By Dr Salmon Omokanye,
England
I write this tribute on behalf of the extended family of Alhaji Bakare Adeyemi (Baba Alata), of blessed memory.
There are many things everyone finds are worth living for, but there are only a few worth dying for, that legends are dedicated to; none more worthy than the pursuit of liberty and freedom for a people. That was the eternally shining example, indelible in the history of Offa, of the life long commitment of Chief J S Olawoyin to community leadership in the quest for liberty and freedom from the hegemony of the Emirate and Native Authorities.
Growing up, I became aware of the close relationship of my grandfather, Alhaji Bakare Adeyemi and Chief J S Olawoyin who was famous as an opposition politician in the Northern Nigerian Parliament. Grandpa was a staunch loyalist of the Action Group political party (AG) led locally by Honourable J S Olawoyin. The AG governed the Western Region of Nigeria but the political party was a minority in the Northern Region governed by the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC). Chief J S Olawoyin had unblemished reputation and consistently very popular in his constituency so that he always won elections for his minority party. Despite the hostility of the ruling party, Chief J S Olawoyin was unwavering in his resolve to lead Offa people and to advocate for a local authority.
My grandfather and Chief J S Olawoyin shared relentless passion for the cause and had majority followership locally. They also had powerful detractors locally and some neighbouring towns that were relied on by the government to oppose the desire of Chief J S Olawoyin.
The loyalty of my grandfather, Alhaji Bakare Adeyemi, was priceless for
Chief J S Olawoyin as Baba rallied majority Offa Muslims behind him and prevented religious bigotry in local politics. Both leaders had good longstanding reputation for integrity and honesty of purpose that the people trusted them and remained loyal through thick and thin.
The Yoruba tribes under Ilorin emirates that joined the rest of the nation in rejoicing for independence in 1960, had by far more joy when States were created in 1967; and subsequently, further administrative restructuring eventually dismantled the control by Ilorin Emirate.
The mission of Chief J S Olawoyin began before independence. He presented a case for merging Yoruba in Northern Nigeria with the Western Region at the Constitutional Conference in London in 1957. He continued the advocacy in Northern Region parliament as Honourable Member; he persevered in the First Republic and waxed stronger even in military regimes. That we have Offa Local Government today is a glowing tribute to the political sagacity and relentless advocacy by the trail blazers for National independence in the first place and ultimately the creation of local governments. Chief J S Olawoyins part in Nationalist struggle for independence and leadership locally in the quest for local government made him a legend in life and in death.
Politicians are no strangers to feuds and squabbles. My grandfather and Chief Olawoyin went through lots of them together. They were inseparable in all the vagaries of politics in their time. They had honesty of purpose and a noble cause that made the majority of Offa people consistently loyal. The community leaders occasionally faced rancour of party men, opponents, and adversaries. I grew up and soon got familiar with multitudes of meetings, now and again, at the residence of my grandfather. The personality clash with the palace in the reign of Oba Olawore Olanipekun was the most daunting of all. Having championed the recognition of Offa Kingship and contributed immensely to the emergence of the Olofa, it was ironic that the relationship became strained on petty issues deliberately escalated by adversaries that found it convenient to take side with the King to reinforce their own grudges. There was an era of frequent publications in the press attacking Chief J S Olawoyin. For each case, an immediate rejoinder by Chief J S Olawoyin would thoroughly discredit the false allegations in the petitions.
The relationship of Baba and Chief J S Olawoyin had social depth of cordiality that was very much like father and son. On a lot of issues, Chief J S Olawoyin relied on my grandfather for wise counsel. Albeit illiterate, Baba had a huge clout as a highly reputable politician, a deeply pious Muslim (He was the Balogun Musulumi of Offa before his death) and also a revered leader as the Chairman of the family of the Ruling House. There were several occasions when they met up to discuss various issues including rifts in the Muslim community, bickerings at the palace, representation to government, local feuds about cultural events like “Egungun” and Onmaka. Chief J S Olawoyin was very respectful, loving and caring to my grandfather to the very end of his life and in death.
One of the most memorable events was the unforeseen news about Olofas decision to confer on Chief J S Olawoyin the highest title in the land as the first Asiwaju of Offa. It was breath taking! They had longstanding feud, and the detractors were still fanning the embers of disunity. Olofa saw through the mischief of some of his supporters and was magnanimous to recognise the dedication of Chief J S Olawoyin for the common good; he was truly the most outstanding community leader. My grandmother was one of the first to be briefed by Olofa (Grandpa had passed away a few years before) and jubilation erupted at her residence. The opponents were forlorn and bewildered. The goodwill of Oba Olofa signified a big step for reconciliation and eventually ended the feud. The investiture was a very grand occasion unprecedented at Offa. It was attended by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and myriads of politicians, traditional rulers and famous people from all over the country.
On Grandpas dying day, I was witness to the spectacular demonstration of love, care and reliability by Chief J S Olawoyin. Baba had sent me to request Chief J S Olawoyin to see him first thing in the morning, about 7.30 am. Chief responded instantly and only when we got to Grandpa did he disclose that he had woken up not feeling so well and he would like Chief Olawoyin to accompany him to see the doctor at the hospital. Chief J S Olawoyin ensured that my grandfather received quick attention in the outpatient department and treated for malaria. In each other’s company, they chatted as usual about current affairs and politics. In one newspaper on that day was a publication on the proposal for a forum for the periodic meetings of Northern States governors. I listened to the discussions of the pros and cons of such initiative. Back at home, my grandfather had his medications and then decided to have a bed rest; Chief Olawoyin was excused to take his leave.
Baba passed away in his sleep nearly the afternoon that day. Chief J S Olawoyin and the Muslim Clerics gathering at Babas residence for a scheduled meeting with Baba were the earliest callers to mourn and also arrange the burial in accordance with Islamic rites the next day. Chief J S Olawoyin was quick in sending the announcement of Babas death and his tributes to Baba to various news media for publication.
The cordial relationship between Chief J S Olawoyin and Baba has been the bedrock for their families in sharing love, harmony and goodwill indefinitely.
On a personal note, I have been a friend to Chief J S Olawoyins eldest son, Chief Banji Olawoyin, since childhood. I am grateful for the inspiration and encouragement by Chief J S Olawoyin in my student days. I felt hugely honoured that he found time to attend my wedding. He had accorded me the kindest consideration both as Banjis friend and also Baba Alatas grandson.
All family and friends gathered in loving memory of Chief J S Olawoyin are proud of him as he left behind with us a resounding legacy of mission accomplished for the greater good, after a life dedicated to the quest for liberty and freedom.
May the soul of Chief J S Olawoyin rest eternally in perfect peace. Amen.
Dr Salmon Omokanye,
England.
23/10/2024.
