November 18th every year has stuck in my brain since time immemorial. The day Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) landed on the surface of the earth. Whether I write about him or not he’s on my prayer points everyday I breathe and that should suffice. All I pray for him is continue longlife and sustained prosperity with sound health and God’s abiding protection over his tribe and lineage. I am not unaware of his stupendous wealth, continued relevance and deep sense of mission that the Almighty God has set for him and how well he has carried himself. I am equally aware of how well he gives thoughts to the Nigerian nation and Yoruba race in particular in that order. Sometimes, he agonises over our situations and he is very gifted in quoting portions of the Holy Bible as if he is a son of a clergyman. In his hayday, he was a radical student union leader and had a clear idea or a well ordered system could serve the greatest number of its citizens. “Look my dear Gani…” is usually his signing tune whenever he wants to be bluntly honest, factual and categorical to the point. At that stage I listen to him with rapt attention and make no interjection or diversionary comments. People do send me to him for sundry assistance, and so on, he will look at me and confide in me. At the recent 70th birthday ceremony of our common friend Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, the Preacher Bishop Theologian Professor Asaju held the Congregation spellbound as he delivered a fantastic homily in which he gave salutary attention to Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN). Alaga as we, his boys, fondly call him, is still in the steps within the seventh floor! I will reserve further comments until he vacates the floor and enters majestically into the eighth floor In Sha Allah. Happy birthday, my Oga, my elder brother, my confidant, my unending benefactor and a leading light in Nigerian politico-legal firmament.
ire o.
Dr. Adeniran, a scholar and community leader, is based in Ibadan
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