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Engr. (Pa) Oluyinka Temilola Akintomide, fondly called Baba Tommy by his numerous fans clocks 80 years in the land of the living on Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
To commemorate the milestone, the duo of veteran Journalists – AbuSatar Hamed, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, StarTrend Int’l magazine and online – www.startrendinternational.com and Simeon Fakeye of Razor Times held a no-hold-bared interview for the Electrical Engineering Genius. Excerpts!
Can we meet you sir?
I am Oluyinka Temilola Akintomide
In 1971 when you were 39 years old, who was Oluyinka Akintomide?
I was with the AfPrint Nigeria Limited at Iganmu, Lagos, working as the Maintenance Engineer.
How did you became an Engineer in that Company?
I didn’t become Engineer in the company by promotion, but my credentials qualified me as an Engineer which consequently led to my appointment as an Engineer. I secured the employment through one of my Uncles, who’s now late. He had connection with the Company though an Indian-owned company, and also his relationship with the Managing Director of the company. He talked to the MD, and I was asked to appear for interview, that was all.
How was your growing up years, were you brought up with silver spoon?
My parents were so rich; my father was a farmer while my mother was a housewife in Iwoye-Yewa, where I was born on Sunday, June 1, 1941. My parents had lived in Iwoye-Yewa for years before giving birth to me. I had my Primary School at Iwoye-Yewa and later proceeded to MayFlower School, Ikenne, Ogun State for my Secondary School education, then one of the most difficult Secondary Schools to gain admission into. Then you to have pass the entrance examinations, attend and pass an interview in order to qualify to be admitted.
I was lucky to be among those admitted for the second set of the school. MayFlower School with seventy students; my number was 96. Tai Solarin was the Proprietor and Principal of the School. We learnt a lot from him, he taught us to make use of our brain in our heart. When he founded the school, he said his students would sit and pass the West African Examination in their first four years instead of the traditional six years stipulated for all secondary school students.
The Ministry of Education then under Dr. Awokoya disagreed, but later tried to shelf one year by allowing MayFlower School students to sit for the examination after five years of secondary school education. Still, Dr. Solarin insisted that it must be four years. After the four years of the first set, Dr. Solarin took them to Ghana to do the registration and the examination because he forgot to prepare them for the test required in Nigeria before students can be allowed to sit for the West African Examination.
The following year when it was our turn as the second set, we had the privilege of doing the qualifying test in which we all passed and took the GCE in that year having spent four years in Dr. Solarin’s secondary school.
After the examination, Tai Solarin called me back to start teaching Mathematics as he attested to the fact that I was very good in Mathematics with School Certificate. So, I went back to the school as a teacher. I taught in the school for eight months before I got admission into the Technical College now the Polytechnic, Ibadan. I entered the institution in 1962 without having a kobo to pay. My parents couldn’t afford the tuition fee, but I applied for admission. Fortunately, we had two organizations; Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) and the Ministry of Works, at that time that came to the school to sponsor brilliant students.
We were given an examination; So, I fell into the group to be sponsored by the ECN. It was the ECN that sponsored me for the course eventually. When I graduated at the Technical College, I was posted to Jos under ECN for almost a year, thereafter I was transferred to Yola until the political crisis of 1965/66 started. I fled Yola, I left all my belongings then, I was lucky to arrive Lagos safely. I was later posted to Yaba where I was employed as an Assistant Technical Officer. When I got admission into the Yaba College of Technology it was there I finished my HND. Thereafter, I started working with Afprint Nigeria Ltd. I worked for five years. I tried my luck at West Africa Breweries and got employed. I worked for five years where I rose to the position of Senior Maintenance Engineer from where I resigned to established my company – Toks Electrical Enterprises in 1981
How is life at 80?
To God be the glory. Honestly, old age is not an easy journey of life. Most especially in this side of the world we’re living, where things aren’t working rightly.
I want to use this medium to express my gratitude to the Almighty God, the Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnivorous for His mercy and kindness over me and my family.
Also, I would not forget, both my immediate and extended families, friends and colleagues for their unflinching supports rendered at every stage of my life. I’m indeed very grateful to them all.
I pray that God in His infinite mercies continue to bless, guide and protect each and everyone of us.
What about your happiest moment?
I was so elated and joyous on the day I became the Councillor for Iwoye Ward in Yewa South local government. The position was based on personal merit and not on party basis. That was in 1998. It was a very tough contest, but I was victorious. I didn’t prepare for it, but my community – Iwoye-Yewa wanted me, especially the then Baale, who was so adamant that I agreed to be their Councillor.
As a great-grandfather, what is your opinion about early marriage?
To me early marriage is between 20 to 25. As such, what matters is for both the man and the woman to be financially capable; to have all it takes to run the family without expecting their parents to finance their living.
We are aware that you have an intimate relationship with former Governor Olusegun Osoba, then, for some years now, it seems you are not so close, what happened sir?
There is no much strain in the relationship between Aremo Osoba and I, except what happened during the build up to the last governorship election in Ogun State. I knew he was canvassing for an Awori person to become the Governor in a state that is over 40years old. He is aware that we have three Senatorial Districts of which two have been enjoying the number one seat as if it is personal to them. I don’t see any genuine excuse for not rotating it among the three Districts.
Governor Osoba has been campaigning for Yewa/Awori person, but the last election, for known reasons, part of which I know I think out of annoyance, he decided not to go with the Yewa man supported by former Governor Amosun in which he eventually teamed up with Prince Dapo Abiodun which means he didn’t support Yewa District, and that eventually put a wedge between us.
Be that it may be, the former Governor (Akinrogun) Olusegun Osoba remains my mentor, I still love him with much respect. Infact, I spoke with him a week ago; we chatted, I told him, “you have forgotten your son” and he said, “his son had forgotten him”, we laughed it off.
It’s obvious that you worked for former Governor Ibikunle Amosun when he was the governor of Ogun State; in fact a picture in your living room taken together with him shows that you’re “Paddy”, to what extent did you agree with him to the total neglect of Yewaland during his regime?
The photograph you were referring to was taken when I was a member of the Governing Council of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta. Iyalode Alaba Lawson was the Chairman then. In fact, I can tell you that I eventually withdrew my membership from the Council because I had reasons to disagree with former Governor Amosun. He didn’t ask me to leave, but I left because he was the one that appointed me and then, I was in his good book. I had to avert any ugly incident, so I left the Council when we were awarding contracts and I was the tender committee chairman, but I left. I never knew I would have anything to do with Senator Amosun again.
You see, my disagreement with Senator Ibikunle Amosun then was when they brought Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola, fondly called Yayi, to my house in Ilaro, and I thought we had seen what I would call a Saviour since the problem had always been Yewa/Awori don’t have the money, hence when I met Yayi, I thought we the person got to block any side talk on that.
But along the line, because I was always referred to as Baba Yayi (Yayi’s father) then, I really took interest in the development of Yayi’s agenda and that was not to the pleasure of Senator Amosun.
Also, the wrong information been peddled by our people from here to the Governor then. In fact, they created enmity between us. But you may want to ask why I had to return to him? I didn’t but he invited me. Let’s be frank with ourselves, at the last governorship election, Amosun did not only picked, but strongly supported Yewa man; he supported us morally and financially to an extent that he risked his own political career and life. Honestly, I never believed Amosun and I would sit together again.
So when you returned to him, how did he feel?
I didn’t go back to him. At a stage, he sent people to me. There was a day he came to my house. At that time, I was still hell bent. The second time, he sent two of his close aides to me but at that time I was in Ilorin attending our congress of License Electrical Contractors of Nigeria being the National Vice President. I told the person, I was at Ilorin. The second time, he sent somebody else. At that time, I lost a cousin two days to the visit. I said it will be inhuman for me to attend any meeting within two day of my cousin’s demise. The third time, I was strongly advised to meet with him, and I did, we discussed.
Like I said, I was moved by former Gov. Ibikunle Amosun’s open support, morally, financially and many risks he took against his wellbeing. No doubt, Amosun supported Yewa for the last governorship slot. We all know what happened that prevented us from winning, but we all agreed that we tried at least in our area here, we won the Ipokia/Yewa South Federal Constituency Representative seat as well as House of Assembly.
As an elderly politician, is there hope for Yewa person becoming the governor?
I will answer your question with a question. Is there anything impossible for God? So, nooo, is the answer. Because it is possible for God to do it. Despite all odds, I still believe that before I die, and I know I am not dying now, the next elections, God be on our side, Yewa person will occupy that seat at Oke-Mosan.
Having held that believe for so long, is there any precaution, come 2023?
Having two, three, five contestants competing for a seat is a serious challenge. But I still believe God performs miracles. It’s not easy, it might even sound unreasonable for anybody to believe that all Yewa should put their eggs in one basket, I mean people to be in one political party, but the fact remains that all the people can’t be in one party. Each political party will produce its own candidate.
My believe is that this time around, we have experienced it several times, I believe next time around even it’s different parties, after all, there are two major parties, the APC and the PDP, may be by that time, whoever emerges from both parties, there will be discussions that could lead to adoption of one consensus candidate. We all know the strength of the political parties, we may talk to the people to join party together; this party joining that party. I believe the miracle we are expecting will still happen by God’s grace.
As an elder statesman and a participant, what exactly do you think has been responsible for Yewa not becoming the governor in Ogun State?
We are very unfortunate in this clime. Everybody wants to be the leader. Everybody wants to be at Oke-Mosan. Even those who know that they can’t be there. I remember we had series of meetings among intra party trying to fix a candidate. It has always been like that, we are not united as one. That has always been our problem, until such a time when we have a rallying point, perhaps the Paramount Ruler and that’s even when our monarchs are one, and talk in one voice. I am sorry I have to say that once Awujale of Ijebuland says “this is where we are going”, it’s almost a golden rule. That’s where they will go. I think by God’s grace we will also get there one day. We have learnt a lot of lesson.
Yes, you are popularly known as Baba Yayi (Yayi’s father), what is your relationship like now?
It’s now over two years that we stopped relating with ourselves. It would be recalled that about four years ago, I was nearly assassinated mainly because I was an ardent supporter of Yayi. Unfortunately, the Yayi himself didn’t care about my wellbeing. Even after a discussion we had when he apologized for his ineptitude, but since then, there had been no changes in his attitude. I don’t like discussing him, but since you asked the question. You see, I had people here who are hardcore loyalists to Yayi. It was at my backyard here that the acronym, “Yayi ni Joo, Yayi ni Jare” was coined.
It got to a stage that his name became a statewide issue, prompting people to come here from Egba and Ijebu. He was dashing out millions to them and the people here were just left to watch. He will always says “they are my people”. As a leader, I felt my people’s pains, but how much can I give, even as a leader? It wasn’t that I was taking salary from him.
There was a time my supporters were not happy even with me. They felt sidelined. They complained and to no effect. However, I came to realize that even if Yayi become the governor of this state, those of us from this end who probably should reap the benefits may not get any better things in return. I decided the stress isn’t worth it. And the unfortunate thing is that I decided not to attend any meeting with him again.
Surprisingly, since then, now going to three years, Yayi never deemed it fit to ask what went wrong. Is that someone I should be promoting at my age? I realized I was embarking on a wrong course. Politically, if I believe I am still fighting for Yewa course, and where I am, there is nothing forthcoming, then why must I wait unless I am very selfish?
If he eventually comes back, are you ready to forgive him and move forward?
My brother, it may not work because I have not seen anything that may make me change my mind. And I doubt if he will ever come to me either.
Now that you are celebrating 80years, sir, what do you think you could have done better?
Number one is that when I was strongly supporting Senator Solomon Olamilekan Areola, fondly called Yayi. I spent even my own money promoting him, and by that time we were been told we may have course to regret our actions in following someone who just came in from the blues, and like I said earlier, that was what caused hindrance between former Governor Ibikunle Amosun and I. And I just, emm, I don’t want to talk about it anymore.
Apart from that issue of Yayi you have made up your mind not to discuss, is there any other thing you would have done the other way round?
Let me answer your question. I think as at that time when Senator Ibikunle Amosun was saying Yayi is not from Yewa, maybe because I have experienced political insinuations that this fellow is not from our side when some were saying I was from Egba not Yewa. If I was born in Iwoye-Yewa and I live in Iwoye-Yewa, apart from my education period. And since I have started working, I have live my life in Yewaland at Iwoye. I built my factory; Electric Pole Factory at Iwoye-Yewa which would have been better sited in Abeokuta, or along Lagos/Abeokuta expressway, but sited it at Iwoye-Yewa so that my people might benefit from whatever God has given me.
And for some people to be now saying that I am not from Yewaland is very annoying and aching. But unfortunately, for those people saying it, their mothers were not even married by the time I was born here. So it is an insult to my person.
The only thing I can say as my regret is supporting Yayi ignorantly, and for not knowing his true characteristics before giving him my heart; Yayi believes with money he could achieve anything. And to somebody like me, it’s not just about money. Not that I don’t need money, but not controversial money. For example, whoever wants to give me money must have firstly given to my supporters, it’s then, I can comfortably feel safe because they are my foot soldiers.
In Nigeria today, there are two issues, some prefer breakup, while some prefer restructuring, sir what do you think is the solution?
Only God knows the solution. I think all we need is a divine intervention. If it is a true restructuring, it could have been an ideal thing, can we really be sincere to have genuine restructuring? If yes, then it’s better for us because we can sit down to correct many errors. For example, look at all the appointments, at whatever Ministry, at whatever Department, we know it’s not fair and unjust.
Just like we from Yewa/Awori have been lamenting about marginalization or neglect in Ogun State, the same thing is happening in Nigeria. The same thing is happening in the South-East. But if genuine restructuring cannot take place, what is wrong with Oodua nation? But if it’s compulsory that Nigeria should stand, let’s have a weak center. Let other regions or states decide what they want.
You are aware that the Southern governors held a meeting recently, and came up with certain decisions, but in less than 24hours, Aisha Yesufu said the restructuring they were asking for is wrong, that they had better start the restructuring from their individual states by allowing local government autonomy so that dividends of democracy can get to the grassroots. By that sir, can you say that Aisha is making any sense?
As a matter of fact, I support her 100% even more. The reason is being that about what we all know. Look at our local governments now. They are no longer grassroots government. Though, It has started long time and I think the last the local governments have autonomy was during Chief Olusegun Osoba’s regime, because I was part of the system as the Vice Chairman of Yewa South local government, and we were truly functioning.
But its very annoying and aching to note that there is nothing left for local government now as sources of revenue. The only source that would soon be taken away from them is market. Every other thing have been taken away by the state government.
The worst thing is that the Federal Government’s allocation to the local government does not come to the local government purse directly. The state government pays the local government workers’ salary, and from the balance, they dash chairmen whatever they deem fit. I don’t know why we are still calling those councils local government. They are not functioning at all. It is very difficult for them to grade roads.
I remember when I was Vice Chairman of Yewa South local government, I was in charge of Local Government Education Authority, we were building schools, classrooms even hostels in schools when there are accommodation challenges. During my tenure, we tarred roads, we dug boreholes, in fact we done many projects. The councils are no more what they are supposed to be.
But as much as I would agree with Aisha Yesufu, the problem is with the federal government. I remember sometimes last year or two years ago, the government sent, maybe a circular that local government should be autonomous, that was all we heard. What is the federal government doing, is it not the FG that gives the money to the state to pass to the local government knowing full well that state wouldn’t release the money? Why are we wasting money on elections?
How would you assess the incumbent government of the state?
In which area? Well, the governor, I am not with him, but inspite that I will rather say this; I know in Abeokuta, the state capital, he has done some projects and in Ijebu axis of the state, such like that of Ijebu-Ode and Epe express road, still under construction, yes, the governor is trying.
Just like the previous government, Yewa South is completely abandoned. I would even say Ogun West, but I haven’t been to Ota recently, I wouldn’t say much about the area, fortunately the Deputy Governor is from there, if she doesn’t take care of her area, it’s left to her. But our area here in Yewa South, it is complete neglect. Look at our major roads; Ilaro-Owode and other adjoining roads. I don’t know what is wrong. It’s sickening. If it’s a curse, we should pray that the curse be removed. For many years, even during late Chief Onabanjo, the contractors would collect the money and nothing would be done.
I remember five or six years ago when FERMA gave out contract along Ilaro-Owode road, one of the contractors contacted me, a woman who was not an Engineer, who doesn’t have knowledge of construction, that I should find her an Engineer. I referred one of our council’s Engineers who has everything needed for construction. She later told me that the money the contractor wanted to collect is too much. And the contract money was paid to the woman and eventually without the road been done. Unfortunately, it’s a continuous exercise which I don’t like.
Since this government came in, the impact I have seen is a very small portion of the Owode township road; the drainage and a less kilometer tarred road. I think we deserve more than that. Sometime it crossed my mind to ask what have we done to be treated this way in the State? Even if you are coming from Abeokuta, whichever road you choose to take to Ilaro, been the headquarters of Ogun West, that you wouldn’t regret. If you are coming to Ilaro from Lagos, and pass through Owode/Iwoye it’s horrible. If it is by Papalanto, it is not good. From Itori to Papalanto is horrific. If you follow Itori to Dangote factory, it’s deadly in the sense that one can be locked on the road four hours by trailers which always cause gridlock. So, I asks what is our offence? No government impact to show.
Sincerely, I am not blaming the governor, but successive governments, even my friend, Senator Ibikunle Amosun did the same thing to us. Which other roads can we point at; Yewa North is the same story. Look at Atan-Agbara road, the last time I plied it, I regretted ever going there. If it’s an offense that the people of this axis of the state committed, methinks those at the helm of affairs should have forgiven us, after all some of us voted for them.
Your children, wife, friends, relatives business associates would like to have at least an anecdote today that you are celebrating 80?
Honestly, I have two wives. And I thank God, I am happy with them. My children, one is outside the country, she is in Texas, US. She is a Senior Engineer with a large construction company in the US. There are others who are also Engineers. I have one Veterinary Doctor with Ph.D. Except three, all others are married. I thank God for the family I have.
Early this year, I lost my elder brother at over 90 years old. About three years ago, his elder brother died also. About six years ago, Baba Ijo of Iwoye, our eldest brother died. I am in between two females who are still alive. I thank God for the longevity in our family.
There must be someone somewhere whom you owe gratitude?
Before the death of Professor Afolabi Olabimtan, he was such a person I held in high esteem, because he played a very important role in my life. He was my political mentor. In fact, I gained a lot from him. He fought a lot of battle for me. In 2001, I was a member of Ilaro Council of Elders. At one of the meetings, Prof. Olabimtan said anywhere you find yourself, it’s either your parents came to that town before others or the person in question settled before or after others _(A saaju araawa debe ni)._
But since his demise, I have been trusting my God. If you look at the poster on the wall, it says, “since human beings are so unjust, I doubt who to trust. I have trusted many to my sorrow.” My friends today, enemies tomorrow. They are my colleagues today, my detractors tomorrow. That has always been the situation.
I am telling you the bitter truth. I had never had any single cause to regret knowing Professor Afolabi Olabimtan. He became my family. Though it doesn’t mean that one will be living alone, but as at now, I don’t have second Olabimtan.
Professor Olabimtan’s son is now the Honorable Commissioner for Budget and Physical Planning, what is your relationship with him?
Olaolu is my son. He knew the relationship between me and his late father. It was the cordial relationship between us that made them to made me the Chairman of Olabimtan Foundation. I have maintained good relationship with him and siblings.
Now you’re 80 years, how would you use your life?
From now on, I have decided to vigorously devote my life to service to humanity. That’s where you would likely see me with organizations such as Red Cross, Road Safety Marshall, Rotary and trade organizations that are service clubs.
You see, for many years, I have enrolled some less-privileged on my payroll, but I determined not to make it public whatever I do to others. On monthly basis, I pay stipends to them. They are across Yewaland.
Even my factory at Iwoye-Yewa was basically sited there for my people to benefit from it. Considering the raw materials for the electric pole construction, talk of granite, cement and iron rods that are more cheaper at Abeokuta than Ilaro, you will agree with me that Iwoye-Yewa should not be the site, but I sited the factory at Iwoye-Yewa for the benefit of my people, so that they may get employment by which they can easily pay for house rent, send their children to school, eat and even build their own houses.
What about your political life?
Hmmmm, politics, politics. Honestly, I have been unlucky when it comes to politics. Many who have achieved their dreams through my moral and financial supports have rather turned into opposition at the end of the day. But I thank God for everything. He only deserves the glory, honour, and adoration for taking me this far.
Why did you choose to go into tradomedical?
I realized from experience that most of the orthodox medicines are with side effects. Infact, Pharmacists are been compelled to write it on the drug and yet we have no choice than to use these Orthodox medicines.
Like I said, from experience, most of our local herbs doesn’t have side effects, so I developed interest. You know my jobs involve going to interior villages and when they see us electrifying their community they opened up to me on curable herbs; herbs that cure common ailments. That’s the reason why I veered into the trade.
For example, I used glasses for over 29 years and whenever I travelled abroad, I buy new frames. But for about thirteen years now, I have stopped using glasses and I read Bible and any other books. It was only one leaf I used and I am healed. There was a time I had Arthritis. I went to the US hospital, there I have a cousin who helped me to book for appointment because of the pains. When I saw the doctor he said it wasn’t due for operation.
When I returned to Nigeria, I adapted what I got from communities; it contains seven leaves. The potency is such that I can’t remember I ever had arthritis. And no one has ever regretted using the medicine. With one application, there is bound to be to be relief.
As deadly as Prostrate Cancer is, I have potent herb for it, as well as High Blood Pressure and Typhoid. I developed interest in the potency of our herbs and decided to make it public. We have applied to the NAFDAC certification to go public, and we have taken necessary steps as requested by the NAFDAC. Samples have been taken to the laboratory. Presently, we are at the last stage to be issued Certificate.
Thanks for giving us the audience_
You’re most welcome. I appreciate you all. Thank you and God bless you all.
