Mum Wanted Me To Become Another Fela Without ‘Igbo’-Reveals Kayode Ajulo, in Emotional Tribute to Mum at 87

By Kayode Ajulo

My mother, Mrs. (Princess) Christiana Monisola O. Ajulo (nee Adedeji), is 87 years old, and I cannot but to celebrate her on the occasion of her glorious and purposeful 87th birthday.

Over the years, she has come to win the love and adulation of all who adore her. Beyond her sound sense of elevated style, which is evidently observed in her choice of modesty; give it to Maami, she is an embodiment of humility, decency, grace and warmth.

Despite her limited educational background, my mother remains the best educationist I ever passed through; my first and best teacher ever. I am a lawyer and I daresay that Maami is my first Law teacher. She taught me the rules of life, ethics, values and what it meant to be an ”Omoluabi”, a philosophical and cultural concept that describes a man to be of excellent and enviable character .

Maami never spared the rod and as I write this, I still feel with nostalgia and trepidation, her occasional squeezing of my long ears. Maami is a great disciplinarian, a slave driver. I can vividly recall my first alphabets with her in this interesting mold, she taught me valour, trust, magnanimity, benevolence, integrity, respect for others, boldness, and the virtue of being candid and fearless at all times.

She was trained as a seamstress, what is known today as Fashion Designer. She taught me how to sow, which made me to design all my cloths till this day. Later, she became a textile merchant and subsequently digressed into books and stationery business. Maami owned the famous TI OLUWA NI ILE BOOKSHOP (NIG) LTD (TONIB) with branches in some cities and towns in the South West of Nigeria, namely; Ibadan, Ilesha, Ondo, Akure, Osu, Ikare, Awe and Oke -Imesi respectively.

Retrospectively, I was weaned in the bookshop, grew up to first recognize books. As a toddler, I was told that I had no toys but books. Maami might not be a politician, but very politically conscious, she is always guiding everyone around her to avoid the pitfalls of life. She loves Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti that she ceaselessly regaled me with her exploits at Alake of Abeookuta’s Palace; and her acquaintances with the famous Kutis family in Abeokuta as she preferred that I become another Fela and Beko combined but without the ”Igbo” (Marijuana)

I want to thank my mum for all the unwavering support she has given me over the years. She has always been my biggest inspiration, most encouraging champion and greatest sounding board. She has always told me to never fear flying higher and that ”impossible” is just a mere word which can never exist in my dictionary and to date I am a living proof.

Maami, no other person in this world who can love me deeply than you. No one can understand me profoundly like you do. There is no other person in this world who can motivate and incite me as much as you do. The sweetest words, the most expensive jewels or the grandest of luxuries can ever compare to the gratitude brimming in my heart for you.

Irrespective of my overflowing imperfections and my countless mistakes, you often offer me your affection, so open-heartedly and unmatched. My heart is filling with appreciation for all the years of love you have showered me with. Honestly being a mother is not an easy task; I am still awestruck on how you successfully and perfectly make motherhood looks so effortless and stay so graceful at the same time.

It won’t be out of place to address Maami as the mother of our nation, a woman of substance, a truly wonderful woman and Nigeria’s greatest and most ebullient mother. May you continue to eat the fruits of your labour, deservedly so.

Right from her youthful years and now as octogenarian, her life has been a source of love, strength and blessings to her loved ones and all those around her. I celebrate you today at 87 and I pray that the Lord grants you many more years of peace, joy, good health, prosperity, resounding victories and abiding fulfillment.

Happy birthday to you Maami. This is a milestone worth celebrating. Congratulations.