As Amb. (Dr.) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu Turns 70

ADEDARA ODUGUWA

I was not privileged to meet with one of my mentors, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who died when I was only two years old in 1987. But in principles, deeds, educational legacies and ideological orientation, we have met repeatedly. It worth to note that one of the greatest gift left behind for the Yorubas and Nigeria by this great man is Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu.

She was born specifically on February 20th, 1948. Dr. Olatokunbo is one of the most dedicated leader of conscience in Nigeria. She shunned the aesthetic lifestyle of aristocrats as a result of empathizing with Nigerians in their grieves and agonies as a result of activities of the economic saboteurs and accidental public servants. Unlike others, Dr. Olatokunbo, do not own a car not to talk of driving one. How can a UK trained Medical Doctor and daughter of the most powerful Nigeria’s founding fathers, not in possession of a car? Wow! She must have took after her father ‘the best president Nigeria never had’. She is unbelievably humble and kind.

Dr. Olatokunbo remains an epitome of servant leadership, passionate philanthropist and a no-nonsense philosopher, whose core-interest is seeing Nigeria become an independent state from hands of the economic bourgeoisies, political profiteers and institutional shylocks. Little wonder why such intelligent and ideological individual is not found in any government functionaries, in a country where political and economic directions look deem and national prosperity persistently become uncertain.

Like all ideological leaders, Dr. Olatokunbo chose to be classy, organized, iconoclast, mentally equipped and contented. This is seen in ways she handles ‘The Obafemi Awolowo Foundation.’ Not once has she proved her competence and capacity in the area of science, literature, economy and political pursuits. She is no doubt a strong woman of steel, mother and friend of the poorest, the vulnerable in the society, the unemployed youths and the less-privileged, who the ruling class continues to disappoint and taken for granted.

I recalled how we met; she got to hear of that much talk about book on papa- Chief Obafemi Awolowo: The Political Moses. I was then in Bristol, United Kingdom, she sent a non-too-ambiguous message ‘Dear Mr. Adedara, kindly visits the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation office, whenever you are in Nigeria.’ I saw the message and was so happy. I was only 27 years of age then. On my arrival to Nigeria, I met with mama HID Awolowo of blessed memory and later, with Dr. Olatokunbo, I was well received at the Gbagada office of the Foundation. In few weeks, my book launch was organized, with every contact coming from Dr. Olatokunbo to grace my big moment.

I remembered how Dr. Olatokunbo had to write Sir Kessington Adebutu in order to accept to be ‘Father of the Day’. It would suffice to reproduce the following lines of the letter dated October 9, 2013 “…The above named person is the author of ‘Chief Obafemi Awolowo: The Political Moses’… Though very young, he has done a remarkable thing by writing this book and therefore needs to be encouraged…” This she wrote about a young man she never knew from Adam. For this, I am forever indebted!

In a similar vein, sometimes in 2015, my wife said to me after having an encounter with Dr. Olatokunbo, ‘Poet, why is Ambassador (Dr. Olatokunbo) not in government? Why do we like to waste talents in Nigeria? Why is our government too political than being realistic? Who among the women in politics and even men is better than her when it comes to people-oriented vision for Nigeria? Honestly, I don’t think Nigeria is ready to grow. If not, how can we be wasting such wonderful human capital? In any case, thank you for connecting us, please next time you are going to Ikenne let me know, I will like to always come with you.” She submitted as she fumed.

I could not give her a straight answer. I looked at her and said; Nigerian politicians are not nation builders but party builders. They would rather prefer a novice and economic neophyte to such intelligent, competent and passionate Nigerian. They really do not care whether the poor are suffering, but what they care about is their pocket and power. From that day, Dr. Tokunbo had become my wife’s mentor as she goes around propagating her teachings, learnings and ideologies to the women community.

Today is not a moment for reminiscence, but a day to celebrate with this enigma, intelligent mother and grand-mother, passionate philanthropist, committed visionary, true-model and one of the best gifts the nature has bestowed on the black race- Amb. (Dr.) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, my mentor. I can only wish you long life in good health, as we continue to pray and work together towards seeing our promised land- A freed Nigeria where life is more abundant. Happy birthday grandma.

Your son,

Adedara Oduguwa

(Ph.D in view), Author: Chief Obafemi Awolowo: The Political Moses.