Babajide, one of the sons of a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and a candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria during the 2012 governorship election in Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), tells ARUKAINO UMUKORO, about his father
Can you tell us about yourself?
My name is Babajide Akeredolu. I am the last of four children of Rotimi Akeredolu, and a graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology and the Colorado School of Mines where I got my B.Sc and M.Sc. in chemical engineering respectively. I’m currently rounding off a master’s degree in mining engineering at Queens University in Canada. I’ve been actively focused on research in heavy crude oil and oil (tar) sands, specifically the undeveloped Ondo State heavy oil. Beyond academics, I’m an active photographer, graphics and web designer and I also host a radio show called ‘No Rubber’ on Gidilounge radio.
How was growing up for you with your dad?
Growing up with “Your Excellency,” as I fondly call him now, was rather interesting. My dad is the funniest person I know. Everyone that worked for us always had a nickname; Tortoise, Okongwu, Bororo, just to name a few. He is funny and at the same time, a disciplinarian. But I guess discipline is necessary for any child growing up in Nigeria.
What are some of the values you have learnt from him?
Honesty and with courage are some of the biggest values I picked from my dad. He is brutally honest and fearless. That combination is rather rare in Nigeria, especially among individuals who have attained national significance. I am proud he has stayed the same way over the years regardless of his status.
How did your father enforce discipline on his children?
To put it plainly, my dad did not spare the rod, except maybe, when my sister was involved. I heard tales of how my brother got more disciplinary actions than I did. I am glad I am not the first child.
How does your dad react whenever he is angry?
When it comes to us children, we would know he is angry when we hear the words, “Are you serious?” It is really that simple. He isn’t one to raise his voice.
How much influence did your father have on the career choices of you and your siblings?
I am not a lawyer. I think that is quite telling as to my dad’s influence on our career choices. There is a medical doctor, an engineer who went into finance, and another engineer. My sister is the only lawyer of the lot. My dad is very supportive of any of our career choices. He didn’t insist on a specific career. I had a free reign to make my decisions. I remember one time I told him about my passion for photography and he suggested that he would help me get a new camera. He was very understanding and tolerant of my choice.
How has your dad’s name opened doors for you?
I’ve been rather fortunate that I haven’t had to use his name to open any doors.
Your dad is a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, and he contested for the Ondo governorship election in 2012. What did he tell you about his foray into politics?
It was in the summer of 2011 when my dad visited me in Colorado and he complained that people had started posting his pictures all over Ondo State and he had no interest in contesting. His people convinced him and by November, he called every one of us to tell us that he would be running for governorship and that we should pray for his success. He mentioned that it wouldn’t be easy dabbling in the murky waters of politics but he must answer the call of his people.
Do you think he would still contest for governorship in Ondo State in the near future?
I honestly don’t know. In my opinion, this will be the biggest decision in his political journey yet. On the one hand, I’m inclined to believe there is some truth to the rumours that he may be called upon to serve on President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet. I guess the question then becomes; do you serve as a minister or opt to run for governor? His heart is definitely for the people of Ondo State. I am looking forward to what he decides.
Your dad has always been vocal on national issues, even during his tenure as NBA President. Which do you think he is more passionate about, law or politics?
Neither. I think his tenure as NBA President was a testament to the fact that law and politics are intertwined. Politicians create most of the laws, while lawyers interpret them. Nonetheless, I’ve really only heard my dad argue amongst his friends about political issues. So, maybe it’s politics.
Your dad is widely regarded in law and political circles. How would you describe him as a father?
I must reiterate that he is funny and loving and he truly puts family first. My dad is one that it really doesn’t matter if he was in a meeting with President Buhari, if my mum or my siblings called his phone, he’d pick that call in a heartbeat and make sure everything is alright. I really appreciate this about him.
What are his views about the new government of President Muhammadu Buhari and that of former President Goodluck Jonathan?
His views are quite public already. He worked hard to see President Buhari get to where he is and his influence wasn’t just limited to politics. He was actively involved in defending President Buhari in the courts. He is very hopeful and confident that Nigeria will be great under him. With regards to President Goodluck Jonathan, he was quoted in the dailies advising that ex-President Jonathan retired; I’ll leave it at that.
In 2012, your father contested on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria, which formed an integral part of the All Progressives Congress, How close is your dad to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu?
I honestly do not know. I think it is fair to say that their relationship is built on a common interest in seeing Nigeria emerge great.
How does your dad create time for his children and family, despite his busy schedules as a lawyer and politician?
Growing up, we used to have special family outings. Nowadays, things are a little different with all of us in different states and countries. He makes sure he visits everyone whenever he has the time.
What are his likes and dislikes?
He does not like dishonest people. He hates sycophancy. He likes Fela and knows virtually all his songs. He is a fan of cars and he likes to sing.
What is his daily routine like?
His routine is much like —wake up, pray, tease my mum, tease every employee at home, head to work, come home, and tease my mum some more.
What kinds of books does he like to read?
I don’t think he is the reading type.He likes to read case briefs.
What is his favourite meal?
As an Ondo man, it is pounded yam and egusi soup. Growing up, we never had ‘fried rice Sundays’ like many families I know. It was ‘pounded yam Sundays.’
Can you describe his relationship with your mother?
They have a great relationship. They generally have very disparate political opinions about many things and the house usually gets heated with debates. It was fun hearing these debates growing up. My dad is a kid at heart though. He is the type that will tickle my mum’s feet while she sleeps and runs away. Thirty-four years of marriage later and he still makes her laugh all the time.
What is your dad’s favourite drink?
He like coke but I think he would pick palmwine over anything else whenever it is available.
How social is he?
My dad is very social. He is also jovial and he is a great dancer. It is also impossible to miss his laughter.
Who are some of his closest friends?
My dad is close to quite a lot of people, many of whom I don’t even know. I do know that his Loyola College Ibadan friends are the ones I grew up seeing all the time. I even know their anthem because of this.
What are your dad’s hobbies?
I would say definitely lawn tennis and soccer. He played a lot of tennis and soccer back in the day. We were raised to play tennis.
What are some interesting things you would like to share about your dad that Nigerians don’t know about?
If anyone wants to hold an event and wish my father to be in attendance, the person only needs to play any song of Fela and Osondi Owendi by Osita Osadebey. Our home is actually called “Osondi Owendi Villa.” He is a lover of plants. He is colour blind and my mother always picks his shirt and tie for his suits. He has a listening ear and counsels quite a lot of people for free. He isn’t one to brush anything aside. Our home is like some botanical garden. He is deeply religious and recently donated a church chapel in memory of his late dad and in honour of his mother. He is also a great singer and was in the choir in his church until increased work load got the better of his time.
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