“If one needs a role-model OMOLUABI, Bode Olajumoke is an excellent specimen. He is what the White Man would call a perfect gentleman. He is totally honest, dependable, reliable and trustworthy.”
I strayed into politics in 1965. I was a student of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, based at Enugu Campus. I witnessed the three-month long strike organised by the JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE, jointly led by Michael Imoudu and Alhaji H. P. Adebola.
I have seen constitutional crisis that resulted from the 1964 Federal Elections. I have seen the Western Nigeria political crisis and the resultant turmoil, Coker Commission of Enquiry and the Treasonable Felony Trials. I have listened to Victor Olaiya’s record: Ilu Le O, Kosowo Lode.
All these motivated me to enter into politics…particularly left-of-the-centre progressive politics. I joined the Student Wing of Action Group, and became its Publicity Secretary.
Between 1965 and 2024, I have been in the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Peoples’ Solidarity Party (PSP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), United Nigeria Party (UNP), United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), occupying various state, zonal and national positions.
In this long period and tortuous journey, I have met so many Nigerians, across partisan, political, religious, economic, professional and academic divides. But one person that stands uniquely excellent is Senator (Dr) Bode Olajumoke. He stands out and is indeed outstanding. And there are reasons for my assessment.
First is his enviable character. If one needs a role-model OMOLUABI, Bode Olajumoke is an excellent specimen. He is what the White Man would call a perfect gentleman. He is totally honest, dependable, reliable and trustworthy. He is in all ramifications, a man of integrity, a hardworking, industrious man, a man of complete humility, a very good focused team leader and a non-disruptive, cooperative and humane team member.
Second has to do with his vision for and service to his community, state, nation and indeed Nigeria as a country. Here is a fine thorough-bred person who spends all his time exploring ways of adding tremendous value to his environment at all levels. He has left bold and positive imprints on local, state, zonal and national landscapes.
Bode Olajumoke is a good export of Imeri, who has contributed immensely to Ondo State, who has the interests of Yoruba fully at heart, and is willing to defend those interests, and a great patriotic Nigerian, with deep amazing connections and linkages across tongues and ethnic nationalities. He is really the kind who will serve Nigeria, belonging to no one but belonging to all. He is one patriot that I can call a true Nigerian who has no other country.
Finally I can say that the number of people who has benefitted from his charity and generosity remains countless. Yet, he remains his simple self-effacing self…full of charm and humour.
I am glad that public service interests, serving the country and her citizens optimally, protecting the interests of the multi-dimensionallly poor, the hopeless, helpless, joyless and voiceless Nigerians made our paths to cross intricately.
I always thank God for the grace to have worked together with SENATOR BODE OLAJUMOKE. He is simply a great and good man.
•Ambassador (Dr) Farounbi OON.
