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| German trained Dr. Babafemi Oredein, first son and scion of the Oredein dynasty of Ogere |
In this exclusive interview with Asabeafrika, scion of the famous Oredein family of Ogere land in Ogun State (South West Nigeria) Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein reacted to the vicious rivulet of views
that his late father, Chief Samuel Taiwo
Oredein was a grand master of the
underworld in his life time. In the last two weeks, a history blogger, Onigegewura
had gone to town with the bad story of how the late Co-Founder of Action Group and one of the influential
politician of the first republic, Chief
Oredein was given a life jail in 1971 after he was convicted for a robbery
case which involved Backlays Bank
and Bacita Sugar Company. The Ogere
born Chief was railed into a life imprisonment jail after some arrested
criminals who broke into the Ilorin—Kwara State branch of the bank accused him
(implicated him?) of being their chief sponsor. Irony of the case was the fact
that, Oredein’s boss and party leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the De-facto
Vice President and Minister of Finance to Nigeria’s Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon at the time. He was seen to have looked the other way as Oredein faced his cruel fate alone,
even as many of his fans including his children believed their father was a
victim of a vicious political hate scheme. He was released ten years later
courtesy President Shehu Shagari and
his Vice, Chief Alex Ekweme. Eminent
Nigerians like Alhaji Lateef Jakande and
Chief Richard Akinjide were said to
have played a role in his release. But 31 years down the line, the ugly story
came visiting the social media two weeks ago.
that his late father, Chief Samuel Taiwo
Oredein was a grand master of the
underworld in his life time. In the last two weeks, a history blogger, Onigegewura
had gone to town with the bad story of how the late Co-Founder of Action Group and one of the influential
politician of the first republic, Chief
Oredein was given a life jail in 1971 after he was convicted for a robbery
case which involved Backlays Bank
and Bacita Sugar Company. The Ogere
born Chief was railed into a life imprisonment jail after some arrested
criminals who broke into the Ilorin—Kwara State branch of the bank accused him
(implicated him?) of being their chief sponsor. Irony of the case was the fact
that, Oredein’s boss and party leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the De-facto
Vice President and Minister of Finance to Nigeria’s Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon at the time. He was seen to have looked the other way as Oredein faced his cruel fate alone,
even as many of his fans including his children believed their father was a
victim of a vicious political hate scheme. He was released ten years later
courtesy President Shehu Shagari and
his Vice, Chief Alex Ekweme. Eminent
Nigerians like Alhaji Lateef Jakande and
Chief Richard Akinjide were said to
have played a role in his release. But 31 years down the line, the ugly story
came visiting the social media two weeks ago.
Your Africa’s Number 1 Celebrity
Encounter Blog, Asabeafrika visited
the home of the scion of the Oredein
dynasty, a 78 years old German trained medical doctor, Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein. We met the septuagenarian in company of his
younger siblings and he told us the full story of how his father became a
victim of a high wire political vicious scheme which sole aim was to tame his
rising influence and profile in the South West. Dr. Oredein who was angry and dejected at the impression created of
his father as a criminal, debunked all allegations against his dad, promising
to write his own version of the sad history. He answered all our questions
verbatim. Enjoy the excerpts.
Encounter Blog, Asabeafrika visited
the home of the scion of the Oredein
dynasty, a 78 years old German trained medical doctor, Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein. We met the septuagenarian in company of his
younger siblings and he told us the full story of how his father became a
victim of a high wire political vicious scheme which sole aim was to tame his
rising influence and profile in the South West. Dr. Oredein who was angry and dejected at the impression created of
his father as a criminal, debunked all allegations against his dad, promising
to write his own version of the sad history. He answered all our questions
verbatim. Enjoy the excerpts.
How did you feel with allegations that
your dad, Chief Samuel Taiwo Oredein was a robbery kingpin in his life time?
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| Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein meets the GDA |
Honestly, it
is quite unfortunate. I find it ridiculous but we are not here to join issues
with anybody. We grew to know our father as a man of integrity and hard work. I
was conceived and partly raised in Epe—here
in Lagos before we moved to Ibadan, my father was the Secretary to the District
Officer in Epe at the time and that
was how he started his life as a young man. So for someone to now say he is an
armed robber, the person must have his head examined. This was a hardworking
man, God loving man who wanted goodness for himself and his family. So I won’t
say much today.
is quite unfortunate. I find it ridiculous but we are not here to join issues
with anybody. We grew to know our father as a man of integrity and hard work. I
was conceived and partly raised in Epe—here
in Lagos before we moved to Ibadan, my father was the Secretary to the District
Officer in Epe at the time and that
was how he started his life as a young man. So for someone to now say he is an
armed robber, the person must have his head examined. This was a hardworking
man, God loving man who wanted goodness for himself and his family. So I won’t
say much today.
But you need to react because we were
so shocked to read those scandalous stories about your dad
so shocked to read those scandalous stories about your dad
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| Late Chief ST Oredein….The man at the middle of the crisis |
You see, I
was abroad when this thing happened (in 1971). I was already a doctor in 1971,
I graduated in 1967 December 7, won o ti
bi gbogbo yin (None of you were born by then). I had my degree from University of Colon, Western Germany, e mi ti mo jo ko yi—me seated with you here. So when we heard about
the incidence in 1971, I said how can somebody call my father an armed robber?
But we all knew it was a political thing.
was abroad when this thing happened (in 1971). I was already a doctor in 1971,
I graduated in 1967 December 7, won o ti
bi gbogbo yin (None of you were born by then). I had my degree from University of Colon, Western Germany, e mi ti mo jo ko yi—me seated with you here. So when we heard about
the incidence in 1971, I said how can somebody call my father an armed robber?
But we all knew it was a political thing.
So you agree that your father’s
problem was a political set-up?
problem was a political set-up?
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| Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein to Asabeafrika….’My dad was politically set up’ |
It is not a
matter of agree, we all knew it was a political thing, because what is known as
Action Group today, you can see that
picture (brought down a picture of Chief
Obafemi Awolowo & 7 others, including his father who established Action Group). That party was established and formed in our sitting room.
Before Awolowo went to England in 1944, we were living in the
same house. Se e mo ile won loke B’ola—do you know Awolowo’s house in Oke B’ola?
matter of agree, we all knew it was a political thing, because what is known as
Action Group today, you can see that
picture (brought down a picture of Chief
Obafemi Awolowo & 7 others, including his father who established Action Group). That party was established and formed in our sitting room.
Before Awolowo went to England in 1944, we were living in the
same house. Se e mo ile won loke B’ola—do you know Awolowo’s house in Oke B’ola?
You mean in Ibadan
Yes, it was
a bungalow of six rooms; we were living in 3 rooms, Awolowo and his family in the other three rooms. He went to England in 1944 and handed over HID (Hannah Idowu Dideolu) to my father—Pe ST ma’a t’oju Mama Segun fun mi (ST,
kindly take care of Segun’s mother for me) you see, these are things we are
going to write. Iyen ni mo se s’ope eni
ko l’ojo oro—that’s why I said today is not a day for narratives. We are
now going to write our own part of the story and tell the entire world.
a bungalow of six rooms; we were living in 3 rooms, Awolowo and his family in the other three rooms. He went to England in 1944 and handed over HID (Hannah Idowu Dideolu) to my father—Pe ST ma’a t’oju Mama Segun fun mi (ST,
kindly take care of Segun’s mother for me) you see, these are things we are
going to write. Iyen ni mo se s’ope eni
ko l’ojo oro—that’s why I said today is not a day for narratives. We are
now going to write our own part of the story and tell the entire world.
But how did you feel when that
blogger published the story?
blogger published the story?
It was a
shock to us; look I don’t want to do any interview today.
shock to us; look I don’t want to do any interview today.
But you have to talk because
perception is already running about the role your father played in the history
of this country?
perception is already running about the role your father played in the history
of this country?
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| Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein….still shocked over report by blogger on Dad’s reputation |
I just want
to tell you that as far as I am concerned, as far as the family is concerned,
our father cannot be an armed robber. He was never an armed robber, you get my
point? All these boys they mentioned, awon
Odunpade, awon Mustapha, we all
know them when we were young. We know them…
to tell you that as far as I am concerned, as far as the family is concerned,
our father cannot be an armed robber. He was never an armed robber, you get my
point? All these boys they mentioned, awon
Odunpade, awon Mustapha, we all
know them when we were young. We know them…
(Cuts in) They also raised the issue
of Aberenla Family, that your father’s
men killed their son because he was working for Ladoke Akintola’s party?
of Aberenla Family, that your father’s
men killed their son because he was working for Ladoke Akintola’s party?
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| Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein to Asabeafrika….’We are going to write our own story’ |
Exactly, you
see we are going to talk later on all these, we are going to write it out and
give it to you…
see we are going to talk later on all these, we are going to write it out and
give it to you…
(Cuts in again) They equally said
your father harbored thugs in his life time?
your father harbored thugs in his life time?
Look, look,
I am a medical doctor, I am not a politician and Biola (Mrs. Olatunji) can tell you, our father told us ‘don’t go
into politics’ abi beeko? (He asked
his younger siblings which they answered in the affirmative). Our father told
us, don’t go into politics.
I am a medical doctor, I am not a politician and Biola (Mrs. Olatunji) can tell you, our father told us ‘don’t go
into politics’ abi beeko? (He asked
his younger siblings which they answered in the affirmative). Our father told
us, don’t go into politics.
You mean your father warned you about
going into politics?
going into politics?
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| Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein tells us the real story of his father-ST Oredein |
He said ‘e ma lo si politics’ (Don’t go into
politics); let me tell you something, he said to us ‘if you go into politics, if you start at point A, and you grow, grow
and grow, you will come back to point
A’.
politics); let me tell you something, he said to us ‘if you go into politics, if you start at point A, and you grow, grow
and grow, you will come back to point
A’.
You mean if one plays politics?
Yes, for
example, he said where did Awolowo go
back to? Ikene!. Where did Alhaji Jakande go back to? Ilupeju!
Is that not so? Where did Zik go back
to? Onitsha! And so many of them,
nobody in politics—t’oo ba bere ni A,
waa p’ada si A. (If you start from A, you end up at A—it is such a vicious
circle). In Nigeria if you are not
messed up along the way, you are lucky and that is why Dad said ‘e ma lo si politics’. We are not going into politics, I am just telling you a
bit of the story. We know our father is not an armed robber and we are ready to
say it to the whole world. You see the person who wrote that story should have
called some of us and say ‘what is your
own side of the story?’ because I have a brother who is a journalist—Femi Oredein. You would have heard his
name before…
example, he said where did Awolowo go
back to? Ikene!. Where did Alhaji Jakande go back to? Ilupeju!
Is that not so? Where did Zik go back
to? Onitsha! And so many of them,
nobody in politics—t’oo ba bere ni A,
waa p’ada si A. (If you start from A, you end up at A—it is such a vicious
circle). In Nigeria if you are not
messed up along the way, you are lucky and that is why Dad said ‘e ma lo si politics’. We are not going into politics, I am just telling you a
bit of the story. We know our father is not an armed robber and we are ready to
say it to the whole world. You see the person who wrote that story should have
called some of us and say ‘what is your
own side of the story?’ because I have a brother who is a journalist—Femi Oredein. You would have heard his
name before…
Yeah, yeah, sounds famous
He was
Editor of Sunday Sketch. Why didn’t
they call some of us and say ‘Bawo Loro se ri?’ (What is the true story?) ‘Iyen ni nkan to bi awa ninu’ (That is
the only thing that got us angry). You write things because you want to make
money, fine, but don’t malign people you don’t know anything about. You don’t
know anything about ST Oredein.
Editor of Sunday Sketch. Why didn’t
they call some of us and say ‘Bawo Loro se ri?’ (What is the true story?) ‘Iyen ni nkan to bi awa ninu’ (That is
the only thing that got us angry). You write things because you want to make
money, fine, but don’t malign people you don’t know anything about. You don’t
know anything about ST Oredein.
So, who was the man, ST Oredein?. Can
we know much of him for the sake of people of this generation?
we know much of him for the sake of people of this generation?
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| The late Chief ST Oredein |
But look at
that picture I showed you (He showed this blogger some old family pictures
before the commencement of the interview); that time, my father was working
with BATC (British-American Tobacco
Company) but he used to hawk tiles, hats, shoes all over Ibadan—after ton ba kuro n’ibise, won a gbe bicycle, won a ma’a hawk kiri
(After he leaves the office, he will pick his bicycle and start to hawk around
town). Then, this picture was taken at (couldn’t recall the name of the place
again) there is a photographer there, we went to take this picture that day, you
can see he had a shirt, knickers, shoes, he was even sweating that day. This is
my brother, we were taking the picture together (Dr. Oredein stand at the right hand of his father) and because my
brother was crying, my dad had to pacify him by putting him on his lap. The man
was sweating, coming from selling things all over Ibadan. And the photographer was (late) Justice Abimbola
that picture I showed you (He showed this blogger some old family pictures
before the commencement of the interview); that time, my father was working
with BATC (British-American Tobacco
Company) but he used to hawk tiles, hats, shoes all over Ibadan—after ton ba kuro n’ibise, won a gbe bicycle, won a ma’a hawk kiri
(After he leaves the office, he will pick his bicycle and start to hawk around
town). Then, this picture was taken at (couldn’t recall the name of the place
again) there is a photographer there, we went to take this picture that day, you
can see he had a shirt, knickers, shoes, he was even sweating that day. This is
my brother, we were taking the picture together (Dr. Oredein stand at the right hand of his father) and because my
brother was crying, my dad had to pacify him by putting him on his lap. The man
was sweating, coming from selling things all over Ibadan. And the photographer was (late) Justice Abimbola
You mean the same Justice Abimbola
from Ijebu-Ode?
from Ijebu-Ode?
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| An old picture taken in the 40s showing Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein (L) with Dad and younger siblings in a studio in Ibadan |
Yes, I
bought his first car for him, an Opel
in Germany. Justice Abimbola, he is late now, he was the photographer who took
this picture on that day.
bought his first car for him, an Opel
in Germany. Justice Abimbola, he is late now, he was the photographer who took
this picture on that day.
You mean the Justice was a
photographer at the time?
photographer at the time?
Yes, he took
the picture. You get my point?
the picture. You get my point?
Yeah, the picture is indeed historic
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| Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein to Asabeafrika…’Dad was a family loving man’ |
So this is
the man they are calling armed robber, he was sweating, he sat down, took my
brother on his lap and took the picture. Then he went on with his bicycle,
still hawking his things all over the place before he went home—hardworking,
children loving and even a fellowship loving man. I mean he became a very
popular person all over the world—look, let me tell you something, that is my
wife there (pointed in her direction), we went to Honk Kong (sometimes in the 80s) because she was working with British Airways at the time. So, I and
she went to Honk Kong. Normally,
whenever we travel, we register at the Embassy that ‘we are in town o, in case something happens’. Then, the Ambassador,
Alhaji Lapai, he is late now. You
know Lapai in Niger State?
the man they are calling armed robber, he was sweating, he sat down, took my
brother on his lap and took the picture. Then he went on with his bicycle,
still hawking his things all over the place before he went home—hardworking,
children loving and even a fellowship loving man. I mean he became a very
popular person all over the world—look, let me tell you something, that is my
wife there (pointed in her direction), we went to Honk Kong (sometimes in the 80s) because she was working with British Airways at the time. So, I and
she went to Honk Kong. Normally,
whenever we travel, we register at the Embassy that ‘we are in town o, in case something happens’. Then, the Ambassador,
Alhaji Lapai, he is late now. You
know Lapai in Niger State?
Yes, Lapai is a town in Niger State
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| Dr. Oredein tells Asabeafrika more about his legendary father |
He was from
that place, he called his secretary Zakari,
he said ‘go and bring the doctor’. That was me and my wife. The
man was reading a newspaper and put his legs on the table. When I entered his
office, he said ‘Oredein’. I said ‘yes, sir’. He said ‘Are you the boy in Germany?’, ma
gbo o (listen o) I said ‘which boy
sir?’. He said ‘Are you not the one?’
I said ‘yes’. He said ‘your father said he has a son studying in Germany’. I said ‘yes, that’s me’, he just stood up with
his Agbada and hugged me.
that place, he called his secretary Zakari,
he said ‘go and bring the doctor’. That was me and my wife. The
man was reading a newspaper and put his legs on the table. When I entered his
office, he said ‘Oredein’. I said ‘yes, sir’. He said ‘Are you the boy in Germany?’, ma
gbo o (listen o) I said ‘which boy
sir?’. He said ‘Are you not the one?’
I said ‘yes’. He said ‘your father said he has a son studying in Germany’. I said ‘yes, that’s me’, he just stood up with
his Agbada and hugged me.
You mean the same Lapai?
Yes, the
same Lapai. He said ‘where are you staying?’ You know Hong-Kong is an island, there is the mainland,
and there is the island. So, we said
we are staying in Karoon that is the Island; he said ‘No, no, no, go and bring their loads from the hotel and bring it to the embassy’. So they went and brought our
luggage to the embassy. He said ‘you are
going to stay with me’.
same Lapai. He said ‘where are you staying?’ You know Hong-Kong is an island, there is the mainland,
and there is the island. So, we said
we are staying in Karoon that is the Island; he said ‘No, no, no, go and bring their loads from the hotel and bring it to the embassy’. So they went and brought our
luggage to the embassy. He said ‘you are
going to stay with me’.
Why, because of your dad?
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| Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein engages the GDA as Mr. Paul of The Nation Newspaper looks on |
Wait! In
1959 before independence, when they went to campaign in the north—ti e ba ranti n’igba ton ni Awolowo yo ninu
Osupa’ (When the myth broke that Awolowo
appeared in the moon). My father recruited them as field secretaries (including
Lapai) and gave them cars, gave them drivers and even learnt Hausa because of them and was paying
their salaries regularly. So, Lapai
said ‘Oh, your father, he was a good man
o’ we stayed with Lapai for ten
days. That was the first day I slept on a water bed in the Nigerian embassy (in
Honk Kong). I mean to see somebody my father did good for in 1959 to wa n ranti mi in the 80s, pe so iwo l’omo man yi? (For a person my dad
blessed in 1959 to now be returning the favor to me in the 80s shows the kind
of person my father was)
1959 before independence, when they went to campaign in the north—ti e ba ranti n’igba ton ni Awolowo yo ninu
Osupa’ (When the myth broke that Awolowo
appeared in the moon). My father recruited them as field secretaries (including
Lapai) and gave them cars, gave them drivers and even learnt Hausa because of them and was paying
their salaries regularly. So, Lapai
said ‘Oh, your father, he was a good man
o’ we stayed with Lapai for ten
days. That was the first day I slept on a water bed in the Nigerian embassy (in
Honk Kong). I mean to see somebody my father did good for in 1959 to wa n ranti mi in the 80s, pe so iwo l’omo man yi? (For a person my dad
blessed in 1959 to now be returning the favor to me in the 80s shows the kind
of person my father was)
So your dad had such a reputation?
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| Dr. Oredein to Asabeafrika…’Ambassador Lapai blessed me in Honk Kong because of my dad’s goodwill’ |
Even up to Honk Kong; my siblings and the grand
children can tell you stories, once they hear ‘Oredein’ doors open. When I came back from Europe and I set up my own hospital, you know what we call
‘retainer doctor’—retainer-ship; once I get someone, they will say ‘eh, omo tani e? omo ST, Baba e o j’ebe’.
What do you want? I got ten retainer-ships trough my father in companies like Vaswani, Kenkel, name it; and that is the person you are calling an armed
robber? I hope you are getting what I am saying?
children can tell you stories, once they hear ‘Oredein’ doors open. When I came back from Europe and I set up my own hospital, you know what we call
‘retainer doctor’—retainer-ship; once I get someone, they will say ‘eh, omo tani e? omo ST, Baba e o j’ebe’.
What do you want? I got ten retainer-ships trough my father in companies like Vaswani, Kenkel, name it; and that is the person you are calling an armed
robber? I hope you are getting what I am saying?
I am getting it of course
So we are
not interested in defending anything, we are just telling you what has
happened. You see, it is just politics.
not interested in defending anything, we are just telling you what has
happened. You see, it is just politics.
You see, we need to get your side of
the story so that we can have a balanced perception?
the story so that we can have a balanced perception?
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| Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein engages the GDA as he defends the reputation of his late father |
The person
who wrote that story should have gotten to the sources to say ‘ki lo tee s’ele?’ (What really happened?) Did he come to us? Did he get
the court papers? I have a daughter who is a lawyer; my own daughter is a
lawyer. So, if you are doing that, then go to the court, ask the court, ‘what
happened?’ Give me the court account, you know anybody can apply for it; you
pay some money and get it. We got it when we were trying to fight for my father
to come out. We went to the court and we got the court proceedings—we paid for
it and it solved the problem. Why can’t the journalists go there, let me see
the court proceedings o—investigative journalism. I have a brother who is a journalist;
I have a son who is a journalist in Germany.
I myself, I think you heard about Deuche-velle
before?
who wrote that story should have gotten to the sources to say ‘ki lo tee s’ele?’ (What really happened?) Did he come to us? Did he get
the court papers? I have a daughter who is a lawyer; my own daughter is a
lawyer. So, if you are doing that, then go to the court, ask the court, ‘what
happened?’ Give me the court account, you know anybody can apply for it; you
pay some money and get it. We got it when we were trying to fight for my father
to come out. We went to the court and we got the court proceedings—we paid for
it and it solved the problem. Why can’t the journalists go there, let me see
the court proceedings o—investigative journalism. I have a brother who is a journalist;
I have a son who is a journalist in Germany.
I myself, I think you heard about Deuche-velle
before?
Deuche-velle?
Yes, Deuche-velle—German waves, it is a German Radio Station, when I was a
student, I used to write for them; my father was a journalist too, in those
days with Daily Service (Newspaper)
student, I used to write for them; my father was a journalist too, in those
days with Daily Service (Newspaper)
You mean this same ST Oredein?
Yes, with Bisi Onabanjo. So you people
(journalists) have to sit down and listen to what has happened actually. You journalists
don’t know anything.
(journalists) have to sit down and listen to what has happened actually. You journalists
don’t know anything.
I can see your pain, sir
Bisi Onabanjo was the Editor of Daily Service in those days
You mean the same Bisi Onabanjo, the
former Governor of Ogun State?
former Governor of Ogun State?
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| The Oredein Scion speaks to the GDA & Mr. Paul Ukpabio of Nation Newspaper |
He was my
father’s assisstant; Bisi Onabanjo, Bola Ige, Ambrose Ali, Jakande,
they used to sit down in the sitting room in my father’s house, being lectured
in politics. People like J.S. Olawoyin
father’s assisstant; Bisi Onabanjo, Bola Ige, Ambrose Ali, Jakande,
they used to sit down in the sitting room in my father’s house, being lectured
in politics. People like J.S. Olawoyin
Yeah, that is another historically
famous name in the Yoruba South West?
famous name in the Yoruba South West?
Yes, but you
people don’t know them but we know them and they were all there at my father’s
funeral. Even Awolowo came. ‘So, iyen lo sen bi wa ninu pe kilode ti
won o te se wa ba wa?’ (Why didn’t
they come to seek our opinion on the issues raised). You are just writing
something in the social media…look, as of today, my father has 150 grand
children.
people don’t know them but we know them and they were all there at my father’s
funeral. Even Awolowo came. ‘So, iyen lo sen bi wa ninu pe kilode ti
won o te se wa ba wa?’ (Why didn’t
they come to seek our opinion on the issues raised). You are just writing
something in the social media…look, as of today, my father has 150 grand
children.
You mean 150 grand kids? That’s great
 |
| The late Chief ST Oredein |
Yes, 36
children and over 150 grand children that we know
children and over 150 grand children that we know
And to show Godliness in his life, I
believe all you 36 are alive?
believe all you 36 are alive?
I think like
3 of us are dead, but it was after his demise. He did not burry any single
child in his life time.
3 of us are dead, but it was after his demise. He did not burry any single
child in his life time.
Your dad was a Christian?
Ah, ah, my
grad father was the Baba Ijo of Anglican Church (Ogere)
grad father was the Baba Ijo of Anglican Church (Ogere)
What’s his name?
Chief Daniel Adekomaya Oredein, that’s my father’s father. You see,
these are things people should know before going to write rubbish.
these are things people should know before going to write rubbish.
Do you mind telling us more about the
Oredein lineage?
Oredein lineage?
We are too
small to be discussed….
small to be discussed….
(Cuts in) I think that will help to
tell more of who your father is and what guided his philosophy
tell more of who your father is and what guided his philosophy
 |
| Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein tells the GDA about his Christian heritage |
My grandfather,
Chief Daniel, you see, you can’t bear
Daniel unless you are a christian,
abi? Adekomaya Oredein, Baba Ijo ni church wa l’ogere (He is the
Baba Ijo of our church in Ogere). My own grandmother, she used to go and wash
the church on Sundays—won a ma’a fi imi
malu, won a ma fii ma clean church on Sundays.
So we are christians, God loving family and hardworking (Calls the attention of
his younger sibling, Mrs. Biola Olatunji) Biola, ee ranti, 6am, the man will
ring the bell, I have the bell, that is the bell there—b’ami gbe ago yen.
Chief Daniel, you see, you can’t bear
Daniel unless you are a christian,
abi? Adekomaya Oredein, Baba Ijo ni church wa l’ogere (He is the
Baba Ijo of our church in Ogere). My own grandmother, she used to go and wash
the church on Sundays—won a ma’a fi imi
malu, won a ma fii ma clean church on Sundays.
So we are christians, God loving family and hardworking (Calls the attention of
his younger sibling, Mrs. Biola Olatunji) Biola, ee ranti, 6am, the man will
ring the bell, I have the bell, that is the bell there—b’ami gbe ago yen.
You mean your father’s prayer bell?
 |
| Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein to Asabeafrika….’This is the bell i inherited from my father’ |
Emi ni mo inherit e—I inherited the bell. (This blogger
rang the bell severally) he will ring the bell at 6am.
rang the bell severally) he will ring the bell at 6am.
So, when you people are still
sleeping, enjoying the sleep, he will ring it?
sleeping, enjoying the sleep, he will ring it?
Yes, ha, o ma gba e n’ipa ni—(he will kick
you to wake up for prayers). My dad will give you one month to learn a
particular Psalm off head—he made us to learn Psalm 91 by force. We had to
learn it off head.
you to wake up for prayers). My dad will give you one month to learn a
particular Psalm off head—he made us to learn Psalm 91 by force. We had to
learn it off head.
So dad was so religious to this
extent?
extent?
 |
| The scion of the Oredein dynasty shows the GDA the prayer Bell he inherited from Dad |
He even has
an organ (Piano), and he equally bought an organ for the Anglican Church. If we
want to pray in the morning, Baba
will play organ. You see, these are things people should know before they start
to write rubbish.
an organ (Piano), and he equally bought an organ for the Anglican Church. If we
want to pray in the morning, Baba
will play organ. You see, these are things people should know before they start
to write rubbish.
So,how did his relationship with
Awolowo started actually?
Awolowo started actually?
 |
| Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo |
That was
what I told you initially, we were living together in Oke Gbola in Awolowo’s
house when we came from Epe to Ibadan. We rented a house a house—six
rooms. Awolowo and his family were
living in 3 rooms; we were living in the other 3 rooms. Segun, Tola, Wole, have you heard those names before?
what I told you initially, we were living together in Oke Gbola in Awolowo’s
house when we came from Epe to Ibadan. We rented a house a house—six
rooms. Awolowo and his family were
living in 3 rooms; we were living in the other 3 rooms. Segun, Tola, Wole, have you heard those names before?
Year, I think Mrs. Tola Oyediran is
the mother of the wife of the Acting President of Nigeria?
the mother of the wife of the Acting President of Nigeria?
Myself, Biodun and Segun—three of us, when Chief (Awolowo) was going to England in 1944, he handed over HID tom
my father and said ‘ST, ma’a toju Mama
Segun fun mi’.
my father and said ‘ST, ma’a toju Mama
Segun fun mi’.
So that was how confident he was with
your dad?
your dad?
 |
| Dr. Oredein told the GDA more revealing stories of his late dad |
That was how
we knew Awolowo; it is not a one day
affair. We used to go to Railway Shed
n’ibadan—tomatoe, alubosa, awo ti
Mama Segun import lati north (Tomatoe, onion and guinea fowl egg imported
from the north by Awolowo’s wife—Mama Segun) we used to carry it on our head, Mama used to sell it and send the money
to Awolowo abroad. My uncle Baba Kola was a railway fire man, he
used to help Mama Segun (Awolowo’s
wife) to bring the goods from Kano, Kaduna for Mama Segun to sell and she will send the money to Awolowo. But when Awolowo came back and wanted to use his house as a chamber, then,
we had to move out. Egbe Omo Oduduwa
was already on in London tie ba ranti? (If you recall)
we knew Awolowo; it is not a one day
affair. We used to go to Railway Shed
n’ibadan—tomatoe, alubosa, awo ti
Mama Segun import lati north (Tomatoe, onion and guinea fowl egg imported
from the north by Awolowo’s wife—Mama Segun) we used to carry it on our head, Mama used to sell it and send the money
to Awolowo abroad. My uncle Baba Kola was a railway fire man, he
used to help Mama Segun (Awolowo’s
wife) to bring the goods from Kano, Kaduna for Mama Segun to sell and she will send the money to Awolowo. But when Awolowo came back and wanted to use his house as a chamber, then,
we had to move out. Egbe Omo Oduduwa
was already on in London tie ba ranti? (If you recall)
Yeah, it actually started in shool
between Awo and few others
between Awo and few others
 |
| Dr. Oredein speaks to Asabeafrika |
Now, you
know Zik (Nnamdi Azikwe) was very popular in the south west
with his NCNC. The Yorubas said ‘how can an Ibo man come and be rulling us
in our land?’ that’s another story. That was how they came together to form
‘Action Group’—Egbe Afenifere in our sitting room in 1951.
know Zik (Nnamdi Azikwe) was very popular in the south west
with his NCNC. The Yorubas said ‘how can an Ibo man come and be rulling us
in our land?’ that’s another story. That was how they came together to form
‘Action Group’—Egbe Afenifere in our sitting room in 1951.
You mean Oredein’s sitting room in
Ibadan?
Ibadan?
Yes, in fact
on Oredein Street and inside Oredein’s house in Oke-Ado—ibe lon bi gbogbo won si—that is where they were
born (referring to his younger siblings).
on Oredein Street and inside Oredein’s house in Oke-Ado—ibe lon bi gbogbo won si—that is where they were
born (referring to his younger siblings).
So, you mean the soul of Afenifere
which is Action Group started inside your father’s house?
which is Action Group started inside your father’s house?
In the
sitting room, it was a secret thing. You see, the story is so simple. Let me
tell you the story.
sitting room, it was a secret thing. You see, the story is so simple. Let me
tell you the story.
Kindly tell me, please
 |
| Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein revealed how Action Group was formed |
In those
days in the colonial office, to form a party you needed £200. I think you understand me. Then, Awolowo said ‘Ok, how do we
get £200?’ He now told my father ‘look, let us get 8 people to donate £25
each’ that the first 8 will become the founders of Action Group and this is the picture there, today (gave the picture
to this blogger)
days in the colonial office, to form a party you needed £200. I think you understand me. Then, Awolowo said ‘Ok, how do we
get £200?’ He now told my father ‘look, let us get 8 people to donate £25
each’ that the first 8 will become the founders of Action Group and this is the picture there, today (gave the picture
to this blogger)
So, these are the Great 8 who paid to
establish Action Group?
establish Action Group?
Awon to san £25 Pounds niyen to di
£200 Pounds—those
are the ones who paid the initial £25 Pounds that eventually became £200. And
they became the founders of Action Group.
The date is there now, you can see the date (showed us the date of the
establishment of Action Group written below the picture)
£200 Pounds—those
are the ones who paid the initial £25 Pounds that eventually became £200. And
they became the founders of Action Group.
The date is there now, you can see the date (showed us the date of the
establishment of Action Group written below the picture)
That is 26th of March 1950
 |
| Dr. Oredein, a Medical Doctor with the mind of a historian |
Yes, so the
first 8 became the founders of Action
Group.
first 8 became the founders of Action
Group.
How do you feel being the first son
of your father?
of your father?
How do I
feel?
feel?
Yes
I am proudly
Oredein. I won’t say more than that.
I am proudly Oredein, you know the
meaning of that?
Oredein. I won’t say more than that.
I am proudly Oredein, you know the
meaning of that?
Yes
It is not
even Ore-deyin, it is Oore-deyin (dragged the pronounciation
of the O-r-e!)
even Ore-deyin, it is Oore-deyin (dragged the pronounciation
of the O-r-e!)
So what is the meaning of Oore-deyin?
We didn’t
know, our father didn’t tell us the meaning of that.
know, our father didn’t tell us the meaning of that.
What have been the advantages of
having the name Oredein as your surname?
having the name Oredein as your surname?
That was
what I initially told you now, I went to Honk
Kong with my wife, we met the ambassador and he said ‘your father employed me in 1959’ and he told us to go and move
from my hotel suite and to come and stay in his embassy. Se Baba wa j’ale, ambassador
a de ni ki awa gbe ile oun?—will my father be an armed robber and an
ambassador will ask me to leave my hotel and come and stay with him in the
embassy? (His wife interjected and added another experience in New York
with late Alhaji Maitama Sule)
That’s my wife, that’s my wife; I think she has something to say
what I initially told you now, I went to Honk
Kong with my wife, we met the ambassador and he said ‘your father employed me in 1959’ and he told us to go and move
from my hotel suite and to come and stay in his embassy. Se Baba wa j’ale, ambassador
a de ni ki awa gbe ile oun?—will my father be an armed robber and an
ambassador will ask me to leave my hotel and come and stay with him in the
embassy? (His wife interjected and added another experience in New York
with late Alhaji Maitama Sule)
That’s my wife, that’s my wife; I think she has something to say
So you think your father was a victim
of a ferocious political scheme?
of a ferocious political scheme?
 |
| Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein….Very Angry over bad report on late dad |
Look, look,
if you are in politics, there is no way you won’t make enemies. And in those
days, the politics of Nigeria was not like this season, you know now, there is
a lot of money. That time, there wasn’t a lot of money. You see, our father was
so popular, ask her, she can tell you more. He was so popular in this country.
When I was going to marry her (pointed to his wife), the uncle in Okiti-Pupa (Ondo State), when he heard
my name, he said ‘heen, Oredein! Baba e
ko le’ST?’ ‘Mo ni bee ni’. He
told me to take her away that I should not pay dowry.
if you are in politics, there is no way you won’t make enemies. And in those
days, the politics of Nigeria was not like this season, you know now, there is
a lot of money. That time, there wasn’t a lot of money. You see, our father was
so popular, ask her, she can tell you more. He was so popular in this country.
When I was going to marry her (pointed to his wife), the uncle in Okiti-Pupa (Ondo State), when he heard
my name, he said ‘heen, Oredein! Baba e
ko le’ST?’ ‘Mo ni bee ni’. He
told me to take her away that I should not pay dowry.
You mean your wife?
Yes, that
was how famous my father was. He was a man of unlimited goodwill.
was how famous my father was. He was a man of unlimited goodwill.
What late Maitama Sule
told us about Chief Oredein—Mrs. Modupe Oredein (Nee Lebi
interjected)
told us about Chief Oredein—Mrs. Modupe Oredein (Nee Lebi
interjected)
 |
| Mrs. Modupe Oredein….’Baba was a great man’ |
He said anytime Baba came to Ondo State,
he will lodge in his house. Baba was
even instrumental to his becoming a parliamentarian. His name is Dr. Nathaniel Lebi
he will lodge in his house. Baba was
even instrumental to his becoming a parliamentarian. His name is Dr. Nathaniel Lebi
Your father
My grand
father
father
You mean he was instrumental to…
(Cuts in)
No, Baba Oredein was instrumental to
his being a parliamentarian
No, Baba Oredein was instrumental to
his being a parliamentarian
That’s your own grandfather?
Yes, sir!
From which state
Ondo state; and anytime Baba went to Ondo state that time, Baba
will lodge in our house, I mean Chief
Oredein, he will lodge in our house, he was so close to my family, very
kind to them; they said anytime he came to Ondo
state, they were always happy because he was a good man. He will give them
whatever they wanted. Around that time, we went to New York, Nigeria’s
Permanent Representative in New York
welcomed us into his house because he heard the name Oredein. He said Oredein
helped him while he was growing up. I mean the man that died recently—Maitama Sule.
will lodge in our house, I mean Chief
Oredein, he will lodge in our house, he was so close to my family, very
kind to them; they said anytime he came to Ondo
state, they were always happy because he was a good man. He will give them
whatever they wanted. Around that time, we went to New York, Nigeria’s
Permanent Representative in New York
welcomed us into his house because he heard the name Oredein. He said Oredein
helped him while he was growing up. I mean the man that died recently—Maitama Sule.
You mean the Dan Samanin Kano?
Yes
So, what happened in Honk Kong automatically re-enacted in New York
 |
| Mrs. Modupe Oredein to Asabeafrika…’Late Maitama Sule confirmed Chief Oredein’s goodwill in New York’ |
Exactly; so Baba’s problem was born out of envy and
jealousy because he was so famous and influential in the entire country and he
was respected. My father told me that anytime Awolowo was going to appear in a town or a state, Baba (Chief ST Oredein) will be the first to go
ahead to prepare the ground in expectation of Awolowo. He will go before him and on the D-day, he will officially present him. That was him for you.
jealousy because he was so famous and influential in the entire country and he
was respected. My father told me that anytime Awolowo was going to appear in a town or a state, Baba (Chief ST Oredein) will be the first to go
ahead to prepare the ground in expectation of Awolowo. He will go before him and on the D-day, he will officially present him. That was him for you.
Her husband, Dr. Oredein
interjected….
interjected….
 |
| Dr. Oredein giving the GDA more points |
Let me
demonstrate it to you (held the hand of this blogger and raised it) my father
will say ‘Awolowo ti mo so fun yin nipa e
naa re oo’ (This is the Awolowo I
told you about) and that was how he served Awowolo
and worked for the progress of the party.
Do you know there was a party called Ibadan
People’s Party (IPP)
demonstrate it to you (held the hand of this blogger and raised it) my father
will say ‘Awolowo ti mo so fun yin nipa e
naa re oo’ (This is the Awolowo I
told you about) and that was how he served Awowolo
and worked for the progress of the party.
Do you know there was a party called Ibadan
People’s Party (IPP)
No, sir
That was Akinjide, Akinloye, Adelabu, Adedibu…do you know how that name Afenifere came about?
No, sir
It was Akinloye who called it ‘Afenifere’. He was the one who
mentioned the name ‘Afenifere’.
Because then, the Yoruba politicians didn’t want to put their eggs in one
basket, so they said ‘let us create
another party’ and that was how Akinjide
& Akinloye came to this side; and
they said what name in Yoruba should
we give Action Group? then Akinloye said ‘e je a pe ni Egbe Afenifere’-Let
us call it Afenifere group’ because
the logo was ‘Freedom for all, Life more
abundant’. Then Akinloye said ‘E je
a pe ni Egbe Afenifere’.
mentioned the name ‘Afenifere’.
Because then, the Yoruba politicians didn’t want to put their eggs in one
basket, so they said ‘let us create
another party’ and that was how Akinjide
& Akinloye came to this side; and
they said what name in Yoruba should
we give Action Group? then Akinloye said ‘e je a pe ni Egbe Afenifere’-Let
us call it Afenifere group’ because
the logo was ‘Freedom for all, Life more
abundant’. Then Akinloye said ‘E je
a pe ni Egbe Afenifere’.
His wife interjected again with more
testimonies….
testimonies….
 |
| Mrs. Modupe Oredein to Asabeafrika…’Baba was too big and that became a threat to many’ |
There was a
time, sir; I went to Abuja when Abuja became the Federal Capital. I wanted to see the Acountant General of the
Federation in Abuja. He was holding a
meeting with all the chief accountants from all the states; then, he said ‘look at my sister she is the first born of my paramount king’—that is my
father who is the paramount king of my town now—Okitipupa and he said ‘she is
a wife to Oredein’ all of them said ‘ah,
Action Group, Oredein—Awolowo, Oredein!. That is how popular this man was.
Even in Hausa land, they recognize
the name. I don’t know why people should go out and just write anything without
finding out.
time, sir; I went to Abuja when Abuja became the Federal Capital. I wanted to see the Acountant General of the
Federation in Abuja. He was holding a
meeting with all the chief accountants from all the states; then, he said ‘look at my sister she is the first born of my paramount king’—that is my
father who is the paramount king of my town now—Okitipupa and he said ‘she is
a wife to Oredein’ all of them said ‘ah,
Action Group, Oredein—Awolowo, Oredein!. That is how popular this man was.
Even in Hausa land, they recognize
the name. I don’t know why people should go out and just write anything without
finding out.
My father’s goodwill aided my Medical
practice—Dr. Oredein
practice—Dr. Oredein
 |
| Dr. Oredein to Asabeafrika…’The neatness of a German Doctor made me read medicine in Germany’ |
Tell us how you became a Medical
Doctor?
Doctor?
When Mandillas came to Nigeria, I am sure you
know Mandillas
know Mandillas
Sure, sir
When Mandillas came to Nigeria, they brought Volkswagen
car—this Ijapa. It was the Action Group that was buying those cars
from them. So at Oke Ado, they had a
clinic where they treat the German Engineers who came with Mandillas. Mandillas was
a Greek, Mandillas and Caraberries,
go and ask. So they had a doctor who had a clinic; you know where Odion Cinema is now in Ibadan, Mandillas was near there. So they had a clinic up and the German doctor used to put on white coat,
white shirt, white trouser white shoes and I used to admire it. So I told the German doctor ‘can I come and study in your country?’ he said ‘Yes, no problem. Once you finish
your HSC let me know’. That was how I got to Germany in 1961.
car—this Ijapa. It was the Action Group that was buying those cars
from them. So at Oke Ado, they had a
clinic where they treat the German Engineers who came with Mandillas. Mandillas was
a Greek, Mandillas and Caraberries,
go and ask. So they had a doctor who had a clinic; you know where Odion Cinema is now in Ibadan, Mandillas was near there. So they had a clinic up and the German doctor used to put on white coat,
white shirt, white trouser white shoes and I used to admire it. So I told the German doctor ‘can I come and study in your country?’ he said ‘Yes, no problem. Once you finish
your HSC let me know’. That was how I got to Germany in 1961.
Is there where you found your wife?
|
| His Pretty Wife, Modupe Oredein (Nee Lebi) |
Not she, my
first wife was a German. That is another story.
first wife was a German. That is another story.
At what point did you meet your
present wife?
present wife?
When I came
back—1975
back—1975
So the white man in Ibadan made you
to study medicine?
to study medicine?
 |
| Dr. Babafunmilayo Oredein with younger siblings, Abiola & Odunola Oredein |
Yes, because
of his neatness, he was so neat—white coat, white shirt, white trouser, white
socks and white shoes. And I was so impressed, ‘ah, can I come to your
country to study?’ he said ‘yes’.
So, he helped me to get into the language school. From the language school into
the university, because I did HSC, we
were exempted from first MB. We went straight into the second MB class in Germany because first MB subjects are the same thing like HSC, it was equivalent.
of his neatness, he was so neat—white coat, white shirt, white trouser, white
socks and white shoes. And I was so impressed, ‘ah, can I come to your
country to study?’ he said ‘yes’.
So, he helped me to get into the language school. From the language school into
the university, because I did HSC, we
were exempted from first MB. We went straight into the second MB class in Germany because first MB subjects are the same thing like HSC, it was equivalent.
You talk about neatness that shows
that your family even cherished neatness?
that your family even cherished neatness?
Ask them;
ask them, those are the small girls. Ask them
ask them, those are the small girls. Ask them
(Read what the Oredein Girls said about their
Dad in our next Post + What Dad told them before his death)
Dad in our next Post + What Dad told them before his death)
(You can watch the live edition of
this interview on YouTube via Asabe Afrika TV. Type ‘GbengaDanAsabe’ on your YouTube app and subscribe)
this interview on YouTube via Asabe Afrika TV. Type ‘GbengaDanAsabe’ on your YouTube app and subscribe)
