Odunayo is the daughter of a former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Alani Akinrinade (retd.). She talks about her father as a soldier and farmer with GBENGA ADENIJI
Give a brief profile of yourself?
I am Odunayo Ogunbiyi nee Akinrinade. I am one of his five children comprising three girls and two boys. I am in the middle. I think we all agree that I am his troublemaker. I am an ex-pharmacist but since moving to Nigeria, I have been focusing on writing and creative pursuits. I write lifestyle articles for various portals. I am a co-host on Glam Squad, a fashion police show on a private television station and I will soon launch my lifestyle blog,“the Odd butterfly.”
Did your father encourage you or your siblings on their career choice?
No, absolutely not. There was never any of that kind of pressure. His ethos was always, ‘whatever you are doing, do it well.’
What memory of your growing up with him can you recall?
When we were all home from school, my dad used to make a point of being home and having dinner with the family every night. Now that I am a parent myself I can appreciate the importance of what he was doing. He is not one for idle talk but I do remember him once telling us something to the effect that, ‘where your education is concerned there is nothing I would not do to help you achieve the best. Even if I have to borrow money, I will send you to the best schools and after that, you are on your own.’ In the morning on weekends, my younger sister especially, would pester him to come swimming with us which he often did. I remember I hated bringing home my school reports because I was morbidly afraid of disappointing him. My natural trouble maker gene made this a real conflict of interest for me. He also tried to facilitate as many experiences in life for us as he could. We were all encouraged to take up a musical instrument, participate in sports and take school trips to experience different cultures and activities.
Considering his busy nature then as a soldier, how did he create time for his family?
I cannot say I have much of a memory of my dad during his soldiering days. You would probably have to ask my older siblings about that.
How often did he take his family out?
My dad is a very social person. I am not sure if it was his choice or it was chosen for him. But certainly, while growing up, our home was regularly full of visitors, at least it seemed that way to me. We were not really a family who “went out together.” When we did go out, in Lagos, it was to the beach with a lot of family and friends. When we were overseas; family outings consisted going to a nice restaurant, usually Asian. Otherwise, to be honest, if we were spending the holidays outside the country, he would not be available to visit places with us because of his work.
How does he relax?
He is a voracious reader. He loves listening to classical music and watching sports. I think he likes tennis and any plant-related activity.
What are the values you have imbibed from him?
I learnt loyalty, integrity, humility and honesty from him. I also learnt that appearances and trappings mean nothing, one should look deep into the heart of a person.
How has his name helped you when people know you are his child?
This is a difficult question to answer. It’s not like I have exploited his good name to aid my career or any situation. For me, it’s more subliminal. I know that his good reputation and the respect people have for him have made it easier for me in certain social situations. Until you prove differently, it is assumed that as his child, you have been brought up right.
What are the values your father holds dear?
Like I said earlier, my dad values patriotism, loyalty, fairness, integrity, humility and honesty.
How does he handle misunderstanding with your mother?
I would not presume to know. I can state this categorically; they never had any disagreement in front of the kids.
How do you feel each time he expresses his displeasure about the state of the country?
Like I said before, my dad is not one for idle talk. He is not the guy complaining aimlessly about the state of the country and ranting on about the good old days. My dad is the man who tries to find solutions to problems. He is a patriot through and through but much as he loves his country, he is not blind to its faults. As a man who loves his country, he hopes and prays, as we all do, for things to get better but he takes a step further. He leads by example and strives to make a difference. He would never knowingly be part of the problem. I can happily say that my father is a man that makes me proud to be his daughter every day.
Who are your father’s friends?
This is a tough question and I would not want to name anyone or offend anyone. I will however say this; my father is blessed with many good long-lasting friendships and his friends come from all walks of life. There were always interesting people at our dinner table when I was young.
How did he enforce discipline on any of his children who misbehaved?
I wish I knew how he did it now that I have a mini-me running around. When it came to manners, we were brought up quite traditionally. I don’t think I have ever raised my voice to my dad or sassed him in any way. He was not really into corporal punishment. If any child misbehaved, privileges were withdrawn from that child. There was one unfortunate incident concerning my big sister and I. My dad is not a fan of idleness. He liked us all to get up early as a family and even during holidays. There was a particular holiday that my older brother, sister and I were in Lagos alone. I cannot remember how that happened and dad was the one in charge but of course, he was traveling all over for work. On the morning in question, it was already late, about 11am and my sister and I who shared a room were fast asleep. I felt a tap on my shoulder, rolled over and there was my dad tapping me with his horse whip that used to hang out in his study. My first reaction of course was to have a heart attack, then I woke my sister up and we knew how much trouble we were in because he looked furious. I cannot remember the conversation that occurred. I was hysterical and crying (back then I was known for being reduced to such state whenever dad raised his voice). When I turned back on my sister, she was narrating how we had been up all night because she was not feeling well. She totally exaggerated a mild cough that was bothering her. Her performance was worthy of an Oscar. I am sure dad realised we were just trying to get out of trouble but he gave us the benefit of the doubt.The boys may have a totally different story to tell.
How did his family cope when he was involved in the struggle for democracy through the National Democratic Coalition?
I will speak for myself. I was worried for him. I worried for him until he safely came to England and then while he was in exile, I worried for him for other reasons. My father has always been a “son of the soil” for want of a better phrase. He is at his happiest moment on his farm in Yakoyo (near Ile-Ife), in the fresh air, growing things, surrounded by good friends, good wine and good food. I know being away from home was hard for him.
How comfortable was his family when he served as minister?
We were young and away at boarding school, so his position as a minister was not allowed to affect us. It was just his job then, just like every other daddy had a job to do.
Your father was born in October. Some of his promotions in the army came in October and he retired in October. Did he talk about the significance of the month to him with you?
No. I bet he never even noticed
How do you feel being his daughter?
He is my dad so it’s not like I have any other experience to compare it to. It was always just my life. I know I am a lucky girl though to have a dad that is larger than life. He is confident, capable, hardworking, reliable, strong, well-liked, respected and a leader. I never felt the need to question his judgment as he always seemed to do the right thing. This is a hero-worshiping daughter’s point of view I hasten to add. As an adult, I know he is a human being with faults but even then as a father, he always does right.
What is his favourite meal?
My dad is a pounded yam and efo lover. During holidays, he does love his caviar and a good bottle of red wine.
Does he have any special mode of dressing?
I cannot remember the last time I saw my dad in a suit. For him, it is traditional Yoruba dress all the way.
What is his schedule like?
It would be impossible to predict where my dad will be on a week to week basis. He is always on the road or catching a flight for one obligation or another. He has yet to slow down and I think it keeps him young.
How close are you to him?
I am close enough.
How sociable is he?
He describes himself as a people person. He loves to have people around him during dinner and he has many social obligations.
Does he do any form of exercise or sport?
My dad is still disciplined about making himself fit. This puts me to shame for sure. He swims or runs daily and is super fit. He used to fly himself up to Kaduna in those days. He has a scar on his finger that looks like a landing strip. He told me, when I was younger, that it was from a bullet that whizzed by and skimmed over his finger. Looking back now, I thought he could have been pulling my leg.
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