Voice From 

The Rock

July 2000

Egba-Egbado Descendants Association Awards Academic Scholarships

MKO Abiola, harbinger of our hope

Abiola loved Nigeria. He loved his fellow man. In the spirit of his famous saying that no man can clap with one hand, he reached out and touched many others, to bring them together for the purpose of building Nigeria.  In doing this, he was so decent, so child-like in his innocence and love, even as he pursued his ambition.  Moshood Abiola's work and suffering cannot be in vain and the hope he inspired in all Nigerians is eternal. With his life, he seems to have paid our way to hope and faith in Nigeria. If a nation can learn from him, it is large-heartedness.

 In Abiola's home and heart, all Nigerian found a place. Now is the time to allow all Nigerians have a place in Nigeria. We must expand our horizon and be inclusive. Or else, we risk divisions and national impotence.  ABIOLA was an unusual man who had endeared himself to all who came in contact with him or even merely heard his name. All the outpouring of grief at his death at this point in our nation's history, therefore, can be understood. He was a great man who did great things.  To me, his death is a personal loss. And the story of our relationship is one that I hope to live to tell someday. It is not just a story of two Nigerian politicians. Neither is it a story of two Nigerian businessmen as we were. It is a story of the innate decency of man, a decency uncorrupted by personal ambitions. It is a story of our love for Nigeria and how we tried to do our best to make the nation great.

 Abiola loved Nigeria. He loved his fellow man. In the spirit of his famous saying that "no man can clap with one hand", he reached out and touched many others, to bring them together for the purpose of building Nigeria.  In doing this, he was so decent, so child-like in his innocence and love, even as he pursued his ambition.  It was a measure of his success as a politician and decency as a human being that I, alongside others, backed him to the hilt even after our own 1992 presidential primary was cancelled by his friend, ex-President Ibrahim Babangida. With all modesty, as an elder of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) then, I became one of Abiola's strategists. I was with him at the SDP Convention in Jos.  When the search for his running-mate began and Babangida tried to force Pascal Bafyau on him, a move aimed at ensuring his defeat; and Shehu Musa Yar'Adua also tried to convince him to select Atiku Abubakar, I was the person to whom Abiola turned for advice. Of course, I told him I needed to take time to reflect.

 A few days later, I told him what I thought was the secret of Ronald Reagan's victory in the 1980 United States presidential election. Reagan had fought for the Republican Party's nomination with George Bush who had earlier been the Party Chairman and thus had the party machinery backing him. Eventually, however, Reagan won the nomination. But in choosing a running mate, he did not hesitate to pick his primary opponent, a man who knew the party very well and whom he would need.

 Babagana Kingbe, I told Abiola in a memo, was his man. As the former chairman, he had the party machinery in his pocket and the bulk of the SDPgovernors backed him, only to lose the ticket to Abiola in Jos by a slim margin. That man, I impressed on Abiola, he would need to win the real election against Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention. Of course, he heeded the advice and the rest is now history.  After the presidential election was annulled and Abiola went abroad to canvass support against the annulment, he was constantly in touch with me.  When the decision was reached by the party elders that he should return home, I was mandated to join the delegation that went to London to bring him home.  To persuade him that it was time to return, we threw at him one of his own wise-cracks: "If you are afraid of death, you will not claim your father's title." He, of course, promptly agreed and returned. The unfortunate events after the struggles, of course, are now the tragedy of our nation. The take-over from the Interim National Government by General Sani Abacha and the malevolence for which his regime is now remembered has done untold damage to the soul of Nigeria.  We can only hope that Abiola's death, certainly a result of that malevolence, is the sacrifice that Nigeria has had to make in order that the nation may be re-born.

 Oh, we are pained by this death!  My hear-felt condolences go to Bashorun Abiola's family. I also sympathise with all Nigerians who have, irrespective of their tribe, religion or status, lost one man whom they knew as if he was a brother, an uncle, a father or friend next door. I also pity our nation that has lost a man who alone, symbolised our yearning for liberty, democracy and the rule of law.  Many have had cause to describe Abiola as an unlikely man for the role he eventually played. But I disagree. Abiola may have hob-nobbed with the military, he was never at any time less than a democrat. He was a man who cared for Nigeria and Nigerians. He knew the common good as the greater good. He shared, shared and shared of his time and resources with all Nigerians. He transcended personal comfort and ambition, tribal and religious sentiments. He was an authentic hero. He was an unusual man who knew the ordinary Nigerian, related to him as his own blood and retailed hope to the common man.

 Political realists say one person with a belief is a social power equal to a million with only interest.  Abiola was a believer in Nigeria. Hence he moved Nigeria.  Abiola was hope. He had endured abject poverty but triumphed over it. Yet, when he came into great wealth, he never lost his humility and genuinelyfelt for those who had no food to eat. On the mountain-top, he reached out to those in the valley. He had been there before and he knew how excruciating it was.

A social crusader, Abiola knew that widespread poverty on one hand and concentrated wealth (in the hands of a few) could never augur well for democracy. All his life, he fought for power so he might redistribute wealth and spread happiness. As he chanted in his presidential campaign slogan, Abiola wanted to help Nigerians say "farewell to poverty."  Moshood Abiola's work and suffering cannot be in vain and the hope he inspired in all Nigerians is eternal. With his life, he seems to have paid our way to hope and faith in Nigeria. If a nation can learn any lesson from him, it is large-heartedness.  In Abiola's home and heart, all Nigerians found a place. Now is the time to allow all Nigerians have a place in Nigeria.  We must expand our horizon and be inclusive. Or else, we risk divisions and national impotence.  Abiola liked to say that no man can clap with one hand. Now, I say, only when we stick together can Nigerians win the battle for democracy and the rule of law. With one wing, afterall, no bird can fly.

 The solution to the problems of Nigeria is full participation by all Nigerians in a democratic government. The alternative: recourse to chaos or apathy would not do justice to Moshood Abiola's legacy.  We should remember him as a man who rose above personal considerations to fight and die for the cherished principles of freedom and democracy. His life-long work to make Nigeria strong and make the black man proud was immeasurable. His commitment to the common good was deep. His life was full and rich. His death, even in incarceration, was glorious.

 The man who retailed hope to Nigeria may be dead. But the hope he gave us, I dare say, must live. Nigerians must strive to nurture their hope and faith in themselves. It is the least they can do for Moshood Abiola.

 Waziri, Presidential Adviser on Inter-Party Relations, wrote this tribute shortly after the death of Abiola on July 7, 1998

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HOME AWAY FROM HOME

by Zacchaeus Odebo
Time to think about all that came to mind — events that can never be like that of home.  Events such as early morning worshippers’ singing spiritual and sympathetic songs, and prayers at the “Irelu River”, the early morning gathering of school children at the bank of “Irelu River”, the Christmas Easter, and “Ileya” celebration.  For the sake of time and space, I will like you to know what I miss about “Irelu River” in this issue; the next issue will address what I miss on Christmas, Easter and Ileya celebration.  “Irelu River” which you may call a brook, is a blessing river to Imala community.  The actual name of the River is “IreOluwa” means (The blessing of God). The River that carry prayers to the Lord. The narrow river that has the power of blessing. “Oh when can I see you again “Irelu River, Irelu abiye?”  Whenever I remember the early Morning Prayer with the spiritual and sympathetic songs of the women that go to the Irelu River for blessings, I always feel concern about how civilization has robbed us from our culture. One of the spiritual and sympathetic songs by the women at the Irelu River is:

                        ”Omo logbe mi wa o ee
                        Omo lo gbe miwa o ee
                        Emi o ma pe e
                        Mi o ma wa
                        Omo lo gbe mi wa”

The meaning of this spiritual and sympathetic song is that they were there because they want to have children. They do not intent to be at Irelu River.  Majority of these of women that goes to “Irelu River” for this type of request is to be blessed with children.  When Irelu River answer their prayer, they name most of the children “Olomi tutu” (meaning, the child could only use cold water).

These women go to “Irelu River” alone, very early in the morning with their waterpot on their head.  They will not greet or talk to anyone on their way to the Irelu River. “A kaki agbo”.  They will then request for the type of children they want to have and start singing their spiritual and sympathetic songs that may come to their mind. As they sing, they will use a small calabash to draw water into their pot until the pot is full to the level of their desire. They will drink this water alone. After they leave, school children will start to gather at the bank of the river to take their early morning bath.  It is very difficult for me to forget. The point is that I cannot go there now to see whether these historical daily performance still occur or civilization has robbed my people and taken away all I am thinking about Imala community, as civilization is trying to take away the historical name from “Egbado” people and replace the significant name with “Yewa”. 

 Thus, make me remember one of our elementary school songs which one of the Nigerian musician turned to social song in the ’70s “Home my home.”  When shall I see “Irelu River”?  The river that carry prayers and deliver them to the lord.  The narrow river that has the power of blessing and healing.  Home my home when shall I see my home, when shall I see “Irelu abiye again?”

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President’s Corner
Having been a member of this great association for several years, I would like to pay homage to those individuals who had the foresight in establishing it. All members are indebted to Mr. Goke Shobowale, Mr./Mrs.Adebowale, and Mr.Segun Olaore. We have watched the association grew in membership and strength. The association today is recognize far and wide. The year 2000 ushered in a new millennium with new challenges and opportunities. We hope to take advantage of the opportunities and work hard to solve any challenges that may happen.
In January, while being inaugurated as the new president, I gave a small speech regarding what to expect from this administration. Looking at the current members, I feel proud to be associated with the professionals and businessmen and women in our organization. This association has reached a stage where mediocrity will be frown upon, and being the leader of this great organization will require not only administrative skills, but also the cooperation of all members. I have been fortunate to have before me professional with good administrative skills whose term in office are resounding success. I will build on the success of these leaders.  I believe in the adage of “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it”.  Past presidents - Mr. Burihan Ayodeji, Mr. Zac Shodiya, and Mr. Kayode Adetayo have built an enviable organization such that all that is needed is to set the course on cruise control. There will be bumps along the way, but the current executives are up to the task, besides, these past president will provide help and guidance where necessary.
The current executives include most of the organization leaders.  They are Mr. Tajudeen Adelakun (First. VP), Mr. Tunde Odebiyi (VP Int.) Mr. Kofo Akisanya (Gen. Sec.) Mrs. Bola Adebowale (Asst. Gen. Sec.), Mrs. Fatima Odebiyi (Soc.Sec) Mr. Zacchaeus Odebo (Treasurer), Mrs. Funmi Ayodeji (Fin. Sec.), Mrs. Yeside Akisanya (PRO), Dr. Dapo Adenekan (Planning Officer) Mrs. Olasunbomi Adelakun (Welfare Sec.), Mr. Muyiwa Sobo (Parliamentarian), and Mr. Goke Shobowale (Governor General). These executives have been working hard to raise the organization profile since their appointment. I am happy and lucky to have such dedicated executives as mentioned above.  The goal of providing textbooks, and equipment for our schools in Egba-Egbado area will be supplemented this year with the award of post secondary scholarships for deserving Egba-Egbado indigene in any Post Secondary institution in Nigeria. Committee has completed it report and members have approved the award of post secondary scholarships this year. The award will be completed no later than September. We believe that a “Brain is a terrible thing to waste.” This scholarship award will be annual and may be increased depending on the organization financial strength.  If there are members and well-wishers with textbooks and professional magazines they want to donate please call me and I will pick them up.   Our membership in the Alliance of organizations and clubs are strong and the current chairman of the Alliance is our past President- Mr. Zac Shodiya. I promise to work with the Yoruba Alliance executives during my presidency.
The activities of the association are in full swing with our annual picnic coming up in July 1st.  Our Annual fund raising and award dinner is schedule for September 30th and our children anniversary schedule for December 16th. Hope to see you all at our schedule activities.  May God in his mercy bless and keep you till then.

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Odunjo Remembered

The News (Lagos), May 30, 2000
By Yinka Ijabiyi

He was a man of many parts and each part made significant by him was what many men have been known to make their marks in. Scholar, teacher, poet, playwright, novelist, historian, composer, administrator and statesman, Chief Joseph Folahan Odunjo was an intellectual giant of his time.

And though 20 years old in the bosom of mother earth, Chief Odunjo continues to be as relevant in death as he was in life.

At the 9th J.F. Odunjo memorial lecture hosted by the Department of Linguistics and Languages of the University of Ibadan recently, renowned literary and language scholars remembered the man who bestrode the Yoruba literary and educational scene like a colossus.

Head of the Languages and Linguistics Department of the University of Ibadan, Professor Olatunde Olatunji, drawing from his personal wealth of experience, analysed and underscored the continued relevance of Chief Odunjo’s works in a lecture titled: Yoruba Studies in the 21st Century. Other professors and scholars also delivered highly- intellectual papers on the philosophy of the Yoruba Language and race as can be clearly understood from the unique writings of J.F. Odunjo.

With virtually every ethnic group in Nigeria represented at the lecture, the audience again, proved the fact of the late Odunjo’s colossal character and intellectual stature. Many at the lecture and indeed, many more scholars around the world, have immediately begun awaiting the usual reproduction of the delivered lectures in a published book as is the custom of the memorial lecture. Held every other year, the memorial lecture has given birth to eight books to date.

Born in 1904 in the ancient city of Abeokuta, the late Chief J.F. Odunjo began his educational career at the St. Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, Abeokuta in 1914. He proceeded to the Catholic Teachers Training College, Ibadan in 1920 where he spent four years. After graduation in 1924, he became theheadmaster of his alma mater, St. Augustine’s Catholic School, Abeokuta. He was there from 1924 to 1939. He moved on to Lagos where he again headed the St. Paul’s Catholic School, Ebute-Metta, Lagos between 1940 and 1946. In 1948, he was made the Supervising Teacher for Abeokuta and colony. He held this post for a year before proceeding to become a Senior Tutor at St. Gregory’s College, Lagos between 1945 and 1950. He was also a senior tutor at St. Leo’s Teachers Training College, Abeokuta, briefly in 1951.  Odunjo was a politician, though his love and commitment to education did not make his political side apparent until 1952. In that year, he was appointed minister of Lands and Labour, Western Nigeria by the late Premier of the Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He held the post till 1956. He later became the Executive Director, Agriculture, Western Nigeria Development Corporation between 1957 and 1962. Between 1963 and 1972, he was the President of the Ibadan Catholic Diocesan Council.

The late Odunjo was also a member of a few organisations while he lived. He was the assistant secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers between 1942 and 1951. He also founded the Federal Association of Catholic Teachers, Lagos and Yoruba Province in 1936. He was its president until 1951.

He held the post of secretary of the Egbado Union, Lagos between 1941 and 1951. He was made knight of St. Gregory by the Pope in 1966.

Despite living such a busy life, Odunjo still found time to devote to writing a whole series of educational books. His Alawiye Yoruba Language series books 1-6 was the approved Yoruba textbook for the teaching of the Yoruba Language in primary schools in Western Nigeria. It is a fact that since the first Alawiye book he published on his own in 1943, Iwe Kini ABD Alawiye, every student who went to primary school in the Western Province, Region and now, just the West, had to pass examinations and tests administered on the basis of the work of the great educationist.

Credited variously with almost single-handedly bringing Longman publishing house to Nigeria, the success of his books is also believed to have contributed immensely in encouraging Longman to maintain a presence in Nigeria for so long.

The Alawiye books have been variously revised and reprinted over the years. Fifty-seven years after, they continue to be as relevant in the classroom of various primary schools as they were in the first days.

Apart from the Alawiye books, Odunjo was also the author of a number of other literary publications. The popular play, Agbalowomeri Bale Jontolo is one of these. There are also other books like the novels, Kuye Edakolaropin (AUP. 1964), Omo Oku Orun (1964) and Kadara ati Egbon Re which was first published by Onibonoje Press.

His Ijinle Majemu Laarin Egba ati Egbado (A historical sketch in poems) which he first published himself in 1945, has also been hailed as the best documentation of the historical agreement between the Egba and Egbado tribes of Abeokuta. He is hailed today for his immense contribution to the peace that exists today between the Egba and the Egbado.

He was also a poet of no mean repute. His collection of Yoruba poems which was first published by Longman in 1961, Akojopo Ewi Aladun, is hailed as the first and most comprehensive compilation of popular Yoruba poems. In his preface to the collection, J.F. Odunjo writes that it had become necessary to have such a collection which sought to document Yoruba poems and wise sayings so as to promote Yoruba culture and tradition, with such popular poems like: Iwa rere li eso eniyan, Ise ni Oogun Ise, Omo beere Osi beere, Owo Apekanuko, Bi ori Ijapa se pa, Kini ng o fole se, the collection inspires the teaching of morals in schools for decades. It is still quite as relevant today as it was in those days. And even more so perhaps in a nation that appears to celebrate amorality.

Apart from these many facets of the late Odunjo, he was also a composer par excellence. He is credited with the composition of a great number of songs enjoyed by Yoruba Catholic faithful. His compositions are included in the Yoruba version of the Catholic Hymn Book, Iwe Orin.

J.F. Odunjo was a strict disciplinarian, according to his daughter, Dr. Mrs. Tokunbo Gbadebo. But for her, growing up under his tutelage was a most fulfilling experience because “though a most strict man, he was always fair to all.” He would take time out to listen to each and every one of his children each time they erred. He was also a very strong catholic who would rouse his household at 6a.m for morning prayers.

His seven children - two sons and five daughters-knew the importance he attached to the prayers then and are to this day, grateful for the kind of upbringing they had under him, even as they celebrate his passage and the life he lived.

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EGBA EGBADO DESCENDANTS ASSOCIATION'S SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT PAID HOMAGE TO ALAKE OF EGBALAND AND OSHILE OF OKE-ONA.

Egba-Egbado Descendants Association 2nd vice President International, Mr. Babatunde Odebiyi paid a courtesy call on the Alake of Egbaland, his royal highness, Oba Oyebade lipede at his Ake palace.  Mr. Babatunde Odebiyi was accompanied by Mr. Olaosebikan Odebiyi and Prince Olufemi Ekeade, and theirwives.

Mr. Babatunde Odebiyi congratulate HRH Oba Oyebade Lipede on the successful Inauguration of the new democratic elected president and commander in chief of the armed forces of Nigeria, President Olusegun Obasanjo, an Egba native son from owu, Abeokuta.  Mr. Odebiyi also briefed Oba Oyebade Lipede of our various projects for the benefit of all Egba-Egbado indigenous in Nigeria and United State of America in particular. In response, Oba Oyebade Lipede thanked all the members of Egba-Egbado Descendant Association for having the thoughts of giving something back to the young generation. He also emphasized the importance of having a literate and well-trained educated indigenous for the competitive public and private sectors economy. Oba Oyebade Lipede also urged us to continue the good work, and to call for any assistance if we need him. Egba-Egbado Descendant Association Second VPresident International, Mr. Babatunde Odebiyi and his family and friends also paid an unscheduled courtesy call on Karonwi III, the Oshile of Oke-Ona, His Highness, Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso at his palace in Oke-Ona, but met his absence. The palace staffs directed us to his residence at Ibara G.R.A. Estate.
At the residence of Oshile of Oke-Ona, we were welcome and entertained by the king’s wife, Olori, Omolara Tejuoso. We were later informed that the Oshile traveled to Lagos on business. Mr. Babatunde Odebiyi then delivered the association deep and sincere sympathy and condolence for the sudden passing of the Iyalode of Egba, Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso. May the almighty God rest her soul in peace. The Olori promised to deliver our message to the Oshile of Oke-Ona. Mr. Babatunde Odebiyi also paid a courtesy call on the Ogun-State commissioner for education, The honorable engineer. Abayomi Ademefun at his executive office, Mr. Odebiyi also briefed the commissioner about the association’s ongoing scholarship awards program for Post Secondary students.

The commissioner was delighted and praised the association for thinking about the young generation, because he knew from personal experience that is not easy to survive abroad. We also had the opportunity to meet another Egba Community personality, Dr. Dapo Afonja, of Specialist hospital at Ibara, to assist us further in coordinating the scholarship program project in Nigeria.

DR. Afonja was delighted and impressed that people from abroad are giving the young students opportunities to better themselves.  He praised all EEDA members and urged them to continue the good work.

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Egba-Egbado Picnic 2000 -- a huge success

 Egba-Egbado Picnic for the year 2000 went on as planned on July 1st at the Strom Hill Park.  As usual, it was well attended.  All Egba-Egbado families were out in the T-shirts specially made for the occassion.  There were all kinds of foods, BBQ chicken and ribs, roasted corn and roasted plantain, jolof rice, etc.  Plenty of juice, sodas, and ice cream for the kids.

 Representatives from the Alliance of Yoruba Organizations and Clubs were there in large number.  Everyone had a good time.  A volleyball tournament was arranged --  Egba-Egbado members versus Yoruba Alliance representatives.  The final score was 1-1. 

 The Egba-Egbado team won the first game and the Yoruba Alliance won the second.  Egba-Egbado team was led by their president, Mr. Johnson.  Team members include Mr. Akisanya, Mr. Shodiya, Mr. Odebo, Dr. Adenekan, Mr. Kadiri, and Mr. Shominure.

 Yoruba Alliance team include, Mr. Akindana, Mr. Akinkoye, Mr. Eniafe, Mr. Salako, Prince Gbadegesin, Mr. Orenuga, Mr. Amusan, and Mr. Ajayi.

 The Refrees were Mr. Sobo and Mr. Adetayo.

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Medical Alert Tag Save Lifes

by Fatimo Dankano-Odebiyi

If you have any allergy or other health conditions, it may save your life if you wear a medical alert tag.  This is important because an accident may render you incapable or unconscious, at which time the tag will assist any medical attendant to determine procedure or medication that will not further endanger your health because of complications that may occur due to your allergy or medical condition.

The medical alert tags can be worn around the wrist or the neck, and they available at any drug store or pharmacy.  Some tags provide information on your conditions and allergies, and some have a toll-free number, where you can create a medical record that can be easily accessed by medical attendants.

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The Silent Killer

by Fatimo Dankano-Odebiyi

Hypertension or high blood pressure (HBP) is the elevation of blood pressure beyond what is normal using an individual’s age, weight, and gender.  HPB has been termed the “silent killer” because of its stealth asymptomatic progression.  There may be no signs of illness at all until vital organs begin to deteriorate.  At that time a person with HBP may start having a blurred vision, headaches, constant fatigue, dizziness or faintness.

If HBP remains untreated, it may lead to heart and/or kidney ailments, and stroke.  The best way to keep this risk at bay is to have regular checkups.

The costs of regular checkups are very minimal and there are clinics that conduct free blood pressure checks.  One such clinic is the Largo Nile Clinic where anyone may get a free blood pressure check. 

The number of the clinic is (301) 925-7022.  Remember that prevention is always better than a cure.

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