By Akogun Gaphar Ojetola
In 50 years time when the lease on Agbowo Shopping Complex would run out, I doubt if governor Seyi Makinde, myself and most of you reading this piece would be around, but not also impossible.
I doubt also if Late Bola Ige the then governor of Oyo State who built and commissioned in 1983 the Agbowo Shopping Complex would be happy in his grave that his project has been thrown away for a paltry 4.9 billion naira on a 50 years lease term.
That reminds me of a Muslim cleric by name Alfa Oriyangi who lived in Iwo, Osun State around late 80s when I was at the General Hospital Iwo. This cleric had converted his old banger Peugeot 504 into a much roomy and larger pick up truck which he uses to convey his Elehas, Alfas and loads of religious books to his preaching venues. On this particular occassion, a newly posted police officer who does not understand the people and clime of Iwo very well stopped Alfa Oriyangi demanding for his vehicle papers. Vehicle papers nor driver’s licence, Alfa Oriyangi had none. The vehicle must be impounded by this young officer. Alfa Oriyangi did not resist his vehicle being impounded as he asked the Elehas, junior Alfas to load the books on the heads and walking towards the “rounda” as the people call the main roundabout then. Alfa Oriyangi lamented , “Eru Olorun Kan l’o fun WA, Eru Olorun Kan l’o GBA, laillah illalah, Laillah illalah”. Literarily meaning, the vehicle was a gift from a servant of God and another servant of God had taken it from us. There is no deity worthy of worship except God. What happened after this seizure would be told another time.
Agbowo Shopping Complex, “Eru Olorun Kan l’o fun WA, Eru Olorun Kan l’o GBA”.
Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister also sang in one of his albums, “Ore l’E ba se fun naija, ika l’E ba se fun naija, waidu ba WA s’esan fun won Amin O”. Oore l’E ba se fun Oyo, ika l’E ba se fun Oyo Wahidu ba WA s’esan fun won O, Amin O.