABA IS NOT STINGY WITH GOOD ADVICE -DELE ALEX-DUDUYEMI (SON)

He always taught us from a very early age that wherever you go, we bare that name and that we should look after it. And that a good reputation and name are very important attributes that we should guard.Over the years, I have come to understand this and the wisdom in him telling us at that very young age. For me, it was a blessing to grow up in the house that grew up in. We certainly did lack for anything. And infact, my friends and me used to joke that we were given an education that very few people were given. Our household is a happy one and I love my sisters. It was delightful growing up in this family. One thing I love about him is that Baba is not stingy with good advice. He always ready to help. I see it as a product of his own upbringing, the fact that he studied law, he is an advocate and counsel and always there to help. Daddy, I wish you every good thing you wish for yourself. I wish you all the years that you wish to have. I wish you to see more years. You have touched many people's lives, I wish you to continue to touch more lives. I pray serenity for you and many happy returns.

YOU ARE A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF A TRUE NIGERIAN Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi 1

appy birthday to a great and wonderful man, Chief Alex Duduyemi. I call you Uncle Alex. You are one of the finest Nigerians I have met. You are one of the most honest men that I know of on earth. You have been doing a steady work in life since the first time I came to Ife Kingdom, and met with the former and wonderful Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade who was a great blessing to my life. Ooni Sijuwade was the first person that brought me and Uncle Alex together. Yours was the first place I stayed in Ife Kingdom, and anytime I visited, it was always your house I

wanted to stay. You have been an immense treasure to me. Over this past 20 years, I’ve always been able to rely on your advice. And I thank you for all you have been able to bring to the people; not only of Ife, but Lagos, and Nigeria. You’ve lived a blameless life. You’ve given us a perfect example of what a true Nigeria should be. I love you with all my heart. You are an amazing man. You are an example of what an elder statesman in Nigeria should be. And I thank God for your life. I wish you a wonderful and amazing 85th birthday. Thank you and God bless you…

MAY GOD CONTINUE TO PROTECT YOU - AIG Tunji Alapini (Rtd), Otun Oluwo Adimula of The Source

My dear Egbon, Chief Alex Duduyemi, I wish you a happy 85th birthday. I have known you for over 40 years both here and abroad. When the Ooni Okunade Sijuwade was with us, we used to have fun together. We used to meet at the palace or at your palace. God that has always protected you, will continue to guard you up to 90, 100 and we will celebrate it with fanfare in God's name. My dear Egbon, Asiwaju, may you live long Iree o!

MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU -Chief (Mrs) Sena Anthony

appy birthday my dear Egbon! This is your Aburo of the universe as he always calls me. He has been my ‘egbon’ for over 50 years. I met him in my first year at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), through Denrele Kehinde; sister Shola’s junior sister, when I went with Den-

rele to greet him. He and Sister Shola have always treated me as one of the family, and I have enjoyed being part of their family. May God Almighty continue to bless you abundantly. Happy 85th birthday, my dear ‘Egbon’! Aburo of the universe, God bless you! 43

TRIBUTE IN HONOUR OF

CHIEF ALEX

OYEKUNLE DUDUYEMI, OFR,

ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 85TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY.

Chief Dr. Mrs. Nike Akande, CON

hief Alex Oyekunle Duduyemi OFR is Services Nigeria Ltd., Bureau Veritas Nigeria Ltd Eighty-Five. Congratulations!!! and Henry Alex-Duduyemi Memorial College (HAMEC). Happy birthday to you sir. Many happy returns of Chief Alex Oyekunle Duduyemi, OFR is an acthe day. I wish you longer life coupled with good complished Entrepreneur; a global business maghealth and more prosperity. Amen nate, an Industrialist who is purpose driven at all I always say that it is not how old one is but what times. achievements, what influence and what impact one He is without doubt an asset to Nigeria economy. has had on others. Chief Alex Oyekunle Duduyemiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life is a great Judging by that yardstick, Chief Alex Oyekunle symbol of service and honour! Duduyemi, OFR has had tremendous achieveHe is a quintessential gentleman, an exceptional ments, he has influenced and touched many lives leader, a role model of repute and of course a great in many positive ways. He is a mentor to many. family man. His supportive, beautiful wife, BarrisIn every generation, God ensures that He raises ter Mrs Olushola Duduyemi can testify to this. His extraordinary people to support, help, challenge, inchildren, grandchildren can also testify to this. spire and act as guide to others. One of such people is Chief Alex Duduyemi, OFR, It is with great joy and huge sense of honour that I the Asiwaju of Ile-Ife/Aro of Ile-Ife. He has provided employment for many and also join many other eminent Nigerians in rejoicing with a Man of great value as he clocks Eighty-Five doing a lot to eradicate poverty in Nigeria. Chief Alex Oyekunle Duduyemi, OFR, a billion- years. aire industrialist is the owner and founder of Equity My wish for him is a robust health, longevity of life Shipping Co. Nigeria Ltd., Manucom Fishing Co. and a life full of more success and fulfilment. Ltd., Bec Freres Nigeria Ltd., Equity Petroleum Congratulations and very many Happy Returns Sir. 45

THE SECRETS OF MY SUCCESS S PECIA L B IR T HDAY IN T ER VIEW

ARE INTEGRITY AND CONTENTMENT -CHIEF OYEKUNLE ALEX-DUDUYEMI

Â© Sunmisolaphotography

few days to his birthday, Asiwaju Alex Duduyemi had this engaging interview session with OVATION International Editor, Michael Effiong in Lagos where he spoke candidly about his life, his guiding principles and more.

Tell us about growing up in Ife; what was it like

Growing up in Ile-Ife was simple, remarkable and loving times. I grew up in a family that was not too rich, not too poor. My parents helped me a lot by giving me a solid foundation of discipline. They nursed me through primary and secondary schools until I finished secondary

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Growing up in Ile-Ife was simple, remarkable and loving times. I grew up in a family that was not too rich, not too poor. My parents helped me a lot by giving me a solid foundation

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education and came to Lagos to start life. From there, I managed and worked my way to the United Kingdom to study Law. I was called to the English Bar in Lincoln's Inn in 1960. I came back home to Nigeria to join the chambers of my uncle and mentor, Chief Remilekun Fani-Kayode of blessed memory. And from there, the journey continued. Why did you study Law. What influenced your decision

Well, when I finished school, my mentor at that time was a very prominent Ife man, and he was in big time politics. My father was an uncle to him. He picked me up and said 'let's go to Lagos, I'll find you a job there'. In December, 1954, I came to Lagos and stayed under his roof.

I lived with him until I became independent. And he took me to Lagos City Council where I was Clerk and later became a Sanitary Inspector.

I heard Sanitary Inspectors were so feared in those days, tell us about the experience

Yes Sanitary Inspectors were respected. My inspection covered Yaba, Ebute metta and Abule Nla areas. I enjoyed doing it, and it was a beautiful job coupled with the uniform that came with it. We inspected house after house and I had a book where we record our findings, and it was called Routine Inspection Book (RIB). We put everything we had seen in each house there and when you arrive the office, you handed the book to our superiors for scrutiny. That was what I did for years and I moved on. Every evening when I returned from work, I joined Chief Fani-Kayode at his chambers at Idumagbo. That time he was in partnership with Chief Thomas and Rotimi Williams . They were the three important legal minds that worked together at the time. From there, I nurtured the idea that if I pursued Law, I will not fail because I will have to come back to these mentors, which eventually happened. So they saw me all the way to England.

So how was life in England? Did you have to work to go to school.

I saved enough money from Lagos City Council, I bought my tickets to travel. But I still had to work.

Do you remember the cost of ticket at that time

My ticket to England then was maybe twenty something Pounds...I remember my Law School fees was 168 Pounds; I had saved all that before I went. But I had other relations and friends who took me in to their homes when I got there, so I didn't need to hire a place to stay. I grew up with their support. I got called to the bar to the Lincoln Inn in 1960.

Do you remember some of your classmates then?

At the law school, there were some of them who we did the exams together, late Tunji Braithwaite, Olu Olakunri SAN, who is a senior member of the Redeemed Church now, there was

late Yinka Oyenubi from Ikorodu and several others like that who we registered and qualified at about the same time in February 1961 at the Supreme Court.

Tell us about life back home

I came to Nigeria three months after qualification to join Fani-Kayode at the Chambers. I practiced with him for about three to four years before he got me into politics. I contested for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives in 1964, and got elected to represent Ife. I was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the late Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in 1964/65. He took me like a son, and I accompanied him everywhere. I got nominated to attend the 20th session of the United Nations Assembly.

You must have been in your twenties then

Yes... late twenties, early thirties. I went to the UN and became a member of the committee on decolonisation. I represented Nigeria on the committee. Late Chief Amachree was the Secretary General of the committee. And Baba, late Simeon Adebo was our Permanent Representative to the UN. He also took me as a son. The former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, was our head of mission. We were all very close. When I got back, there was a coup in 1966. It was difficult for me to go back to legal practice, so I went into business, and have remained in business till this hour.

What lessons have you learnt in business

The most important thing about being in business is that you are on your own. If you are destined to succeed there, you will definitely succeed. It has helped me to know a lot of people, know how to use my money wisely. And importantly to invest more, and that has helped me tremendously. I still cherish all the time I spent running around with my business. I am also lucky I have children who have taken after me, and today at 85, I can leave them to do the best they can.

What would you say would be your first business deal

Well, when I was in the United States of America, I met a lot of business men who were trading in Nigerian produce at that time, and through Chief Adebo, I met one or two of the biggest importers of Nigerian produce, and they approached me and asked me to join them, and help them get more produce from Nigeria. Then I registered a company, and started to support them. That was my first breakthrough.

From that point, what next

I went into other things. I went into fishing. I was a patron of Trawlers Association. I had more than a fair share of my own trawlers in Nigerian waters. I was exporting fish products to America and Europe. I did that until we had the Abiola crisis in 1993. During that period, I lost several of my boats, and everything disappeared.

Tell us exactly what happened, where you part of the struggle

What happened had nothing to do with my involvement in politics. It was just an aftermath of the crisis that engulfed the whole country at that time. When Chief Olusegun Obasanjo became president, I went to him and complained about how I lost my boats in the Niger Delta, to see how he could help because I was in debt. He said it was an act of war. My insurance company refused to pay me, saying they don't pay for force majure. So, I had to look elsewhere, and that was how I ended up in the oil and gas sector. Some of my friends in commiserating with me, asked me to find some companies that could partner with me in the sector. It was a relatively new business unlike now that it has become saturated, I asked them to give me a link, and they gave me a link in America, and I went there, found one or two companies that were willing to do business with me at an OTC Event. And we set up in Port Harcourt.

Did you live in Port Harcourt

No, I didn't but I bought many property there. I established a company there and we are all doing very well together. We were taken over by

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Yes Sanitary Inspectors were respected. My inspection covered Yaba, Ebute metta and Abule Nla areas. I enjoyed doing it, and it was a beautiful job coupled with the uniform that came with it

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other companies, bigger than us after growing it for a few years and they paid me good money as compensation for my stake, and I went elsewhere and established my own company. It is now being run by my son, Dele in Port Harcourt and Lagos. We established both service and equipment companies. And I did several other things.

What experience did you gain from all

these? And what would you consider the secret of your success

I lost and gained, but I was contented. It is my contentment that paid off. I will consider integrity and contentment as the secrets of my success. I was courageous too. I had faith in myself as well as very reliable partners that supported me, and my children are very eager to learn. So that helped me. I am retiring, and they are doing it.

Are you still going to the office

I do all the time. There is no need for me to go any way but I still do. I don't think it's time for me to retire to Ife . When the time is right, I will do just that. I have a College in Ife named after my father. Funmi AjoseAdeogun, my daughter, is the Director of the school, and she runs it from here. She goes to Ife once a week; she recruits teachers and pays their salaries.

What inspired you to establish the school

Well, I have always had a passion for education. Ever since I was in politics, I had thought about the need to train all these children that roam about the streets whom nobody cares about, and I said to myself 'why don't I establish a college for them?' I didn't do elementary education; I went straight to secondary school. So I felt those seeking good quality education can come there. I am very happy that most of the boys that passed through my school, have gone further to do well in university and graduated. I made an arrangement that allows SS3 graduates from the school to gain admission to Obafemi Awolowo University. I meet some of them at parties, and they come to greet me and pray for me and tell me how the school served as foundation for what they have now become. Those kinds of testimonies give me a sense of joy of fulfilment. Even Sunmisola, the photographer who did the Photo shoot a few days

ago in your Apapa home passed through that school

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

I have been around the world, and seen many developments. I have also lived in big hotels and came across several architectural designs I loved. I have always had it at the back of my mind that I will build something wonderful in Ife Really, you see.

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Apart from your school, you have been known to be a

passionate philanthropist

There are so many people in the society who are in need, one has to do as much as one can to put smiles on as many faces as possible

What inspired that your lovely scenic architectural

masterpiece of a home in Ile-Ife

Well, I have been around the world, and seen many developments. I have also lived in big hotels and came across several architectural designs I loved. I have always had it at the back

of my mind that I will build something wonderful in Ife. And I never had a plan of what you saw there. I got both American and Nigerian architects who joined hands to design the building, and as we built, we made adjustments. So it was a product of thought and corroboration. Or did you think it was a miracle?

How long did it take from start to finish

It took about five years from when we did ground breaking to when we moved in

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soften up a bit and discuss matters of the heart. How did you meet your wife

There was a party hosted by Chief Yinka Rhodes and his wife. When my wife returned from England before heading to Law school, the party was for her, and I was invited. That was the time I met her. We danced together, and that was the beginning. I went, and met her parents. I used to drive her to and fro Law school. That was how the whole thing started and it worked out very well. I pray we continue to live well together.

Did you ever occur to you to marry a second wife

No, I never thought of marrying a second wife, and it is even too late for me to think about that. I took my mum to Mecca, and she became Alhaja. I took her to London, and no sooner that she arrived, she fell ill for few months and died. This I regretted. So that is my life in your hands.

What can you say gives you joy at 85

I give myself happiness. I don't worry about anything. I am so contented with what I have. I am not hungry. I don't want to start running around stressing myself to buy an aeroplane. I have enough cars that take me around. I have homes in London, Lagos, Abuja and Ife. I am building another one in Ikoyi in my old age. I am working hard on it.

You have mentioned the word 'contentment' so many times. How important is it to you

I don't give myself stress anymore. I use to do it but it comes to a point when I was 80 I had to tell myself enough is enough. I have one or two things that can give me money, and they come regularly. I invested in few companies, and if I add up all the dividends that come in, I can survive well. That is my contentment. I can afford to host my friends and go to my club the evening to relax that is enough.

I have noticed that you do not joke with your drinks

Yes. I am a regular beer drinker. If I don't find beer, I drink red wine. But I don't mix the two. I also do champagne at times.

At 85, what else do you want God to do for you

That He should elongate my life, give me good health and opportunity to take care of many more people. I pray to continue to love people and let them love me as well.

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I will consider integrity and contentment as the secrets of my success. I was courageous too. I had faith in myself as well as very reliable partners that supported me, and my children are very eager to learn. So that helped me. I am retiring, and they are doing it.

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Chief Alex-Duduyemi with Publisher, Dele Momodu & Editor, Michael Effiong

Chief Alex-Duduyemi with Editor, Michael Effiong

Chief Alex-Duduyemi with Funmi Adeyemi

Sunmisola Olorunnisola

HIS SCENIC IFE MANSION

HAPPY 85TH BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER

-PRINCE OLU AWOGBORO

was deeply humbled to be called by the family of Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi ( the Asiwaju of Ife and Aro of the source ) to produce a short Tribute to this amiable gentleman as he turns 85 , on the 9th of August 2020 ; though still looking strong for that number , bless you my brother ! I had the good fortune of encountering this enigmatic character 45 years ago at a social event and the bound of friendship developed with him since then has positively evolved over the years .

At any given situation Alex loves spreading joy and happiness to all and sundry that come within the orbit of operation, as opposed to the prevailing “Mr Covid 19 scourge ,that spreads gloom ,sufferings , fears and deaths everywhere!

The celebration of this important milestone in the life’s trajectory of Chief Alex , under normal circumstances, would have been held in a relaxed convivial atmosphere, where Juju ‘King Sunny Ade ‘ would be on the stage dishing out his best musical tunes, while the gaily dressed guests (Men in their flowing agbadas and caps to Match and Women in the iros , bubas and geles) were on the floor jointly doing justice to the occasion. I could recall that the sixtieth milestone celebration was marked in the ancient city of Ife while the seventieth was held at the Churchill Hotel in London. The eightieth was marked in Lagos with his Biography’s book launch at the Institute of International Affairs, and the reception party in Lekki Peninsula. By the grace of GOD we are battle ready for the nineteenth milestone which probably would be marked in Ife . On this note , my wife joins me in wishing my big brother, Chief Oyekunle, his ever supportive wife and the entire family a warm heartfelt Congratulations. “ AD MULTOS ANOS “

THE PHILANTROPIST PAR EXCELLENCE

MAY YOU CONTINUE TO Sola AGE IN GRACE & Sade Adebayo & Family

appy 85th Birthday & many happy returns in good health , joy, peace, happiness & Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abundant blessings as you continue to age in grace in Jesus name.Amen.

We hope you have a great day today and the year ahead is full of many blessings, Congratulations on another great year ! Best wishes

YOU ARE KIND TO ALL AND SUNDRY Bola Daniyan. For the Daniyan family

Happy birthday to my darling daddy. Emi yin a gun sir . Since I was born, and as long as I can remember, you have always operated under open heaven. You are the one immediate family, extended family, friends, neighbours , acquaintances look up to. You are ' the feeder in the family' meaning we wait for you. You never turn anyone down, ln fact, whatever you give is always the best. You are good. You are kind to all and sundry. It's the Lord's doing allowing you to witness your 85th birthday and it is marvelous in our eyes. lt's my prayer that the Lord reward you hear on earth and even beyond this planet earth. Congratulations daddy. Emi a se pupo e sir. Amen

THANK YOU C FOR ALL THE SUPPORT

ongratulations Sir on the celebration of your

85th birthday. May you enjoy many more days ahead of you.

I hope your 85th birthday is filled with love from friends

and family, unforgettable moments, never - ending joy,

and happy, happy memories.

Also would like to take this opportunity to thank you for

-Taiwo Omolodun

all the support you have rendered to my family over the

years. You have been inspirational and may God continue

to bless you and your family

EPILOGUE CHIEF ALEX-DUDUYEMI

THE MAN WHO SAVED MY LIFE BY DELE MOMODU

ellow Nigerians, this story you're about to read is the stuff of fairytales or even science fiction but it is very real and absolutely true. Nothing worries a man of big dreams and voluptuous ambition like me than the fear of failure and the cataclysmic humiliation that goes with it. But that was the condition under which I found myself one mild afternoon in London. We had started Ovation International magazine by then and everything seemed to be going fine until we hit a storm that shook me to my marrows. Try as we did, this demonic problem just refused to go away. We had arrived at a cul de sac and there was no forward movement. Turning back was also not an option. Trust me, money can be a bastard with no pity or mercy on anyone. I was a veritable victim of the stubborn goat called poverty. According to Chief Moshood Abiola, "there is no animal more stubborn than poverty; never throw away the stick with which you chased

it away because it will always come back!" It was not that I threw the cane away, in my own case. Truth was poverty and I had only been playing hide and seek. Whenever it seemed I had succeeded in chasing the foolish monster away, it would show up again with its ugly face, then the battle between us would start again. Anyway. On this particular day, I could no longer bear the heat in the kitchen and all doors seemed shut against me. I faced imminent disgrace and this ferocious tide was likely to sweep me away completely. I was practically losing my stamina, my stature and my status all at the same time. God knows I had thrown everything into this business. I knew my problem and shortcomings, the first of which was my fastidious obsession with quality. I was not willing to compromise the world class status that we had set and achieved for Ovation International magazine by this time. I was aware of

a Yoruba saying that "if we can't go forward, we should be able to retrace our steps..." This I wasn't ready to do. It is actually anathema to me. Another voice was telling me "iku ya jesin" (death is better than disgrace!). I don't know how the devil planted this particular idea in my fertile brain and imagination. But it became a recurring chorus in my head that just seemed never to go away. I started singing it till it almost turned into reality. So, I woke up and picked my Nissan Estate car, kicked the poor little Japanese toy and drove off to an unknown destination. No one in my house knew where I was going. Only a friend knew of my acute frustration and increased restlessness. I was in exile, on the run from the draconian and bloodthirsty government of General Sani Abacha. I never planned to live outside Nigeria. For me, Nigeria remains the best country on planet earth despite our myriad stories of debilitating and self-immolating crises.

But here I was, a refugee, a fugitive in all ramifications, eking out a stodgy living, by fire and by force, with my immediate family and hordes of dependants. So, I set forth on this voyage and let the heavens fall today, if it must. Yes. Only one soul knew I had reached my wit's limit. Only one soul knew I was close to hurting myself, terminally! This soul made a move that altered my trip. May be my name would have been on the lips of all newscasters on major networks in the world had this soul not called one man in the nick of time. My phone suddenly rang. I wasn't picking my calls, but this particular caller was stridently unrelenting. Then, like a robot, I picked the call. I would be eternally grateful for that singular decision. In my delirious state, I could have hit a wall, a car, a human; anything, anyone. My power of concentration had vamoosed, and my determination had evaporated. I could no longer be bothered about life or whatever... So, I picked this call. Wow. I heard a

booming voice. "Dele, Dele, Dele, my son, where are you?" I didn't know what to say or how to answer. In truth, I didn't know where I was and where I was headed. I was just driving to somewhere and nowhere, like a somnambulist. I recognised the voice. Although it sounded a bit far, yet it was quite penetrative. I responded, reluctantly, to the very familiarly gentle, soothing and calming voice. Even in my deepest sleep, I would have recognised this prosperous voice as that of Chief Oyekunle Aremu Alex-Duduyemi, The Aro of Ile-Ife, as he then was, and now the Asiwaju of The Source, Ile-Ife, the cradle of civilisation. "My son, please, wherever you are, turn back and come to me at the office," the voice commanded matter-of-factly. "OK Sir..." I was too weak to argue with my father figure. The next challenge now was how to navigate my way to Daddy's office, right in the heart of Knightsbridge, in the lethargic, somnambulistic and noctambulistic state that I was in. Finding a place to park in

that rich and luxurious neighbourhood was definitely an impossibility for a man already being flogged and flagellated by poverty. So, I drove some reasonable distance looking for a less posh area, which around the SW1 and W1 postcode of London is like looking for a needle in a haystack, but luckily I found somewhere affordable to park out of the toff zone, the country of the Sloane Rangers! I then took a train back to one of the most expensive addresses in England. I entered the elevator and soon I was in the top office that Aro Duduyemi stylishly maintained. As always, I was welcomed by a white lady, her name I can't remember now. She must have worked for Chief almost eternally. "Please, come in, Chief has been expecting you..." she told me calmly and politely. I knew my way into Chief's office, as I had been there a few times. As soon as I entered, Chief sprang up, as if to carry and lift me up. "Let's go downstairs to have lunch and then come back up to have our meeting. Sammie Ojikutu is coming to join us..." "Thank you Sir", I managed to muster. We entered the elevator to the ground floor. Soon we were inside a Chinese restaurant. As soon as we sat down, Chief Ojikutu sauntered in. He was a very lively man and we not only had a sumptuous meal but a superlative company which jointly eased my worries. Later, Chief and I bundled ourselves up and settled back into his cosy office. "Dele, what happened? Our mutual friend told me you were having some difficulties. That's not enough to warrant taking a crazy decision. What's not enough today will soon be overflowing..." Chief sermonised. I just stayed still, probably, or even totally oblivious of my surroundings. I was just nodding, lizardlike. Then, he pulled a drawer and brought out a fat envelope and handed it to me. The envelope was bulky. I was speechless and tongue-tied. I struggled to load it into my left pocket, where I knew I could closely guard it and monitor any intruding principality and fight with every fibre left in me. Money is indeed a spirit. I couldn't wait to get back to my car. That for me was a moment of resurrection. I was alive again. I rushed into my car. I couldn't afford to be mugged by some bad guys. With what I knew I was carrying on me, those folks would celebrate Christmas and Easter, simultaneously. I opened the envelope, gingerly, and some wads of 50 pounds note stared me in the eyes... God! I exclaimed. Yes. The almighty must have sent one of his Guardian Angels to rescue me, and that Angel had entered the frame of the Aro of the Source to do

the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bidding. No one can tell me otherwise. Thereafter, our relationship blossomed. Any time Chief was in London, he called and invited me to join him wherever he was, in his plush Hampstead home or in his effervescent Knightsbridge office. A rejuvenation was always guaranteed. I can never forget such a good father. God has blessed me with many. Why am I writing this today? Chief Alex-Duduyemi turns 85 tomorrow, August 9, 2020. There is no better way to celebrate him, alongside his family and friends, than tell the story of his almost supernatural love for me. You will agree our relationship is surreal if you know the story behind how we met. I grew up partly on Ondo Road in Modakeke. In those good old days, there was really no difference between Ile-Ife and Modakeke. We were members of the same family. Chief Duduyemi had a beautiful home on that road very close to Sijuwade Estate. Every time I passed, I tried to peep into what looked like a Paradise on earth. I think it was named Bolapat. There were a few of such buildings built close to one another. I think one of them was owned by Prince Adeyemo Adeyera (aka Currency Controller). I dreamt endlessly of enjoying such a life of harmony, bliss and peace one day. For me, meeting such distinguished personalities belonged in fantasyland, Alice in Wonderland stuff. But God is wonderful. Education is the fastest key that can unlock such doors, if ever. And God provided that pathway for me. I was very well known in Ile-Ife as a prolific writer and voracious reader. On this auspicious day, I was attending the birthday celebration of Chief Orayemi Orafidiya in Ile-Ife. Practically all Ife elites marked register at the event. A band performed and the musician was happy to see me and he showered praises on me. This attracted the attention of Chief Alex-Duduyemi who sent an emissary to fetch me to his table at once. I already knew of him from one of the most commercially successful albums of Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, titled, Board Members. I knew him to be a Lawyer and serial entrepreneur. I also recognised him as a man of sartorial taste and elegance who was always impeccably turned out. I knew some of his friends, such as Chief Yinka Rhodes (they both married Sisters), Chief Bisi Omidiora, Prince Ademola Ademiluyi, Chief James Odeyemi and others, from afar. Once I got to his table, I went flat in prostration. I could see he was very impressed. I'm used to giving maximum respect to anyone older than me. He told me he'd been hoping to meet me one day as he enjoyed reading whatever I wrote. I was grateful to God for such honour and privilege. That was how he joined the pantheon of my idols. Let's fast forward. I meandered my way into exile in London and life was brutal and brutish. But on that fateful day, Chief heard of my predicament, immediately traced and found me and

invited me over. In that way, he gave me a new lease of life. We became father and son. And when I returned from exile, he hosted me warmly in his magnificent home in Apapa. We met every now and then at his Penthouse office in Victoria Island. He opened up his sprawling mansion in Ile-Ife to me where he hosted my family and some of my guests, when my Mum passed on in 2007. Chief has been extremely kind and gracious. His wife, Yeye Asiwaju Sola Alex-Duduyemi, accepted me into their family. I will forever treasure this love and pray that God will continue to bless

them and their descendants. Chief has requested that I propose the toast at his 85th birthday celebration, during a Zoom party tomorrow, and I have gladly accepted. Here's a toast to much longer life, more prosperity and good health... Happy birthday Sir. End note: The amazing story of Chief Bode Akindele, which I started last week, continues next week. I joined his family and inner circle of friends in saying goodbye at his funeral in Ibadan last week. May his soul continue to rest in peace... 87