The bond between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, ex-governor of Osun State, is more than just political—it’s a deep father-son relationship built over decades. This connection is often displayed in public, but many don’t know how their paths first crossed or how Obasanjo significantly influenced Oyinlola’s military and political career.
At Chief Obasanjo’s 88th birthday public lecture in Abeokuta, Prince Oyinlola shared heartfelt memories of their journey, revealing why he holds the former president in such high regard. Here are some highlights from his tribute:
“Baba, my own Baba—happy birthday to you in good health and abundant blessings. Many may wonder why I call him ‘my Baba.’
Our paths unknowingly crossed 64 years ago, in 1961. I was just a 10-year-old orphan, taken in by my elder brother, who worked at the District Administration’s office in Abeokuta. He enrolled me at Ema Primary School, and one day, I witnessed a life-changing event.
A battalion of Nigerian soldiers had just returned from Congo and marched from Lafenwa to Lemu. Seeing their parade stirred something in me. Right then, I decided that if I ever grew up, I would become a soldier. I was unaware that among those marching that day was a young officer who would later become my father figure—Olusegun Obasanjo.
Years later, when I was governor of Osun State, I shared this childhood memory with Baba as we drove past the radio house near Sapon. He smiled and revealed, ‘That was my battalion. I was in that parade.’ Fate had indeed brought us full circle.”
“Another moment that strengthened my bond with Baba was when he ordered me to ‘ground arms’—essentially ending my military career before I was ready. He reminded me that I was one of the 93 officers who had ‘tasted the forbidden fruit.’ I was heartbroken because this was the profession I had dreamt of since I was 10.
But in 2003, the same Baba who retired me from the military did something extraordinary. Before the royal fathers of Osun State, he declared, ‘This is my beloved son, whom I want to be the governor of Osun State.’ And just like that, the dream I lost in the army was revived in politics. Baba led me onto a new path, and I will always be grateful.”
“During my 70th birthday celebration four years ago, Baba paid me the highest honor. In his tribute, after a long and generous speech, he said he was proud to make me part of his family. He named me his ‘Arole’—his chosen heir.
There’s a saying: You never know the value of your buttocks until you have boils on both sides. I truly understood this when I traveled with Baba on an official trip spanning China, Vietnam, and Egypt. By the time they announced another stop in Indonesia, I had to drop out—I simply couldn’t keep up!
In Egypt, during an African Union meeting chaired by Baba, then-President Hosni Mubarak suddenly paused the session when Baba stepped out to use the restroom. He turned to the room and said, ‘Let’s take a break until Obasanjo returns.’ That was the moment I realized the weight of Baba’s influence. The world respected him.
Baba, we are deeply grateful for your service to humanity. May the Lord continue to strengthen you so that you can keep inspiring us all.”
