Bukola Oloyede, one of the daughters of veteran broadcaster, Bimbo Oloyede, and veteran film and television producer, Tunde Oloyede, talks about her parents with PETER OKEUGO
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Bukola Oloyede, I am the youngest child of Bimbo and Tunde Oloyede. I lost one of my sisters three years ago but there are three of us alive now. We have about two or three years between each of us. I am currently about to finish my Masters programme at the School of Media and Communication, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos. I love music, life and communication. I have been in front of and behind the camera and microphone. Sometimes I do not like to be the centre of attraction but I like to bring life to anything I do.
How do you feel being the child of two famous people?
I do not live in the shadow of my parent’s fame, just like some people would do when they are related to someone that is famous. I am generally a very independent person and I’ve grown up that way. I did not grow up to think that anything would be possible for us just because our parents are famous people. We were not brought up that way. I believe that I can be and do anything I want to be because of my ability and qualifications and not because of who my parents are. I feel blessed because they gave me the best childhood and discipline. I was a bit naughty and frivolous and I did not get away with some things that other kids could get away with. They have been supportive of me in the things I do and I am grateful for that.
As their child, what are some of the privileges you enjoy?
They get invited to gigs and events because of the kind of industry they work in, and they get first class treatments. Sometimes we tag along and I would not really blame some people abroad for living off their parents’ fame. But we did not grow up with that kind of mentality. There were times they got free tickets to a show and they would tell us to buy our own tickets. That has kept us from being desperate. If something is not being offered to them, they would not fight for it. They may ask and if they do not get it, then its fine.
Who is stricter between your parents?
My dad used to be stricter when we were younger. We used to call him ‘007’ from the James Bond movie. He was tough. We could make a scrap book of his James Bond character tactics. Sometimes we would skip extra lessons and stay at home playing music, and once we sensed he was coming home, we would all be quiet, and sometimes hold the fan to stop it from moving. He would touch the appliances and feel the heat from them. He devised a means of parking his car at a distance and walking home then my friends would scale the fence into our neighbour’s compound. But we started locking the front door so that he could not open the doors even if he had his keys. That would give us time to cover our mischief. We were a gang and still are. My mum used to talk; she would not flog us but she could talk to us and make us cry without flogging. But we have become mature and grown into a position where we can sit down and talk about our challenges and differences and find a solution.
How do they treat you now?
They are more relaxed now. My dad is 67 this year while my mum turned 60 this year. They have been married for 36 years, so they do not have the time to disturb us any longer. They do not even see us that much to do so.
Which of your parents are you closer to?
I am closer to my mum but I am a daddy’s girl. My dad calls me the ‘last card’ because I am the last child. I have been able to share some experiences with my mum over the last few years and that has brought us really closer. We are open and honest with each other, but if something happens or I get proposed to, the first person I would call would be my mum.
How did they influence your child hood?
They are strong people and very focused. They have integrity and I am not saying that because they are my parents or need to talk good about them. I have seen how other parents behave towards their children. They are grounded and gave us that kind of upbringing. Their parents were like that too. What we do not have in wealth, we have in unity and bond. We can do anything for any of our family members. We were taught not to revenge when someone despises or insults us.
Did any of you toe their path in entertainment and broadcast?
My older sister, Deola, is into media; she is a television producer and does events planning too. I have done a few things in the media too, even though I have an interest in human resource management. It is in my blood.
With their career in the media, how did they create time to take care of your siblings and you?
They shipped us off to boarding school. Not all of us though, but most of us. That made us independent. Growing up then, they had to make some sacrifices too to sustain and provide for the family. Sometimes we followed them to shoots and were on set for some commercials too. Our personal lives were integrated in their career. That is why it is good to have a family business so that you can keep an eye on your family. It did not affect me that much because I had a lot of friends then. They had to do what they had to do.
What other things did you learn from them?
We value family time and friendship so much and we are always together during Christmas periods and no one dares miss out. They taught us commitment to family, love, unity and understanding. They taught us to be understanding and patient with one another.
How do they relax and relate with each other?
My dad watches football and my mum loves to watch soap operas. My dad is a humorous and my mother has spent the last 36 years just loving him. He is a very warm-hearted person but he likes to be left alone when he watches football in his own corner. They have an understanding relationship. Sometimes issues and challenges can crop up but it is good to be understanding and patient through that process, and sometimes realise that a person’s reaction is not a reflection of who they are but a state of mind that they are in and once they get out of it, then they can move forward. They are supportive of each other.
What favourite food do they enjoy?
Sometimes they can enjoy the same thing. Sometimes my dad may want to eat Shawarma because everyone is eating it. They like the same things sometimes. He loves full English breakfast.
How do they love to dress?
They dress very simply, but my dad is a bit of a fashionista. He says no one can buy his shirts for him the way he buys them. He puffs with his shirts, flies the collars and says things like O ri bi mo se ndan (see how I am shinning). He is young at heart. At home, my mother is the most simplest of persons. She could dress so simply when everyone would expect her to dress heavily to an event. She likes classy outfits with detailed cuts when she is casting the news. They are understated.
Do they get angry when people of the opposite sex visit their children?
They used to do that when we were much younger. Now, they know we are grown up and we all understand ourselves.
What are some of the things you do not like about your parents?
It would be a bit hard to come up with things I do not like about my parents because I have never thought about it. But I like them because of the kind of people they are and how they inspire me.
What is the most romantic thing you have witnessed them do?
I cannot really say. You would have to see them to ask them that.
Do people make jest of you for being the daughter of ‘The Village Headmaster’?
No, they do not. The moment I mention who my father is, older people connect to it and they are amazed. Some younger people are quick to recognise my mum when I tell them I am her daughter and I do not get embarrassed when they tell me they have a crush on her. They do not have any scandals or funny stories, so there is nothing to be embarrassed about. When I need to brandish it, I tell them who my parents are.
When you were studying abroad, did they visit?
My folks visited as often as they could. Sometimes, they visited two or three times a year. But for major holidays like Easter and Christmas it was either we came to Nigeria or they visited us.
How did they feel when they lost your sister?
They were devastated as any parent would be.
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: editor@punchng.com