Chief Tola Adeniyi is a giant Iroko in all ramifications, yet typifies humility. He is a man of letters who has seen it all in the field of journalism: an achiever who reached the apogee of his career in the media world. Like his physique, his resume is, indeed, frighteningly intimidating.
An Intimidating Profile
Akogun Tola Adeniyi, Chairman/Managing Consultant of The Knowledge Plaza – a body of ghost writers, speech writers, biographers and editorial consultants – was Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of the old Daily Times Conglomerate, a former Permanent Secretary in the Presidency, a former acting Editor-in-Chief of the Nigerian Tribune and former Deputy MD/Managing Editor of the defunct Sketch newspapers.
Adeniyi, Africa’s first newspaper Ombudsman, has held senior editorial positions in Lancashire Evening Post and Burnley Express both in the UK, as well as at the Atlanta Enquirer in the US. He was also a Visiting Lecturer [Theatre & English] at Lancaster University, UK.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Fellow of the Commonwealth Journalists Association, Tola Adeniyi is a member of both the Writers’ Union of Canada and the International Press Institute (IPI)
Founder and President, The Writers’ Club University of Ibadan (1966), Adeniyi was at one time the Secretary General West African Universities Literary & Debating Societies.
Iroko Tola Adeniyi was the Publisher/Editor-In-Chief of York Region Business World Magazine. He also chairs the Boards of Canada University Press and Canada College of Business and Technology both in Toronto, Canada.
Author of 13 books of biography, poetry and drama and credited with over 13000 articles, essays, short stories and reviews, syndicated columnist, Tola Adeniyi (aka Aba Saheed, the Pen General), is an avid reader and most engaging debater. He has lived, trained and worked in all the continents of the world.
Actor, cultural icon and multi-titled chief, Tola Adeniyi is the Jagun Oodua Adimula Il of Yoruba Kingdom, the Aare Ologundudu of Lagos and Otunba Awuwo-bi-owu of Ijebu-Ife.
Tola Adeniyi: A Contrasting Personality
Chief Tola Adeniyi is a widely-traveled man who has mingled with the high and mighty. His presence commands respect in elite circles, yet he remains grounded in his convictions about the masses. A man of egalitarian beliefs, he strongly advocates for the dignity of all humans, regardless of their socio-economic status. To him, every individual is inherently endowed with unique talents capable of propelling them to great heights, regardless of age, gender, or background.
Despite his towering achievements, Tola Adeniyi relates with people from all walks of life with genuine respect and humility. His writings consistently champion the cause of an egalitarian society where everyone can explore and develop their potential—for their own good and for the greater good of Nigeria.
Tola Adeniyi: An Embodiment Of Humility
On a personal level, my relationship with Baba Tola Adeniyi is one of friendship, despite the wide gap in our ages. He has been a major source of inspiration in my career as a journalist.
For over ten years before we eventually met in person in 2015, Baba Tola Adeniyi had shown remarkable interest in my professional growth. Somehow, he got my phone number and would call regularly to check on my progress.
“Dapo, I learnt that you’ve been transferred again. Are you happy with the new posting? Is there anything I can do for you? Should I speak to your bosses to make things easier for you?” he would ask.
My answer was always the same: “Thank you, sir, for your sincere concern and support. I appreciate you, but I’m okay.”
When I eventually resigned from my position as Deputy Editor at the Nigerian Tribune in 2020, he was visibly upset. “Dapo, why did you leave Tribune without telling me?” he asked. “I always offered to help if you needed it.” I simply responded, “Sir, it was time for me to move on.”
Witty Encounters And Banters With The Masses
Following an earlier arrangement to visit him at his Bodija, Ibadan home, Baba Tola called me on Friday afternoon:
“Dapo, you said you’d visit today.”
“Yes, sir, I still plan to,” I replied.
“Where are you now?”
“At the car wash,” I said.
“Car wash where? London or Canada?”, he quipped, always on the witty side.
I laughed and told him I was around Ring Road.
He said, “You should be able to get here by 2:00 p.m.” I agreed.
When I arrived around 2:05 p.m., he was surprised at how quickly I made it. Then he asked, with characteristic humility, “Can you drop me at Dr Yemi Farounbi’s house? I want to visit my soulmate, but I don’t want to take any of my cars.”
Honoured, I agreed. After giving me four of his books, we set off.
On the way, we stopped by a phone accessories hawker with a wheelbarrow. Baba bought two chargers. Then he spotted a cap seller and bought a sleek black cap. While bargaining, he struck up a conversation with the phone accessories hawker, a 31-year-old man from Abia State living in Ibadan.
Baba asked for his thoughts on Governor Alex Otti. That sparked my journalist instincts, and I joined in.
“My governor, Alex Otti, is the best in the South-East. His second term is secured. I’ll travel home to vote for him,” the hawker declared proudly.
A Surprise Haircut From A Roadside Barber
Still en route to Dr Farounbi’s house, we passed a young barber giving a haircut by the roadside. Suddenly, Baba said, “Dapo, I want a haircut.”
Surprised, I suggested we wait until after visiting his friend. But Baba insisted, “I don’t want a fancy salon. I want that young man we just passed.”
We got to Dr Farounbi’s home, where the two legends hugged warmly. Baba, however, declined to settle in, announcing he was off to get the haircut. Smiling, Dr Farounbi said, “Dapo, go with him. It’s his way of staying in touch with the grassroots.”
We returned to the barber, who was now joined by two others—commercial okada riders from Bauchi State. Baba chatted with them, sharing stories about his long-standing relationship with their state and many of his friends from the state, including Dr Haroun Adamu and Dr Ibrahim Tahir, among several others. They were thrilled, and one gladly gave up his seat—an improvised concrete block—for the elder statesman.
When the haircut was done, I offered to pay, and Baba accepted with grace.
Sharing Wine With Two Legends
Before we left Baba’s home earlier, he had asked if I took wine. I said yes, and he picked a bottle of red wine to share at Dr Farounbi’s place. Back there, we opened it and shared drinks. “Dapo, you take the largest portion. You’re the youngest and strongest,” they joked.
The room was filled with laughter and warmth, even when I informed them that I had to leave for another appointment. One thing that struck me deeply was the infectious youthfulness of the two elders. The convivial air was palpable, as Baba kept teasing Dr Farounbi about finding “chewables” like chicken wings.
A Lasting Impression
As I drove from Bodija through Sango, Mokola, Dugbe, and down to the NUJ Press Centre in Iyaganku GRA, one thought lingered in my mind: the profound humility and authenticity of two great men—Chief Tola Adeniyi and Dr Yemi Farounbi. Giants in the media and academia, yet so deeply connected to ordinary people. That day, they didn’t just share their time with me—they reminded me of what true greatness really means.
•Falade is the CEO/Editor-in-Chief, Newscoven.com
