Letter to Daddy: M.B.O Owolowo (Sr.)

Letter to Daddy: M.B.O Owolowo (Sr.)

Written on Saturday, June 25, 2011

Daddy, 

I trust you are resting peacefully with your Maker. You were a good man not because you were my father but because of what I was able to gather from others about you. Unfortunately I got to appreciate you more after you suddenly departed us. You taught and practiced “A good name is worth more than gold and silver” It honestly did not mean much to me then but it made perfect sense as I started my gradual transition to becoming a man. 

Kudos to your beloved wife for holding sway and being steadfast after your demise, she had to play both roles of father and mother. Being your last born, I must confess I didn’t make it easy for her initially; understandably I was shocked when you died and I was literally angry with the world. Though I later adjusted and became more focused and determined to succeed in life. I was eager to explore the world as a man and practically implement some of the things you taught me. I had to mature rapidly following your death, I learnt many bitter lessons, I realised life was never meant to be easy and it’s better to face and overcome challenges. I have learnt to be very aware of praise singers, wary of sycophants and extremely cautious of hypocrites. I am actually glad I went through my ineffable travails, for I am a better and wiser man now. 

As you are aware from your fellow dwellers in 'the heavens', June 12 (Hope 93) didn’t metamorphose into a democratically elected government led by our late president M.K.O Abiola. Following the brutal murder of his courageous wife (Kudirat), which was coincidentally the last burial you attended before your demise, majority of Nigerians are still hoping, hoping for a better life; governance; basic amenities, 'better' with all its concomitant ramifications. 

'Democracy' did come but unfortunately our beloved nation is still developing and the vision of the government is clearly as amorphous as you left it. It is somewhat a societal crime to serve your nation meritoriously as you did in your time, without self aggrandizement. Nowadays it has become difficult to clearly distinguish between criminals and some political office holders, oh! the bank chiefs are not too far behind the spectrum of avarice. The whole state of the nation is generally retrogressive, there is still no electricity, many roads are still bad and the education system has significantly worsened with dilapidating infrastructure. Yes! Nigeria is still a sleeping giant. 

Your generation migrated to the U.K for study and intellectual enlightenment then proudly returned to serve their father land. Poignantly, some Nigerians now want to elope without the slightest thought of returning home. Though I must say a new ebullient generation is emerging and a few of us still believe and hope Nigeria will be great, but fewer of us are ready to sacrifice for that greatness: The struggle continues. 

I thank GOD for my life, thank you for your role of bringing me into this world and raising me appropriately as a good and loving father should. I love Nigeria; I have been born here so it’s inevitable it would be great. I am Nigerian and proud as you were and I will continue to protect your good name and teach my children the same ideals, continue to Rest in Peace with your Creator. Love you and Peace unto you Pops! 

“A man’s wealth should not be quantified by just material things, but by the amount of people his wealth has empowered or liberated. A man’s wealth is worthless except it benefits others, especially those around him” – M.B.O Owolowo (Snr) March 24, 1931 - June 25, 1996. 

From your son, M.B.O Owolowo (Jr.)