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BY LANRE OGUNDIPE
For 37 years, Bala Suya was a formidable presence in the suya business in Ibadan, carving out a distinct identity that set him apart from the Hausa community in Sabo, who traditionally dominated the trade.
Bala’s journey began at the tender age of 17 when he was seconded to the Simeon Adebo NUJ Centre in Iyaganku GRA by the Sehinde Dagunduro/Bolaji Kareem-led executive council. This opportunity came after his introduction in 1987, by a three-man committee comprising the Chief Correspondents of Radio Kaduna, Hadj Gambo Ibrahim, Sola Akunuli of Sketch Press Limited, and Mr. Oladejo Idris, the NUJ Treasurer. The young Bala was financially supported to kick-start his venture, receiving N3, 000 from the NUJ to purchase a ram and officially launch his business.
The roasted beef delicacy quickly gained traction, sparing journalists and their friends the hassle of navigating the Dugbe-Ekotedo-Adamasingba traffic to reach suya spots in Sabo, Ibadan.
Entertainment writers, including Wale Ademowo of Tribune and Abu-Satar Hamed of Sketch, played a pivotal role in promoting Bala’s enterprise through their insightful write-ups. These experts in the South-West entertainment scene expanded Bala’s reach, attracting patronage from Ibadan and neighboring areas. Their efforts bore fruit as Bala consistently found himself busy catering to customers, including Oyo State NUJ members, from within and beyond the state.
Bala’s popularity grew further when the late Ibadan businesswoman and politician, Hadja Suluat Adedeji, began engaging his services for her ceremonial activities. This association made Bala a household name among Ibadan elites. His suya became the preferred choice, and the NUJ Press Club emerged as the go-to spot for roasted beef, rivaling the traditional suya joints in Sabo. Social clubs around Iyaganku GRA, Ring Road, Oluyole Estate, Oke-Ado, and Onireke also became regular patrons of Bala’s suya, including his famous “Bala-balangwu,” a ram-based variation of suya sticks.
The suya delicacy also became a favorite among Bank officials in Ibada and the Lebanese community, transforming the Oyo State Press Centre into a hub for after-office relaxation. Bala’s joint attracted motor dealers from Oke-Ado, prompting the late NUJ Chairman, Dapo Aderogba, and his Secretary, Lekan Awoyemi, to collaborate with Mofola Bar in Basorun to open an outlet at the Centre. This move revitalized the previously dormant Press Club bar and drew colleagues from NTA, BCOS Ile-Akede, and the Information Ministry, further boosting the club’s clientele.
With Bala and Uncle B of Cool Spot at the helm, the Centre became a thriving hub. Their presence attracted journalists, friends in the Army, Police, and plain-clothes security agencies, alongside paramilitary groups such as the Road Safety Corps, Immigration, Customs, and Prisons. Labour activists like the late Comrade Lumumba Oyebola, elder brother to former Daily Times Editor Areoye Oyebola, and NANS leadership from the University of Ibadan also shifted their base to the Press Centre from Comrade Dr. Ola Oni’s Corner in Bodija. Barrister Gbenga Awosode and Moshood Erubami further strengthened ties between the NUJ and the NLC under Comrade Isiaka Ibrahim’s leadership, making the Centre a venue for tactical meetings and camaraderie.
Former military administrators, including the late Colonel Sasaenia Oresanya, were regular weekend visitors, interacting with journalists and enjoying Bala’s suya. Oresanya’s successor, the late Major-General Abdulkareem Adisa, maintained this tradition, ensuring the fellowship and camaraderie continued during his tenure
Bala’s influence extended beyond Ibadan as he mentored apprentices who later established similar ventures at NUJ centres in Osogbo and other locations. Despite his wide reach, Bala’s suya remained the most affordable in Ibadan, a testament to his commitment to serving the community
For some journalists, bringing home sticks of Bala’s suya was the ultimate peace offering. These sticks could transform potential disputes into laughter, making them an indispensable bailout in moments of domestic tension
Bala, or “Bala mi-nna,” as I fondly called him, will be deeply missed by the Press Centre community. However, we take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilling life in his unique way. Rest in peace, Bala.
*Lanre Ogundipe, former President of the Nigeria Union and African Union of Journalists, writes from Abuja.
