Prince Olu Awogboro |
By Bashorun J K Randle
Rather than prolong undue anxiety, let me disclose that the “VQB” sobriquet on the business card of Prince Olu Awogboro stands for “Very Quiet Billionaire”!!
Rather than prolong undue anxiety, let me disclose that the “VQB” sobriquet on the business card of Prince Olu Awogboro stands for “Very Quiet Billionaire”!!
Having cleared that first hurdle (or preliminary),
justice demands that we commence the toast by acknowledging the celebrant’s
good fortune and the abundant blessings of the Almighty as embodied in his
soulmate and devoted wife Tokunbo (nee Oni).
She is undoubtedly his secret weapon and spiritual
backbone for ensuring that he has not only survived the perennial turbulence
and devastating intrigues of business life in Nigeria and beyond, he has
emerged triumphant in robustly good health, glowing with radiant happiness and
serene contentment. Through the storms of life and the vicissitudes of striving
for excellence, he has emerged as a worthy Prince. It is no secret that Tokunbo
is a formidable prayer-warrior and her profound spiritualism has fortified her
beloved husband who has endeared himself to us all by being a consistent
advertisement for trustworthiness, generosity of spirit and superlative
hospitality whether in Ilesha (from where he hails); Lagos; London; Paris; Cape
Town or other exotic locations. He is fondly called Awo for short.
We have already been treated to moving testimonies and
incontestable averments by Arc. (Chief) & Dr. (Mrs.) Tony Soetan; Mrs. Toun
Adebiyi (Tokunbo’s sister) and late Chief Yomi McGregor who revealed how in
their moments of need, it was the celebrant who went far beyond the call of
duty or the obligations of friendship to settle the hefty medical bills (while
being tormented by life threatening ordeals) which they had incurred in foreign
territories (London and beyond) without expecting acknowledgement, gratitude or
deification in return.
I must debunk the widely held opinion or unfounded
rumour that the Prince’s generosity is exceptionally skewed in favour of his
immediate family, his in-laws (he has neither time nor patience for
out-laws) and old boys of St. Gregory’s College, Obalende (his Alma Mater). God
help you if like me you are an old boy of King’s College, Lagos!!
Perhaps I should confess that the celebrant and I have
been friends for almost six decades. I have it on good authority that when he
landed in London in 1961, while others declared their immigration status as
“student”, without batting an eyelid he insisted on being welcomed to London as
a “Landlord” and promptly declared the address of the property at 15 Windsor
Road, Willesden Green which his father, a wealthy cocoa merchant had consigned
to his care.
Anyway, when he introduced himself to me at a party in
Golders Green, London as a Prince, I was somewhat wary and even alarmed. I
instantly recalled the strictures and warning of Psalm 146: 3.
“Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man
in whom there is no help.”
He has since proved to be an uncommon exception to that
prejudicial assertion.
Indeed, Trust and Trustworthiness have been the
watchwords that have guided his path to his phenomenal success as an astute and
accomplished businessman (insurance guru and property tycoon); and his dealings
with his fellow human beings in various spheres of endeavour within Nigeria and
beyond its shores, particularly Lloyds of London, the citadel of insurance;
re-insurance loss adjusters (they never adjust their profits) and the apostles
of all risks covered!!
For his exemplary conduct and unflinching commitment,
he has been rewarded with being appointed a Trustee of St. Gregory’s College
Old Boys Association; Trustee of Lagos Motor Boat Club; Knight of the Catholic
Church and numerous other accolades. The list is as long as it is intimidating.
Regardless, he has remained refreshingly unassuming, genuinely humble,
raucously good humoured and uncommonly spiritual especially in discharging his
obligations to the Catholic Church and daily supplication to the Almighty for
his beneficence not only for himself but for all his friends, especially old
boys of St. Gregory’s College!!
He has turned out to be a Prince and a Knight in
shining armour in a country where pedigree has become irrelevant while the
trust deficit has ravaged our collective psyche thereby guaranteeing that we
are doomed to grope in the dark, further compounded by gross darkness of the
soul.
As a family man, he has been truly exceptional. His
home is an oasis of peace, serenity and tranquillity. He is the best of friends
with all his children and grandchildren and cares deeply for all of them. Every
Sunday morning without fail he gathers all his grandchildren (minus their
troublesome parents!!) for a hearty breakfast at the Wheatbaker Hotel, in Ikoyi
or the Chocolat Royal, Victoria Island. His day commences with a bicycle run
around Banana Island, Ikoyi at the crack of dawn, accompanied by his darling
wife Tokunbo. Nothing would stop him from turning up daily for early morning
mass at the Church Of The Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi or the Catholic church in
Regent’s Park, London.
The Prince is not a keen supporter of Manchester
United; Manchester City; Arsenal; Chelsea; or Barcelona football clubs. Neither
is he an avid follower of Cricket, Athletics, Golf or Horse Racing. His
favourite sport is to sit at the Trustee’s table in the far corner of the Lagos
Motor Boat Club, Awolowo Road. Ikoyi on Friday nights. Surrounded by fellow old
boys of St. Gregory’s College, they lay an ambush to snare any unwary old boy
of King’s College who dares to venture into their lair!! One of them is a
medical doctor who is always in attendance just in case their quarry prefers to
give up the ghost rather than surrender to their unrelenting allegation that
old boys of King’s College are to be held responsible for the terrible woes
that have befallen Nigeria. No amount of forceful denial will prevent them from
repeating the same allegations all over again the following week.
Strictly, no ladies are allowed within earshot of the vigorous arguments back
and forth – fuelled with vast quantities of champagne, wine and vintage whiskey
or mature brandy. For some inexplicable reason “toso”, barbecued chicken,
“suya”, and yam chips are delivered in ample quantities by stewards who eagerly
savour the jousting perhaps in expectation that it would eventually
metamorphose into duelling – with swords drawn.
As for the Igbobi College boys, their own mantra is to advertise their domination of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering in addition to producing the likes of the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo S.A.N.; Justice Duro Adebiyi; late Justice Taslim Elias, Chief (Dr.) Chris Ogunbanjo; Dr. Duro Soleye, Otunba Subomi Balogun; late Chief (Dr.) Michael Ibru etc. Not to be left out are the Old boys of Baptist Academy; Methodist Boys High School and CMS Grammar School who never tire of debunking the allegation that the Christian mission schools forced Christianity on their moslem students. Among the long list of moslems who flourished in Christian schools are the likes of Mashood Akanbi (Igbobi College); Ganiyu Dawodu (St. Gregory’s College); His Royal Highness Lamidi Adeyemi (St. Gregory’s College); Gbajabiamila twins – Kehinde and Taiwo (Methodist Boys High School/CMS Grammar School); Asiwaju (Dr.) Muniru Balogun (Methodist Boys High School).
Without any provocation, the old boys of Government
College, Ibadan who are “nomadic” visitors insist on wheeling out their
formidable catalogue of exceptional old boys – late Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu;
Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka; Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo (former
Governor of Oyo State); Dr. Akintola Omigbodun; Chief Ajibola Ogunshola and
many more.
Well before you enter the club, you could hear the
celebrant’s hearty and infectious laughter. Even the gatemen, receptionists and
stewards are only too eager to announce: “The Trustee is waiting for you.” He
is truly adored and cherished by all and sundry – both young and old.
Awo’s philanthropy to the Catholic Church; St.
Gregory’s College; and various charitable organisations is colossal. It is a
measure of his endearing quest for knowledge and excellence that even after
establishing himself as a very successful entrepreneur; he proceeded to the
Harvard Business School (to lecture them on how to make serious money and what
business schools cannot teach you!!). One of his contemporaries at Harvard is
Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the Governor of Kaduna State.
Apart from his sojourn in Abeokuta, London, and Hull
the Prince has lived most of his life in Lagos as a student at St. Paul’s
School, Ebute Metta, Lagos followed by St. Gregory’s College, Obalende and a
long stint as a senior manager at Royal Exchange Insurance before venturing into
business as an insurance broker – Ark Stewart. From a modest beginning,
first at Abibu Oki Street, Lagos he scaled up to “Western House”, Broad Street,
Lagos and eventually to its own magnificent edifice in Victoria Island, Lagos
He can with some justification claim to be a Lagosian
to the core.
In wishing Prince Awogboro many more years of the grace
of the Almighty – in good health and prosperity I am willing to overlook a
minor flaw. In 2016, just before the American presidential election he was absolutely
convinced that Hilary Clinton would trounce Donald Trump. He even goaded me
into staking a bet of one million dollars. He lost and I won. That was
over two years ago but I am still waiting to be paid. Perhaps, if he was an old
boy of King’s College, he would have long ago sent me a cheque or surrendered
his swanky new ocean going yatch in lieu thereof!!
Regardless, there is no gainsaying that the Prince has
served his long apprenticeship with consummate dignity, veritable honour,
impeccable character and unassailable commitment to sharing his good fortune.
When he was offered the crown of kingship, he declined. His preferred choice is
to retain his status as a prince – always smiling and forever providing hope
that even in the midst of gross despair and forlorn angst, there is room for
love, faithfulness, steadfastness and joy. Had Awo accepted the crown, he
would have been obliged to acquire more wives. Tokunbo would have none of
that. She put her foot down very firmly.
He is a magnet and may his star never dim as he
celebrates his 80th birthday. He was born on 25th June 1939 and we are entitled
to drink a hearty toast to “VQB” – the Very Quiet Billionaire. Let’s make some
noise in recognition of the sterling qualities of a quintessential gentleman,
philanthropist extraordinaire and a jolly good fellow of whom we are all so
proud. The birthday was kept as a secret until Tokunbo alerted us that
today we would celebrate Awo’s 80th birthday and he in turn gave us an all
risks covered insurance that he will always be our friend.
As an addendum to the toast which I have just proposed
members of the Friday night group of Lagos Motor Boat Club have handed over to
me a sealed envelope which is to be delivered to Prince Francis Oluwole Ademola
Awogboro on 25th June 2039 when he will be celebrating his 100th
Birthday. We shall all be there to celebrate with him. I am not
privy to the entire contents but I understand that it contains a photograph of
the celebrant’s new yatch which he has christened “THE ARK” (derived from the
name of his company, Ark Stewart). Like the Biblical Ark, it is an “SPV”
(Special Purpose Vehicle). In the event of any calamity or unforeseen
circumstances, the celebrant would be at liberty to set sail along with Tokunbo
and other members of his family as well as his friends. However, there is
a caveat. There will be plenty of room for old boys of St. Gregory’s
College. As for old boys of King’s College, it is back to the old days of
discrimination in Britain:
“Sorry, no Irish; no blacks; and no dogs.” No
room for old boys of King’s College!!
On that journey, in the welcoming embrace of the
Atlantic Ocean, there will be plenty of time and opportunity to acknowledge and
relish a lifetime of superlative achievements and muscular integrity. It
would also be self-evident that the yatch does not have a landing pad for
helicopters as is being rumoured (fake news!!). It is merely a testimony
to the Prince’s love of beauty and fine taste. What the yatch does have is
an advanced satellite communication system which will expeditiously alert Awo
when Nigeria is no longer safe for anybody – rich or poor; “Gregorian” or
“Floreat” (KCOB’s). He has worked hard and he is fully entitled to the
reward for his sweat and labour. It is typical of him, when asked
for the secret of his phenomenal success, to respond:
“The Lord is always faithful. The glory belongs
to Him. It is not by my own doing.”
Inevitably, he would remind us that amongst his
classmates at St. Gregory’s College were late Oluyomi McGregor and Toyan
Doherty. Thankfully, another classmate Chief Anthony Soetan is alive and
will still be around for the Centenary celebration.
Hopefully, in twenty years’ time we would look back
with joyous recollection of Friday nights devoted to the problems of our
beloved Nigeria – sometimes, until well after midnight. Indeed, on at
least one occasion matters continued on the following Saturday afternoon at a
wedding party where the same gang were seated at the same table only to re-assemble
on Sunday at the Lekki residence of Dr. Charles Hammond in Lekki Peninsula,
Phase I where the St. Gregory’s College versus King’s College “wahala” started
all over again.
It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge here and
now (rather than wait for another twenty years) the unflinching support I have
received from the celebrant and two other Trustees of St. Gregory’s College
plus many distinguished old boys of the college in my campaign to become
President of St. Gregory’s College Old Boys Association (in Nigeria and
worldwide!!). Such magnanimity is a rare occurrence in this part of the
world. I remain eternally grateful.
I cannot thank them enough, especially as victory is in
sight. I am not at liberty to say too much as one of my opponents has taken
the matter to court. It is now “sub judice”. Unfortunately, his fellow
judges are too pre-occupied with mundane matters such as the removal of the
Chief Justice of Nigeria; disputation over the last Presidential election
(Atiku Abubakar versus Muhammadu Buhari); Governorship elections in Osun, Kano,
and four other States; State Police; Dame Patience Jonathan versus Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission etc. to grant accelerated hearing and deliver their
judgement on a matter that is clearly of national interest. My candidacy
is anchored on the doctrine of necessity!!
I hope that, in twenty years’ time the old boys of St.
Gregory’s College would have consigned to distant memory an event they would
not let me ever forget. There we were at the Lagos Motor Boat Club and a
Minister who happens to be an Old Boy of King’s College came by. He
barely said hello to us. After he departed, the St. Gregory College guys
descended on me as if I was the one responsible for what they considered to be
a clear demonstration of aloofness combined with haughtiness by the
Minister. Their gripe was that no Gregorian would ever conduct himself in
that manner. He would certainly have exchanged warm salutations of “Up
GREGS!!” followed by what they consider to be the “Gregorian hug” – mafia
style!!
Indeed, he would have seized the opportunity to avail
us of the challenges of the Government and the strategies/options being
considered. According to them, a Gregorian would have felt obliged to
tarry awhile longer just to connect with his own kith and kin (so to speak) in
a genuine endeavour to welcome suggestions and feedback as well as feel the
pulse of eminent citizens.
Till today, the Gregorians who witnessed the event keep
asking: if the Minister could treat a table overflowing with billionaires
with such disdain, what will he do with peasants or jobless youths?
I urge you to start preparing in earnest for the celebrant’s
centenary birthday. Tokunbo has already commenced vigorous prayers.
Her husband deserves at least twenty more years.
We can all testify that in all the years we have known
him, we cannot ever recall him ever losing his temper or uttering an unkind word
except when he lashes out at the deplorable state of King’s College, Tafawa
Balewa Square, Lagos and the tardiness of its old boys in either equalling what
the old boys of St. Gregory’s College have done for their college – or even
surpassing it.
The celebrant’s son Kayode has just posted the
photograph of his dad on instagram with the caption: “The best-dressed
80-year-old I know.” Well son, you ain’t seem nothing yet (as Americans
would say). In twenty years’ time, your dad “Awo” will still be looking
dapper and the swagger will still be there!!
Longevity is in the family genes especially on the
maternal side. Awo’s mother passed away peacefully two years ago at the
ripe old age of 104 years and until the very last, she was still in good nick
with all her senses intact. Her own mother was similarly fortunate; she
died at the age of 98 years. She did not show any signs of wear and tear.
By every yardstick Awo has demonstrated beyond
reasonable doubt that he is a man of destiny.
We have just witnessed Tokunbo lovingly interrupting
Awo’s lengthy response to a toast that has not even been proposed yet!!
Her excuse was, to quote her:
“I just want you to know I love you.”
She did not need to repeat what had been captured on
the video which we have just watched:
“My prayer
for you is that you will be around when our grandchildren start getting married.”
By my reckoning that should be around 2039. So we
are on course.
The Almighty always answers the prayers of those he has
chosen and we are entitled to look forward to savouring yet another sublime
manifestation of his loving mercies and unlimited glory. Tokunbo has
promised Awo that come 2039, she will still be delectable and radiant for
him. Those who know Awo would readily confirm that such an offer cannot
be resisted regardless of the size of the insurance premium. It is only
in Nigeria that insurance companies belch out the mantra: “No payment no
cover.”
In any case Awo is more than ready to pay.
Let us conclude matters by reminding Awo that for
entirely different reasons the police sealed up the office of Oando Plc, Wings
Towers, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island. Awo’s party was on the
ground floor within the same complex on Friday night (28th June 2019).
However, here we are on Monday (1st July 2019) morning and the police who came
fully armed in riot gear are astounded that amongst those who have just
responded to their orders which were delivered by microphone, megaphone and
loud-hailers – to evacuate the building immediately are revellers from Awo’s
party.
When the police demanded their proof of identity, their
response was:
“We are old boys of St. Gregory’s College. Prince
Francis Oluwole Awogboro VQB is one of us. On the invitation card it was
boldly stated: Bar inexhaustible. The only information we are
willing to give the police is that at 80 he is a great guy and we are already
planning his 100th birthday on Saturday 25th June 2039. Again, on that
occasion, the Bar will be inexhaustible.
In addition we want to publicly declare our support for
the candidacy of Bashorun J.K. Randle as the next president of our old boys
association. This has nothing to do with the marathon boozing.
Drunk or sober, we remain steadfast. It is a matter of principle.”
Right in front of Wings Towers, the leader of the
police squad, Assistant Commissioner of Police Arinze Agbim (not to be
confused with his famous namesake, the geologist/petroleum engineer)
proceeded to launch an impromptu press conference:
“Everybody calls me Yellow. Even when I was a
sergeant, I would not see black and call it white; or vice versa. I
always tell the truth. I never mince words. We are here to carry out
orders from above. (At that point he was interrupted by a scatato message
on his walkie-talkie. It was from the Inspector General of Police Mr.
Abubakar Adamu Mohammed with Deputy Inspector General, Chief Taiwo Lakanu
and the Assistant Inspector General of Police of Zone 2, Mr. Lawal
Shehu on the speaker phone. The message was cryptic: All officers remain
at alert.)”
Mr. “Yellow” proceeded to explain that on May 31, 2019
the Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] released findings from the
forensic audit of Oando Plc conducted by a firm of Chartered Accountants (not J.K.
Randle Professional Services). SEC imposed sanctions and set up an
interim management team and Board of Directors with Eng. Mutiu Sunmonu as the
Chairman. That was the point at which the police became involved and
sealed the premises.
We have now been given orders to withdraw.
However, before we leave let me repeat what I have told my bosses.
Nigeria cannot have a worthy police unless you pay policemen and women well
enough so that they can afford to send their children to St. Gregory’s College.
This was the case in the olden days. The police barracks in Obalende is
an eyesore and national embarrassment but it is directly opposite the pristine
St. Gregory’s College.
Policemen and women are no different from other
parents, be they doctors, lawyers, engineers, chartered accountants,
politicians etc. They too want the best education for their children.
Let me add that when I was at the police training
school in Jos, my commandant was late Mr. Jenkins Coker, an old boy of King’s
College who was frustrated out of the police before he could become the
Inspector General. Anyway, it was from him that I learnt the rudiments of
investing in stocks and shares. From my meagre savings, I bought shares
in Oando Plc largely on account of the Deputy Managing Director who is not only
an old boy of King’s College, both his father and his uncle went to the same
King’s College before proceeding to Cambridge University where they
excelled in medicine. Did I make a mistake? Who are auditors of
Oando and why did they not qualify the auditors’ report?
Anyway, Mr. Coker also introduced me to William
Shakespeare, especially “Crime and Punishment.” Something else I must add
is that “KO” the father of the Chief Executive of Oando Plc was and remains a
legend in the Nigeria Police Force for his integrity, discipline, dedication
and professionalism. Mr. Jenkins Coker actually followed his footsteps by
studying law (at London University/London School of Economics) while serving in
the Police. Those who preceded them were the likes of Owelle G.P.O.
Chikelu and Chief Joseph Obi. They did the police proud and I felt my
investment was in safe hands having regard to the pedigree of the scions of
great families who are at the helm of affairs of the company – The Securities and
Exchange Commission’s indictment of the company’s management is deeply
troubling. It is a huge shock.
While “Yellow” was conducting his press conference, the
crowd grew larger and larger – thereby causing an overflow into Ozumba Mbadiwe
Road and clogging up traffic all over Victoria Island. He had only enough
time to deliver the following parting shot:
“I am tired of dealing with criminals. I want the
police to celebrate people like Prince Francis Oluwole Awogboro “VQB” as an
inspiration to others.
As for Bashorun J.K. Randle, I have read five of his
best-selling books: “The Godfather Never Sleeps?”; “Who Is Fooling Who?”; The
Natives Are Friendly?”; “The Duke And The Soul Princess” and “God Does Not Live
In Los Angeles Anymore?”.
I understand that there are fifteen others which I am
yet to read.
Anyway, what is baffling is why is the Government being
so nasty to the J.K. Randle family?”
Chief J.K. Randle Memorial Hall at Onikan, Lagos was
bulldozed. So also was the adjacent Dr. J.K. Randle Swimming Pool in
addition to handing grabbing Dr. J.K. Randle’s “Love Garden” and handing it
over to the Musical Society of Nigeria [MUSON]. Haba !!
We all know that this year is Bashorun J.K. Randle’s
50th year as an eminent Chartered Accountant who has practised his profession
without any blemish. Not only is he a Past President of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants of Nigeria [ICAN], he is a former Chairman & Chief
Executive of KPMG Nigeria and Past Chairman of KPMG Africa in addition to being
a former Pro-Chancellor of Lagos State University and Eko Hotels Limited.
The philanthropy of the Randle family goes back over a
hundred years.
The J.K. Randle family has donated N100 million each to
CMS Grammar School, Lagos; Holy Cross School, Lagos; Ansarudeen College, Isolo;
Ahmaddiya College, Agege and various other institutions. The bequests
have not been acknowledged not to talk of rendering account of how the funds
were spent.” The government will not even acknowledge that the first
political party in Nigeria, the People’s Union was founded in 1908 by Dr. J.K.
Randle. Also, the oldest sporting competition in our beloved country is
the Dr.J.K. Randle Swimming Competition which commenced in 1928”.
Even at the risk of being sacked, he insisted on displaying
page 34 of “God Does Not Live In Los Angeles Anymore?” which quoted General
Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s newly elected Military Head of State (31st December
1983):
“We do not have much room to manoeuvre and have
therefore adopted some tough measures. No medicine is without pain.
You all know that our country’s oil-based economy has faltered dramatically
over the past three years as worldwide demand has fallen; but this was further
compounded by gross mismanagement during the four years of civilian administration.
In spite of the protracted nature of our negotiations with the International
Monetary Fund for a loan of $2.5 billion, we still hope that a mutually
satisfactory compromise on the remaining issues (liberalisation of imports;
devaluation of the Nigerian currency, Naira; and reduction of subsidies on
petroleum products) can be reached eventually. The Federal Military
Government of Nigeria is committed to the restoration of confidence in the
naira. We have had to make drastic cuts in capital expenditure, impose a
wage freeze, reduce import duties in appropriate cases, raise interest rates
and we are confident that the measures which we have introduced to boost
agricultural production will succeed provided we all work towards a common
goal.”
What has changed ?
He insisted on being invited to Prince Olu Awogboro’s
100th birthday – Saturday 25th June 2039.
He was promptly given an invitation to the Chief J.K.
Randle annual Thanksgiving and Memorial Service holding at 11 a.m. on Sunday
28th July 2019 at:
The Parish of Chelsea
St. Luke’s and Christ Church
Chelsea
London SW3 5TR.
- Bashorun J.K. Randle is a former is President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and former Chairman of KPMG Nigeria and Africa
Region. He is currently the Chairman, J.K. Randle Professional Services.
Email: jkrandleintuk@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment