Beverley is the daughter of lawyer and human rights activist, Olisa Agbakoba, SAN. She speaks with GBENGA ADENIJI about her father’s life as a lawyer and activist
Give a brief profile of yourself?
My name is Beverley Amaka Agbakoba-Onyejianya; a daughter of Olisa Agbakoba. I work in financial services as a regulatory and compliance professional. I studied Law with European Law at LLB and Commercial Law at master’s level.
What memory of your growing up with your father can you recall?
The memory of growing up with my father that I could recall was “my dad the lawyer.”
Did he encourage his children to study law?
My father seemed keen that I studied law but he generally did not impose or influence his choices on any of us. The encouragement to study law came from him. Yes, he most definitely encouraged me to study law.
Was there any preferential treatment you enjoyed while in school because of who your father is?
I did not enjoy any preferential treatment in school because of who my father is. There was none at all.
Considering his busy nature as a lawyer and human rights activist, how did he create time for his family?
My father created time for his family whenever he had the time to. He took the time out to be with his family. I do not remember any long periods of his absence from the house except the time he was detained by the regime of the late General Sani Abacha. It was even public knowledge during the time he was in detention.
Did he take his family out?
Yes, he took us out while we were growing up. My father took us out as often as he could during weekends when he had free time. We did not necessarily go for picnics. Almost every weekend, we would spend time at recreational clubs. During our childhood, we also went on family holidays often.
How does he relax at home?
He likes to take a nap or watch football. My father also likes listening to music or take a drink.
What are the values you have imbibed from him?
He has such a strong character and personality. I would say I have taken after him in having a strong character and personality. Though I take a lot after my mother as well, I would say I have been raised together by two great persons to have a unique sense of individuality. I have been taught to strive to give my best, relate with people from different walks of life and show a keen sense of generosity to those who need it especially.
How has his name opened doors for you?
Professionally, my father’s name has opened doors for me. Once or twice, I have had opportunities come by very easily because of his connection with the person or he connected me with the person. Outside my profession or duties, when some people are aware I am his child, it depends on the context, but in summary, they proceed to want to take advantage of it. For instance, there was a time a police officer asked that I give money to the man who bashed my car and not the other way round. Other times, it summons extra friendliness and friendly questions from some persons in service. Examples are airport immigration officers – but nothing more, no favouring.
What are the values your father holds dear?
He is a very hardworking man and he always emphasises hard work. He is a good person, man and father. He is also very generous. His generosity is in the areas of giving back to people and community. He also respects and honours people. My father values intelligence, knowledge and likes people to be enlightened. He also likes good accomplishment, legacy, assertiveness and boldness. Other things he holds dear are to see good changes in the society and lead a life of activism for public good. He also likes good organisation, enjoyment, entertainment, leisure and recreation.
How does he handle misunderstanding with your mother?
My parents are like any other couple. My father always says communication is key in any relationship.
Who are your father’s friends?
He is a very private person and leads a quiet life, outside law practice. As a result, he does not have much time to be very social. He has a few old time friends but generally, my mother is his best friend.
How did he enforce discipline on any of his children who misbehaved?
He was quite tough when we were growing up. As children, we all had our fair share of discipline.
How do you feel being his daughter?
I feel normal like any daughter would feel. We were brought up in a very humble way and it has been our guiding principle in our interaction with others.
What is his favourite meal?
I thought about it if he really has any favourite meal. My father doesn’t really have any favourite meal. But he appreciates simple food options; quick, easy bites. He does love a good Sunday roast which my sister, Dumebi, cooks for him.
What is his preferred sport?
He enjoys football but he’s equally into health and fitness.
How sociable is he?
Truthfully, he is very shy.
Your father was born on May 29; incidentally a day Nigeria now considers Democracy Day. What does he say about this?
I have never asked him about how he feels that his birthday coincides with Nigeria’s Democracy Day. But we think it is an uncanny coincidence given what he has stood for in the past and what he continues to stand for today. We call him Mr. Democracy at home (laughs). Also, it means he gets to rest every year on his birthday. For him to rest on his birthday is a perfect present for him because he works very hard.
How do you feel each time he expresses his views about some developments in the country?
I feel like we still have such a long way to go as a country.
How did the family react to his leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association then?
We were really proud of him. It was such a big achievement for him.
Does he have any favourite quote?
Yes, my father has favourite quotes. The first one is that ‘Hard work never killed anybody.’ The second one is ‘Never take anything in life for granted.’
Does he have any special mode of dressing?
(Laughs). He adores the Nelson Mandela style shirts in all fabrics and colours. I think he is secretly obsessed.
Considering his activities in the nation’s legal space, what kind of lawyer would you make of your father?
He is rather erudite, a bit of a brain box with an amazing ability to cite so many cases and precedents offhand. My father does make a very compelling case. He is a skilled orator.
What is his schedule like?
He travels quite often on business trips during the week.
Can you recall any time you followed him to court?
Unbelievable, as it may seem, I have never followed him to court but I did accompany him to one of the meetings of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group back in 1997 when he led a delegation from Nigeria that called for the suspension of Nigeria from the Commonwealth during the military dictatorship under the late Abacha. It was a very interesting experience.
What is his favourite car brand?
I cannot really say that he has one. He is a no-fuss kind of person. If he has a four-wheel vehicle that can move and get him to his destination, it is fait accompli.
How close are you to him?
We are very close. Our family is one that is very close. My father has a good relationship with his family. He always makes time for his wife and children.
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