By Engr. Moses Nnaji.
The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland played the role of a father to the Ijebus. I admired him greatly. I became close to him when we worked together as his structural engineer between 2006 and 2010.
I handled the structural design and construction supervision of several buildings, including two in Ijebu-Ode (one belonging to him and the other to Chief Bayo Kuku), his building in Lekki, another building in Lekki belonging to Chief Bayo Kuku, his building in Ilupeju, and his building in Asokoro, Abuja.
He served as the liaison between the consultants, contractors, and Chief Bayo Kuku. The M&E consultant was Dr. Sonubi, a former lecturer at the Mechanical Department of the University of Lagos, who had left before I joined the university.
He was also the NSE President who had denied Obasanjo registration as a corporate member. The Quantity Surveyor was Mr. Adebanjo, an elderly man. Unfortunately, I’ve forgotten the name of the Architect. Despite being the youngest and a non-Ijebu man among them, it was a great experience working with such a cohesive team.
Awujale had extensive experience in building construction, dating back to the 1970s, and was knowledgeable about every aspect of it. I noticed that whenever he made decisions that the other consultants and contractors didn’t agree with, they wouldn’t express their disagreement openly.
However, when he wanted to make decisions that would compromise the structural integrity of the buildings, I would speak up and explain why it wouldn’t work. I didn’t realize that, in Yorubaland, it’s not customary to directly disagree with an oba, let alone a paramount ruler.
To my surprise, he wouldn’t argue with me but would instead affectionately refer to me as “this Kobokobo man,” and I would respond with “Kabiyesi, I am loyal,” to which he would reply, “You better be.”
He was friendly, jovial, and accommodating. As a respected figure, he guided many wealthy individuals in Ijebuland. One notable experience was when I coincidentally traveled with Mr. Adebanjo on the same flight to Abuja.
We struck up a conversation while waiting for our luggage, and I asked him why the other consultants and contractors never openly disagreed with Awujale during site meetings. He explained that, as Ijebus, they would avoid direct confrontation with Awujale in public but would instead meet with him privately to discuss their concerns. I learned from this experience and didn’t encounter any similar situations for the remainder of the projects.
I had the privilege of visiting him twice, and each time, he gave me a warm welcome and prompt attention. He was considerate, courageous, fair-minded, and a shrewd economist. He managed the construction of Chief Bayo Kuku’s buildings prudently and frugally.
May God forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.
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