Few weeks ago, I stumbled on a write-up by one of the senior editor in town on
Tale of Nigerian politicians who rode into prominence on their fathers’ influence.
Majority of those mentioned in the list rode to political prominence not because of accumulation of wealth by their fathers but the role played while they were in politics, and the relevance of their families in the polity.
While ruminating on the write, a name of such flashed through my mind, you asked me?, I will surely let you into the personality.
Before now, politics has thrown up young and relatively known though, from notable lineages now strolling the political space with the aim of projecting themselves as children of themselves.
The political class is becoming used to the idea that parental reputation may continue to play a significant role in advancing the political careers of upstarts, despite the limitation of experience.
Most times they exempt them from the peculiar stress of political job hunt and assured of relatively easier route to power.
People also attest to a deliberate political tutelage packaged by aging political megastars who steer their children into community and practical statecraft under their roof.
It is further rationalised in political circles and party caucuses that the aged parents have paid their dues, and their offspring, though neophytes in politics, should be protected from political injury.
References are made to the heroic labours of the past, including deprivations and colossal electoral defeats through rigging, and deference to party supremacy and discipline.
The bright side of godfatherism is the substitution of self with kith and kin. Many godfathers have learnt their lessons in political sponsorship, thus retracing their steps from their penchant for raising godsons who later refuse to become stooges.
It is not peculiar to Nigeria. In many other climes, prominent families have been associated with the hunt for power.
They include the Bush and the Kennedy families of the United States, Ghandi of India, Bhuto of Pakistan, Kenyata of Kenya, Eyadema of Togo, and Mobutu Sese-Seko of Congo.
In the United States, while John Kennedy was a serving president, his younger brother, Robert, served as Attorney-General and Edward was a senator.
Former President Bill Clinton’s wife, Hillary, became a senator and later Secretary of State (or Foreign Minister).
In India, the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty was dominant for a long time. Jawaharlal Nehru was the first prime minister. His daughter, Indira, was the first female prime minister in the country. After her assassination, she was succeeded by her son, Rajiv, also assassinated. Rajiv’s wife, Sonia, also became prime minister in 2004.
Projecting children of legends
In Nigeria, rferences have been made to the projection of Ogedengbe Macaulay, son of the father of Nigerian nationalism, Herbert Macaulay; Oluwole Awolowo, son of the first Premier of the old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo; Greg Mbadiwe, son of Dr. Kingsley Mbadiwe, fondly called ‘Man of Timber and Caliber’ by admirers; Yomi and Bimbo Akintola, children of the late Western Regional Premier Ladoke Akintola; Udo Udoma, son of a former federal legislator and jurist, Udo Udoma; Simeon Tarka of Second Republic House of Representatives, son of Senator Joseph Tarka; Mathew Mbu Jr., son of former Federal Minister of Labour, Chief Mathew Mbu; Jumoke Akinjide, former Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and daughter of First and Second Republic minis ter, Chief Richard Akinjide; Jumoke Anifowose, daughter of former Ondo State governor, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, and Muyiwa, son of the slain Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige.
Oba Aderemi’s prediction came true. His daughter, Mrs. Tejumade Alakija, became the first Head of Service in old Oyo State; another son became a commissioner. His grandson, Babajide Omoworare, became a senator representing Ife/Ijesa District.
Two children of Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua, First Republic Minister of Lagos Affairs, made impact. Major General Shehu Yar’Adua, former Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters, set up the most formidable political structure through the defunct Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM). His younger brother, Umaru, former governor of Katsina State, became President and died in active service.
Even in death, the name of President-elect Moshood Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, still evokes a good memory. His daughter, Lola Edewor, represented Apapa Constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2007 before relocating to Ogun State to play politics. Her younger sister, Hafsat Costello, was a special adviser to former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosu. Also, his younger brother, Kola, was a Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate in the last general election.
In Ekiti State, Joju, son of former Governor Ayodele Fayose, aspired to represent Ekiti Central 1 in the House of Representatives.
In Ogun State, Rasheed, son of the late Senator Buruji Kashamu, got the ticket to run for the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly in Ijebu North Constituency.
In Oyo State of today, a name synonymous to that of those mentioned above are already in the news, flying all over and making headlines daily due the role and activities of father while he was alive.
Olaoluwa Peter Abidemi, a certified Chartered Accountant, and a son to Pa Emmanuel Ologbin Babatunde Olaifa, who was until his death, a member of the People’s Democratic Party is warming up to be governor of Oyo State come 2027.
Late Pa Emmanuel Ologbin Babatunde Olaifa was born on February 29, 1930 into the family of Late Sanusi Onifade Olaifa and Late Madam Ajihun Olaifa of Akin compound, Kudeti, Jafuu, Fiditi. He attended St. Patrick Catholic Primary School, Fiditi, from years 1940 – 1948. He also attended St.Murumba’s College, Ile-Ife. Dad attended St Leo’s Teachers College Abeokuta where he served as the Food Prefect.
He later proceeds to St Andrews College of Education Oyo now Ajayi Crowthers University.He started his teaching career at St Andrews Primary School, Akinmoorin in 1954.
Baba as a politician started in the 1980s extensively, (despite his early involvements in the then Papa Awo’s Action Group around 1966 – 1970).
As at then, he had settled back home in Fiditi, still active in the Government Civil Service until his retirement from Civil Service. Since then, he was able to devote much of his time to politics.
As a PDP Stalwart, he rose to the position of Jafuu Ward 4 Chairman in Afijio local government area of Oyo State around 1992, which he maintained until his demise in 2015.
He rose to prominence in the days of Late Chief Ojelabi and Late Chief Pekun Adesokan.He was popularly known as “BABA OLOGBIN” amongst his party members. He was easy-going and very accessible to all.Amongst his children that walked closely with him is “OPA” who gradually started his political interests at such a tender age right from his secondary school days.
Today, Olaoluwa Peter Abidemi has thrown his hat into the ring set to slug it out and becomes the governor of Oyo State come 2027.
One thing that has resonate everywhere across Oyo State since making his interest know was the positive role late Emmanuel
Babatunde Olaifa played in the party while alive majority that knows are ready to reciprocate the good gesture through his son. For those that never knew, now you know, Olaoluwa Peter Abidemi is gradually marching to the Agodi government house of Oyo State.
Akinola Emmanuel writes from Saki
