There is a seasoned politician in Lagos who many politicians don’t joke with right now. He is an elderstatesman. He is 86. And he has produced no fewer than 3 generations of politicians in Lagos State. That is why his name is big in Lagos politics. Just mention Prince Tajudeen Olusi, MON, OON to many Lagos politicians and you will be told how powerful and influential Papa is, politically, in the scheme of things in Lagos.
He is well respected. He has earned his spot. He has paid his dues. He has been involved in Politics since age 13. And he is one of the Elders of the ruling party, APC. He is also the Chairman of Governors Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos the highest ruling body in Lagos APC.
On account of his remarkable role in Lagos politics, City People visited Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi at his Lagos home last Thursday to drink from his well of wisdom. We were expecting to see one big man who many people will be grovelling around and worshipping him like a god, but we were shocked to meet a humble, easy going man who had no airs around him. He is tall and slim. He is a man who is still very active and highly cerebral even at 86. Despite his age, he does not use a walking stick, neither does he wear glasses. He is quick to stand up to pick things for himself and we found him to be a resipository of information on Lagos history and politics, having been part of the recent history of Lagos. His power of recall is superb. And he still cracks jokes. He has a robust sense of honour. He is a team player and listens to others. For instance, after we were ushered into his presence, we met him casually dressed and we pleaded with him to change into an outfit he can take photos and videos with. He immediately obliged us. He stood up and went into change, not minding that we the rats were far younger than him.
Let’s tell you more. Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi (MON, OON) is a Prince of Lagos, who is passionately committed to the development of the Lagos royal house and the preservation of Lagos’ cultural heritage. His father Alayeluwa Oba Sanusi Matiku Olusi was once an Oba of Lagos. Prince Olusi was shortlisted for the throne of Lagos in 1964 and 2003. He was, at a time, the Secretary to the Lagos Royal House and the Lagos Aborigene Society. Presently, he is the head of the Akisemoyin ruling house. Prince Olusi was a Councilor under the Action Group (AG), the party led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the Lagos Town Council between 1962 and 1965 and was reelected-in 1965 before the military truncated the democratic regime in 1966. He represented Lagos in the Federal House of Representatives from October 1979 – 1983. He was re-elected in 1983 before the military overthrew the sitting government again. At a time, he served in the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture. He was Lagos State Honorable Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism between 1994 and 1996. Prince Olusi was the Lagos State Chairman of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) between 1992 to 1994. Also, he was the National Vice-Chairman (South-West) of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), now All Progressive Congress (APC). Prince Olusi is a prominent member of Afenifere, a socio-cultural organization of the Yoruba people.
He is the Saba Oba of the ancient Apa Kingdom.
Prince Tajudeen Olusi is quite religious; he is the Saba Adinni of Oke-Aarin Mosque; Zumuratul lsmaliyat; Sangotedo Muslim Community; and Apa Kingdom. He is also the Jagunmola Adinni of Eti-Osa, Lagos State. Many don’t know that he is also an accomplished author who has written many articles and books on Lagos, especially as it affects Lagos Obaship and Chietaincies. His 231 page titled book Essays & Evidence Relating to Lagos Obaship & Chieftaincies are out in 2019. Another book titled A Short History of Obaship In Lagos was released in September 2020. This 80 page book is an updated report of Obaship in Lagos.
In 2013 Prince Tajudeen Olusi published his autobiography titled Do Not Be A Low Mean Man… It is a 393 paged book that could pass as the history of Lagos. It was first published in 2013 and reprinted in 2018.
He says it is his appreciation of historical records and documentation generally that motivated him to record his personal story.
It was Alhaji (Dr.) Lateef Kayode Jakande, the late Governor of Lagos that wrote the foreword to the book. LKJ described Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, as a man of integrity and a trustworthy political associate.
When Prince Tajudeen Olusi turned 75 in 2011, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his felicitations described Prince Olusi as the epitome of the Yoruba elder, in whose pressence nothing can go awry.
“You have not only been an embodiment of committment and untainted service in the progressive cause, you have been a role model to endless generations of our younger ones, who continue to gain from your trademark humility, simplicity and forthrighness.
