By Yusuf Adua
“I spent five years in primary school instead of six”.
Recently, our team of inquisitive reporters paid the first and only Archbishop from Oyo town, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu a courtesy visit where he okayed the credibility of News Live Nigeria and was in the mood to open up untold stories no one knows about him.
Prince Lamidi Ayoade Sanda Ladigbolu from the Agunloye ruling house was the grandson of Oba Siyanboola Onikepe Ladigbolu 1 who steadied the ship of Oyo town in the early 20th century.
The born convener who used the power of short music to canvass parents to send their children to school is a professional journalist, boxer and sprinter.
Find out more about him in this exclusive interview.
EARLY LIFE
I was born to a royal family, promoted from Primary One to Standard One making my education faster than that of my peers – 1952 to 1957 instead of 1958.
I benefitted from the free education scheme organised by the government of the western region.
I was the campaigner and the modern-day influencer of the free education scheme. I was chosen by our teachers to “sensitise the parents and mobilise the children for the universal primary education in the Western region” – ISALE OYO PRIMARY SCHOOL to be precise.
I would always be on a table single encomiums for the mobilisation of free education in and around Isale Oyo because most parents were reluctant to send their children to school.
They preferred to use their children on the farms and support in other iterenary tasks.
I proceeded to Durbar Grammar School ( LA Secondary Modern School for three years).
During our days, secondary school education was very expensive. We had to settle for modern school at the time.
I am a born talker. I grew up to love talking. I was the Ishola Folorunsho ( famous football commentator) of my time.
SPORTING LIFE
I am a boxer. I grew up to love boxing. I was always sprinting the short distance races as well.
ASSOCIATIONS
Association of Boys and Girls Club, Oyo
PROFESSIONAL LIFE
I kick-started my professional life as a junior teacher in villages around the Iseyin axis. Igunrin, Akinwunmi
RELIGIOUS LIFE
During my exploit in teaching, I met my sojourn to Christ – Mr. Adebisi. His behavior outshone mine. He was from Iwo, now late. I approached him and he introduced me to Christ.
Because of the home I came from, I hid my faith. I always went to Methodist Tengba, Oyo in secret. People went to the palace to report me. I was the interpreter of Bolaji Akewukewe back in the day.
People thought I was possessed. Particularly my peers. When some missionaries heard of my story, they came to meet the head of Methodist at the time, Baba A.T. Olaolude to release me to go to Ilorin for close to four years.
Then, I proceeded to United Missionary Theological College Ilorin. Upon graduation, I was working in Borgu in Kayoomo around New Bussa , Kanji, Wawa, and those areas.
ELWA Gbaja (Monrovia, Liberia) heard of my prominence and inducted me into the system.
Alao, I was the first person to evangelise with ewi on the radio ever.
I proceeded to Emmanuel College Samonda Ibadan the same time I was also a student at the University of Ibadan from 1971 to 1973.
I was given a scholarship to study at Southern Methodist University, Dallas Texas from 1973 to 1977
I was writing for Nigerian Tribune and Daily Service, Aworerin, Nigerian Christian, Daily Times. I was also a journalist from primary school.
Moreso, I was always going to the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service and Western Nigeria Television alongside Olanrewaju Adepoju, Tubosun Oladapo and, Prince Bayo Sanda for Ewi renditions.
.Ralph Stoody Fellowship in religious journalism in America. About 300 people applied all over the world but I was the winner (1975).
I studied Mass Communication at Meadoes School of the Arts, Master’s Degree in Mass Communiccation in 1977.
.Methodist Theological Institute Shagamu (principal)
.Editorial Board. Methodist News Publication.
I became a Bishop afterwards in Ondo state. I was there for more than eight years in Ifaki Ekiti.
I was then transferred to Ibadan.
Thereafter, I became an Archbishop in 1999 where I was transferred to Ilesha in 2000.
I took voluntary retirement in 2005.
I spend a lot of time reading. I listen to the news on radio and meeting people and sharing their concerns. I am a trained counselor. I deal with community concerns particularly, Oyo.
My family has always been with me all time long. Most of our children grew up in Ekiti .
I have built my foundation upon the fear of God. I give 100% attention to all that I do.
There is no small assignment. For everything I am giving part of my life to, I must be convinced it is right.
Oyo is a chosen land. A town filled with wisdom. Oyo is the cornerstone of governamce and administration in Yoruba land. Oyo is at a zenith that cannot be matched with the presence of Alaafin.
. Empire building…. Accra, Togo and Dahorney.
. Check and balance in Oyo land was surprising to the Englishmen.
. Counselors and cabinets
Oranyan is the first Alaafin.
We are working hard for a new Oyo capital. We wanted to establish a radio station. We are working hard on how to improve the electricity supply.