“But, along those roads, I learned that true wealth is not stored in vaults, but, in values, integrity, humility, service and faith” – Chief Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, KJW, OON, CON, CFR, GCON
Those words in his auto biography, LEGACY IN MOTION: THE QUIET POWER OF A NIGERIAN ICON, induced me to finish reading the book in two days. I wanted to find out if the life lived up to those extremely high standards. I got more than expected. It never crossed my mind that circumstances beyond my control will ever force me to act on the impressions formed by that book. Ladi Adebutu vying for governor of Ogun State has provided the opportunity to act on my belief. I have never met Ladi. And readers of this page must be wondering why I am becoming openly partisan; given my usual posture of neutrality in the past. Three basic reasons account for the switch. The first takes me down memory lanes.
ONE GOOD TURN NEEDS TO BE REPLICATED
“To do good is noble; to teach others to do good is nobler and no trouble” – Mark Twain, 1835-1910
Two of my daughters graduated on the same day from the University of Ibadan, completed Youth Service, both outside the South-West (I always insist my kids would serve outside the SW) and went searching for work. At two separate interviews, when called in, the interviews lasted less than 15 minutes; and the same questions were asked. “You said your father’s name is Dele Sobowale? Is that true? And you said he works at VANGUARD? Can you call him? Thus on two different occasions, I received calls from my daughters from prospective employers; who have engaged them for more than 15 years. On each occasion, they were told almost the same thing. “Your dad is a highly respected journalist; a man of integrity.” My personal vault is full. None of my daughters – six of them ever failed an interview; and I never knew their employers. Each and everyone of those who employed my daughters taught me a lesson; which will never be forgotten even in a thousand years on Earth. If you receive a favour from someone who owes you nothing; then go in search of somebody deserving it; and do him a favour. This is in appreciation of what “Baba Ijebu” has done for Nigeria, for God and for Ogun.
