Babajide, one of the sons of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro, talks about his father’s life and career with MOTUNRAYO JOEL
Tell us more about yourself.
I went to a few primary schools, but I finished from St. Saviours, Ebute Meta railway compound, Lagos. I then moved to King’s College, Lagos. After my secondary school, I had the opportunity to travel to the United States to further my education. I was at St. Cloud States University, where I studied Political Science for my first degree and Criminal Justice for my minor. I went on to obtain a master’s degree in Public Administration from Pace University, New York. After my education, I worked for a while and relocated to Nigeria.
What was your childhood like?
I spent the first nine years of my life with my maternal grandmother who lived in Ikorodu, Lagos. She solely brought me up and was my custodian. I used to spend holidays with my paternal grandmother and cousins. During the holidays, we were many in the house , I had a great time. It wasn’t until 1989 that I met my parents after they moved back to Nigeria from the US with my siblings— Gbolahan and Shalewa. We lived at Alagomeji, Yaba in a one-bedroom apartment where we shared either the toilet or kitchen with our neighbours. Then we moved to Iponri Estate where we lived in a three-bedroom apartment till 1994 or 1995. We later moved to Ebute Meta. My family and I lived there till I moved out of the country.
How do you react when people view you as a silver spoon kid?
I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion. It is everybody’s dream and wish to be a silver spoon kid, if that is what I’m termed as, glory be to God.
Did your father influence your decision to join politics?
I wouldn’t say no because that would be a blatant lie. By nature, I think God created me as someone who loves to make impact. When I was in secondary school, during my second term in J.S.S.2, I remember calling a few friends together. I told them that our class captain was weak and should be removed. We all then decided to match to our class teacher’s office to lay our complaint. She then followed us back to our class and conducted an election. I won the election. I remained the class captain from J.S.S.2 till we finished secondary school. Other students tried to get me removed but they failed. This is just the kind of person I am, I love to make an impact and contribute my quota to making things better. The same thing happened in the university, where I was a member of the African Students Association for a year. The following year, I contested for the position of treasurer and I won. In my final year, I contested for the presidential position and I won. I contributed immensely to the association. I defended the association a number of times and I guess I got this nature from my father.
Does he force his career choices on his children?
No, but he guides you. If you tell him what you want to become, he will guide you on how to achieve your goals. He would give you full support.
How did you feel when you lost out in the House of Assembly elections?
It was painful, but I didn’t think it was the end of the world or that I was a failure. I believe there is life beyond politics. I just wanted to contribute my quota, but since people didn’t want me, I didn’t mind. Though in my case, I don’t think it was the people that didn’t want me, it was a group or hierarchy that denied me the opportunity of serving my people. This is why people like me are adamant, insisting that Nigeria can’t continue like this.
To what extent did your father contribute in ensuring your victory at the polls?
My father helped financially and morally, spiritually. He threw everything he could possibly throw into my political career. Even the blind could see that he gave his best. Just that we are in a state where the opposition party has eaten deep into the system, this has given the party an advantage over other parties. It took the Peoples Democratic Party a long time to wake up and realise this. The good thing is that our thought level is slowly changing and individuals now vote for candidates and not parties.
What kind of father is he at home?
He is a family man, he puts his family first at all times— I learnt that from him. He takes his children’s welfare seriously. If you introduce yourself as a friend to any of his children, he would give you a listening ear and grant you uttermost respect. He is a complete family man.
Is he sociable?
He is a moderate socialite and I have that nature too. He isn’t too outspoken neither is he an introvert. He doesn’t drink or smoke.
To what extent does he cherish his religion?
He is submissive to Islam, submissive to faith, but he isn’t a 100 per cent practising Muslim. This is my view of him when it patterns to religion.
What do you like about him and vice versa?
I always tell him to exercise a bit more patience and try to listen more. Other than that, he is a great father. He is someone one can change overtime. For example, if you want him to do something, even if he insists on not doing it, if you give him time, he will give you what you want.
How did he train his children?
There is one thing I know we cherish in my family— honesty. If I am dealing with someone, I want our relationship to be straightforward, no pretence. We were brought up to be honest, to tell the truth at all times even if it will cost us anything. He was on the strict side with us while growing up; he ensured we weren’t spoilt kids.
How did he discipline any child who erred?
I received a lot of beatings then and we clashed a lot. We have had our times, but we are better now, our relationship is better.
Did he use a cane?
He started out correcting me with a cane, but as I grew older, he used his hands. After a while, he stopped.
What special privileges have you enjoyed being his child?
I have enjoyed a lot. Sometimes, when I go somewhere and I mention my surname, people become hospitable. There are also times people make things difficult for me just because I’m his son. That is life; nevertheless, I have enjoyed more benefits than pain.
How did he feel when he lost out at the PDP Lagos governorship primaries?
He is someone who takes life easy. He moved on with his life after the primaries. He doesn’t dwell on things. Though, we didn’t lose the honourable way. Some people made sure he lost. For the love of progress and the party, he succumbed to their pressure and worked whole-heartedly to support the party at the polls.
What does he say about Jimi Agbaje?
He will tell you, ‘Lagosians missed out on this one.’ He might not know Agbaje well, but he knows the Lagos Governor-elect, Akinwunmi Ambode more than Agbaje. They have been in the system more than Agbaje. He would have preferred Agbaje to win.
What is his favourite food?
He knows that best, his diet has become interesting. There is a certain type of oil used to cook his meals; he doesn’t take sugar and milk. His diet is special.
Does he read what people write about him?
I think he has a thick skin for that. For years, people have been writing all sorts and he has learnt how to ignore those lies. 99 per cent of the things written in the papers are not true, he just ignores them.
What does he do when he wakes up and the last thing he does before he sleeps?
When he is in Lagos, at night, my brother and I talk with him till he falls asleep. In the morning when he wakes up, he prays and looks at his schedule for the day. Before, he used to work out every morning but now that he is getting old, he just does little exercise.
How does he handle misunderstandings with your mother?
They have been married for over 35 years and they understand each other perfectly. I don’t know how they settle their quarrels, but I know it doesn’t last long.
What special moments do you remember while growing up?
I remember when he came back from the US once, he picked me up from Ikorodu and we went on a drive. On the way, he began to sing one of Sunny Ade’s songs. I still remember staring at him as he sang the song. Whenever I think about that day, I smile. There are times he used to sing for me specially— he still does— and I always cherish those moments.
How close are you to him?
My brother and I are very close; we are like five and six. But I’m glad my relationship with my father is much better.
Does he advise you on the type of woman to marry?
No, he doesn’t force you to do something; he only encourages you and gives you guidelines.
How does he relax?
My father doesn’t relax; he is always up and doing. Even when he travels abroad, he keeps calling Nigeria to find out how things are going.
What is it that Nigerians don’t know about him?
He is a family man; he always puts his family first. He cherishes his children. His diet is special to him alone. He is also very conscious of his appearance— he always wants to appear clean. He is always dyeing his grey moustache black. He loves the fact that people are always telling him he looks so young. I encourage everyone to continue telling him that he looks very young.
What is the secret of his youthful look?
I don’t know. Maybe it is his diet; he is disciplined with his diet. He is always exercising. Those are the simple things he does.
What else don’t we know about him?
He is also very cosmetic too. If you recommend any cream to him and say that it will make his skin smooth and clear any spot, he will go for that cream.
Does he splurge on that?
He isn’t a lavish spender; I think I imbibed that from him.
Who is his best friend?
Kayode Bawala is his supposedly best friend apart from my brother and I. Also, my mum.
Who are his role models?
I don’t know, but I know he reads a lot of autobiographies, I don’t know his role models.
What does he say about President Goodluck Jonathan?
He thinks President Jonathan has done a lot of things. An example is the fertilizer issue in the North; my father always gives him kudos for that. He also commended the President for his decision to privatise Power Holding Company of Nigeria. My father also thinks the President has done a fantastic job in terms of railway construction and road connection. He is always praising him.
Why did he decide to go into politics in the first place?
I guess he wanted to serve. This was in 1988 or 1989, I was eight years old. I know he wanted to serve his people. He just wanted to contribute his quota.
Does he have any regrets about joining politics?
No, none that I can remember.
If he was made the governor of Lagos, what would he have done?
Health and education are very paramount to him. I’m sure we would have had better health and education systems if he was governor. He also likes a system that works. Take a look at his track record: when he was council chairman, he was the one who introduced automatic crediting of accounts instead of cash payments. When he was Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, he was commended and he still gets commended on what he put in place for those who went on pilgrimage. He made improvements in major areas he found himself.
What are his dreams and aspirations?
I don’t know what his dream and aspirations are. Maybe, he wants to be the President of Nigeria, I’m not sure. For now, he is content and happy. He came and conquered. What he is planning now is a lifetime legacy—something he will be remembered for. He wants to put in place things that would give him the opportunity to give back to the community.
How does he like to dress?
He likes to dress simple.
Does your family fear for his life?
No, because he doesn’t step on toes. He is an honest man. He is someone who has occupied many top offices in Nigeria, but no fund misappropriation allegation has been brought against him till date. People can cook up lies, but none of them is true. He has a clean record.
How did he handle the controversies regarding his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs?
He was once an ambassador, and he qualifies to be a Minister of Foreign Affairs. There are no requirements for that appointment— it is political.
What does he think about Gen. Buhari?
I don’t know, but he is hoping and praying for the best for the sake of the nation.
What has been the saddest moment for him?
I think it was the time he lost his father or when he lost my elder sister.
How does he handle female admirers?
How else should he handle them? Obviously, he looks and walks on. He is legally married to my mother, who is the only woman I know he is legally affiliated to.
Describe his daily schedule?
I don’t really know because he isn’t a 9-5 man. He doesn’t have a daily schedule. He has a spontaneous lifestyle.
What does he splurge on?
He isn’t a lavish spender. People think he is a billionaire but honestly, he is your average civilian that has one house in Lagos and another in Abuja where he lives. People think he is a billionaire. I thank God he isn’t begging to eat but he isn’t rich. We should pray to God to continue to protect our secrets. He doesn’t have any luxury car. Even his kids have more luxury cars than him. He is like your neighbour next door.
What makes him happy?
My mother makes him happy; I can beat my chest to that.
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