By Raheem Adedoyin
I almost missed Baba 70’s milestone. The loss earlier yesterday of a very close nephew who had been in hospital for over 2 months dislocated my schedules and media activities.
But the moment I was able to get into the social media space, the tributes on Alhaji Lateef Amolegbe confronted the eyes vigorously.
From Kwara’s first citizen ( HE AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq) to Kwarans and Nigerians in Diaspora, to Kwarans and Nigerians at home, there was a deluge of tributes to this wonderful man that had for decades captured the attention of global Nigeria.
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Tough but cerebral and kind-hearted, Baba 70 is easily at home where the interests of Kwara and Nigeria converge. He is far away in the United States, yet he pulls strings where communal development is concerned in Nigeria.
I knew Uncle Lati over 2 decades ago when the Kwara State Association of Nigeria , North America Chapter (KSANG) held it’s national convention in New York. Since then, he has remained a mentor of inestimable value. He inspired my commitment to KSANG and set a laudable aspirational tone for my community service .
From KSANG and Nigeria Diaspora upliftment, Alh. Amolegbe has closed in on impactful development in our dear state through an initiative he and like-minds are promoting . The Kwara Development Group, USA, is a multipurpose vehicle that has lately served the good people of Kwara state in the critical spheres of development.
My friend and brother, Otunba Ademola Adedoyin penned a beautiful tribute to Alh. Amolegbe@70 which I have shared on my Facebook page. I wholly adopt that piece.
It is uncommon for me to go to US without seeing and bantering with this affable elder with a young heart.
I can recall many memorable encounters with him but one that makes me laugh easily was the coup neatly executed for him and against him .
10 years ago, I was part of a conspiratorial group that celebrated his 60th birthday- by force by fire- in Maryland, USA.
Knowing that he was averse to any celebratory event, the family arranged a surprise birthday that was known to only a few trusted friends and associates.
I flew from Nigeria straight to Maryland for the event. I met already seated and many people from Central and the West Coast who flew 3hrs and 5 to 6 hours respectively. The host DC crowd, the most boisterous KSANG family, was waiting in ambush.
The “celebrant” had been lured out of his house under a pretence that he was going to chair some nebulous engagement at the designated venue. As soon as he was ushered in, he saw me ( from Nigeria!), saw his other “personal persons” from far places in US and the DC enthusiasts, all hailing him Happy Birthday. It was a night of thrills and frills.
I’m told there is no such surprise awaiting him today. Good for everyone, because this time, Baba 70 can’t be tricked.
Happy Birthday, Sir.
Raheem Adedoyin, a KSANG Ambassador, Nigeria writes from Ilorin, Kwara State
