On the 12th of march 2002, exactly two decades ago; a colossus departed this world after blazing different trails within the annals of Nigeria’s political history.
There will never be another Alhaji Abdul Azeez Kolawole Adeyemo, popularly known as ‘Alhaji how are you‘. Selfless, empathetic and his visionary leadership is something Nigeria is currently bereft of. Attributes and qualities that Alhaji Adeyemo has in abundance.
Background of Abdul Azeez Kolawole Adeyemo
A clergy, a painter, a business man, an orator and a grass roots leader who cares deeply about the well being and welfare of others which birth his nickname ‘Alhaji how are you’.
Despite his public figure status, Alhaji Adeyemo has an open door policy to his constituents regardless of their social status. For example, during Alhaji’s lifetime he would often be seen playing board games like Ayo Opon and Drafts in places other politicians of his calibre would consider as no go areas.
He was born on the 14th of June 1941 in Ado-Ekiti the Ekiti State capital to Sir. Rufai Adeyemo & Princess Adebolarin Agunsoye. His ravenous thirst for knowledge led to his reversion to Islam from Catholicism. This trait imbibed a sense of fairness and justice in the late Alhaji Adeyemo. Who became a politician early in his career, joining the Western region campaign of Egbe Omo Oduduwa; founded by Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo. He was also a frontline member of the Action Group which later metamorphosed into the Unity Party of Nigeria.
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Political Life of Abdul Azeez Kolawole Adeyemo
The late Alhaji Adeyemo played a huge role in the agitation for return to democracy in the truncated third republic; which witnessed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections, by former military head of state, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. In an election adjudged by international observers, to be the freest in the nation’s history and was won by the late MKO Abiola.
Abdul Azeez Kolawole Adeyemo’s sojourn into politics began when he was first elected as a councillor in the Ekiti Central Local Government of the old Ondo State, between 1976 and 1978. In the second republic, he was elected as an honourable member of the Ondo State House of Assembly between 1979 – 1983.
He also played a significant role as campaign manager in the victory of the short-lived government of Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua who was the Governor of old Ondo State, from 1991 to 1993 under the umbrella of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He was later appointed as the Ondo state Parliamentary Coordinator and Liaison officer by Governor Bamidele Olumilua.
Abdul Azeez Kolawole Adeyemo – The Elder Statesman
In the fourth republic, Alhaji Adeyemo teamed up with the likes of Chiefs; Bola Ige, Abraham Adesanya, Olu Falae, Adebayo Adefarati, Ayo Fasanmi, Ganiyu Dawodu and the rest to form the Alliance for Democracy. Which later became the dominant party in the southwest geopolitical region. He also played a vital role in the creation of Ekiti State in 1996.
He later assumed the status of a ‘Godfather’ owing to his sphere of influence across the political spectrum which culminated in the victory of Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo who was appointed as the first Governor-elect of Ekiti State in 1999 under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy. He was also a pioneer leader of the PAN Yoruba Elders Consultative Forum, popularly known as ‘Afenifere’.
Honouring The Legacy of Abdul Azeez Kolawole Adeyemo
Alhaji Adeyemo’s death, at the age of 61, in 2002, was as unexpected as any fearsome speech he ever delivered. But beneath that veneer was a very reflective man, whose love for his family, and passion for the community supersedes any aspiration. He was a well-admired and revered man, who for all his unique gifts continued to care for his community and countrymen till he drew his last breath.
A special television programme titled: ‘The life and times of Alhaji Adeyemo’ is scheduled to be aired live on Saturday 12th of March 2022, on Ekiti State Television (EKTv), at 5pm Nigerian time which would also be streamed live on EKTv Facebook page.
Even though, Alhaji Adeyemo departed this world twenty years ago. His memory remains fresh and green, while his legacies will live on forever. The general consensus amongst those of us that he left behind remains that; no, there will never be another Alhaji Adeyemo. One was quite extraordinary enough.
May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace and may Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings.
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