© Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, CON, D.Sc

All rights reserved. This book is copyright and so no part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, electrostatic, magnetic tape, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the express written permission of the copyright owners. First Edition ISBN: 978 - 978 - 951 -649-0 Published by: Pumark Nigeria Limited [Educational Publishers] Suite 14, Wing 1 - Jimmyco Shopping Complex - 19/21, Abeokuta Express Road, Beside ConOil/Sweet Sensation, Abule-Egba Junction, Agege, Lagos. Tel: 08022235233, 09093202174 E-mail:[email protected] Authors Correspondence: E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 08035592930 GRA, Ibara Abeokuta.

Preface to the Royal Roots A Woman Industrialist: A Biography of Chief Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso by Mrs. Omodele Karunwi is being preserved in its entirety because Mama was seen, spoken to, and her daily activities were captured in the book. A remarkable statement in the foreword to the book by a renowned scholar, diplomat, administrator of highest esteem, Pa S. O. Adebo, touched me deeply and is hereby summarised. - The last paragraph - "Mrs. Karunwi's book will not be the only book to be written on this remarkable daughter, Chief Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso, of Egba land. But it is the first and Mrs. Karunwi deserves commendation for having written in a style so lucid and so pleasant to read" signed S. O. Adebo 28 May, 1991. - And as a cognac drink after a good meal, the editor Mrs Omodele Karunwi in her Preface had this to say; "Chief Bisoye Tejuoso has played her role successfully as a mother and head of her family, as a religious leader and an industrialist". It is hoped that her achievements will be an INSPIRATION to the present generation particularly to young women aspiring to make BUSINESS a career. More of her quotable golden gems will be found in the book of her accounts of Mama's life and times. This book aims at making its own contribution to the writing of lives and history of women in Nigeria as you read on. On my own part, I want to appreciate the very woman, a mother in a million who loved me so well, that gave her life for mine. My contribution in this project is to BLESS her memory, and to preserve in writing the PRECIOUS woman that gave me a wonderful life. To preserve her acts of love, selflessness, hard work, trust in God and a solid foundation she met, laid on and left for us, grandchildren, great grand children, born and yet unborn. (1) We thank our heavenly father, for keeping all of us together for these past 20 years since her exit (19-9- 1996 -19-9-2016). I thank the Oloris, Molara, Yetunde and Labisi for peaceful co-existence and devotion. Also, I appreciate my devoted children, their spouses, our in-laws, extended families, friends, and highly esteemed chiefs of Oke-Ona, Bades, well-wishers and prayer partners at home and abroad. (2) My unalloyed appreciation for the project team that brought this dream into reality - Chief Lekan Ogundimu, the Publisher, Elder Prince Leke Taiwo, CEO of Pumark Books (Nig) Limited and his team, for they toiled day and night to search the royal archives to put together "cuttings" from Daily Newspapers to make our story authentic, the veracity of which is backed by the 4th estate of the realm - The Journalists in the reportage. (3) Our patronage of all papers yielded dividend and we thank them for their cooperation. Our deep appreciation to Mrs. Omotunde Karunwi for her initial foresight. (4) What touches us most is last attended to, my deepest love to all the mothers of my sons and daughters, our children for yielding to the love and instructions I/we all received from "Mama - a morally excellent woman." God bless you all. Amen. Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, CON, D.Sc. Karunwi III, Oranmiyan, Osile Oke-Ona, Egba.

Acknowledgement to The Royal Roots For the dream of this book to become a reality, I am most grateful to God Almighty, the Father of lights with whom there is no variables neither shadow of turning. From Him comes every good gift and every perfect gift. There is nothing a man can receive expect that which he has been given from above. And He that comes from above is above all. He that comes from heaven is above all (John 3:31). I owe everything to God. Before the stories in this book could actually become a book, and particularly for taking the present shape, some well- meaning individuals and organizations need to be acknowledged and sincerely appreciated for their efforts and contributions. For some, if not for their past efforts, perhaps there would have been nothing to put together like what you are now holding. I acknowledge the efforts of other individuals who added value to the works on ground, what others have done, to produce this book. Those who are acknowledged and others who are inadvertently unacknowledged, I feel that the weight of my ingratitude is so much heavy on me that the swiftest wing of recompense is too slow to level up with them or overtake them. All I can say for now is 'I sincerely appreciate you and I thank all of you.' Of a truth, my mother, the late, Chief (Mrs). Esther Bisoye Tejuoso was a news maker, from cradle to grave. At every stage of her life, my mother’s activities generated news items and creative stories that occupied a pride of place in Nigeria's leading newspapers and magazines for more than three decades, especially in the 70s, 80s and 90s. I must acknowledge and appreciate various comments made, features written and interviews that were well reported concerning the life, times, death and burial of my mother. Some of the Newspapers and Magazines that must be acknowledged are now extinct while a few others are still alive and active in the business of news reporting. Among the former are Daily Sketch, The Monitor, 'National Concord, Mid-Week Digest, Lagos Horizon, Fame, Third Eye, TNT, The Week, Today's Choice and The Post Express. The news media that performed valiantly then and are still alive up till now that I appreciate include: Daily Times, The Guardian, Nigerian Tribune, Punch, This Day, Vanguard, Tell and Newswatch. I am most grateful to the Publishers of these news media for their kind permission to make use of the related published items which were newspaper cuttings and clippings at that time. I appreciate the individuals working with these news media who reported the stories with avid professionalism. I am grateful to all members of staff of the Palace Secretariat, especially Mrs. Mercy Chibundum and Mrs. Grace Abioye who rendered untiring typesetting services to produce this book. I acknowledge the contributions and advice I received from my amiable tripartite Oloris, my children and grandchildren for their support at all times. If there is anyone whose interest and enthusiasm to see this book published if not more than mine, then that person is my friend of many years, Chief Lekan Ogundimu. I most sincerely acknowledge his priceless contributions and advice. I also appreciate the immense contributions of the publisher, Pumark Nigeria Limited, as led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Office, Elder Leke Taiwo, and his staff for collating the pieces of stories together, making it a unified whole that this book has turned to. Finally, I am grateful to Mrs. Omodele Karunwi whose biography of Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso is included as a part of this book. I sincerely appreciate all of you. Thank you all. Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, CON, D.Sc. Karunwi III, Oranmiyan, Osile Oke-Ona, Egba.

Foreword to The Royal Roots The Osile of Oke Ona Egba; Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, Karunwi III has authored, co-authored, and contributed to several publications since he qualified in the mid sixties as a medical doctor one year after me in Trinity College Dublin, Eire, house officers together at LUTH and training as a specialist Public Health Physician a year before me in Bristol University, UK. Virtually all his major literary inputs came after him; a great grandson of Karunwi I, ascended the throne of his forebears as the 8th Osile of Oke Ona Egba. This publication differs from virtually all the others that precede it in one important aspect - it has a FOREWORD which the others do not. To be invited to write a Foreword to this magnum opus is a privilege that I cannot describe adequately in words. This is more so when one recalls that no less a person than Chief Simeon O. Adebo, arguably the most accomplished Head of (the Civil) Service this country has ever had, wrote the Foreword to the biography (included in this publication), of Oba Tejuoso's mother - Chief Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso 1 the 3rd Iyalode of Egbaland." A woman Industrialist" written by Mrs. Modele Karunwi. It is one of the few in the series of publications that Oba Adedapo Tejuoso did not co-author. To therefore follow late Baba Adebo in writing the second Foreword in the Tejuoso series is an honour and recognition that I will always cherish. Besides the 1991 biography of mama by Mrs. Karunwi, there is also included in this book, the 2004 reproduction of a brochure and information on the Iyalode Tejuoso Malaria Foundation initiated, founded and sponsored by Mama's eldest grandson, Lanre, who not only followed his father, the Osile's professional footsteps, but is now a Senator of the Federal Republic and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health. This book contains a lot of new materials. It is the first major, comprehensive and far reaching publication since the dastardly murder of mama, the third Iyalode of Egba, two decades ago. The plurality of contributions centres round Mama Bisoye's life and times, with substantial inputs from Kabiyesi the Osile himself. A lot of assassinations of prominent Nigerians took place, before and after Mama's, but hers was different in two classical and incontrovertible ways. 1) It is very doubtful if the Iyalode was the primary target of the assassins. No one in his right mind would wish any harm to come to such a comely, kindly, generous, virtuous and deeply religious octogenarian, and 2) Hers was the only murder that could not be linked in any way with partisan political activities of the period. The Iyalode was strictly apolitical minding her business and nurturing her offsprings. From the national perspective in general and the women's angle, in particular, Chief Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso was to business and industry what Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, another Egba woman of prodigious repute in the annals of Nigeria, was to female political and social emancipation. Both were formidable trailblazers. Neither thought it necessary to seek the permission of men folk to forge ahead, nor did they hang their prospect of success as competitors in male dominated fields of activities, on a reserved "quota-for- women" philosophy as most women do nowadays whether merited or not. The book recalls how the Iyalode lost four out of five children, in her life time. The last of the losses was Morolayo, who died in 1965 at the age of 25.1 shared with the Osile, who along with me was then a junior medical house officer at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the agony of his sister Rolayo's death. In retrospect, I am sure that Mama Bisoye's anguish at the time must have been even much more excruciating. Three years later, at the age of 52, Mama was widowed. I was one of the last to see the young 30 years old postgraduate, Dr. Dapo Tejuoso, off from London to Lagos to attend his father's funeral. Three months earlier, in the same year, Mama's father, the Osile's maternal grandfather, had also died! These sad events notwithstanding, Mama imbued with the grace of God, persevered and succeeded in setting up Teju Industries Limited in 1971 with her surviving son, the Osile, playing a prominent part. The earlier setbacks on the Ribfoam and carpet manufacturing projects did not dampen her entrepreneurial industrial spirit. We are told that although Mama was trained as a teacher, she never taught formally in a classroom but instead became a "business woman." A classical case of the loss of the teaching profession being the gain of business and industry. She derived so much satisfaction and pleasure from her business/industry endeavours that she on achieving the age of 70, discountenanced a suggestion by her son, the Osile that she should 'retire'. In his chapter titled "The Royal Roots: Iyalode Egba III - Osile, Oranmiyan", the Osile reveals that, in keeping with Yoruba custom, he, Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, who had lost two older siblings was given two other names that reflect his parent's earlier losses, viz: Kokumo and Malomo. If they were Ijebus, they might have chosen the name Irunsewe, which my grandparents bestowed on their son, my father, who also was the first surviving child of theirs. Readers will consider this an important book of Reference on events that occurred in the period under consideration. It includes, not least of all, thought-provoking information that amply validates and justifies the Osile's participation in the 1994/1995 National Constitutional Conference convened by the then Military Head of State - General Sani Abacha. The issues discussed and captured in the unsolicited letter (reproduced in this book) to the Osile by a co-participant, in the conference, Dr. Uzodima Nwala should put to rest once and for all the controversy. It is a veritable vindication of the Osile's stand on the matter especially as it pertains to the late Chief M. K. O. Abiola. Those of us who are friends of and close to the Osile, like his majesty's acclaimed literary adviser, Chief Lekan Ogundimu, can readily testify to his transformation from a carefree and easy going individual to a genuine evangelist and unalloyed follower of Christ. A born leader ever faithful to his family motto; "NIHIL QUOD TETIGIT NON ORNAVIT" which in English translates to "HE TOUCHES NOTHING THAT HE DOES NOT ADORN" and in Yoruba language means "OHUN AKONITUNSE AKONIFOWOKAN" Prof. Oladele O. Kale FAS.

Contents Pages Preface to The Royal Roots... vii Acknowledgement to The Royal Roots... ix Foreword to The Royal Roots... xi Preface to a Woman Industrialist xx Foreword to a Woman Industrialist xxii Chapter 1: A Woman Industrialist: A Biography of Chief Mrs. Esther Bisoye Tejuoso - A Reprint 01-55 Childhood and School Days 01 Marriage and Family Life 07 The Tejufoam Industry 15 Life At Dabis Court 25 The Office of Iyalode in Yoruba land 34 Her Religious and Social Life 44 Her Life in Retrospect 51 Chapter 2: My Roots - My Early Recollection of Our Lineage - The Karunwi Connections 56-104 Chapter 3: Photo Panorama From Mama's Archives 105-128 Chapter 4: Mama's 80th Birthday Ceremony in Focus 129-172 Mama's Birthday: Call her W-O-M-A-N! 129 Egba Alake Reacts to Oba Tejuoso's Fallacies 138 Egba Chiefs Petition Akintonde Over Supremacy Row 147 In Retrospect 157 Life and Times of the Third (3rd) Iyalode of Egbaland – Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Esther Tejuoso - OON 162 Epitaph For A Noble Mother 169 Chapter 5: The Murder of Mama Chief Mrs Esther Bisoye Tejuoso As Reported by Newspapers & Magazines 173-268 Bisoye Tejuoso, 80, shot dead 173 Mama Tejuoso Shot Dead 185 Oba Tejuoso's mum killed by gunmen 193 Outrage over Tejuoso's death 197 Tejuoso's murder Egba chiefs jittery 204 Oba Tejuoso thanks God for missing death 210 Tejuoso's burial next week 215 Burial: Mama Tejuoso for Abeokuta 221 Accountant quizzed over Tejuoso's murder 227 There will be trouble in Egbaland 233 Oba Tejuoso feels happy 239 Protests greet church's plan for Tejuoso's burial 242 Egba chiefs keep mum over Tejuoso's burial 247 Chapter 6: Burial Ceremony of Mama - The Burial Programme and Tributes 269-318 Chapter 7: Posthumous Awards and Encomiums 319-378 lyalode Tejuoso Malaria Foundation 319 Bill Gates to fund Child Nutrition Programme in Nigeria - Tejuoso 339 2012 Woman of the Year 345 Gold Media Recipient Index 379-390

A WOMAN INDUSTRIALIST

Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso Omodele Karunwi

A WOMAN INDUSTRIALIST: a biography of Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso Yeye-Oba Oke-Ona Egba 3rd Iyalode of Egbaland, Omodele Karunwi

COW-LAD ENT. NIG. LTD

Published by Cowlad Ent. Nig. Limited D5, L.S.D.P.C. Shopping Centre Adeniran Ogunsanya Street Surulere Lagos Nigeria © Omodele Karunwi

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of Cowlad Ent. Nig. Limited.

First published in June 1991

Typeset in 12pt on 16 Palatino font using Xerox Ventura Publisher 2.00 software on a DTK 386 PC by Cowlad Desktop Publishing Division. Printed by Boder Press. 5, Baoku Street, Surulere, Lagos. Tel: 836638. ISBN 978 30430 0 7

Preface to a Woman Industrialist It is very important that the lives of great women in Nigeria be recorded in biographies not only for history but also to create models for young women to emulate. An encouraging start has been made with the publication of biographies of Lady Oyinkan Abayomi. Mrs Kofoworola Pratt and Madam Tinubu. This book aims at making its own contribution to the writing of the lives and history of women in Nigeria I did not actually meet Chief Bisoye Tejuoso until the middle sixties when I was headmistress of the University of Lagos Staff School. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was very much involved with the education of her grandchildren who were pupils of the school. The fact that my late husband was a close relation of Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's has been an advantage. I had no difficulty obtaining the information required for the exercise particularly from members of the Karunwi family; and as iyawo in the family, I had the privilege of being an eye witness at most of the events recorded herein. In connection with the writing and preparation of this book, I am greatly indebted to Dr. Nina Emma Mba of the Department of History, University of Lagos for her interest;' constructive criticisms and advice throughout; also for the invaluable time she spent reading the original typescript at various stages. I would like to express my deep gratitude to Chief Simeon Adebo for kindly consenting to write the FOREWORD to this book. I am particularly grateful to Mrs Gbemi Rosiji and Mrs Margaret Sosan, both friends, for their encouragement and support, and to Mr Biyi Karunwi for his constructive advice and valuable suggestions.

I acknowledge my appreciation to Mr. Funso Oginni of Teju Industries Limited and Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's nephew Dr. Yomi Taylor, her first granddaughter Mrs. Titi Adebiyi, and first grandson Dr. Lanre Tejuoso and also to the members of Dabis Court household for their co-operation. Last, but not least, I have to thank most sincerely my daughter- in-law, Laite for many hours spent transforming the manuscript to typescript form. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso has played her role successfully as a mother and head of her family, as a religious leader and as an industrialist. It is hoped that her achievements will be an inspiration to the present generation particularly to young women aspiring to make business a career.

Foreword to a Woman Industrialist In "A Woman Industrialist", Mrs. MODELE KARUNWI, widow of the late Adeolu Karunwi who was Director of Audit of the former Western Region of Nigeria, tells the story of the life so far of the distinguished Nigerian lady, Princess (Mrs.) BISOYE TEJUOSO, the Iyalode of Egbaland, Ogun State, who has been, among other things, a pioneer in female participation in the manufacturing industry. Because I admire the author's initiative and enterprise in producing this interesting volume and because I share her great admiration of the Iyalode, it is with special pleasure that I write this FOREWORD to the book. The demand by Nigerian women-for equal opportuni ties with the menfolk is of course part of the worldwide women's liberation movement. The movement is as clamorous here as it is elsewhere. But it has been less combative and yet quite effective. This has been so, I think, for two reasons. First, the male reaction here is not as hostile as it is in some other countries and the government, far from being hostile, is in fact very supportive and openly so. The second reason for the comparatively greater success of the local movement is, I venture to suggest, indisputable evidence that so many women who have been given the opportunity of responsible positions have given a good account of themselves. Of no woman is this truer than of the subject of this book -the Iyalode of Egbaland. She has distinguished herself in a field in which success is not easy to achieve, whether the aspirant is a man or a woman. It is easier to win a laurel in the business of buying and selling than in manufacturing. The lyalode has in fact won it in both! It is significant that she has won these laurels without unduly sacrificing her domestic obligations. She has been a devoted wife and a great mother. Mrs. Karunwi's book will not be the only book to be written on this remarkable daughter of Egbaland. But it is the first and Mrs. Karunwi deserves commendation for having written it and-written in a style so lucid and so pleasant to read. 28 May 1991 (S. O. Adebo)

CHAPTER 1 A Woman Industrialist: A Biography of Chief Mrs. Esther Bisoye Tejuoso - A Reprint 1. Childhood and School Days Abeokuta as it is known to-day came into being in 1830. According to Professor Saburi Biobaku, Egba Oke-Ona which comprises a number of communities, including Ago-Oko is one of the four entities that make up the present Abeokuta. The others are Egba Alake, Egba Gbagura, and Egba Owu each under its respective Oba of whom the Alake is paramount. The Obas up till today are the Alake of Egba, Osile of Oke- Ona, Agura of Gbagura, and Olowu of Owu. The four entities decided to come together and settle under the Olumo rock as protection against incessant attacks from their enemies. This coming together undoubtedly formed the basis for greater solidarity among the Egba. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was bom at Ago-Oko on June 22nd, 1916. She is the first daughter of Chief Josiah Ajayi Karunwi and Victoria Aina Karunwi (nee Osoba). Her paternal grandfather became the first Osile Oke-Ona Oba Karunwi 1 in 1897. Of the four sections that make up the present Abeokuta, Oke-Ona according to the records was the last to appoint an Oba. The first Alake, Oba Okukenu, was installed in 1854. The Owus appointed Oba Pawu the first Olowu in 1855 and in 1870 Oba Jamolu was installed the first Agura Gbagu. Bisoye Karunwi's father was a farmer. He had several brothers and sisters. One of his brothers was the late Osile Oke-Ona; Oba David Sokunbi Karunwi II who joined his ancestors on June 13, 1918. Among the children of the late Osile Oba Karunwi II were the late Mrs Tinuade Asolo, the late Mr Oso Karunwi a very popular member of staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation in his days and the late Mrs Dolapo Adewunmi. Another brother of Bisoye Karunwi's father was Prince Dipeolu Karunwi. Prince Dipeolu Karunwi spent the latter part of his life at his farm in Ifako and at his Lagos residence in Kano Street, Ebute-Metta. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso refers to him as Papa Ifake and recalls the happy times that she used to spend with her cousins at the farm in Ifako. Prince Dipeolu Karunwi had several children; among them were the late Mrs Adekunbi Santos a reputable seamstress in Lagos in the forties and fifties. The late Mr Adeyemi Karimwi, a Yoruba son who bequeathed part of his legacy for the promotion of Yoruba studies, Mr Kode Karunwi a retired banker, the late Mr Adedapo Karunwi, who was also on the staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the late Mr Adeluola Karunwi former Director of Audit in the old Western Region, Mr Koye Karunwi a retired civil servant, the late Mrs Adebola Akinyemi who until her death in January 1987 was a very close friend of Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's, Mr. Idowu Karunwi also a retired civil servant and Mr Adegunle Karunwi who until his retirement recently was the Chief Auditor in the Audit department Abeokuta. Mr. Adedapo Karunwi besides being a cousin was also a neighbour of the Tejuosos at Awonaike Crescent in Surulere for years. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso referred to him as very pleasant and friendly and was full of praise for him for the help he gave at the time of her husband's funeral. Bisoye Karunwi and her brothers and sisters spent their childhood days with their parents in the Karunwi's family house at Ago- Oko where the present Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso Karunwi ill the only surviving child of Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's now resides. The daily routine at the family house in Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's childhood days among other domestic chores included cleaning of the house in the morning and cooking after school hours. The making of ogi was reserved for Saturday morning. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso recalls that her mother was a strict disciplinarian who detested slothfulness and did not tolerate laziness in children. Looking back on those early years, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso is grateful to her mother for bringing her up along the right lines in her formative years. She recalls how loving and affectionate her father was to her and how fond of her father she was in her childhood days. Both her father and her mother lived to a ripe old age. Her father died on the 1st November 1968. Other relations besides the immediate members of the family lived in the compound as well. Each family had its own apartment. Life in the compound was a communal one. The menfolk went to the farm usually in groups early in the morning and returned in the evening before dark. After the evening meal had been served, the rest of the evening was spent relaxing outside exchanging news of the day's activities with their wives and other members of the family. The children gathered together especially on moonlight nights to tell stories and play outdoor games. Children were thus kept busy even in the evenings. The elderly people however had a way of dealing with a troublesome child. He was sent on an errand to collect the arodan. The arodan is an object which no one ever possesses and the child who is sent on this errand goes from one person to another in search of the arodan which really does not exist until he is tired and eventually falls asleep. Sometimes the menfolk went to farm some distance away and this took them away from home for weeks on end. During this time the iyales (senior wives) would be in charge of the household. Crops grown on the farms were kolanut, cocoa, rice, fruits and vegetables. Easter time, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso recalls, was the best time of the year when a lot of feasting and merriment went on throughout the Easter period. For Easter lunch, each person had a whole chicken. All the children in the family looked forward to this occasion. In the early years, there were very few private and government primary and secondary schools. Education then was chiefly in the hands of the missionaries. It was recorded that when the Church Missionary Society (CMS) arrived in Abeokuta from Badagry in August 1846, Samuel Ajai Crowther, an African member of the party and an ex-slave settled at Igbein and Townsend, another member of the party settled in Ake. Each of them built a mission house, a church and a school. The Methodist who in 1843 had established the first known school in the country in Badagry also sent missionaries to Abeokuta at about the same time to start work there. The Baptist arrived in Ijaye in 1854 and opened a school there with eleven boys and girls. Most of the early schools were built in mission compounds and church premises. Bisoye Karunwi attended Igbein CMS (now Anglican) primary school and Baptist Girls' School, Idi-Aba in the nineteen twenties. At that time classes in primary schools were usually held in the church building which on week days was converted into classrooms. Bisoye Karunwi walked to and from school everyday in the company of other children in the neighbourhood. According to her, despite the distance, walking to and from school in a group was quite enjoyable, family news were exchanged and the day's activities and coming events were discussed. Interesting sights all along the way provided great fun too. The homeward journey was usually not as hasty as the journey to school. There was always time to stop off at the guguru (popcorn) or robo or groundnut sellers'. There was a lot to see too; especially during the egungun or ogun worshippers' festival period. The journey to and from school during the rainy season in those days seemed twice as long Chief Bisoye Tejuose recalls. Walking in the rain and getting drenched was no fun although for some of the children it created some excitement. At Igbein primary school, work started at 9.O'clock in the morning and went on till 4.00p.m. with an hour's break at mid-day. The school year which was divided into four terms with few weeks holiday in between began in January of each year and ended in December. Unlike these days when the ratio of teacher to pupil in primary schools is one teacher to fifty or sixty pupils or even more in a class, the classes in Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's school days were smaller. This made it easy for the teacher to give the pupils in her class individual attention. Subjects taught included arithmetic, reading, writing, English, spelling, scripture and "drill". Chief Bisoye Tejuoso still remembers Mr Adeyemi a very strict arithmetic teacher vividly. You escaped being caned during his lesson only if you were clever and could, without making any mistakes do quick addition and subtraction from memory. Money for mid-day snack was a penny a day and this, according to Chief Bisoye Tejuoso used to go a long way. After all, in those days, one onini was sufficient to buy a bunch of bananas and there were ten whole oninis in one single penny. There were a few schools run mainly for girls in Lagos and parts of the Western Region in the early part of this century. The Female Institute which eventually became known as the C.M.S. Girls School, St. Mary's Convent School, and Wesleyan Girls' School now known as the Methodist Girls' High School were all in Lagos. According to J. A. Olusola, author of Baba Mellor, Revd. Mellor of the Methodist mission did a lot to encourage girls' education. He established Shagamu Girls' School to cater for girls' education in ljebu-Remo. Kudeti Girls' School was also established by the Church Missionary Society in Ibadan. Baptist Girls' School, Idi-Aba in Abeokuta where Bisoye Karunwi completed her education was established by the Baptist missionaries in 1900. Subjects taught in these schools included cookery, handwork, needlework, laundry, and dressmaking. Miss Perry, an expatriate, was the principal at the time Bisoye Karunwi was at Idi-aba Baptist Girls' School. In the colonial days, Empire Day (May 24th) was one day in the year when all school children had plenty of fun. The march past in the morning with the police band supplying the music and the sports activities later in the day provided an outlet for school children's pent up energies. The ceremony was spectacular, it was a day when students from the different schools met and were allowed "to mix and interact. Girls schools were very few in Abeokuta in the twenties. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso recalls how on Empire Day the boys used to make funny noises and remarks whenever the girls appeared on the field. The Baptist girls in their white and yellow uniform were referred to as the yellow girls Awon alaso yellow was the popular name by which they were known allover Abeokuta in the twenties. Among Bisoye Karunwi's school mates were Olu Sonola, Olu Sokunbi who despite her weight was very fast on the sports field and always came first in the running event. Riyike Makinde a very brilliant student, and Folasade Leigh (later Rhodes) who is still a very good friend. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso agrees totally that school days are indeed the best time of one's life.

2. Marriage and Family Life By the time Bisoye Karunwi left Idi-aba Baptist Girls School she had grown into an attractive young lady-slender, fair in complexion and of average height. The time between the end of her school life and marriage was short. Bisoye Karunwi had met Mr. Joseph Somoye Tejuoso when she was a pupil at Igbein Primary School. Mr Tejuoso was then a teacher at the same school. Born in 1908 Mr. Tejuoso was Egba from Tejuoso compound at Ago-Oko, Oke-Ona in Abeokuta, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso still believes that she and Mr Tejuoso must have beer meant for each other because right from the start they got or very well together. After a short period of courtship Josepl Somoye Tejuoso and Esther Bisoye Karunwi were joined ii marriage in 1934. The marriage was blessed with five childrer unfortunately three of the five children died in infancy. A ver sad loss occurred in December 1965 when another chile Rolayo Adebimpe, died at the age of twenty five. Rolayo wa an Arts student at the University College of Dublin in Southern Ireland when she took ill. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso recalls how she used to spend hours at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital when her daughter was admitted there soon aft her return from Britain. She spoke in a voice touched wi emotion as she narrated how she learnt later that on that fateful day Rolayo passed away barely ten minutes after she left h bedside. Time, it is said, is a great healer. Although it happend, in this case that the wound has healed over the years, the memories of Rolayo's short life still linger on in the mind Chief Bisoye Tejuoso; but, as a Christian, she holds on to I belief that God knows best. The only surviving child Dapo was bom on Saturday 1 February 1938 and all along has been a pride to the family his autobiography "THE ULTIMATE HONOUR" Dr Tejuoso stressed the importance which his parents attached to education. He started school at a very early age and attended one of the oldest secondary schools in the country-Abeokuta Grammar School-in the fifties under the principalship of Rev I. O. Ransome-Kuti and later Rev J.S. Adeniyi. Dapo Tejuoso studied medicine at Trinity College, Dublin He qualified as a doctor in June 1964 at the age of twenty six. Besides practising medicine after he returned home, he helped his mother to build up the Tejufoam industry and has been the Managing Director of Teju industries Limited since its inception in 1971. As an ultimate honour, Dapo Tejuoso on Saturday the 20th of May 1989, was crowned the Osile Oke- Ona, Egba at Sapon, Abeokuta. Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, Karunwi HI now sits on the throne of his forefathers, Mr Joseph Tejuoso and his wife Chief Bisoye Tejuoso spent the first three years of their married life in Abeokuta. They moved to Lagos in 1937 when Mr Tejuoso joined the Nigerian Railway Corporation. While in Lagos they lived at No 10 Queen Street Vaba. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso recalls that although Lagos in the thirties was a busy town and full of activities, life in Lagos was not 'as hectic as it is today. People moved freely in the day time and at night without fear of being attacked by armed robbers. Very few people owned cars. For transport, people on the Lagos Island and the mainland (Ebute Metta and Yaba) depended mainly on public transport which at that time was very efficiently operated. Buses took off for different - parts of the island and mainland from Tinubu Square which, was the centre of the town. A journey from Tinubu Square to Obalende cost one penny. J.N. Zarpas buses were the best and most popular and unbelievable as it may sound to Lagos commuters of to-day, the other buses which were not quite up to the standard had to solicit for passengers.

Although she had, from the time she was living with her mother in Abeokuta, been interested in petty trading, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso revealed that she was first introduced to trading in Lagos by the Tejuoso wives who were already versed in the art of buying and selling of headties and other textile materials. She traded mainly in headties, khaki and shirting materials. A headtie then cost one shilling and six-pence and khaki and shirting materials were sold at sixpence a yard. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's sojourn in Lagos was only a short one for in 1940 Mr Tejuoso was transferred to the office of the Railway Corporation in Zaria and there in Zaria Chief Bisoye Tejuoso and her husband spent the next seventeen years of their married life. Zaria, a town in the northern part of the country is accessible from the south by road and by rail. The nearest airport is the Kaduna airport. Dapo and Rolayo, then a baby, went to Zaria with their parents. When they first arrived in Zaria, the family lived in Mr. Kembi's house. From there they moved to a rented two-room apartment in Sabon Gari. There were about eleven other families living in the building. The Tejuosos were the only Yorubas. The others were mostly Igbos. Within five years of their arrival in Zaria Chief Bisoye Tejuoso and her husband had built their own house and had moved into it with their two children. During this time, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso gave up trading and devoted all her time to the care of the children and the home. It was not until after 1946 when she and her husband decided to send Dapo and Rolayo to Abeokuta to continue their education that the idea of trading in Zaria occurred to Chief Bisoye Tejuoso. The stumbling block at that time was the language barrier but none the less Chief Bisoye Tejuoso went ahead and decided to give trading in Zaria a trial even though she had no knowledge of the kind of trade that would be most profitable for her to embark upon. As luck would have it, the answer came when one day, she was travelling by train to Abeokuta to visit her children who were then staying with Mrs Onatolu, wife of the late Bishop Onatolu of the African Church Idi-Ape, when she observed that there were certain coaches which were stocked with foodstuff apparently being taken to Lagos to be sold. The food items included onions, tomatoes, corn and groundnut. Being the enterprising and energetic personalty she is, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso wasted no time after she returned to Zaria. She immediately started to purchase food items m large quantities and took them to Lagos herself to sell. Travelling up and down in coaches for days on end was not, very convenient but her husband and his colleagues did as much as they could to make things easy for her. There were times when only half of the foodstuff reached the end of the journey still fresh and times when due to illness she had to take a break from making the trips. But despite these setbacks Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was determined to make a success of the trade. This she did. The business became so lucrative that within a short period she and her husband had earned enough to enable them build more houses of their own in Zaria. At the same time that she was taking foodstuff to Lagos to sell Chief Bisoye Tejuoso recalls that she and four others namely Mrs Awoite, Mrs Onabowale, Madam Balogun and Mama Sikira were also engaged in trade with U.A.C (United Africa Company). She bought provisions, cigarettes and hardware goods in large quantities and sold them to traders who came- periodically to Zaria from Funtua and Gusau. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was so engrossed in trading when she was in Zaria that she hardly had time for social engagements. Besides the four business associates mentioned earlier there were others* with whom she was quite close. Mrs John, also from Abeokuta, lived next door to her at Sabon Gari; Mrs Arinola Adebiyi who later became her son Dapo's mother-in-law was an intimate friend of Chief Bisoye Tejuoso during the time that they were in Zaria. Mrs Adebiyi was a seamstress. Her daughters Adetoun and Biodun were friendly with Dapo and Rolayo and they moved together freely every time they went to Zaria on holidays. While in Zaria, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso and her husband worshipped regularly at Saint George's Anglican Church. Although Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was not particularly keen on party politics she was not totally unconnected with their proceedings since her husband was at that time an active member of the Action Group and participated in quite a number of their campaigns. His political activities however dwindled after they moved to Lagos. Reminiscing about the years she spent in Zaria, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso referred to the fire incident which Oba Dapo Tejuoso described very vividly in his book, 'THE ULTIMATE HONOUR'. She, Mrs Bisoye Tejuoso, had gone to the next house to have her hair plaited when an alarm was raised that their apartment was on fire. Though the people around saved the building from being razed by the fire, their apartment including all their property was completely destroyed. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso remarked that although they lost everything they possessed, she was full of gratitude to the Almighty God for sparing Dapo whom she had left behind in their apartment when she went next door with her younger child. It was with mixed feelings that Chief Bisoye Tejuoso left Zaria in 1957, the year Mr. Tejuoso was transferred back to the Lagos office. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso described the Hausa people as very friendly and trustworthy. She observed that once one is well adjusted, the difference in culture and religion is no barrier. She mixed freely and still speaks the Hausa language fluently. By the time she was due to leave Zaria, Chief Bisoysa Tejuoso had by her simplicity and gentle disposition won the affection of quite a number of people she came in contact vyith. ; She affirmed that on the whole it had been seventeen fruitful years full of varied experiences. When Dr. Dapo Tejuoso returned home from Britain in the | early seventies, he lived for some time in his parent's house at Awonaike Crescent with his wife, Toun, and children. He had a clinic in the same building. According to Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, he and Toun had known each other for five year* before they decided to marry, Adetoun went to Britain in 1958 after completing her secondary education in Nigeria. Dapo had left Nigeria a year earlier to study medicine in Dublin. Dapo and Toun got married in Britain in 1960. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's first grandchild Titilola was born in Manchester on the 16th of December 1960. Lanre, her second grandchild was bom in Liverpool in March 1964. Their three other children, Kayode, | Bimpe and Kunle were bom in Nigeria. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso adores children. Her greatest weakness perhaps is her deep love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren who fondly call her "gran mummy". It is in fact the general belief, particularly in Africa, that grandsons have a special relationship with their grandmothers. Titi remembered an incident when some years ago, Lanre and Kayode who had been living with their grand parents at Awonaike crescent in Surulere had to go and stay with their mother in Lagos. Both of them were then under ten. The day after they were taken to Lagos, they woke up early in the morning and when nobody was around, cleverly sneaked' out of the house. Holding each other by the hand, they set out for grand mummy's shop at Broad Street. Going through the heavy Lagos traffic, still holding each other tightly, they managed to find their way to the shop. Everyone around was amazed when they appeared in front of the shop in their pyjamas. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso used to drive her grandchildren, herself, to the University of Lagos Staff School every day from Awonaike Crescent-a distance of about six kilometers. At Hupeju she dressed them and got them ready for school herself every morning. She is happy when they are around her and she enjoys their company at lunch time. In fact, lunchtime in Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's home is social time. There is always extra for the unexpected visitor. When asked what her favourite dish was, she promptly replied, "Rice; I love rice; rice served with stew, fried rice, jollof rice. My first choice at any time is rice." She went on further to say that when she was young, her mother used to get really worried if she refused rice whenever she was ill. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso had learnt to keep regular hours of eating when her husband was alive and has stuck to it. She recalled that if her husband's meal was one minute late he would raise the roof and peace was not restored until after he had eaten and was fully satisfied. It is therefore not surprising that punctuality at meal times was, during her husband's life time, given top priority. Looking back on their thirty four years of married life. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso said Mr. Tejuoso was throughout their married life a constant companion. He was a family man who loved children and although he appeared to be strict, he enjoyed the children's jokes and often overlooked some of their childish pranks. He was kind, humorous, loving and devoted. There were times when they disagreed but these were always settled internally and normal life would continue. She could not recall an occasion when a third person had to be called in to settle a quarrel. This she attributed to patience and tolerance on both sides. In her business enterprises, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso described her husband as extremely co-operative and very understanding. He gave her advice from time to time. But for his untimely death, Mr. Tejuoso had planned to start the foam- business jointly with his wife.

3. The Tejufoam Industry Tejufoam as it is known today was the dream of Chief Bisoye Tejuoso and her husband. Unfortunately, Tejufoam was still a dream when Mr. Tejuoso passed away in December 1968 barely three months after he returned from a tour which took him and his wife to Germany and Britain. During this visit- their first to England -their son, Dapo who was then in the middle of his postgraduate studies in England, went with them to Germany to look for machines for the Foam Factory. Mr. Tejuoso died unexpectedly at the age of sixty on the 27th of December 1968. As reported by Chief Bisoye Tejuoso, Mr. Tejuoso had been hale and hearty on Christmas day and had called on some of his friends on the 26th. In the early hours of the 27th she heard a knock on her door. It was her husband. He complained that he was not feeling well and as she tried to make him comfortable, before she could call for any help, he quietly passed away. He was buried on the 4th of January 1969. Dapo was then in Bristol but was able to travel to Lagos for his father's funeral. His mother had been badly shaken by the death of his sister Rolayo in 1965. Also less than two months before Mr. Tejuoso's death, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's father had died in Abeokuta on the 1st of November, 1968. Dapo's concern for his mother after his father's death is well expressed in his book "THE ULTIMATE HONOUR". He wrote -"The death of my father three months after their return to Lagos from abroad compelled me to come home in good time in order to serve as a pillar of support to my mother in starting the foam business" He also stated, "while my father was alive, the plans for the Tejufoam business were already concluded. The site was being developed and the machines had been bought. "I was not seriously involved at the time because I reasoned that my mother and father could cope with the initial programme for the project. However when my father died I made up my mind that I would just complete my course in Public Health in London and then come straight home to face the family business." Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was in her forties when she returned Lagos from Zaria with her husband. She had become an agent of U.A.C. (United African Company) when she was in Zaria in the early fifties. At that time she sold provisions as well as textile materials. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso continued her trade with U.A.C when she returned to Lagos and started selling hardware and enamelware. She was seconded to G.B. Ollivant and Vono Products Limited as a prospective agent by the U.A.C in 1959. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso started business with Vono Products in 1960 selling beds, mattresses, cushions and building material Enterprising and full of energy, she often drove herself around in her car during this period in the pursuit of her business, So successful has Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's transaction with Vono Products Limited been that one particular design of the beds Bisi Bed was named after her. This success Chief Bisoye Tejuoso. attributed to perseverance, hardwork, tolerance and the financial support she received from her parents and husband and to her faith in God. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's one aim at the time was to go fully into the manufacturing industry. On their return to Lagos Chief Bisoye Tejuoso and her husband lived at No. 1 Awonaike Crescent in Surulere. She had a show, room at 131 Broad street where she sold her Vono beds and foam mattresses. One day, in 1962, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was in the show room when a visitor called on her. The visitor, a Norwegian gentleman, had come to discuss the possibility of floating a foam manufacturing company with her. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso, sceptical about the proposition of partnership in foam manufacturing business by a stranger, and not having any notion of how lucrative the business could be, at first rejected the idea. However, after much persuasion, she accepted the offer on condition that the Norwegian would invite another Nigerian businessman to participate in the business. The joint venture involving Chief Bisoye Tejuoso, Mr Eribo, a Benin based businessman and the Norwegian eventually took off with the Norwegian as the Managing Director, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso as Sales Director and her son and Mr Eribo as directors. The name of the Company was Nigerian Polyurethane Company Limited. A carpet industry was later established by the company at Benin. The foam factory based in Benin went into production in 1964. The mattresses were produced in Benin and sent down to Lagos for sale. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso as sales director was spiling the foam mattresses and sending the proceeds to the head office in Benin. Sometime later the Norwegian gentleman left the country and the administration of the company became the sole responsibility of Chief Bisoye Tejuoso and Mr Eribo. At first things went on smoothly; but later, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso, at a stage, became dissatisfied with the way the business was being transacted and finally decided to withdraw her partnership. Soon after the break up, Teju Industries Limited was registered with Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's son, then Dr Dapo Tejuoso as partner. Because of the large amount of money needed for the project, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso applied for a loan from the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (N.I.D.B.) The application was approved and the loan granted. This was the beginning of what is now one of the biggest indigenous manufacturing industries in the country. Mr Salman Grizi, a family friend and business partner who had been instrumental to the peaceful settlement of the rift between Chief Bisoye Tejuose and Mr Eribo introduced Chief Bisoye Tejuoso to Mr Gabi Jinadu the then General Manager of LSDPC (Lagos State Development and Property Corporation). Impressed by the drive and initiative of this Nigerian woman industrialist.Mr. Jinadu gave her every encouragement and allocated to her the piece of land on which the factory now stands. For this, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso is still full of gratitude to Mr Jinadu and the staff of the Town Planning Authority. Teju Industries was registered in 1991. Necessary machineries were bought and assembled in Lagos by experts recruited from Germany. Production started in January 1972. The products are Tejufoam mattresses, cushions, pillows, sponges# carpet underlay and upholstery sheets. Apart from a few initial problems, the business has progressed by leaps and bounds. The strength of the staff of Teju Industries Limited of which Chief Bisoye Tejuoso is chairman at one stage reached two thousand. Teju Industrial Clinic and Teju Hospital situated near the factory at Dupeju were, according to Dr Dapo Tejuoso established by him "with the sole aim of taking care of the occupational health hazards of the workers of the Foam factory". Though Tejufoam is the main industrial concern, there are other businesses; Tejufarms Limited which at present is concentrating on poultry farming, the Regent Hotel-a two star hotel situated in central Lagos, Teju Investment and Propert Company Limited, Avis Petroleum Company Limited which deals in Petro-Chemical allied products and in partners with Mr. Salman Grizi, Grizi Nigeria Limited-a company which manufactures specialised furniture. The chairman of that company, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso, about eleven years ago, was awarded the highest honour by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, "The Nigerian Senior Citizen in Business Award". In recognition of her contributions to Commerce and Industry in Nigeria, she was honoured with the Nigerian National Award of Member of the Order "of Niger (O.O.N.) in 1982. The business has also twice been awarded the First International African Trophy to Industry, Commerce and Tourism. A business woman to the core, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso is still going strong and at seventy four she is still very alert. Before she moved into her new mansion at Tejuoso Avenue in Surulere, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso lived in one of the houses adjacent to the factory at Ilupeju. At Ilupeju she was involved in various activities. These included management of the factory and the home, and social engagements. Her day began at 6.30a.m. Immediately after the family morning prayer she held discussions daily with the factory workers about the previous day's work and problems they came across and gave instructions on matters relating to the work for the day. She then attended to other callers; some of them from places outside Lagos. Their discussions ranged from family affairs to business matters. After breakfast, Mama, as she is fondly called, would visit the factory next door. The premises having been inspected, discussion with the workers- artisans, drivers and others would continue. Meetings were held with the top executive officers and heads of departments as the need arose. There was hardly any time for rest because after lunch, another group of visitors was already there waiting to be attended to. Mr. Funso Oginni, the marketing manager who joined the company in 1982 stated that the reception of the products was, at that time, very encouraging and the market steadily increasing. Eighteen depots were opened outside Lagos,-.for managerial convenience, the country was divided into zones with high caliber managers in charge of each area. Thereiwere five areas in all-the Lagos/Ogun area, Western area, Eastern area, Bendel area and Northern area. Tejufoam also specialized^ in latex products and rigid foam products used for wall partitioning, suspended ceilings, and car assembly plants. At the headquarters in Lagos, there are at present four departments-marketing, production, accounts and personnel administration-each with its own departmental head. | Chief Bisoye Tejuoso, Mr. Oginni observed, is remarkable for her wonderful memory particularly for figures. He recalled an occasion when some paper, on which certain amounts of money had been recorded, was misplaced and it became necessary to refer to the amounts under their different headings. While everyone around was busy searching for the document, Mama paused for a while, then gave them the figures from memory. The figures, when the document was later found and checked were found to be the exact amount recorded under the different headings. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso has time for everyone who calls on her and she listens with interest to their various problems. Her simplicity coupled with her gentle manner in handling matters and problems of varying degrees has earned her the respect and admiration of people from all walks of life particularly her staff at Ilupeju. As recorded in the programme of her installation as third Iyalode of Egba land in 1982, glowing tributes were paid to her by the staff of Teju Industries. Miss Florence Amubioya, a public relations officer of the company said, "I don't mind working with Mama because is hard working too. She is very energetic and industrious, she has worked so hard to achieve her business ambitions. You won't believe it but she gets up by five o'clock every morning and by seven o'clock, before any of us has the chance to get to the office, she is already busy working." She went on further to say" there is no trouble from the boss as long as everyone does his or her own job satisfactorily." Mr Alare, a factory supervisor who had been with the company since its inception said "I've more or less learnt to get on with Mama. Apart from the fact that she is the first woman industrialist in the country, she is also a shrewd business woman. She should be proud of the fact that she has to some extent relieved Nigeria of some of her unemployment problems." Another revealing statement from one of the workers, Mrs Telia showed that "this woman has a keen sense of duty and is undoubtedly patriotic. She loves her employees genuinely." Mr Kreutz, the Production Manager, an expatriate, remarked" My personal observation is that after all the efforts that this industrious and ambitious woman has made to develop a worthy business to serve the country's needs, Nigerians should give her the support to make her contributions successful. This I believe is what indigenisation is all about. The much talked about indigenisation requires courage and support". Mr Karl Kreutz, an engineer, had been with Teju Industries Limited from its inception and was until he left the Company in 1987 the Production Manager. He was responsible for the installation of the machines at the initial stage. During the period that he was with the company, he was described as the backbone of the factory, loyal, honest and hardworking.

From Mr Hogreffe, the General Manager, came this remark "She knows much about her machines, her customers and the people working for her; and she has a very good knowledge of the market. When she makes a statement, one can be sure that she has got her facts right. She can be tough at times, but I must confess she is a true 'Mother." The senior Sales Manager, Mr Alii, said "I have found working with Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso very interesting. In fact my association with her started when I was with Vono Products Limited. She was always in my office before 7.30am. She would have discussed all her orders before other customers started coming in after 8.0' clock. She believes in action, quick action, honesty and sincerity. I respect her intelligence." Mr Adesanya, the accountant, made this statement, "It is always assumed that once a woman is acclaimed a successful perscuj in life, she becomes proud-living in a world of her own, so to speak; but Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso is not such a woman. She is of very good character, intelligent, charming and energetic. She is loved by all her employees both junior and senior, This has earned her the popular name 'Mama'. 'Charity begins at home' is a very popular saying. I happened to have come across someone who knows her very well and asked him what he had to say about her. He said in addition to official statements, 'Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso is generous to all especially the needy. She is highly religious. She is indeed la very devoted Christian." Mr Osijo-Obikanye, the Managing Director's Personal Secretary summed it all up by saying "Mama has due considerations for members of her staff and this has definitely earned her the co-operation she needs for the success of her business. She is a woman who does not believe in lazinesfl The Royal Roots: Iyalode Egba III - Osile, Oranmlyan and can best be described as a man by nature, though a woman by physical appearance and affection. It maybe added that only few women have this quality. In short, Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso possesses all the good qualities of a successful woman." The factory at Ilupeju has gone through some changes since it was first built. Some of the buildings have had to be reconstructed due to damage resulting from outbreak of fire which occurred twice in twelve years. The first fire incident occurred in 1972. The second which occurred in 1984 was devastating. The building and all the machines were completely destroyed and according to Mr. Oginni everything came to a standstill. For well over one year after the incident, nothing happened on the site. Reconstruction work did not start until the middle of 1985. During this time. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso busied herself with arrangements for the purchase of new machines and materials to be used for the reconstruction of the factory. Contractors had to begin from scratch and new foundation laid. Mr. Oginni impressed by Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's drive and enthusiasm, remarked, "Mama personally supervised the construction work from the beginning to the end." New machines which had arrived before reconstruction started were installed and life began again in the factory in 1986 with Chief Bisoye Tejuoso using her own resources, at the start to re-activate production. Special effort was made to ensure that the old quality of products was maintained but unfortunately, while Tejufoam products was off the market, many changes had occurred with the country's economy and market prices had increased considerably. This escalation of price would, as Mr. Oginni put it, have been an advantage if the company was producing the same quality of goods as other competitors. The company's original quality of products had been high and it was in order to maintain that quality that the company ran into difficulty. This was the problem that the company had to tackle immediately after the reconstruction of the factory. As a result of this, the profit margin grew thinner and the staff strength had to be reduced drastically. Since the fire incident was unforeseen, the company's management had no alternative but to ask a great percentage of the staff, mainly those in the junior section, to go on indefinite leave. Although a few of the workers were re-instated when production work resumed, quite a number had to look for other jobs. Those who were retained, p j received their regular salaries throughout the period-of reconstruction. But for Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's courage and strong determination Teju Industries Limited would have been a thing of the past from the time the second fire incident occurred. It is however gratifying to note that Tejufoam is, up till now, functioning, and producing very high quality products. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso still goes to the factory almoM every day although she no longer has to leave home early in the morning and she closes for the day around 4.00pm.

4. Life At Dabis Court Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's day at Ilupeju was a very busy one. The routine however changed when she moved to DABIS COURT in Surulere. For some time, her two grandchildren, Titi a chartered accountant and Lanre a medical doctor, were helping with the management of Teju Industries, but according to Chief Bisoye Tejuoso, Teju Industries still occupies the best part of her time. She, however looks forward, as she puts it, to the day when she will be able to really relax and devote more of her time to other activities. Although education is regarded as an area of vital concern, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso is certainly not an advocate of all work and no play." "She has provided swings, slides, see-saws and other out door play equipment for the children's enjoyment and recreation in Dabis Court grounds. Besides the outdoor equipment for the young children, table tennis equipment, a Badminton court, a lawn tennis court, and facilities for swimming are also available for the youths and the young at heart in order to inculcate in the young ones the habit of cultivating a sound mind in a sound body" as Oba Adedapo Tejuoso himself, a lover of sports, puts it. DABIS COURT is jointly owned by Chief Bisoye Tejuoso and her son Oba Adedapo Tejuoso. The name DABIS, explained Chief Bisoye Tejuoso is a combination of the first two letters of DAPO -DA- and the first three letters of BISOYE -BIS-. Oba Adedapo Tejuoso occupies one half of the building and Mama the other half. Now that Oba Adedapo Tejuoso resides in his domain at Ago-Oko in Abeokuta, he is seen at Dabis Court only when he pays occasional visits to Lagos. With Chief Bisoye Tejuoso around, Dabis Court is still bustling with life and visitors keep calling from far and near. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso keeps an open house. It is not unusual for her to give 25 The Royal Roots: Iyalode Egba III - Osile, Oranmiyah instructions at odd hours for extra food to be prepare® for visitors from Abeokuta and other places who call on her to. ' discuss urgent matters. Despite the rather heavy schedule of work in Lagos, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso as Iyalode Egba visits Abeokuta quite often tb attend to civic duties. There have been memorable occasions since Chief Bisoye I Tejuoso moved to Dabis Court. One of the happy occasions |f was when her first grandchild Titilola was married to Adeyemi Adebiyi. According to the Yoruba custom, certain ceremonies usuaMr fc| preceed the actual wedding ceremony. The preliminary Jj ceremony when the letter of marriage proposal was sent from the Adebiyi family to the Tejuoso family was followed by the i 'reply' from the Tejuoso family to the Adebiyi family giving their consent to the marriage between Titilola and Adeyemi. The final ceremonies of Idupe and Idana when friends and | members of the families of Adeyemi's father and mother 'M visited the members of the families of Titilola's father andfl mother to say thank you the traditional way took place two days before the marriage at Dabis Court. Music was provided I by the band of 'Sir' Sina Peters. Titilola and Adeyemi were .I married at St. Judes' Church Ebute Metta on Saturday 21st February 1987. Titi's father, then Dr. Dapo Tejuoso proudly m walked by the side of his daughter up the aisle as the first hymn was being sung. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was the proud GRANDMOTHER OF THE DAY. The Wedding reception was held at the then Eko Hotel banquet hall in Victoria Island followed by the evening wedding parties at the bride's andSl bridegroom's residences. Merriment went on till the early hours of the following day at Dabis Court and guests danced to the beautiful melodies of Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey. For Titi and Yemi it was a red letter day and for Chief Bisoye Tejuoso it was a day of great rejoicing. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's first grandson's (Lanre's) wedding followed closely on April 25, 1987. It was another day of feasting and great merriment at Dabis Court. Titi, has a daughter- Temiyemi, and Lanre has two children-a daughter, Wuraola and a son, Adedapo (Junior). Bimpe, another grandchild who is also married has two children - Mowunmi and Ladipo. Besides the children already mentioned, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso has other children-Adewole now a lawyer was born on May 12,1968; Olufemi was born October 1,1970 and qualified as a mechanical engineer in 1990. Boyede was born on January 29, 1982. His wives, Molara, Yetunde and Olabisi who are now with him in Abeokuta, also have children of their own. Molara's first child Adetutu bom on 22nd April 1975, Yetunde's first child Bosoye bom on 6th September 1981 and Olabisi's first child Adedayo bom on 3rd July 1984 are all still at school. Also at school are Bolaji and his brother. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso is very fond of her grandchildren 'and great grandchildren. To her, they are a source of great joy! Another happy occasion at Dabis Court was when Chief Bisoye Tejuoso turned seventy. A big party was held to celebrate this milestone in the life of the Iyalode Egba. The party was preceeded by a Thanksgiving Service held at St. Jude's Anglican Church Ebute Metta. After the Service, Church dignitaries, Traditional Chiefs, friends, relations and people from all walks of life were entertained at Dabis Court. No less than ten birthday cakes of different shapes and sizes were presented to mark the great occasion. The celebrant, radiant and beaming with joy after cutting the special birthday cake danced heartily to the music of Ebenezer Obey surrounded by her family, friends and well wishers. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso has been described as a woman of many parts. When asked soon after the celebration how she was still able to cope with her numerous activities despite her age, she replied that her habit of eating well and keeping regular hours of sleep has been responsible for her physical fitness which up till then had enabled her to carry on with her business and other activities without strain. She also attributed her ability to combine her business with her domestic chores successfully to the support she enjoyed from her staff most of whom have been very reliable and hardworking.

12th February 1982, the day the Nigerian National Award of Member of the Order of The Niger (O.O.N.) was conferred Chief Bisoye Tejuoso by the then President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Alhaji Shehu Shagari was another great occasion. The award was in recognition of her contribution to| commerce and industry in Nigeria. The ceremony took place at the National Arts Theatre. It was an impressive ceremony watched by hundreds of invited guests from all over the Federation. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso later entertained her guests to snacks at Dabis Court. If there was a moment in the life of Chief Bisoye Tejuoso that brought her the greatest joy since she moved to Dabis Court. It was the moment that her only child Adedapo ascended to J the throne of his forefathers and was crowned Oba (Dr.u Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso Karunwi III, the eighth Osile of Oke-Ona, Egba. When the throne of the Osile of Oke Ona Egba became vacant following the death of the former Osile Oba Adedamola II on July 27, 1988, Dapo's mother's family the Ayokan Ruling House, after due consultation with the elderly members of the family, unanimously presented Adedapo as a possible candidate to fill the vacancy. The Ayokan Ruling House headed by Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was next in line for the kingship and Adedapo, although son of a female member of the house, was considered along with six other eligible candidates to emerge the favourable choice. His name was then presented to the Ago Oko King makers, headed by his paternal uncle Chief Akintoye Tejuoso then aged 92 years, who at a meeting held at lie Ogboni on December 24, 1988 unanimously endorsed his candidature. Adedapo's reaction to this honour bestowed on him is well expressed in his book "THE ULTIMATE HONOUR." He wrote. However, having realised that there was no way by which I could avoid the Osile 'stool', in my usual way, I put my life in God's hand. I prayed hard and left everything to Him to direct me. I then made a covenant with my God that I would not go out of my way to contest the crown or lobby for it. If therefore it is the will of God and of the Oke Ona people to make me their King, who am I to refuse? To say no to them is to incur the wrath of many people, a whole township." Chief Bisoye Tejuoso gave her son full support from the beginning and throughout the period that preceeded the coronation. At the Coronation Ceremony she was prominent as the Iyalode Egba and the Yeye Oba (King's mother) -a title which was later formally conferred on her by her son Oba (Dr) Adedapo Tejuoso on the 19th of May 1990. The Coronation which took place at Sapon in Abeokuta on Saturday 20th May 1989 was celebrated with great pomp and pageantry. The programme for the day included the presentation of Staff and instrument of office to Oba Adedapo Tejuoso Karunwi III by the Ogun State Commissioner'for Agriculture, Alhaji Gbenga Kaka on behalf of the State Military Governor, Navy Captain Mohammed Lawal. The cultural rites and Crowning Ceremony was performed by Chief Baruwa. The Obas, Obis, Emirs, High Chiefs and distinguished guests were later entertained at Oba Karunwi's compound. Every section of the community played its own part in the celebration. For Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Tejuoso it was indeed an ultimate honour. Ki ade pe lori, Ki bata pe lese. May his reign be long and happy! One of the regular callers at Dabis Court is Mrs Olakunle Ogunsan who is a relation and a very close friend of Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's. They had been friends since their childhood days and when Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was in Zaria, Mrs Ogunsan who was then living in Sokoto with her husband is used to stop over for a night or two in Zaria whenever she travelled to Lagos. She described Chief Bisoye Tejuoso as a devoted and disciplined Christian who, from her schooldays; had always shown concern for fellow beings in want. Her generosity, Mrs Ogunsan observed, is not limited to members of her family only. She regards everyone in need as deserving help and sometimes goes out of her way to give assistance to fellow human beings in distress. She stressed Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's love for the immediate members of her family and distant relations irrespective of their age or position. One of the virtues Mrs Ogunsan attributed to her is her patience. She, according to Mrs Ogunsan, is soft spoken and very rarely gets really annoyed with her workers. Another person who is always seen in and out of Dabis Courts is Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's sister's son, Dr Abayomi Taylor, Yotna lived with the Tejuosos in his childhood days and is still very much a part of the family. He was in fact, more like a junior brother to Dapo and Rolayo, when they were in Zaria. He remembers how, in Zaria some Hausa men engaged by Mama used to stack bags of ground nuts in some part of the compound where they lived ready to be sent down to Lagos by rail for sale. Yomi referred to Mr Tejuoso as highly religious, hard working and very realistic. Papa, he said, was prepared to apologise even to a child if, at any time, he felt he was in the wrong. Mama he said with pride, has always been like a mother to him, and is still very fond of him. She has followed his progress from his primary school days and has given him a lot of encouragement. Yomi studied medicine in Russia but has taken after Mama and has now gone into business. He has a show room, Esther Furniture, named after Chief Bisoye Tejuoso and a furniture factory in Ikeja. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was already in her sixties when she moved to Dabis Court. According to her, age did not prevent her from enjoying some of the recreational facilities provided at Dabis Court. Jogging, she said, was one of her favourite exercises. In the early days at Dabis Court, she would run round the grounds in the evenings whenever she had the time, her grandchild Bayo who was then about five years old, trailing along behind her eager to share the fun with grandmummy. She also learnt to swim; but, as she put it, she kept away from the main swimming pool and confined herself to the children's section of the pool. She had fun on the lawn tennis court too with the younger folk who claim they always won whenever they had a game with Mama. Gardening has always been a hobby. She had watched the plants grow, and now that the gardens have taken shape, she derives a lot of pleasure from going for a walk on the grounds of Dabis Court in her spare time.

It is a peaceful atmosphere at Dabis Court in the evening whenever Mama is free, and there are no visitors around, the children and older members of the household would get together and entertain her with songs and lyrics. Mama often, joined in the singing and would treat them to light refreshments usually biscuits and sweets. Friends of Mama, grown up grandsons are always in and out of Dabis Courts It is not unusual to see beautiful ladies around every now and again. They keep Mama up to date with current events and: the latest in fashion. The grandchildren and other members of the household are all full of praises for the love and care which: they get at Dabis Court. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso, like her moth® before her, does not tolerate laziness. At Dabis Court, everybody is awake by 6.00 a.m. The cleaning of the house begins immediately after the morning prayers and the younger; ones get ready to go to school. Lies have been graded by an English poet as "white lies, grey lies and lies that are black". In Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's household and in the factory, to tell a lie of any description is to commit the greatest crime for which there is no remedy. Everyone-members of her household and workers in the factory have testified to this. A person has to lie to Mama once and although he or she may not be physically or otherwise punished for it immediately, he will forever regret having made the mistake. An incident occurred once when one of the drivers who was sent to a place outside Lagos with a lorry load of Tejufoam products decided to make extra money for himself by carrying a cargo of rams back to Lagos on his return journey! Mama happened to be nearby when the driver returned to the factory at Ilupeju and from the smell inside the lorry detected that the driver had been up to some mischief. She called his attention to the horrible stench but the driver denied having carried any livestock in the lorry. Mama did not say a word. She just took a look at him, shook her head, and smiled. The guilty look on the driver's face gave him away without further comment. With Mama it is once a liar always a liar and her employees and everyone who associates with her know this. Only recently, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was getting ready to travel to England for the first time in winter; she said that she had to go away because she needed to rest and if she stayed in the country she would not like to make people believe that she was not around when in actual fact she was. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso travels abroad annually; she usually goes to Europe during the summer. For occasional relaxation she takes a break away from it all. This, perhaps, is the secret of her elegant figure and extraordinary energy.

5. The Office of Iyalode in Yorubaland Various interpretations of the office of the Iyalode are recorded by observers as stated by Nina Mba in her book, Nigerian Women Mobilized. Anna Hinderer described the first Iyalode of Ibadan, Iyaola, as "a sort of queen, a person of much influence, and looked up to with much respect". P. Talbot used the delightful definition of "mistress of the streets who dealt with the markets and all minor disputes between women". Johnson described Iyalode as "queen of the ladies a title bestowed upon the most distinguished lady in the town". The Iyalode also has her lieutenants. Some Iyalode command a force of powerful warriors and have a voice in the council of chiefs. Through the Iyalode the women of the town can make their voices heard by municipal and other affairs. The Oyo Iyalode title as recorded by Dr. Mba was adoptecft by Ife, Ibadan and Abeokuta. "In Ife, before the introduction the Iyalode title from Oyo, there was a title 'Ojuma' for the head of the women in the town and another title, yeyeloja (mother at the market). These women had seats in the geru (court of justice), were in charge of the market women, and settled disputes between them. They were in fact fulfilling all the functions of an iyalode." "Ibadan" Nina Mba recorded "was not a monarchy but a government by chiefs who were selected on merit and not by lineage affiliation. In the nineteenth century, merit was largely determined by military prowess. The introduction of the iyalode title in the 1850s was in recognition of the contribution to the military success of the town made by a wealthy woman trader, Iyaola, who not only gave liberal credit facilities but also fielded her own soldiers". According to Bolanle Awe, the political power which an iyalode in Ibadan could possess was clearly demonstrated in the case of the second iyalode, Efunsetan. Efunsetan was one of the biggest wholesale traders B in Ibadan, a superior of a trading empire which was manned by her servants who were largely her domestic slaves, who went all over Yoruba country. Her economic power and K personality were so strong that even though she was Egba she was made Iyalode of Ibadan. As Iyalode she and her two assistants I sat in the council with all the important male chiefs and took part in all the important festivals. Although she did not have R direct jurisdiction over the Iyaloja (mothers of the market), who were the heads of each commodity group, when disputes arose ■ among the iyaloja, they were referred to her for settlement. Bolanle Awe also mentioned that among the Ijebu, the lyalode participated at all levels of policy making, including that of I the Osugbo secret cult and the Ogboni council of Iwarefa chiefs. It can be concluded from the above that the iyalode title in Yorubaland is a town chieftaincy and her selection is strictly based on merit. The Installation of Chief Bisoye Tejuoso as Third Iyalode Egba in Abeokuta, the iyalode title was adopted from Oyo after 1830. Each township had its own iyalode society, but the title of Iyalode 1 of all Egba was first bestowed on Madam Tinubu. At the time of the incessant wars, women began to take a more I active part in the defence of their Egba homes. One of such I women was Madam Tinubu first Iyalode of Egba, a woman of L tremendous energy both in war and in peace time, little was I known of Madam Tinubu's early life. At home, she helped her mother who was a trader in agidi and com porridge. I Madam Tinubu first became prominent as a supporter of King R Akitoye of Lagos. King Akitoye was driven away from Lagos by his nephew Kosoko in 1845 and sought refuge in Abeokuta. Madam Tinubu and her husband, Yesufu Bada went with Akitoye to Abeokuta and eventually returned to Lagos with him after the British had driven out Kosoko in 1851. Akitoye was, after his death succeeded by his son Dosunmu (Docemo). Madam Tinubu was a strong supporter of Dosunmu. Dosunmu was a man of rather weak character. Those who were jealous of Madam Tinubu's support and influence on Dosunmu accused Madam Tinubu and her husband of slave trading and she was expelled from Lagos. Madam Tinubu rejoined her people in Abeokuta and became a trader in cotton and ammunition. When Ghezo, King of Dahomey, now known as the Republic of Benin, threatened to invade Abeokuta in 1863. Madam Tinubu played a commendable part. She encouraged the Egba to stand firm against the threats of invasion. Dressed like a warrior, she pitched her tent near the war front giving Words of encouragement to the soldiers and first aid to the wounded. She was also determined to fight if need be. The Dahomia however, suddenly decamped and retreated without attacking Abeokuta. Madam Tinubu was also very much involved in Egba politics. In the struggle for succession to the throne of the Alake after the death of Somoye in 1868, Madam Tinubu backed Prince Oyekan, the son of Oba Jibodu. Her faction however lost to Ogundipe and other powerful supporters of Prince Ademola I, the Alake in 1869. She bid her time and when the throne became vacant in 1877 she put forward her candidate again and this time she was successful and in 1879 Oyekan became the new Alake. Madam Tinubu thus once more became the power behind a throne, this time in Abeokuta. In recognition of Madam Tinubu's ex-ploits and indomitable courage the Egba conferred on her the title of Iyalode-the leading woman in external affairs. It is to be noted that this traditional title of "First Lady of the Egba" is a title won by a woman of out- » standing qualities who had rendered invaluable services to 1 the cause of the Egba. Madam Tinubu proved herself worthy 1 of it in every way. When the first Iyalode Egba, Madam Tinubu passed away on December 2nd, 1887 she was given a grand state buried. Her | death was lamented by the people of Abeokuta. The position of Iyalode of Egba remained vacant for many years after the death of Madam Tinubu. Madam Miniya Jojolola of Ijeun Kemta, the second Iyalode of Egba was another woman of outstanding qualities. She lived during part of the reign of H Alake Gbadebo and part of the long reign of Alake Ademola II. When the Alake Gbadebo joined his ancestors in 1920, p Prince Ladapo Ademola was crowned the Alake of Egba land on 27th September 1920. Sir Ladapo Ademola II reigned for 42 years. He joined his ancestors in December 1962. As recorded by Professor Biobaku, Madam Jojolola a woman I lea er with great foresight lived at the time when the Egba society had become more sophisticated and there was a premium on western Education. The women who were prominent in trading also played an important role in the acquisition of western Education by ensuring that their | children were well nurtured in the modem way. Those with outstanding ability were encouraged to' proceed abroad to further their education. Many notable Egba benefitted from I the inspiration derived from Madam Jojolola whose compound had at that time become a resort for progressive Egba women. Among influential families who associated with her were the families of Justice Olumuyiwa Jibowu of blessed memory. | Chief A. Ilori a legal luminary and late Chief A. Soetan another legal celebrity, Professor Saburi Biobaku has indicated that research is still in progress for more valuable information of the background and activities of this remarkable woman whom the Egba has rewarded with the title Iyalode of Egba for her services to the community. With the passing away of Madam Jojolola, the enviable title of Iyalode of Egba fell into abeyance waiting for that candidate who would receive the unanimous support of the Egba for attaining this great honour. Two unsuccessful attempts had been made after the death of Madam Jojolola to appoint another Iyalode. It was not until 1982 that the highly coveted office of Iyalode Egba which had been vacant for more than fifty years, was, after careful screening, bestowed on Chief Esther Bisoye Tejuoso who in 1973 had been honoured with a double chieftaincy in Abeokuta. The then Osile of Oke Ona, Oba Adedamola II conferred the title of LIKA OLOJA OBINKIN of Ago-Oko on her and the title of IYALAJE of the Egba was conferred on her by the Alake' of Abeokuta Oba Oyebade Lipede. Then came the unexpected which would have put an end to the plans for the Iwuye ceremony but for the timely intervention of Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's son, Adedapo. According to Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, a chief had raised an objection to his mother's entitlement to the title of Iyalode since she was not from Egba Alake the place to which the title had been zoned. Oba Adedapo Tejuoso referring to the incident in his book, THE ULTIMATE HONOUR, wrote: my reaction to the charge was that my mother was truly not from Egba Alake but questioned if there was any objection if her mother was from Egba Alake? My maternal grandmother was from Kemta in Egba Alake. Chief Aduramo Rotimi, the OIuwo Egba was given the assignment to lead a team of investigators to ascertain that my maternal grandmother was from Egba Alake". The investigation revealed that Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's mother was from Kemta, and was in fact related to Chief Rotimi who was also from Kemta. Plans for the Iwuye ceremony having been concluded, Friday 22nd January 1982 was fixed for the pre-installation ceremonies. The Iwuye ceremony took place on Saturday 23rd January 1982 at the Alake's Palace.

PROGRAMME FOR THE INSTALLATION AND IWUYE CEREMONIES OF CHIEF (MRS) BISOYE TEJUOSHO AS THIRD IYALODE EGBA FRIDAY 22nd JANUARY, 1982.

10.00 a.m. (a) Arrival at Ita Iyalode Ago-Owu, Abeokuta, LED BY EKERIN IYALODE EGBA. (b) Meet the Chiefs of Owu (c) Traditional rites by Apena Owu assisted by Iyalode Owu, Aro Keesi, and Bala-Ijeun.

11.00 a.m. LEAVE FOR JOJOLOLA'S COMPOUND KEMTA, ABEOKUTA Legal celebrity, Professor Saburi Biobaku has indicated that research is still in progress for more valuable information of the background and activities of this remarkable woman whom the Egba has rewarded with the title Iyalode of Egba for her services to the community. With the passing away of Madam Jojolola, the enviable title of Iyaiode of Egba fell into abeyance waiting for -that candidate who would receive the unanimous support of the Egba for attaining this great honour. Two unsuccessful attempts had been made after the death of Madam Jojolola to appoint another lyalode. It was not until 1982 that the highly coveted office of Iyaiode Egba which had been vacant for more than fifty years, was, after careful screening, bestowed on Chief Esther Bisoye Tejuoso who in 1973 had been honoured with a double chieftaincy in Abeokuta. The then Osile of Oke Ona, Oba Adedamola II conferred the title of LIKA OLOJA OBINRIN of Ago-Oko on her and the title of IYALAJE of the Egba was conferred on her by the Alake of Abeokuta Oba Oyebade Lipede. Then came the unexpected which would have put an end to the plans for the Iwuye ceremony but for the timely intervention of Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's son, Adedapo. According to Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, a chief had raised an objection to his mother's entitlement to the title of Iyaiode since she was not from Egba Alake the place to which the title had been zoned. Oba Adedapo Tejuoso referring to the incident in his book, - THE ULTIMATE HONOUR, wrote-limy reaction to the charge was that my mother was truly not from Egba Alake but questioned if there was any objection if her mother was from Egba Alake? My maternal grandmother was from Kemta in Egba Alake. Chief Aduramo Rotimi, the Oluwo Egba was given the assignment to lead a team of investigators to ascertain that my maternal grandmother was from Egba Alake". The investigation revealed that Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's mother was from Kemta, and was in fact related to Chief Rotimi who was also from Kemta.

Plans for the Iwuye ceremony having been concluded, Friday 22nd January 1982 was fixed for the pre-installation ceremonies. The Iwuye ceremony took place on Saturday 23rd January 1982 at the Alake's Palace.

PROGRAMME FOR THE INSTALLATION AND IWUYE CEREMONIES OF CHIEF (MRS) BISOYE TEJUOSHO AS THIRD IYALODE EGBA FRIDAY 22nd JANUARY, 1982.

10.00 a.m. (a) Arrival at Ita Iyalode Ago-Owu, Abeokuta, LED BY EKERIN IYALODE EGBA. (b) Meet the Chiefs of Owu (c) Traditional rites by Apena Owu assisted by Iyalode Owu, Aro Keesi, and Bala-ljeun. 11.00 a.m. LEAVE FOR JOJOLOLA'S COMPOUND KEMTA, ABEOKUTA The Royal Roots: lyalodc Egba HI - Osile, Oranmiyan

(a) Meet the Chiefs of Kemta (b) Traditional rites at the grave of Chief (Madam) Jojolola SECOND IYALODE EGBA led by APENA KEMTA, assisted by Iyalode or Olori Erelu Kemta, Aro Keesi and Bala Ijeun

12.30 p.m. Arrive at the Central Mosque for Prayers. MCs - Alhaji Adenekan - Osi Egba Muslims, and Alhaji Adegbite - Seriki Egba, 1.30 p.m. Call on the AGURA and his Chiefs.

2.00 p.m. Arrive at OJOKODO, GBAGURA, NEAR IBEREKOOO -THE GRAVESIDE OF CHIEF MADAM TINUBU FIRST IYALODE EGBA. (b) Meet all EGBA women (c) Traditional rites by LISA OJoo assisted by a woman Chief, Aro Keesi and Bala Ijeun (d) Reception for all Egba women AT OJOKODO.

6.00 p.m. IYALODE EGBA-ELECTED LEAVES FOR HOME

SATURDAY 23RD JANUARY, 1991 9.00 a.m. (a) Arrival of Guests at ALAKE'S PALACE (b) Iyalode Egba Elected arrives at Alake's Palace and put in the Reception Hall for Pre-installation ceremonies.

9.30 a.m. Presentation of Chief (Dr) & Chief (Mrs) Dapo Tejuoso to the Alake of Egbaland.

9.45 a.m. Installation and Iwuye ceremonies of Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso as the THIRD Iyalode of the Egba by the ALAKE OF EGBALAND, Apena Egba assisted by Aro Keesi and Bala ljeun.

11.00 a.m. Donations towards Afin AKE Building Fund.

11.30 a.m. Alake and his Chiefs retire to the Palace Procession of Chiefs and guests to the Church at Idi- Ape.

12.00 am. (a) Installation Service of Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso as the IYA-IJO of The Cathedral of St. James' Church, Idi-Ape, Ago-Oko, Abeokuta.

3.00 p.m. Social reception commences at the Chief's residence at Ita-Oshin, 16, Lagos Rd. near Aro Hospital, Abeokuta.

MASTERS OF CEREMONIES (1) CHIEF TOYE COKER-Apena Egba (2) CHIEF E.B. SORUNKE-Aro Keesi (3) CHIEF E.B. ADEBOYE-Bala Ijeun MUSIC CHIEF COMMANDER EBENEZER OBEY Chief Bisoye Tejuoso looked quite cool and complacent as she posed for a photograph with the Alake Oba Oyebade Lipede outside St James' Cathedral Church Idi Ape after the Thanksgiving Service. The scene at Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's residence at Ita-Oshin on the afternoon of Saturday 23rd January could well be described as that of a carnival; with friends, relations and well wishers sitting in groups eating and drinking and dancing to the music of Ebenezer Obey and other musical bands. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was in a happy mood throughout the period. As the Iyalode Egba, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso is regarded as the first female citizen in Egba and leader of all Egba women. She is consulted when there is cause to seek the opinion of a lady about certain happenings in Egba land and she is the one who presents female Egba chiefs to the Alake for formal conferment of their chieftaincy. Since her installation as Iyalode Egba, she has witnessed several women installed as chiefs at the palace of the Alake. As member of the Egba Council of Traditional Chiefs, she is consulted whenever there is any problem concerning Egba women. Her role as adviser in such matters is of great importance. She has, also, since her installation contributed a lot to the progress of Abeokuta in general and Ago-Oko in particular. She donated generously towards the fund raising activity for the Alake's Palace building fund in 1987. The palace has since been completed. She also helped to renovate the old palace of the late Osile, Oba Adedamola II while he was still on the throne. As Matron of the Market Women association of Abeokuta township, she has donated huge sums of money towards the execution of certain community projects such as the Health Centre at Ita Oshin, The Civic Centre, the community at Lafenwa and the renovation of the Itoku market.

6. Her Religious and Social Life Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was bom into a Christian family in an area where religious beliefs play very important role in the lives of the people. During the time that she lived in the Karunwi family house at Ago-Oko, the Christian and Moslem religions were already gaining ground in western Nigeria. According to Biobaku there were Moslems among the first settlers in Abeokuta in the 1830s. Oladipo Yemitan, in his book- MADAME TINUBU - MERCHANT and KING MAKER- reported that Alfa Bada, a devoted Moslem and husband of Madam Tinubu first Iyalode Egba had in the second half of the nineteenth century built Obadina Mosque reputed to be the first mosque to be built in Lagos.

P. Armoury Talbot in volume I of his book The people of Southern Nigeria recorded that in 1887 "the CM.S. (Church Missionary Society) possessed three African clergy, 2543 Christians, 10 schools and 398 scholars at Abeokuta". In the neighbourhood of Ago-Oko are a Salvation Army church, a. Baptist church and an African church situated at Idi-Ape, Besides the Moslem and Christian communities, the Babalawo, Oro worshippers, Soponno worshippers, Obatala worshippers and Egungun worshippers who still zealously perform their traditional and religious rites which have been handed down to them by their forefathers also reside in the area.

Chief Bisoye Tejuoso attended St James's African Church now Cathedral of St James's African Church Idi-Ape in Ago-Oko during her childhood days. While in Zaria, she and her husband worshipped regularly at St George's Anglican Church. She attended Bible meetings on week days and was a member of tire Emilajulo Society of the church. Mrs Adebule, she recalls, was the matron of the society. She and her husband often provided accommodation for priests, mostly Anglican, on visit to Zaria particularly those from the south.

Chief Bisoye Tejuoso is a staunch member of St Jude's Anglican Church Ebute Metta. She has worshipped regularly at St Jude's since 1957 when she and her husband returned to Lagos from Zaria. She is a member of the Busy Bee Society, the Mothers' Union and Women's Guild and she attends the weekly Bible class whenever she is in Lagos. She is matron of the Boys' and Girls' Brigade, Ladies Workers Union, Morning Star Society, Girls' Guild, the Youth Fellowship and Christian Charity Band and she is the life matron of the Young Ladies Friendly Society. To all these societies she gives both moral and financial support and whenever time permits takes part in their activities. As Patron of St Jude's Church Choir, she entertains the members of the Choir once every year at her house in Surulere. Her church activities are not confined to St Jude's Church. She plays a prominent part in the activities of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos. She was chief opener at the unveiling and opening of the 3 manual ultra modem organ of All Saints' Church Yaba on Sunday, 9th December 1990. She has also donated generously toward the evangelical work of the church.

Morning and evening prayers are conducted daily in Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's household. One of her favourite hymns is No 303 in the Yoruba Hymn book (Anglican).

Aigbagbo, bila! temi l'oluwa, On o si dide fun igbala mi; Ki nsa ma gbadura, On o se 'ranwo: 'Gba Krist wa lodo mi, ifoiya ko si.

The English version reads thus: Begone, unbelief; my Saviour is near, And for my relief will surely appear: By prayer let me wrestle, and He will perform With Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm. In 1982, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was elevated to one of the highest offices in the African Church, Abeokuta. She was, on the day of her installation and Iwuye Ceremonies as the third Iyalode Egba, at a special Service, installed the second lya Ijo of the Cathedral of St James's African Church, Idi-Ape,Ago-Oko. The lya Ijo is the 'Mother' or Head of the female members of the congregation. The installation ceremony was performed by the Primate of the African Church, Nigeria, His Grace, The Most Revd. J. O. Ademulegun. So strong is the religious inclination of Chief Bisoye Tejuoso and her family that provision for a Chapel was included in the original plan of the land at No.2 Tejuoso Avenue in Surulere, According to Oba (Dr) Adedapo Tejuoso, the Family's dream of "building a house unto the Name of the Lord" became a reality in 1988 when on February 19,1988-Adedapo's fiftieth birthday -the foundation of the Chapel was laid by the Anglican Bishop of Lagos the Rt Revd Joseph AbiodunAdetiloye. The Chapel-Saint Joseph's-dedicated to the memory of late Mr Joseph Somoye Tejuoso - 1908 to 27th December 1968 was opened for worship by His Grace the most Revd Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye, Anglican Archbishop of the Province of Nigeria on the 22nd of June 1988-Mama's 72nd birthday. Special Services have been held in the Chapel. Oba Tejuoso's grandchildren-Lanre's children, Wuraola and Adedapo (Junior) were christened in the Chapel on Sunday 30th December 1990,

Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, following in his mother's footsteps has donated a large piece of land in Oke Ona to a charitable organisation. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's first grandson, Lanre recently paid an official visit to the UK based Richmond Fellowship, an International Charitable Organisation dedicated to caring for those recovering from mental health problems, alcoholics, drug-addicts and ex-drug users. Prince Tejuoso held discussions with a member of the British Royal Family, Princess Alexandra at a cocktail party in celebration of 32 years' existence of Richmond Fellowship. Princess Alexandra, who visited Nigeria 31 years ago on the country's attainment of independence, listened with keen interest as Prince Tejuoso unravelled his plans to construct a drug-addicts rehabilitation centre in Abeokuta, the first of its kind in Nigeria. Prince Tejuoso, during the discussion said, "..drug-addiction is becoming a serious reality in Nigeria. It hasn't risen to epidemic proportions, but it is an alarming reality! When the rehabilitation centre is built, we hope to ease some of the envisaged problems of drugs. We have been striving for this since we began talking with the Richmond Fellowship over a year ago about the Project". The Project, which is proposed to be co-sponsored by the EEE, with technical assistance from the Richmond Fellowship, will be situated in Oke-Ona.

Chief Bisoye Tejuoso, when interviewed by the Daily Times Editor of Woman's Angle in 1976, at the time that Tejufoam Industries was just beginning to take off, attributed her success, not surprisingly, to her constant prayers to the Almighty God. "Prayer", she said, "can work wonders in the lives of people. A woman can change her husband's stony heart if she prays hard enough. This country can be transformed if people learn to be content with what they have. People", she continued "are not equally talented; that is why God did not create the fingers equal, but", she advised, "if people are prayerful, they can attain contentment." Apart from her duty as Iyalode which involves attending many functions including Iwuye ceremonies at the Palace of the Alake in Abeokuta, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso is involved in other social engagements to which she attaches great importance. In the family circle, she regards it as a duty to attend any function such as marriages whether in Lagos or outside Lagos, naming ceremonies, special birthday parties, memorial services and any other to which she is invited. As an elderly member of the family and a very important person in the community she is given special recognition and is treated with the greatest respect. At these family functions, she feels quite at home with everyone both high and low. The Iyalode always dresses well. She chooses her outfit to suit the occasion. Her first grandson, Lanre, once remarked that Mama has very good taste in clothes. He also observed that her handbag and shoes always match! Among the Iyalode's friends are people from all sections of the community. One of her very good friends was Alhaja Anif owose who died on the 26th of September 1977 at the age of 55. They were quite close! In 1970, when Alhaja's husband arrived from Mecca, Yomi the Iyalode's nephew drove her to Cotonou in Benin Republic where Alhaja and her husband were at the time residing. Mrs Abiola Ogunbanke the current lyalaje Egba is another close friend of the Iyalode's. Although the lyalaje lives in Ibadan, they have on several occasions with Mrs Modupe Obebe the Iyaloja, attended civic functions in Abeokuta together. Mrs Alaba Lawson (nee Jiboku) Asiwaju Iyalode and Mrs Titi Ajanaku Osi Iyalode who the Iyalode referred to as faithful companions have been constant in their friendship and have always shown great affection and concern for the lyalode. Although the lyalode does not take part in party politics she is friendly with some of the women who are active in the political field. One of her acquaintances during the time that her husband was active in politics is Chief (Mrs) Hannah Awolowo, widow of the Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was one of Chief (Mrs) Awolowo's guests at the wedding of her grandson, Segun, which took place in Ijebu-Ode recently.

The lyalode enjoys good music. She has a special liking for church music. According to her, listening to good music is a form of relaxation. She also finds the melodies of some of the indigenous dance bands fascinating. Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey is a great favourite. Despite her several family commitments, the lyalode attends state functions and finds time for other social social events. She was in May, 1990 conferred with the title of honorary member of Zonta International Club of Lagos 11. At the occasion, she was welcomed to the hall by members of the club with the song:

Tani l'awa o ni Yeye Kai ani Yeye Tan] l'awa o ni Yeye Kai ani Yeye Chief Bisoye Tejuoso Yeye wa Kai ani Yeye

Translated thus: Who says we have not got a Mother Of course, we have a mother Chief Bisoye Tejuoso is Our Mother Of course, we have a Mother. The citation which was read by the then President of the dub, Alhaja Folashade Biobaku, referred to Chief Bisoye Tejuoso as a devout Christian, a revered mothel and doting grandmother and a famous business woman. She was described by the journalist who interviewed her on the day of the ceremony as someone who "carries with her a will to succeed in everything she sets out to do." This is very true of Chief Bisoye Tejuoso. Her achievements in life have been aptly summed up in those words.

7. Her Life in Retrospect Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's life is rich in experience. Her courage and extraordinary intuition which has enabled her to carry on and expand the company which she started in a small way, her ability to dedicate the right amount of time to home and work- a thing which is always difficult for working women, and her selfless service to the community have won her the admiration of a great number of people. When asked what she had learnt from life, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso paused for a moment, settled back in her seat, and after a few seconds asked if she could be given some time to think about the answer to "this big question" as she put it. According to Chief Bisoye Tejuoso, one of the important things she has learnt to appreciate in her seventy five years of existence is honesty, "It pays to be honest," she advised/'The world" she said, "is an easy place; it is we who inhabit it who make life uneasy." To get to the top, one should be honest and straight forward". "As for me," she continued, "my 'yes' is 'yes' and my 'no' is 'no' and I pray that it may remain so till the end of my life." She expressed the hope that her grandchildren and all those whom she had nurtured from childhood would grow up as honest and truthful citizens. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso does not believe in procrastination. She believes that what must be done must be done immediately so that results are not delayed. Regarding friendship, love and friendship, according to Chief Bisoye Tejuoso go together but there are times when jealousy and envy creep in and spoil the whole essence of friendship which should be based on mutual love. Old friends, she claims, are the best and to them she owes a world of gratitude for their love and support. Referring to children's upbringing, she observes that there is less caning in schools nowadays and she feels there should be more cooperation between the home and the school regarding I discipline. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso agrees totally with the old adage that 1 life is not a bed of roses "life is full of ups and downs'', she I added. She has had her own share of the ups and downs of life. "It is only those she continued, "who have succeed in overcoming the hazards of life that can relax and enjoy the blessing that life has to offer". One other observation which I Chief Bisoye Tejuoso made about life and would like to pass i on to the younger generation is the old saying' divided we j fall, united we stand'. 'Foresight' she stressed, 'is important Chief Bisoye Tejuoso had foresight, with this she was able to achieve her one ambition which was to go fully into the . manufacturing industry. This she did successfully. "Coping with manufacturers of similar products is no problem. We engage in healthy competition". This was the remark she made when she was interviewed some fifteen years ago by the Daily Times editor of Woman's Angle. She felt that women were; afraid to invest in manufacturing at that time mainly because of the responsibility involved. Some of her friends, she recalled, told her in plain words when the Tejufoam Industry was being established that she was 'looking for trouble. Today Chief Bisoye Tejuoso is happy that more women are investing in the manufacturing business. Chief (Mrs) Toyin Olakunri, Managing Director of Diamond Plastics Industries Limited, when interviewed, said she was working with the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank when she first met Chief Bisoye Tejuoso. In the course of reviewing her requirements, she got to know more about Chief Bisoye Tejuoso's previous experiences. She remarked that she was impressed by her determination, hardwork, resourcefulness and total commitment to the development of the industry and also the extent to which she stretched her ability to put the industry into efficient operations. "Industry", Chief Toyin Olakunri stated, "is so complex, having so many facets that must be catered and planned for. Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was open to ideas and used her innate humility and understanding to derive the greatest benefit from all her associates. She had had vast experience in commerce, but wanting more challenge, she ventured into industry as a logically backward integration." "Her drive", she affirmed," was motivated by her determination to succeed and not by any monetary consideration. With the goodwill she generates by her hard work her contributions to family life and the community, she has remained a role model for all young ladies, wishing to make a career in industry." There are others who have taken the plunge and have ventured into 'the world of industry. Among them are Mrs Tutu Adeleke, Managing Director, Tate Industries PLC, Chief (Mrs). Bassey Etim, Chairman of Imarsel Chemicals Company Limited and Mrs M. O. K. Taiwo, Chief Executive, Peggy Chemicals Limited. The present economic recession notwithstanding, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso predicts a bright future for women who wish to enter the manufacturing business. "The secret of success in this field", she reveals, "is good public relations And hard work."

At the time of his mother's installation as Iyalode Egba ,Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, made this statement- "In the past, key posts in the community were held by men; but, in the last few decades women have been working side by side with men in all fields". Today, we have in Nigeria women doctors, lawyers, magistrates, judges, chartered accountants, engineers, directors general, commissioners and industrialists, in Abeokuta has attained great heights and achieved greatness by dint of hard work. She excelled in business and service to the community and for this she has been duly honoured. In recognition of her contribution to Commerce and Industry in Nigeria she was honoured in 1982 with the Nigerian National Award of the member of the Order of the Niger. In a recent letter received by her and signed by Mr Ted Iwere, the Publisher of Worldwide Business Media Ltd., Chief Bisoye Tejuoso was informed that she has been nominated for the Business Hall of Fame. Her selection, according to the Board of Editors of BUSINESS, Nigeria's Business Magazine signifies" our desire to exemplify your contributions to the nation's business progress and showcase an idol adjudged worthy of emulation by young men and women preparing to enter business". She was one of the recipients of the 1990 Merit Award of Ogun State referred to in the letter she received from the State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Chief Soniran Sowemimo as a well deserved award. These and other awards in both the religious and secular circles have placed on record the achievements of Chief Bisoye Tejuoso for which she is held in high esteem throughout Egbaland in particular and Nigeria in general. Courtesy: Omotunde Karunwi (The Author of the Book)

BIBLIOGRAPHY S. O. Biobaku - Egba and their Neighbours Oxford, Clarendon Press 1957 S O. Biobaku - Chief Madam Miniya Jojolola The programme entitled "Life history of the Iyalode of Egbaland on the occasion of the Iwuye ceremony of Chief Mrs Bisoye Tejuoso." Dapo Tejuoso - The Ultimate Honour Lagos, Nelson Publishers Ltd. 1989 Nina Mba -Nigerian Women Mobilized Women's Political Activity in Southern Nigeria, 1900-1965 Berkeley, Institute of International Studies, University of California 1982 J. A. Olusola - Baba Mellor Ibadan, Daystar Press 1973 P. A. Talbot - The People of Southern Nigeria

CHAPTER 2 My Roots - My Early Recollection of Our Lineage - The Karunwi Connections

My Roots My major aim in putting my thoughts on paper is mainly to thank God and to appreciate those whom He has entrusted with nurturing me to a level of manhood - my dear caring loving and adorable parents Papa Joseph Somoye Tejuoso and Mama Esther Beatrice Bisoye Tejuoso (nee Karunwi) - both of Blessed memory; both leaving the stage at the appointed time as actors do, having finished their acts on the stage of life. Both were mentors to me, impacting my life positively, never in anger, never in a rage or abuse but in constructive engagement. We were never in lack or in superfluity'. God was our provider, our home was a Godly home, in my childhood, youth and manhood. God is real. Obedience, discipline, silence and good neighourhoodness were the diet we their children were fed on. Moraloyo my sister and I were truly loved and we returned this obedience and love; honour thy father and thy mother so that thy days maybe long (5th Commandment). The life history of my mother has been written while she was alive by Mrs. Omodele Karunwi to celebrate her and I would like to preserve that work of love in its original presentation; hence the inclusion in this account of my roots.

My early recollection of our home: 1. The story I learnt from them about our foundation - The Roots' my observation while we lived as a family - TEJUOSO was the Chief High Priest who led the Ifa High Priests that confirmed the suitability of the Egbas to settle in Abeokuta. The Egbas arrived in Abeokuta (under the Olumo Rock) on the 5th of August 1830 i.e. Egba Alake/ Oke-Ona Egba and Gbagura. The Owus joined in 1834. On the31'’1 of January, 1898 under the authority of Governor McCullum who was acting on the orders of Queen Victoria of England. The Egba United Government (EUG) was inaugurated as four equal arms with the Alake being the Primus Interpares (the 1 amongst equals as at then - this was not intended to be permanent). The belief or taboo until then was that two obas should not meet eye to eye or face. But you should now decide yourself whether this belief or myth was true or false because the Alake - Oba Sokalu died 5 months after this meeting (event). The Osile Oba Karunwi I died in 1899, also just about one year after the event occured. What a great sacrifice. My maternal grandparents were the late Prince Chief Josiah Ajayi Karunwi - Odofin Ago-Oko and the late Mrs. Victoria Aina Karunwi. The Genesis: What is in a name? Adedapo Adewale Kokumo, Malomo - a royal parental wish come true. "As for becoming a king, it never occurred to me. I never gave it any thought. Curiously though, some of my teachers in those days, with their actions, did tread a prophetic path. I remember now very vividly that in the school drama groups, whenever there was a king's role in any of our plays, my teachers or whoever was in charge would give me that role. The time we staged Shakespeare' Julius Caesar, I was Julius Caeser. Apart from this, other leadership roles kept coming my way. In those early years, the climax came with my being appointed the Senior prefect of the Abeokuta Grammar School in 1956. If I did not nurture Royal dreams, that is not to say others might not have dreamt on my behalf. The people I have in mind are my parents. My mother, the third (3rd) Iyalode Egba, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso, is a princess and she hails from the Ayokan Ruling House, That House had produced two kings out of seven so far in the 117 year-old traditional rulership history of Oke-Ona Egba in Abeokuta. In fact, the first Osile, Oba Karunwi I who reigned in Abeokuta between 1897 -1899 was from the Ayokan Ruling House. The other person who must have dreamt royal dreams for me, was my late father, Mr. Joseph Somoye Tejuoso. He missed being a prince himself because of his father's reported distaste for the travails of kingship. That needs some explanation. The following story was told to me by my uncle, the late Chief Akitoye Tejuoso, the Oluwo of Ago-Oko as well as being the Oluwo of Oke-Ona Egba. He was the head of the Regency Council of Osile Oke-Ona Egba after the death of Oba Adedamola IT— the 7th and immediate past Osile of Oke-Ona Egba. My immediate predecessor in office. Today, one will find in the Western Nigeria Chieftaincy Act of 1958 that there are three ruling houses in Oke-Ona Egba. These are the Ayokan, Kebiodu and Ganganojuda Ruling Houses. But, before those three Houses acquired their legal taproot, the Tejuosos missed a rare chance of becoming a ruling house because their son, Chief Moses Tejuoso, was said to have refused the throne when the Oke-Ona Egba people wanted him. This was in 1918, when Oba David Sokunbi Karunwi II the second king to be produced by the Ayokan Ruling House and the third Osile joined his ancestors. This of course is not surprising, knowing fully well that both the Tejuosos and Karunwis hail from the source in Oko-He. They were possibly cousins. From what I have been able to gather from family history, my grandfather, that is Chief Moses Tejuoso did not refuse the first citizenship position of the Oke-Ona Egba out of pride. Rather, he was an unassuming, quiet and peace-loving gentle man, who feared the turbulence that was characteristic of the Oko people. He considered himself too young to die and leave his children like sheep without a shepherd. This same argument continued my late Uncle, guided his decision when some years after refusing the Osile crown, he was offered the chieftaincy title of the Oluwo Ago-Oko. He had the mind of equally turning it down. But one of his sons, my uncle, Chief Akitoye Tejuoso, pressurised him into accepting the honour his people bestowed upon him as, according to him, he was then old enough to die and it was better he died with the honour. So, realising these princely roots, my parents must have had their dreams. Probably, that was why they gave me the names Adedapo Adewale. Another form of prophetic utterance from parents, Kokumo, Malomo, remembering they had lost two or three children at birth before me. Almighty fattier heard their plea. I am alive to fulfill my destiny. Thank God. I went about my life in my childhood without attaching any significance to those names. Even when I lived in my mother's family house at Isale Oko, Abeokuta, which had served as the palace of the past two (2) Osiles Karunwis, the idea of my becoming a King one day never crossed my mind. One thing, I should not forget to mention, however, is an intuition I have had for a long time. At times, it will suddenly dawn on me that I am the reincarnation of Oba Karunwi I, the first Osile. The first sign that indicated to me I might be called upon to become the eighth Osile occurred in 1984. One day, 1 woke up and went to my mother's apartment. It was very early in the morning. As I entered her sitting room, she was not alone. With her were some very elderly people who had come visiting from Abeokuta. Immediately I entered, all of them, old enough to be my father, got up and prostrated, and said "Kabiyesi". I was taken aback. So I also prostrated and left. After their departure, I went back to my mother to enquire about the riddle behind that peculiar greeting. My mother disclosed to me that she had been informed that the Ifa Oracle at Ago-Oko and Oke-Ona had given me the nod as the next Osile after the demise of the incumbent. Again, in December 1984, Chief Oluyombo Akoni, told me he saw me in his dream as a King and he (Yombo) about eight years older than me, prostrated before me. Many Aladuras had also told me similar visions earlier. Another incident which is worthy of mention happened about fifteen years ago then but now over forty years ago. Around 1973/741 had just come back from my postgraduate studies. The then Osile, Oba Adedamola II, from the Kebiodu Ruling House, took ill. The illness was quite serious and he was admitted into Lantoro hospital in Abeokuta. Soon after that, at a gathering of mostly Egba people, a few of us, my friends, were discussing generally and somehow, we got talking about the Osile. One of us then suddenly said, 'Dapo, ma duro m, Osile ti won lara re ko ya yii, to bamaku, won ma le so wi pe Oba kane.' (if the present king dies, you Dapo may be called upon to be the next King.) I retorted, 'you must be joking, at the age of 35/36 mo sese bere aye ni. Se maa fi gbogbo eleyi site, maa wi pe mo felojoba? Olorun ma je. To ba je wi pe mo tile to 50 years ni, ti won ba nikin waje Oba, a gbo yen. But at 35/36 kini mofefi Oba se? (meaning what would I do with being a King at 35 years of age? If I were 50 years old, I might have considered it). The surprising thing about this incident I have just related is that the late Osile, Oba Adedamola II recovered from the illness. But he finally joined his ancestors, exactly when I was 50 years and four months old on the 27th of July, 1988 to be precise. Again, could tills just be coincidental or was God deliberately molding things to make it impossible for me to refuse to become the next Osile? When I was told about his death at the end of July 1988, the first thing that struck my mind vividly was my statement in 1973/74. Why did this man wait for me to be 50 years? Why did I not say 60 years instead of 50 during that discussion 14/ 15 years ago? May be he was waiting for me to mature enough and be ready to shoulder the responsibilities of kingship. As soon as his death was officially announced, my uncle. Chief Akitoye Tejuoso, the then Oluwo of Oke-Ona Egba, told me that the lot might fall on me to be the next Osile. The first time I visited Abeokuta (on the 30th of July 1988, the day Erelu Fernandez celebrated her 40th birthday and chieftaincy title at Ake Palace in Abeokuta) after Oba Adedamola II passed away, everywhere 1 went, everybody addressed me as Kabiyesi. This was even before the formal announcement to my mother's family, the Ayokan Ruling House, that they should present a candidate. The development worried me. Here I am. I had lived all my life in Lagos. I was happy the way I was. I wondered whether the days ahead would not be stormy. Why me? Is this ordained or destined by God? May God's will be done. I finally submitted everything to God. However, having realized that there was no way I could avoid the Osile stool, in my usual way, I put my fate in God's hand. I prayed hard and left everything to Him. To direct me. 1 thus made a covenant with my God. That I would not go out of my way to contest the crown or lobby anybody for it. If, therefore it is the will of God and of Oke-Ona Egba people for me to be their King, who was I to refuse? To say no to them is to incur The Royal Roots: Iyalode Egba lll - Osile, Oranmiyan the wrath of many people, a whole township and more importantly the wrath of God who had planned all these. And I reasoned this way, 'won ni eniyan nwa owo lo, o pade iyi lorn, ko duro ko mu iyi, o ni oun tun n wa owo lo, To ba r'owo oun tan,ki lo fefira? Ki se iyi ni?(Honour is better than riches because after reiches, you start looking for honour). To me, there is no honour in Yoruba land that surpasses that of being made a King. Even if today I become the President (I mean civilian President) of Nigeria, after eight years at the most, I will have to vacate the presidency. It is the same for a state governor. After one's tenure, one again takes up the gab of an ordinary citizen as before. But, hopefully a king reigns for life, unless, God forbid, the untoward happens. A king is deemed to be the father of all, within his domain. In fact when the governor visits, he addresses him as Kabiyesi. Furthermore, the King does not run the risk of being labelled an embezzler of the town's funds as these days he is not even legally in charge of anything capable of being embezzled. 'Kabiyesi, Alaiyeluwa, Igbakeji Orisa. 'Whatever a King does is said to be final. Hence the name Kabiyesi (meaning Ka bi i o si); (see Ecclesiastics 8:4 in the Bible). The president at times cannot do certain things without the people asking questions. Having compared the two, and bearing in mind that my ambition does not extend to politics, I guess, I would be happier and better suited to be a king. Afterall, not everybody can be king. You should be born into it. I know it is going to be a big sacrifice on my part. A lot of things are at stake for me. But it is a worthwhile sacrifice for my people and community for bestowing on me their ultimate honour without much ado or rancour. I only pray that God in His infinite mercies will grant me the wisdom to comprehend the intricacies of my present exalted position, and also grant me the health and strength to fulfill it satisfactorily, to the expectation, honour and glory of God, the duties of my high office. (Amen). To God be the glory, who knows the end even from the beginning." My father - Pa Joseph Somoye Tejuoso who died at the age of 60 years, lived from 1908 to December 27, 1968. He was a teacher at St John's primary school, Igbein Abeokuta in the early 1930's where he taught the famous Oyewole twins - Femi and Dotun, who were classmates with the then young, charming and beautiful Princess Bisoye Esther Karunwi who later became the wife of Pa Somoye Tejuoso - Chief Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso, the third (3rd) Iyalode of Egbaland, and the mother of the present Kabiyesi, Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, Karunwi III, ORANMIYAN. Pa Joseph Somoye Tejuoso's father was the late Councilor Chief Moses Tejuoso, Oluwo Ago-Oko. He died at the age of 85 years in 1945 and was buried at the Cathedral of St. James African Church, Idi-Ape, Ago-Oko, Abeokuta. His mother was Mrs. Ekundayo Tejuoso nee Olaifa (popularly known as Iya Olobi). Chief Moses Tejuoso was the Oluwo of Ago-Oko, Oke- Ona, Egba, Abeokuta (this was long before the Oke-Ona Egba chieftaincy title awards came into existence in the year 1982 to mark the 30th Anniversary celebration of the then Osile Oba Alimi Adedamola II. Otherwise, he would also have been the first Oluwo Oke-Ona Egba, but destiny and posterity left this for his son Akitoye) until his death in 1945. He was one of those who donated the piece of land on which the present Cathedral of St. James African Church Idi-ape, Abeokuta was built. He was also a Councilor of the then Egba Native Authority. It is therefore not surprising that his first son Chief Akitoye Tejuoso, Barister at Law and Lisa of the Egbas, became the 1st Baba Ijo of the African Church in Idi-Ape, Ago-Oko, Abeokuta.

In the early 30's Pa Somoye Tejuoso was one of the three (3) very famous teachers and bosom friends living in Abeokuta > 5 the others were Mr. Kosoko of blessed memory and Mr. I Obafemi Awolowo who later became the well known and famous Patriarch Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Lawyer, Politician, Visionary, Elder Statesman of blessed memory. Pa Somoye Tejuoso became the leader of the Yorubas in Zaria. 4 At the Nigerian railways where he worked as an administrative officer at the locomotive department from 1940 to 1957, he was popularly known in Zaria as the 'Olori' or the Leader. He was the co-founder and a leader of the Lisabi Club in Zaria. A member of ADUN (Abeokuta descendant Union of Nigeria) created to unite all Egbas in diaspora to be home conscious in all they did. He also became the leader of the Action Group in Zaria at that time, when the Political Party was formed. He was the Chief Host in 1945, when the great Politicians of that time, visited Zaria during their tour of the Northern part of Nigeria. Among| these visiting politicians were the late: 1. Hubert Macaulay - father of modem politics in Nigeria.1 2. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe who later became the 1“ indigenous Governor General of Nigeria. 3. Chief Obafemi Awolowo our Patriarch the best President of Nigeria we never had). 4. Michael Imoudu - The great and famous trade unionist of those days and 5. Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (BEERE meaning, First ladyand first female student to be registered as a student at the Abeokuta Grammar School) J The great Educationist, human rights activist, woman leader, liberator, and the wife of the late Reverend Israel

Oludotun Ransome-Kuti (DAO meaning First Bom Male being the first student registered in the Abeokuta Grammar school in 1908) He was the Principal of the Abeokuta Grammar School from 1932 to 1954. Mrs. F. Ransome Kuti was the mother of the late legends - Dolupo, Koye, Fela and Beko Ransome Kuti.

A group photograph was taken on the occasion of the memorable visit of these great politicians to Zaria. Believe it or not, the then young 7 year old me (Dapo) was the only child present at the meeting and in the group photograph. I was there with my late father - Pa Joseph Somoye Tejuoso and was seated on the floor in the front of all those seated dignitaries. 'Quite a pleasant memory'. It is therefore not strange nor is it an aberration that my son Dr. Olanrewaju Tejuoso is today the SENATOR representing Ogun Central District at the 8th National Assembly. It appears politics to run in the family, I being an Honourable Member of the 1994/95 Abuja Constitutional Conference, my late father Pa Joseph Somoye Tejuoso being the leader of the Action Group in Zaria in the early 40s and my grandfather, Pa Moses Tejuoso, Oluwo Ago-Oko Abeokuta being an accredited COUNCILLOR of the Abeokuta Divisional Council of his time in the 30s and 40s.

Pa Somoye Tejuoso later became a member of the Island club and a staunch member of St. Judes Anglican Church Ebute Metta, Lagos when he was transferred from Zaria to Lagos at the end of the year, 1957. He was bom in the African Church Idi-Ape, Abeokuta. I lost my father - Pa Joseph Somoye Tejuoso on the 27th of December, 1968, whilst I was in the United Kingdom for Postgraduate Studies. I had earlier lost my only surviving sister Rolayo Adebimpe Tejuoso at the age of 25 years on the 30th of December, 1965. She was buried at the Atan Yaba Cemetery, Lagos on the 31st of December, 1965 She was bom on the 2nd of July 1940. She was then an undergraduate student at the University College, Dublin (UCD) in the Republic of Ireland (EIRE). She was a much loved amiable and gentle sister of mine. She was a good mixer and a potential leader in the making in her own right. She was charitable and void of rancour. She was a peacemaker, a loyal, respectable, genuine friend, humane and enterprising, good sister, daughter and neighbor. Death snatched her away in the prime of her promising youth. It seems to me that death does not end this life as we know it, for to be remembered by the living signifies a continuum - Adieu. Sadly enough, I lost my beloved mum and confidant to the cruel cold hands of death through assassins at an unexpected' time at the respectable age of 80 years and three months on Thursday the 19th day of September, 1996. It was a red letter day for the wicked but the heavens were rejoicing for a voyager returning home to earn her crown of glory and deserved rest. Death where is thy sting? Grave where is thy victory? Pa Somoye and his senior sister, Moloko came from the same mother in a polygamous setting of my grandfather with nine wives. My father told me, according to the prevailing circumstances of the time, they all lived together happily until they were all grown up to fend for themselves. As it happens in polygamous homes; children from various mothers are bound as if they were from the same mother, so that you could not differentiate them. It happened with my late father and his two elder half brothers (my uncles) - Akitoye and Folarin. The eldest became a barrister of repute in Lagos where all the actions in Nigeria were taking place; Chief Akitoye Tejuoso- Lisa of Egbaland, Oluwo of Ago-Oko and Oke-Ona Egba etc. The Koval Roots; I yaiode Egb-a III - Ossie, Oraaojivas land speculator, traditionalist, an investor, and property developer. He was the only son of his mother and the first son of his late father Moses. The other uncle Baba Olonade (Pa Folarin) lived in Yaba area of Lagos with his family. Pa Folarin's mother gave birth to only him and a daughter, while my own grandmother, (Iya Olobi) had only my father and a daughter (Moloko). My late father was a teacher in Abeokuta. He was known for his thoroughness and dedication to duty. He influenced the pupils in his care at Saint John's (Anglican) School Igbein, Abeokuta. Some of his notable highly successful pupils included the Oyewole twins, late (Dr.) Chief Femi Oyewole and his late brother Chief (Dr.) Dotuh Oyewole and of course my mother Princess Esther Bisoye Karunwi who later became Chief Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso - the 3rd lyalode of Egbaland and Iya-Ijo of the Cathedral of St. James African Church. It was also said that three teachers were highly regarded and respected in impacting the lives of the pupils of their time, and that these teachers were friends. One of them later became the 'sage' of Western Region of Nigeria. An astute politician and a lawyer, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, my late father Pa Joseph Somoye Tejuoso, Mr. Kosoko all started as dedicated teachers. Later mylate father transferred his services to the Nigerian Railways - Yaba as an administrative officer. The friendly trio teachers parted ways and prospered with their families and by promotion my father was posted to Zaria. My mother and us the children went with them. Mama, of course was later joined in batches by her sisters, brother, cousins and in-laws. They were not idle hands, they worked diligently, learning how to trade in between the North and the South. Some Parts of Nigeria in terms of transporting goods enjoyed some comparative advantages via the Railway system.

It was a period of prosperity and unity in diversity in Nigeria. Our neighbours in Zaria were Yorubas, Ibos, Hausas and other Nigerians. By 1945, my parents owned their own property. They took ■ part actively in church activities at St. George's Anglican Church, Zaria, Politics, Social, cultural, Association such as Abeokuta Descendants Union of Nigeria (ADUN) and Lisabi Club. Both my parents were members and Papa played some roles in promoting Action Group (AG) in Northern part of Nigeria. So it was no fluke the two old teachers met again in the Northern Part of Nigeria with my father playing host to the visiting political leaders to the North as the Olori Omo Yoruba in Zaria. I sat on the ground in the front row, at my Dad's feet in the photograph the occasion. Abeokuta was calling home to my parents and they did it . prayerfully and in stages methodically. They brought my sister and I home to appreciate and to know our heritage and roots. We actually lived at Ago-Oko with Bishop and Mrs. Onatolu of African Church Cathedral, Idi-Ape. In fact Mama Onatolu taught us not to be idle after school hours — we leamt to sell different commodities. I ended up at Ake Girls School as a boy in the midst of girls (1946 -1948). Then to Mrs. Kuti Class (January 1949 to December 1950), first of its kind in Egbaland. By January 1951, I gained admission into the prestigious Abeokuta Grammar School, Abeokuta, under the tutelage and principalship of the then Rev'd I. O. Ramsome Kuti January 1951 to December 1954 and in my final years, at school, under Canon (later Bishop) J. S. Adeniyi 19955/56 as a senior Prefect in 1956. Can you believe it! The Oyewole brothers Chiefs (Drs.) Femi-Dotun, taught by my father at St. John's Primary School, Igbein, Abeokuta were positive influence on me for my science subjects physics and chemistry - according to the 'play' we staged at school by Mr. Femi Olomodosi (late) Very Rev'd Provost of the Cathedral Church, Ake. The Song, Olufemi, Oludotun science masters eyin ni nma jo" was rendered by me. Uncle Femi's son (Bode) who is a medical doctor, worked with me at my Industrial Clinic and Hospital, ilupeju before he moved to his own hospital in the 80s. The foundation was laid long time ago and both families benefitted. Praise the Lord. My sister Rolayo was not left out. She ended up in the boarding house like me at Abeakuta Girls Grammar School where she wrote her W AEC Examination before joining me in Dublin in 1963. As earlier stated, we settled in Abeokuta adjusting to a new experience of living with our parent's relations and the boarding house from 1946, By 1957, my father finally retired from the Nigerian Railways Corporation and journeyed back to Lagos. Mama continued with her trade; and the family, after a while, took root at our own house at Awonaike Crescent, Surulere, Lagos close enough to my uncle. Papa Dapo Karunwi's residence and just a slone throw from Papa Akitoye Tejuoso's Street which street was named after hm. From that single storey building, I started my private clinic at the Boys Quarters of the house. This has grown from that humble beginning to become Teju Industrial Clinic and the Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso Hospital at Ilupeju next door to the Foam Factory, Teju Industries Limited. From the little acom has grown the mighty oak. We should never despise the days of little beginnings. Another location we lived at was Ebute Metta with my uncle Barrister Chief Akitoye Tejuoso who made sure that his junior brothers, their wives and children were comfortable - the brothers being my father Pa Somoye and Pa Folarin. It was a three storey building at Adekunle Street where we lived harmoniously; even there Mama Bisoye Tejuoso tried her hands on "moin moin" trade and succeeded. Again, we need not look down on small beginnings. Christian living was encouraged, praying together in the morning and evening times. We the children were happy interacting with our school mates, especially on holidays. St. Judes' Anglican Church became our regular church as St. Georges was in Zaria. Lagos for us, during the school holidays, was a melting pot of swings, music, cinemas, Sunday lunch time dance for the youth and not so young. We had a swelltime. Ebute Metta and Yaba were the locations to be, Surulere was just developing, and after the holidays we all came back to Abeokuta to face our studies. On passing out from Abeokuta Grammar school, I secured® job at the Ministry of Health before I travelled to the United Kingdom for further studies. On the 30th of July 1957 on the ship m.v. Apapa and arrived in Liverpool and London for the first time on the 12th of August 1957. Just let me capture my roots one more time especially the three brothers Akitoye, the eldest much older than Folarin (Baba Olonade) and Somoye being the youngest. They had a common, ancestor from my grandfather Chief Moses Tejuoso who had nine wives and many children. These three brothers from different mothers stuck together in love and mutual respect, the eldest a successful lawyer, like an eagle, embraced them. Papa Folarin moved to Yaba (Olonade Street), Papa Somoye moved to Surulere (Awonaike Crescent) while Papa Akitoye was at Adekunle Street/old Yaba Road, Ebute Metta. It was at Awonaike Crescent Surulere that the Princess Mama Bisoye Tejuoso blossomed in her trade, Vono products, bedding and Foam and property development. She turned out to be a builder, engineer and architect all rolled into one.

On being disappointed in the business of Ribfoam and carpet manufacturing, God Almighty directed her into her own foam manufacturing business (TEJU FOAM), thus becoming the First Nigerian Woman Industrialist in Nigeria. Teju Industries Limited is located at Ilupeju Bye-Pass. The frontage property became our home for a while. I lost my sister in 1965 to the cold hands of death while it was yet her dawn. My grandfather and mother on maternal side died including my father in 1968 which hastened my coming home to be by my mother as the Managing Director of Teju Industries Limited. Somehow on my postgraduate course in the United Kingdom I have developed a taste for properties. My parents then were coming to the UK, USA, Germany and Russia for holidays. Sure enough to avoid renting accommodation for them, Harley Street and nearby mews became our home. My roots -1 had fingered out the three brothers closely knit. On my father's side they were two and children for my grandmother (Mama Ekundayo), the female elder was Mrs. Mr ’ iko Olaitan Jolaoso, and my father (male) was Pa Joseph Somoye. He got married to Miss Esther Bisoye Karunwi, and thus became Mrs Esther Bisoye Tejuoso both of them related very well and were blessed with five children, two were bom before me, but died prematurely and when I was born on 19ttl February, 1938, they were hopeful and trusted God and named me Adedapo Adewale Kokumo Malomo - literally a prayer of faith the Crowns are United (affirmative), the crowns have come home "to stay" (affirmative) he will live to fulfill his destiny. Then the 4th came - a girl on the 2ndof July, 1940 and named Morolayo Adebimpe. The 5th child that followed her died prematurely. To God be the Glory.

I thank God, that He has blessed us in the words of Psalms 127. We owe Papa God for His love of our Foundation, that He established it and wiped away our tears. Blessed be the name of our God. To trust God has its reward. Praise Him. A 'peep' at my Roots via the princess my mom of Karunwi (Ayokan Ruling house - Oke-Ona Egba) Her father Prince Ajayi had many wives but treated Iya Pupa in a special way and my mother as an apple of his eyes, hence he sent her to school to learn the white man's way even as a grown lady. She had a senior brother (but not of same father), a junior sister - Mama Lolade, Mrs. Taylor and later Okupe - Agbomagbe and two junior brothers; Segun and Kosheyinolorun; and other siblings by name Adeboye - Baba Akanbi. They were all with mama, we grew up knowing that everyone addressed and called my mother Mama both here in the South and up town in Zaria. It was a big family. I am happy to say they were all blessed in their various endeavours.

Lagos has its own special memory for me. I played my part in the social life of Lagos. At my 40th Birthday Anniversary celebration, Sir Sina Peters and Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi were on the Band stand round the clock. Champagne flowed like pure water. It was a period of indulgence. I was actively involved in community and service to humanity through Rotary; an avenue that propelled me to serve Lagos State and Ogun State selflessly as the Rotary International District 911 as District Governor in 1986-87. Praise be to God Almighty. Let me just share this with you to demonstrate what I referred to as community service - Rotary One of my friends, Alhaji Yemi Adeniran of WAEC Yaba (where I was retained as their only external Medical Doctor) invited me to join Rotary International whose motto is 'SERVICE ABOVE SELF'. It is a worldwide service organisation that promotes friendship, ideal of service, business ethics, goodwill and peace amongst all peoples of the world. I gladly welcomed the opportunity to be of selfless service to humanity. I was inducted into Rotary on my birthday the 19th of February, 1973 (at the age of 35 years) at the Rotary Club of Ikeja at the Airport Hotel Ikeja, under the Presidency of Chief Anofi Guobadia (now of blessed memory). Seven (7) years after, I became the President of the Club, 1980/81. That decision, is one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. Till today, even as an Oba, I am still a member. I rose, like all success stories, with the dint of hard work, to become the District Governor of Rotary International District 911 in the year 1986-87 "Rotary brings hope". I inherited 51 Clubs and increased membership by almost 100% to 101 clubs. This was a record breaking feat. I also created another record of attracting 507 Paul Harris Fellows in that one year. This means that I raised 507,000 US dollars for the Rotary International Foundation from my District 911 (Lagos & Ogun States). This was an unprecedented achievement. I was presented with two Awards by Rotary International - Presidential Citation Award, and Meritorious Service Award. On the 2nd of August, 1996, under the Governorship of Rotn. PDG Lekan Ogundimu, (who was the District Secretary of Rotary International District 911 in my year as District Govemorl986/87), Rotary International District 9110, recognised my sterling qualities and as a Royal Father conferred on me the honour of "PATRON OF ROTARY." In 1997-98, Rotary International also GLOBALLY awarded me its most cherished and highly coveted and prestigious honour that can be bestowed on any deserving Rotarian - The "SERVICE ABOVE SELF" AWARD, for my exemplary and dignifying role as a Rotarian.

Excelled, I won many awards with my team as it were; it was my prelude to kingship. I was involved in sports and pioneered the game of badminton in Nigeria. Teju Industries Limited being the sponsor - we were the only sponsors for considerable number of years (1978 -1988). I was the Chairmans of ABAN and also the president of the African Badminton Federation (ABF) (1981-88). I was a member of the International Badminton Federation (IBF). I was elected in 1981, as a member of the (IBF) International Badminton Federation, this was the world governing body for Badminton. I was the first African to be so elected. I used the platform of sports to address the evil of Apartheid Regime in South Africa for the release of Dr. Nelson Mandella, for the expulsion of the Apartheid Regime from the federation and for the improvements and all inclusiveness of Africans in sports. My joy knew no bounds, the day I was invited to personally meet Dr. Nelson and Mrs. Winnie Mandella during their "Thank You" state visit to General Olusegun Obasanjo (Rtd) at his Ota farm in Ogun State. At that occasion the words of Psalm 103 (6) came to mind very readily "God is on the side of the oppressed and He gives them their rights". I am sure we shared the joy when Dr. Nelson Mandela as a servant leader led and served the rainbow state. Every black man walked tall, the dignity of man restored to a people, black, white, brown walked as free men in their own land. God is great, Hallelujah.

Lagos (Dabis Court Surulere) holds for me many fond memories, many of the memories. I fondly cherish emanate from there, many friends, special ones, my precious life partners - my jewels precious and loving could be traced and traceable to Lagos. Will it be Omolara? Yaba Polytechnic. Will it be Yetunde? National Oil or will it be Olabisi - Ikeja/London connection and the other mothers of my devoted children who in one way or the other contributed to my growth and well being. The 'gem' of my youth Adetoun nee Adebiyi played her appointed role in my life for some time from the 30“' of July, 1960 until irreconcilable differences took its toll in 1973. For her role, I am enormously appreciative and very grateful to God. There were many business opportunities with their challenges - but Father God, saw me through most of the opportunities yielded result for which one is very grateful to God. One of the cherished legacies that is dear to my heart is Dabis Court - our family home, which took us seven (7) years to build. We moved in there on the 10“' of April, 1981. The same day I was blessed with a daughter by name Bisola, yet the most painful, we lost our most cherished matriarch and mother there on Thursday the 19“' of September, 1996. It was from this happy home that 1 was sought for, prayed for in its St. Joseph's Chapel built in memory of my late father Papa Somoye Tejuoso before being brought to Abeokuta to come and serve my people as a king. What an honour - the ultimate honour. A chronicle of my first thirty years will soon be captured in an entire book of my service and stewardship. Man cannot live in isolation. Friendship is the word. In Lagos in the "Period of indulgence", I spent Sunday morning (all of the day sometimes) with friends, business associates to play Lawn Tennis, leisurely to relax at our home in Dabis Court, Surulere, Lagos. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were usually served as necessary. A few of my friends would also drop in to play cards which could drag on to the 'tiny hours'of the day most of the time. These were the good old days when satan had a field day. It was however, thank God, not so long before the Holy Spirit took over. God's holy name be praised. Mama never ceased on prayers for harvest of souls. Some of us became used to Mama's Revival with her praver warriors and mountaineers. Glory be to Almighty' God. Constant search of the Bible became our focus. Psalm 34 vs 10 "The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing" - became our focus and Jesus became real. Praise the Lord.

Politics: The Nigeria Project The love of one's country is an inborn thing with me. I have had a 'whiff' of it while growing in the 1940 while in Zaria with my father. I felt it first hand in 1948 while I was only 10 years old in Abeokuta the social revolution of Mrs. Funlayo Ransome Kuti and Egba Women versus the Alake on the 'poll tax issue' which resulted in the exile of the then Alake Oba Ademola II, the Paramount ruler of Abeokuta to Osogbo for nearly two years. The incursion of the Nigerian Army into politics, the new wave in America with Kennedy brought the realization home to me to be part of the change and God made me play my own little part.

The National Conference 1994-95 I was a God ordained nominated government delegate to the National Constitutional Conference of the 27th of June 1994 to the 27th of June 1995. This needed the dexterity, steady nerves and courage of an ardent believer in Christ, and in the unity of Nigeria. God proved His divine purpose for this project for me by blessing me with my last child, thus far, right in the middle of the project whilst I was hosting all the Yoruba Delegates to the Constitutional Conference in my house at Abeokuta. This was on the 27th of December, 1994 and the baby - my daughter was bom named Aderanti Moyosomo. She has since graduated from the University of Bowen, in Iwo and she is presently doing her Masters Degree at the University of Leeds in England. God's holy name be praised. Our God is indeed very faithful.

But more importantly, the Divine Guidance and prompting of our Lord Jesus Christ, who had earlier revealed this important call to service to me in a vision, six months before the appointed time. 1 acted courageously by divine guidance with the other 5 nominated traditional rulers (one from each of the six (6) geopolitical zones of Nigeria). With God on our side, we prevented the breakup of Nigeria.I received a letter from Dr. T. Uzodinma Nwala PhD which is hereby reproduced: Dr. T. Uzodinma Nwala, Phd, stated this in his book about Kabiyesi - Oba Dr. Tejuoso and is hereby reproduced. "I salute you most humbly in the name of ourfatherland. It is now about 27 months since we officially concluded our assignment at Abuja as Delegates to the 1994-95 National Constitutional Conference (NCC). Ever since then, the memory of that historic event has remained fresh in my mind. When I remember the role of your Highness and those of other patriots and statesmen like Chief Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Alhaji Shehu Musa, Brigadier-General Abba Kyari etc, I began to feel confident that all is not lost. And I felt all the more inspired when I recall the singular efforts and courage displayed made prostrate by certain negative forces in our body politics. Since we left Abuja after handing in the Draft Constitution and Report to the Government, so many things have happened.

On a personal level, I remember and fell sad over the loss of your dear mother and our mother - lyalode Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso OON. We thank God who has since then continued to comfort and guide Your Highness and your entire family and people. For these past two years, while recuperating from the auto accident I had on my way to Abuja during the course of the National Constitutional Conference, I have occupied myself with writing a book on the Abuja NCC captioned: Nigeria: Path to Unity and Stability

The Abuja National Constitutional Conference (1994-95) A critical Review: In the book, I have critically examined the Background to the : NCC, recalling the delicate and critical situation our dear country found herself during the months preceding and in the course of that Conference. I have also x-rayed the issues canvassed at the Conference, underscoring their social, political and constitutional underpinnings. It is on record that despite the scepticism that greeted the inception of that Conference, a number of its historic decisions were received with enthusiasm by our embattled nation and the international Community. Among those decisions were Rotational Presidency, Federal Character Commission, New Revenue Allocation Formula, Zoning for purposes of power sharing, Devolution of Power, Tribunal for the Recovery of ill-gotten wealth, constitutional court etc. All these have become basic features of the New Constitution produced by the NCC which is to guide us as we move into a new Democratic Republic in 1998. Indeed, despite its limitation, many believed and still believe that the 1994-95 National Constitutional Conference, not only saved the nation from disintegration, but also has provided us with a compass for steering the nation more constructively forward towards greater Unity, Peace, Justice and Stability.

While the nation anxiously awaits the promulgation of the Draft Constitution into law, the Federal Government is already somehow implementing some of these key decisions. NIGERIA: PATH TO UNITY AND STABILITY... enables us to follow the unfolding drama in our present political history.

Your Highness, l consider my humble self, your servant, as an authentic chronicler of that event. I served in two of its key committees namely; - Committee on Political Structures and Framework of the Constitution, and - Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC)

In addition I served as Secretary to a number of bodies (particularly the Southern Solidarity Forum (SSF)) that were instrumental in generating some of the key decisions of the Conference. Your Highness, your contribution at that Conference, particularly during the NCC's first plenary session (on the fateful Tuesday, July 12th, 1994) helped immensely to set the tone for the Conference and put hardliners on the defensive. That your heroic and historic intervention remains a landmark in the history of that Conference. This book could not, therefore, be complete without placing it on record. Arrangements have been completed to present the book to the Nation on October 29"‘, 1997 at 11.00 a.m. at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. I am, therefore, beseeching your highness to kindly grace the occasion as Royal Father of the Day. A copy of the book will be sent to you in due course. Meanwhile, I enclose some relevant portion of the book referred to above. The Course of Debate at Plenary Session: The Chairman and the Conference agreed that the delegates should each speak for about 10 minutes. For this purpose he drew up the list for each day. The first plenary session enabled each delegate to state in broad terms his mandate, how he perceived the task before the Conference, the source of the tuition's problems and possible solutions. Almost all-delegates spoke on the key issue of the corporate existence of Nigeria. While nearly everyone affirmed his belief in the continued corporate existence of the country, many warned that for Nigeria to remain united, its unity must be based on the foundations of justice, equity arid democracy, 'the broad focus of the speech of Southern delegates was on Marginalisation arid Justice, My humble contribution (of which time did not allow its full presentation) i$ contained in (App. V). Many delegates from the North were generally very tough talking and boldly defending the status quo. They also spoke about their own marginalization in certain area of the power equation, especially in foe bureaucracy, economy arm media. It was this dogmatic defence of the status quo that provoked Mallam Ahmadu Abubakarfrom Plateau state to call on the North to relinquish power by allowing the Presidency to go to the south this time mound. Several documents and memoranda on various issues flooded the conference, The major focus was on the issues of National Unity, Peace, Justice, Equality, Structural Performs, Forms of Governance, Presidential System (French or American Models) Parliamentary system, Authentic African Model" Tiers of Government, Need for return to true federalism, calls for regionalism, confederation, devolution of power, power and resource sharing arrangements to end marginalization and domination, rotation of power Zoning, New re-enutiocation formula, economic reform, problems of corruption. Early return to democracy and quick end to military rule in Nigeria. Proposals for ending the prevailing political crises, calls for an Emergency National Government, release (fall political detainees including Chief M.K.O Abiola. The issue of June 12, etc, etc. The Controversy over H.R.H Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso's Speech On Tuesday, July 12th, 1994, Oba Tejuoso made his own speech. He was unduly and rudely interrupted by heckling delegates mostly from the North. This led to a walk-out by Yoruba delegates except His Highness, as decided, who was later invited to lead them back to the hall after some memory agreements were reached. The Oba's speech began with his remarks that the source of the country's problems is that we have forgotten God in ml aspects of our lives and we have not given respect to the ciders" and the traditional rulers. Then he went on to condemn the protocol list which puts the Traditional Rulers after governors. Commissioners, Director-General, Local Government Chairman and Councillors and he urged that this be rectified. As a medical Practitioner, he also lamented the marginalisation of the Medical Practitioners in the affairs of Nigeria.Recalling that the Chief Medical Officer, second in command to the Governor General of Nigeria (Pre and Post Independence). After condemning the Land Use Decree, the Oba went, on to dwell on the need to enshrine in the new Constitution, the principle of equality and the right of every Nigerian to aspire to the highest post of the land. He then went on to declare, "it is only fair and equitable that June 12,1999 he revisited and justice done". Its principles and issues, he said, must, he upheld, At this point, the heckling began. The Oba then gave notice that he might be overstaying the ten minutes allotted to him and he asked for "injury time". Still on the June 12 issue, the Oba spoke frankly, saying: "The good thing about Nigeria and the Nigerians is that we forgive and forget so easily, otherwise most of us will not be entitled to be here seated today. What indeed has Abiola done that has not been done by some or all of us here present? What makes his offence so great as to warrant such an annulment after he had been declared the winner of the election? What makes disannulment impossible? These are serious questions and issues yet to be answered publicly. These answers should come now." While acknowledging that there had been other injustices perpetrated in our political history, the Oba called for the revisiting of June 12 and the immediate release of all political detainess including Chief M.K.O. Abiola. June 12, he emphasized, was the main reason for the Constitutional Conference. At this point the heckling became unbearable. Some delegates felt that the reference to those who should not be at the Conference because of their past was a reference to Dr. Umaru Dikko whose nomination to the Conference by the Government had sparked off much controversy. Again, the reference to June 12 election and Abiola had always been treated as an anathema by some vocal conservative delegates, especially from the North. Despite the spirited effort by the presiding Deputy Chairman, Hon. Justice Mamman Nasir, to control the interrupting delegates, the Oba concluded his speech but without most of the delegates hearing or knowing what indeed he was saying as a result of the noise or hecking. But for the Hansard we would not know what he said because of the noise by the hecklers. At the end of his speech, the Oba was about to leave the hall in protest along with all the Yoruba delegates. However, the Oba was persuaded to stay on whilst they then left the hall. Subsequently, the proceedings of the Conference were abruptly halted amidst general confusion and anger on the part of the Southern delegates and their liberal Northern colleagues. Through the timely intervention of some key delegates like General Shehu Yar'adua, Dr. Alex I Ekwueme, Quef Sam Mbakwe, Dr. Saraki and others including the Oba who joined them later, the delegates who had walked out returned to the Conference. The Oba walked in first, and he was followed by the others. As he sat down, each Yoruba delegate approached him, knelt and bowed before him and then proceeded to his seat. It was a show of great affection, solidarity and respect of tradition to officially establish leadership. At die end of this, the Deputy Chairman addressed the delegates urging them to "give the Traditional rulers Ok respect and dignity they deserve". He then called on the Oba to address the Conference again as part of the agreed terms of settlement. In response, Oba Dr. Tejuoso decried the way things were going in Nigeria, especially the manifest injustice and inequalities. He expressed fear for the country's unity as well as his disappointment over the reluctance of people to address the discontent and grievances of a section of the country. The Oba said there were a manifestation of a great divide between the North and the South. For example, he said about eight (8) traditional rulers from the North and seven (7) from the South had gone to see General Abacha the previous day. At that meeting, he said, while the Northern traditional rulers. The Oba then gave notice that he might be overstaying the ten minutes allotted to him and he asked for "injury time". Still on the June 12 issue, the Oba spoke frankly, saying: “The good thing about Nigeria and the Nigerians is that we forgive and forget so easily, otherwise most of us will not be entitled to be here seated today. What indeed has Abiola done that has not been done by some or all of us here present? What makes his offence so great as to warrant such an annulment after he had been declared the winner of the election? What makes disannulment impossible? These are serious questions and issues yet to be answered publicly. These answers should come now." While acknowledging that there had been other injustices perpetrated in our political history, the Oba called for the revisiting of June 12 and the immediate release of all political detainess including Chief M.K.O. Abiola. June 12, he emphasized, was the main reason for the Constitutional Conference. At this point the heckling became unbearable. Some delegates felt that the reference to those who should not be at the Conference because of their past was a reference to Dr. Umaru Dikko whose nomination to the Conference by the Government had sparked off much controversy. Again, the reference to June 12 election and Abiola had always been treated as an anathema by some vocal conservative delegates, especially from the North. Despite the spirited effort by the presiding Deputy Chairman, Hon. Justice Mamman Nasir, to control the interrupting delegates, the Oba concluded his speech but without most of the delegates hearing or knowing what indeed he was saying as a result of the noise or hecking. But for the Hansard we would not know what he said because of the noise by the hecklers. At the end of his speech, the Oba was about to leave the hall in protest along with all the Yoruba delegates. However, the Oba was persuaded to stay on whilst they then left the hall. Subsequently, the proceedings of the Conference were abruptly halted amidst general confusion and anger on the part of the Southern delegates and their liberal Northern colleagues. Through the timely intervention of some key delegates like General Shehu Yar'adua, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Sam Mbakwe, Dr. Saraki and others including the Oba who joined them later, the delegates who had walked out returned to the Conference. The Oba walked in first, and he was followed by the others. As he sat down, each Yoruba delegate approached him, knelt and bowed before him and then proceeded to his seat. It was a show of great affection, solidarity and respect of tradition to officially establish leadership. At the end of this, the Deputy Chairman addressed die delegates urging them to “give the Traditional rulers the respect and dignity they deserve". He then called on the Oba to address the Conference again as part of the agreed terms of settlement. In response, Oba Dr. Tejuoso decried the way things are going in Nigeria, especially the manifest injustice and inequalities. He expressed fear for the country's unity as well as his disappointment over the reluctance of people to address the discontent and grievances of a section of the country. The Oba said there were a manifestation of a great divide between the North and the South. For example, he said about eight (8) traditional rulers from the North and seven (7) from the South had gone to see General Abacha the previous day. At that meeting, he said, while the Northern traditional rulers spoke with one voice in the negative over the issues of June 12 and the release of Abiola, the Southern traditional rulers spoke with one voice in favour of revisiting June 12 and release of Abiola. He decried the treatment which he received earlier in the day zoos undeserved, pointing out that what happened to him could not have been done by them to any Emir. In his reply, the Deputy Chairman, Rtd. Justice Mamman Nasir expressed apologies to the Oba and decried the intolerance and lack of decorum on the part of those delegates who interrupted him. Certainly, bedding was a common feature of the Conference proceedings. The Southern delegates occasionally applied it but not to any particular Northern leader. This episode was preceded by an informal meeting held at Sheraton Hotel at the instance of the Yoruba delegates. During the meeting the delegates spoke with tears in their eyes and appealed to their colleagues at the Conference to show understanding and sympathy for their plight and help to ensure that June 12 was discussed and resolved. They called for the release of Abiola from detention. Indeed, it was a moving and sorrowful spectacle to see some of them literarily in tears. More pathetic and irksome were the strictures against the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo whom a speaker accused of being the architect of the plight of the Yorubas through the propagation of what he called a negative Yoruba nationalism. The scene provoked a distressful response from Southern delegates including Chief Emeka Oduntegwu Ojukwu. Chief Ojukwu appealed to those present to respond positively to the appeal from their Yoruba colleagues to demonstrate goodwill and that we mean to live together.

On the 20th of July, Dr. Alex I. Ekwueme circulated a memorandum in which he called for the release of Abiola and the setting up of an Emergency National Government and suggested that such a Government should be led by Abiola as a gesture of National reconciliation. At the end of that meeting of fifteen-man committee was set up to make recommendations on the issue of June 12 and the release of MKO Abiola. As the meeting was winding up, Alhaji Mahmud Atta accused one of those on the high table of having asked him (Mahmud Atta) to tell General Ibrahim Babangida to annul the June 12 election when it was clear that Abiola had won. No discussion was held on this accusation which came in as an out-burst when Alhaji Atta was initially not allowed to speak by Dr. Saraki. The fifteen-man committee eventually met and recommended asfdBows: (1.) That Chief M.K.0 Abiola and other political detainees be released unconditionally. (2.) That steps should be taken to resolve the issue of the annulled election in the spirit of national reconciliation. (3.) That Abiola and the other detainees should co-operate. (4.) A delegation to be sent to the Head of State, General Abacha, on the position of Conference delegates. Members of this committee eventually went as a delegation to convey these recommendations to General Abacha. The members included Dr. Alex I. Ekwueme, Major-General Shehu Yar'dua (Rtd), Dr. Sola Saraki etc. Unfortunately, no further meeting was called to receive report of this committee. Apparently its recommendation was opposed by some hardliners especially from the North.

The delegation did convey the message, but unfortunately a member of the delegation spoke against those recommendations and asked General Abacha not to intervene by releasing Abiola but rather to leave the Courts to handle the issue because it was a criminal matter. This move culminated in the aborted release of Chief Abiola after an Abuja High Court had granted him bail. The ripples from this process caused tension within the High Command and led to the eventual retirement of Vice Admiral Allison Madueke, Chief of Naval Staff and Major-General Chris Ali, Chief of Army Staff." Kabiyesi, amongst others, also, by the good grace of God saw to justice being done to the South West of Nigeria which was the aggrieved zone in the then Presidential tussle after the free and fair election of 1993. This eventually resulted in the installation of a Yoruba man from the southwest zone (in the person of Chief Olusegun Aremu Okikiola Obasanjo) as the President of Nigeria on the 29th of May 1999. To God be the glory. Oba Tejuoso obeyed God who gave him the courage and God extended his hand of deliverance to Nigeria. Thank God for his mercies. Nigeria is still in one piece today and the country is enduring and enjoying a peaceful co-existence. Long live Nigeria. I also seize this opportunity to include this short report from the conference I tagged 'accountability' of all emolument made available to me and their judicious use. It was not billions, in millions, not to even talk of, but I accounted for all entrusted to my care. This I believe our Law Makers and those in government and the Judiciary should emulate.

Abeokuta On ascension to the throne of Oke-Ona Egba, I promised to touch the generality of our people and beyond to set up a Foundation to cater for their needs. The Foundation trust known as Oke-Ona Egba Dynasty Trust Foundation, a non Governmental non-profit making Trust, is to address the promotion of education at the tertiary level by supporting students (irrespective of their states of origin) throughout the duration of their studies. The Bursary is awarded to between 160 - 200 students per annum spread to between February month (in celebration of my birthday 19th February); during the month of May (to celebrate my day of ascension to the throne (20th May) and the third leg during the year - the month of September - when academic year begins. The foundation also caters for brilliant students who are encouraged with full time or partial scholarships. Apart from the specific periods mentioned, awards are made by the directors whenever there are needs. In all these our aim, is that everyone qualified must "have a bite of the sweet cherry." So far we thank God the aim is achieved. The second part of the foundation's objective is alleviation of poverty by helping small scale businessmen and women to be gainfully employed in their trades without collateral or loan imposed. The loan thus granted is repayable over an agreed period of not more than ten months. So far so good, but it may surprise you to know that sizeable number of our clients do not make good the promise, thus robbing others the chance to participate. The foundation also funds retraining programme for able and physically challenged people to enhance their usefulness to the society. And finally, under the foundation programme people in need, financially, physically or otherwise also received adequate attention. The overall philosophy is to do something for a person in distress to engender hope. To wipe away tears no matter the size of the handkerchief used to wipe the tears. The chiefs in charge of the foundation over the past 27 years have been Chief Yombo Akoni of blessed memory, Chief Olalekan Ogundimu, Chief Dr. Simon Olumuyiwa Jiboku, Chief J. Soretire, Chief Sunday T. Oluwole Abeokuta on the throne As a medical doctor, I invited a friend Prof, Oladele O. Kale then Chairman of South West Nigeria Guinea Worm Eradication Programme to Abeokuta which benefited our people greatly and guinea worm was eradicated in our community. We also put in place visitation to our people in the Ten townships of Oke-Ona Egba primarily to encourage community self help projects, town halls maternity homes relaxation and worships centers. We also embarked on streamlining our cultural norms. We were planting (trees). The matter of our 33 villages with Ajano as capital was brought to our notice being annexed to Remo North Local Government while they should be merged with Obafemi - Owode Local Government area of Egba Division of Ogun State. I and my chiefs have made representations to panel of enquiry into the Baale Orile Oko Chieftaincy dispute, Boundary Adjustment Commissions, governors, house of representative, speaker, the presidency etc. We are still waiting for justice. And we know that justice delayed is justice denied. We believe God will right the wrong for He is always with the oppressed. We are still very hopeful because we know that God has already answered our prayer. The manifestation of this is what we await and we know it would come in God's own time.

On the affirmative the First Community Bank in Egbaland was sited at Ago-Oko. It has grown in status to become the Solid Rock Microfinance Bank with its Head quarters at Ago-Oko and branches spreading beyond Oke-Ona Egba. It is now a State Bank as opposed to a Local Government Bank. Thank God.

A private school - 'Buckswood School' with affiliation in England, was established with the 'hope and plan' to graduate to a University. We have big dreams and an achievable one for that matter, praise God. Religion:

I have been divinely involved seriously in Christianity since we settled on the throne these twenty seven years. While at Ipebi for those 90 days, people were coming from Lagos to share fellowship and night vigils with me the Oloris and the family.

We continue with evening prayers and bible study morning devotion involving all members of my family and employees. Friends and neighbours including visitors who quite often join us. It is prayer - praise, bible tuition. It grew to House fellowship which holds every Wednesday evening and a night vigil on the first (1st) Friday of the month. We are not tired, we are encouraged to win a soul a day for Christ through evangelism - by a group of dedicated people close to me OK I EM -Oba Karunwi HI, Evangelical Movement, headed by Rev Prof. Joseph Adeyemo. They visit villages to carry out rallies, training, teaching and even on radio - preaching the Word all with the purpose to win souls for Christ; and empty hell.

House Fellowship is ably handled by Apostle Abiodun Ademuiywa of the Chapel of Reconciliation Mission International Abeokuta with Olori Duro Karunwi and her amiable husband Pa Prince Adegunle Karunwi - (My Cousin).

I have divinely been involved in reclaiming lost souls from prisons, from Thailand by God's prompting and prisoners were safely brought back home and resettled. The finger of God. Many have since embraced Christ and are leading profitable and useful lives in the society today. I have visited prison establishment here in Ogun State to preach to the condemned prisoners, in death row, and shackles of sin and death have been broken, praise God. I went in to anoint and preach Christ to these people on Divine direction of the Holy Ghost. These convicts were later set free by the authorities. Our God is able and He honours His words, Praise Him.

I was invited as prompted by God, to serve in Prison Rehabilitation Mission International (PREMI) by Bishop Kayode Williams as the Chairman of the Governing Council where some highly distinguished Nigerians like former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR and legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola SAN etc have been Grand Patron and Chairman of the Board of Trustees respectively. I have been part of Major Christian Crusades of PREMI in Abeokuta, Agege, Oshogbo, Akure, Ibadan, Ogbomosho, Ekiti, Ajah- Lekki, Abuja or wherever the spirit of the Lord directs me to attend, preach the word and actively participate. The Crusades may take any number of days. Seven (7) days are not unusual, with the Oloris participating. Many souls have answered to the altar call. Deliverance happened, prayers were answered, people rejoiced in the Lord - Praise Jesus.

Evangelism (Church Building - Growth) I have been divinely allowed to build many physical Churches, such as at Dabis Court, our Residence in Surulere, Lagos - St Joseph's Chapel in honour of my late father - Pa Somoye Tejuoso, Esther Bisoye Tejuoso Memorial Chapel at Ago-Oko, Abeokuta in memory of my late mother - Yeye Oba: Yet another chapel -Iyalode Esther Bisoye Tejuoso Memorial Chapel at the newly completed Church Complex at the Cathedral of St. Jude's Anglican Church, Ebute-Metta Lagos. Also the St. Joseph's Bethany House at the Cathedral of St. Judes's Anglican Church, Ebute-Metta, Lagos was also built and dedicated to the memory of my late father on the 27th of December, 1988 - the 20th Anniversary of his death. A prime motivator and contributor to the recently completed church building of St. Johns African Church, Olorunsogo, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta sponsored by St. James African Church Cathedral and its congregation. This was dedicated on Sunday the 23rd of May 2010 to commemorate my 21st Coronation Anniversary, having been earlier honoured to lay its foundation, on the 18lh of May, 1991 to mark my 2nd Coronation Anniversary on the throne of my forefathers.

I am the Grand Patron of: (a) The Egba Diocese (b) Ife Oshogbo (c) Ibadan (d) Lagos Mainland(Salem) Dioceses of the African Church. I am also a Patron of the entire African Church of Nigeria Worldwide. In a modest way; I have contributed to the growth of many Christian religious bodies as Grand Patron, Patron, Trustee, Adviser, Motivator etc. Alcohol Must Go God commands us to always be filled with the Holy Spirit. There are only two types of spirit - The Holy Spirit and the Evil Spirit and the two cannot occupy the same space at the same time. One must leave for the other. Wisdom dictates that it is the evil spirit that must depart. On a lighter note, I arrived at the conclusion that alcoholic drinks were no more fashionable nor godly enough to be served in a Christian home. As a medical doctor, I know that alcohol is injurious to anyone's health. I also like to encourage my close friends to avoid the stuff. I shared my feelings with the Oloris and some friends. Some thought it was not possible and would be anti social. I therefore took the bull by the hom prayerfully and ordered that all alcoholic drinks including beer be dispensed with and sales of them be stopped at any of our premises. What about profit: I was asked? God shall provide I said; since I was following His instruction. Sales improved surprisingly, I did not have to sack people and our social parties became more lively. My friends gained good health. By the same token I uprooted Obatala idol shrine at our family compound -Karunwi at Ago-Oko. No ill came to us. The pastor that carried out the assignment was blessed with a daughter named Testimony after this event. They had been waiting on the Lord for a child since they got married 14 (fourteen) years earlier. What a wonderful testimony God's holy name be praised. After all, God said in the book of Exodus 22:20 that any idol worshipper should be utterly destroyed, not to even talk about the idol itself. The couple had since had more children. Praise God. My private Business Life Papa God is my only source from whom all Blessings flow. The Source, the only source of my inspiration, my Rock, my Dependable Creator and Benefactor. Has never let me down once, not even when there is MAD RAGE of the enemy. God del He wins for me every trick in the game of life.

I learnt to rely on Him absolutely in every move I make. I believe in high ethical standards, the development of acquaintance as an opportunity to serve society. Innate in me, is the culture of TRUTH, Mutual respect and the recognition of all useful endeavours that address benefits to all concerned. Truth is sacrosanct to me and I value and cherish it deeply. I delibrately look for these qualities in all my business transactions. I am willing to pay a fair wage for a job well done. My philosophy is to honour old, reliable and trusted friends and reach out to new likeminded fellows. Business is a risk and I have taken a fair share of the risks. I have been duped, I have been blessed, each experience has been a blessing in disguise in all things. You know the Bible says in Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." I thank God for His merries and Grace. Our investments include foam manufacturing, medical, education, retail outlets for petroleum, marketing, tourism, banking, real estate development and joint ventures etc. Growing in Grace - Kings Day of Praise Having received a measure of success from crusades and revival, the Holy Ghost encouraged us to venture into my consistency of traditional rulership. The mandate received was to get the Christian Kings (Obas, Oloris, Emirs and Obis) of our land and beyond to come together to worship the Sovereign King in songs and praises, to seek God's face in adoration and thanksgiving - An altar of praise. It seemed an herculean task, but the Almighty father made it simple. We achieved the huge first get together at Gateway Hotel, Kuto, Abeokuta on the 10lh of October, 2004 at 10.00 a.m. It is has been a regular event looked forward to by the Kings on annual basis in October in Abeokuta. The next and 13th Edition is billed to take place at the Bishop's Court, Onikolobo, Abeokuta on Thursday the 13th of October 2016. The other great personalities used by God for this great project were my humble self - the visioneer, Chief (Dr.) Evangelist Obey Fabiyi PHD, the Coordinator Prof. Rev. Joseph A, Adeyemo, His Royal Majesty King Orukare, Bokuma of Bayelsa State, Evangelist, broadcaster under the auspices of (OKTEM) Oba Karunwi III Evangelical Movement who reached out to as many monarchs far and near. He reached to all parts of Nigeria and Benin Republic where Yoruba connected to our brothers. The Riverine area of Bayelsa was not a barrier. Praise God. Indulgence - before this memorable Grace. I have been divinely guided to send 'Bible' the word of God, to each monarch in Nigeria to mark my 70th Birthday. I obeyed. The Bible Society of Nigeria cooperated with me on publishing - the required number monographed in English, Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa. May 20th, 2014 was my 25th Coronation Anniversary; I had another indulgence from the Holy Spirit apart from any other celebration that I should raise a Praise Altar of continuous Praise for 25 Hours non-stop (MARATHON). The Heavenly father made the How? Where? When? Available. The People - entertainer - Crowd -food, refreshments at no discomfort to any soul from 4.00p.m. of the 1st day to the Evening - the Night - to the early hours of morning the following Day (25 hours) at Sapon, Abeokuta at the front of the Osile's palace virtually on the street, at Ago-Oko, Sapon, Abeokuta. People sang, ate, danced, refreshed. And you know what, no one fainted nor felt sick. We were all in joyful, grateful and thankful mood. The Oloris danced and the good people at the event rejoiced with us. Kabiyesi - the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland honoured God with his presence with his notable chiefs for about an hour. The result to our obedience was the new Osile Palace committee launched at the Church Thanksgiving Coronation service at St. James Cathedral Idi-Ape. And the adoptions of Non-Stop altar Praise Worship at subsequent Coronation Anniversaries. At the 26th Coronation Anniversary at the 26- hour Marathon Praise of 2015, my son Dr. Lanrewaju Tejuoso, the Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District testified to the greatness of God for answering his prayer at the 25 hour marathon programme of 2014 that if his wish is granted to win the Senatorial seat, he would be part of the 26 Hour Marathon of the 26th Coronation Anniversary. He was there throughout with his wife Moji of twenty eight years of marriage and some of their children and grand daughter (my first great grandchild - Kanyisola). It was the climax of the occasion as the whole of the Tejuoso Royal Family took a bow of appreciation on stage. Abuja experience - Marathon Praise Just a few days to the gubernatorial election there was a divine call that we should walk the land to Abuja to go and put on a Praise Altar and inaugurate the first ACOTRON Praise Altar. This again was for Kings, Obis and Emirs to praise the Most High for a peaceful and a successful election without bloodshed. The majority of the members had to travel by land, I did, even though all my physical body structure would suggest otherwise but who am I to argue with my Omnipotent Father. We went and came back successful without injury or mishap. Papa God is still in the business of honouring His word the election was peaceful and very successful praise God,

Before the election, I was divinely led to launch a booklet in Lagos titled - Handling, Victory or Defeat in Elections (Peace be unto you) as a timely message of warning to all politicians, godfathers and all involved in the Nigeria polities; that the matter should not be a do or die affair. It was a divine call, and the outcome had been satisfactory while those aggrieved approached the courts. Another book with spiritual dimensions was addressed to all leaders of thought enterprise, government, opinion molders non-governmental organization of the world tagged 'Living Waters for Kings and Presidents' - it is meant to awaken our responsibilities to God, our neighbours, His universe and His only begotten son Jesus Christ. Are we prepared for His second coming? Will He find you rapturable? You better be.

As an author: Again, this is an indulgence which has come about through granting interviews to daily Newspapers whenever they came calling. I get invited not only socially but often as a guest speaker or chairman at occasions from my days on Rotary assignments especially as a District Governor, I have learnt to jot down my thoughts to avoid repetition and to give cogent facts. I also try to relate my true life experience. For example, I have through God's guidance, seen to the plight of Nigerian prisoners held up in Thailand Prisons and got them released and treated humanely; and brought back to Nigeria.

10. AUTHORSHIP/MOTTO: It has been said of me that I am a disciplined man, 'sticks to it' attitude until result is achieved; that I have many written books to my credit. They include: i. The Ultimate Honour (1989) -

My Autobiography The Royal Roots: Iyalode Egba IQ - Osile, Oranmiyan xi. So Far So Memorable (1990) iii. Ripples on So Far So Memorable - Egba History in Focus (1991) iv. The Role of Traditional Rulers in ensuring the Success of the 3rd Republic (1991) v. A brief History of Oke-Ona Egba (1999) vi. Oranmiyan What is in a name? (2013) vii. Prophetic Utterances (2013) viii. Handling Victory or Defeat in Elections (2015) ix. Living Waters for Kings and Presidents - divinely written for the world x. The Triumph of Light over Darkness - (Chieftaincy Tussle) 2015 Perhaps, as a result of Kabiyesi taking advice that Obas should not be in the eye of the storm by writing books, a number of excellent books have since been written about me and in my honour. They are: xi. Traditional Ruler turned Evangelist by Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Adeyemo. (1999) xii. Miracles in Palaces by Rev. Dr. Johnson Olowookere (1999) xiii. Ten Years on-A Decade of Royal Selfless Service by Hon. Justice Fatayi Ademola Kuti (1999). xiv. In Search of Justice (Egba History in Focus) to mark his 10* Coronation Anniversary by Chief Lekan Ogundimu (1999). xv. Traditional Rulers and Good Governance in Nigeria (Treaties in honor of HRM Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso CON) by Kenneth O. Irabor (2007). xvi. He Touches Nothing, He does not Adorn. To mark his 70'* Birthday Anniversary by Chief Lekan Ogundimu (2008). xvii. Osile's Crown - a tale for the young and the young at heart by Kayode Sobande (2008).

As Oba, the official "Motto" I adopted on my Insignia of office, sums up my true philosophy of life, thus:- "He touches nothing that he does not adorn" - ENGLISH "Nihil quod tetigit, non omavit" - LATIN "Ohun a ko ni tun se, a ko ni fowokan" - YORUBA The book In Search of Justice drew attention to the fact that Egba had 4 EQUAL HANDS on their logo at their UNION, at the inception of the "Egba United Government" (EUG) on the 31st of January, 1898 - Egba Alake, Oke-Ona Egba, Gbagura and Owu. They were all Paramount Rulers in their own rights according to available historical facts. But the (Oke-Ona, Gbagura and Owu) 'OGO' Obas were gradually clandestinely sidelined. Today, each of them has been divinely upgraded to First Class Status, as a prelude to their attaining their rightful positions. Paramountcy (which is purely for the administrative convenience of the government) is now therefore only a matter of time. This is a move in the right direction. He is adorning the stool and its people with progress day by day. His stool was pronounced a 1st Class stool on the 19th of August, 2004 by the then Governor - Otunba Justus Olugbenga Daniel. It has since been gazetted and a certificate issued to that effect. The Royal Roots: lyalode Egba 111 - Osile, Oraniniynn Thus a close family friend observed that over the years, that Kabiyesi Osile has mastered the art of living, not only for himself, but also for others. This concern, has stood him out above all his peers as a man among men. He improves daily in his walk with God as a dedicated Bom Again follower of Christ who loves and cherishes his three Oloris- Omolara, Yetunde and Olabisi. He loves and adores all his children and appreciates their mothers. He respects and honours all his friends and relatives, a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is also a friend indeed. His joy is in looking after the well being of everyone. He abhors injustice, oppression and detests lying lips, loves progress. He seeks peace and pursues it. Kabiyesi Tejuoso is a First Class Traditional Ruler par excellence.

Encomium at 25th Coronation Anniversary (20-05-2014) (i) "The stool of the Osile had always been salutary to the development of Egbaland with the coronation of the first Osile in Egbaland in 1897 - Oba Karunwi I. The best is yet to come in the reign of Alaiyeluwa Oba A. A. Tejuoso, as I pray that in the years to come, greater cooperation would be achieved among the Egba Obas who are now 72 in number and that the rulers and the ruled who have so much in common as stake holders in the development of Egbaland when there would be no subjects rather all shall be partners m progress of the fatherland" written by His Royal Majesty Oba Adedotun Gbadebo CFR, Okukenu IV, The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland. (h) "Your contribution to the promotion of brotherly low among Christian Traditional rulers in Nigeria through the yearly Kings Day of Praise is legendary and a worthy initiative in your service to the spread of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ * 99 •timmmmmmmmmmmam The Royal Roots: Iyalode Egba MI - Osile, Oranmiyan written by Alaiyeluwa Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle MFR, FNIM, FNTVS, RSV, Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland. (iii) Quote "like the late Matriarch ofEgbaland, your mother, Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso, you have brought monumental strides and development, in the last 25 years to Oke-Ona Egba, and Egbaland in general, and I want to, on behalf of the Oyomesi, the Prince and Princesses and the entire people of Oyo, join millions of your admirers, in wishing you, long life, in good health and abundant prosperity. Igba Odun, Odun kan. Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese. Ase, Ase, Ase. Kaabiyesi"

Written by His Royal Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, JP, CFR, LLD, The Alaafin of Oyo, Paramount Ruler and permanent Chairman of Oyo State, Council of Obas and Chiefs. (iv) "I believe that the very great thing about him (oba Tejuoso) is his conversion to the Christian faith, it is in this direction that I believe God is making the most use of him. Today, praise is to the Lord, my goodfriend, as the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba is fully in Christ and no devil or man can claim his life. He is "safe in the arms of Jesus "safe on His gentle breast, there by His love o'ershaded sweetly my soul shall rest and signed offrnth personal warm regards" written by Oba (Dr.) Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu CON, Amororo II, Olowu of Owu Kingdom. (v) "Iam not surprised that God has blessed you so much, because those who bring sunshine into lives of others cannot keep it away from themselves. Your Majesty has touched humanity with your large heart and your humane disposition " “Kabiyesi you remain a source of inspiration and a real father to your subjects and that is why your subjects need you more than you can fathom, while they will continue to pray that the God Lord will protect you for them and grant you the good health and divine wisdom to steer Oke-Ona Community and Egba Community ship to a safe shore (Amen)." Written by Oba (Dr.) Alhaji Adedayo Olaloko Shobekun II, the Agura of Gbagura MFR, JP. (vi) This Day of the 18th Annual Awards Celebrating Nigeria's Best and A Brightest February 18, 2013. “The Lifetime Achievement Awards is reserved for eminent senior citizens in various fields of national life, who have given a lifetime of meritorious service and sacrifice to Nigeria. We honour leaders like you, who have demonstrated strong commitment to the continuing unity, peace, progress and greatness of Nigeria" - Chairman of Board (vii) "The occasion of the 25th Coronation Anniversaryfills us with a sense of nostalgia. Some of us who have had the opportunity of watching you over the last four decades have come to the conclusion that this time around, God has sent you on a special mission on earth and has equipped you fully to realize that assignment" written by PDG Prince Julius Adelusi- Adeluyi OFR, MNI, Past District Governor Rotary International District 91101980-81. Past secretary of State for Health of Nigeria — Interim Government. (viii) His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun FCA, Executive Governor, Ogun State writes "Kabiyesi, you remain an embodiment of undiminishing courage, consistent The Royal Roots: Iyalode Egba III - Osile, Oranmiyan candour, commitment that does not wane with time and adherence to principles of a just, united and inclusive society". (ix) "Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, is a member of The African Church, a Patron whose contribution to the growth of the church at all levels is something to reckon with. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established forever. (Proverb 2914) Written by His Grace, Most Rev'd Emmanuel Josia Udofia, the Primate of the African Church, Nigeria and Oversea. (x) "A thought - "I think Kabiyesi Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso could best be summed up as a man of Destiny" Adejuwon A. Adeoba (late) PDG Rotary International District 9110 - 1994-95. (xi) "Oba Adedapo Tejuoso who is of direct descent to Oranmiyan has never distanced himself from the House of Oduduwa like some others do. Great Thanks to Oranmiyan "The last grandson of Oduduwa born to his son Okanbi. Oranmiyan was the founder and thefirst Alaafin of Oko. This Oranmiyan is always proud to belong to the Yoruba race. May God continue to expand his coast. ” Written by Alaiyeluwa, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse H, CFR, Ooni of Ife. (xii) "Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso played pivotal roles in preserving the integrity and corporate existence of Nigeria at a very crucial period of Nigeria's history. I am sure he has a prime place in the history of our national quest for justice, equity and fair-play. He is always on the side of the truth, fair- play, equity and justice. Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso1s life epitomizes the very best in humanity, perseverance, diligence, generosity of spirit, tolerance and total devotion to wellbeing of our people." Written by Lt. Gen, Oladipo Diya (Rtd.) GCON "Creator of the universe from the depths of my heart, I pray to you to bless this man (Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso). CON. I testify that he has blessed me in many ways he may not even know. I humbly pray that you open up your best treasures to him and his family, grant him his desires, give him good health, a longer life, a happier home and more wisdom to guide him successfully through the challenges of life. Teach him to love and serve you more and to seize ever)' moment and opportunity to demonstrate his gratitude to you from the gift of his life. I thank you father in faith for answering my prayer" Chief Segun Odegbami 2015. Some of the Awards bestowed on me: a. Distinguished AGSOBA (DA) of his alma mater Abeokuta Grammar School. b. A winner of the Award as the BEST OBA in THE SOUTH WEST OF NIGERIA (YORUB ALAND) FOR THE YEAR 2005. c. An Awardee of the NATIONAL HONOUR OF THE COMMANDER OF THE ORDER OF THE NIGER C.O.N. IN DECEMBER 2006. d. An Awardee of a Doctorate of Science Degree of D.Sc. (Honoris Causa) at the first Convocation of one of the early sets of Private Universities in Nigeria - NOVENA UNIVERSITY, OGUME, DELTA STATE on Saturday the 20th of March, 2010. e. The Guardian Newspaper, on the 24“' of December 2010 included Kabiyesi in the list of 50 Special Nigerians The Royal Roots: Iyalode Egba ID - Osile, Oranmij an deserving to be honoured as NIGERIANS OF INTEGRITY and HIGH REPUTE. They are exemplary in character. f. On the 20th of May 2012, he was installed a PATRON OF SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CAN). g. On the 26th of February, 2013, he was one of the eight (8) Nigerians honoured with the accolade "This Day Lifetime Achievement Award".

Chairman, AOCTRON Governing Council (2014). Abuja Praise Day installation National Association of (NOAS) merit award 2015 as the most outstanding Traditional Ruler in Nigeria. 20* June, 2015. 20th of May, 2016 - ICON of Integrity Award by the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students of (NAAS). OSILE OKE-ONA EGBA'S ROYAL ANTHEM Kabiyesi Oba OsileEgba Oke-Ona 2ce Adewale Omo Lumesi, Omo Karunwi Lumesi Malaria, Malana Omo Odo Ade a pe lori, Bata a pe l'ese 2ce Adedapo Omo Tejuoso o o A tuba, Adewale, A tuse, igba re a ro ju u Composed by: Provost Olufemi A. Olomodosi (of blessed memory)

Provost of the Cathedral of St. Peters Church Ake, Abeokuta

Photo Panorama From Mama's Archives In loving memory of our very dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great, great grandmother Chief Mrs Bisoye Tejuoso, oon 3rd Ivaiode of Egbaland - 1982 lo 1999 Veye Obe of Ofce-Ona Egba - 1990 to 1996 . . Yeye to of The Cathedral of St. James African Church, Idi-Ape, Abeokuta 1982 to 1996

It is exactly 20 years today since you left us for eternal glory. Yet your sweet memory lingers.

Sweet mother, you succeeded as a pioneer female Industrialist In your lifetime. The first of its kind In Nigeria You were also a colossus but a caring, loving and doting mother, even to your grand children. That Is why we all love you. You were so endowed with radiant beauty in your body, soul and spirit Nothing pleased you more than to hear, with great Joy, that your children were walking tall in 'TRUTH' (HI John 4). We are now so pleased and grateful that our faithful God heard your prayers We shall keep the (flag flying by the good grace of God A good name indeed better than all the riches of this world. We miss you, so very dearly. We are however still full of praises to God Almighty who loves you most The legacies of hard work, discipline, good character and agape love you left behind still endure As we are, so were you. As you are. so we shall all be. We ate therefore trying to walk talk with God so we may be Rapturabie till the end by the good grace of God. Please continue to rest perfectly in the bossom of our lord and Saviour Jesus Christ till we meet again at eternity. (Amen). ADIEU Fondly remembered by your Laving son and grand children ALAIYELUWA OBA DR. AOEDAPO ADEWALE TEIUOSO. CON MA, MB. FWACP; OSc (HONORIS CAUSA) Karunwl III, Oranmiyan; Osile Oke-Ona Egba For and on behalf of the TEJUOSO ROYAL FAMILY

Photo Panorama From Mama's Archives

Text of my Message in the Punch Newspaper 5 years ago on the 19th of September. 2011 to mark the 15th Anniversary Celebration of the Demise of Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Esther Tejuoso, OON Titled: Red Alert - Love Agape A CALL TO DIVINE SERVICE For 14 good years since January 1982, you were the loving. Cod tearing and Industrious 3rd lyalode of Egbaland You were also the first woman industrialist in Nigeria. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. You as my only begotten mother, so loved Egbaland and Nigeria, that you laid down your life for town Your blossoming life was cut off prematurely 15 years ago a Nigerian born of a woman This was in the very early hour of Thursday, September, 1996 It was barely 3 months after your 80th Birthday. You had just, the week earlier. hosted all the Bishops of the Anglican Communion in the whole of Nigeria to a grand Reception at your humble, quiet expansive and respectable home in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria, had not known peace and rest ever since. They have murdered sleep, and are therefore, and sleeping comfortably in their respective homes. The latest of these unrests or sleeplessness are the Niger Delta Imbroglio and of Boko Haram. We pray that they do not spread across the whole country (Amen). Our resolution should henceforth be BRIDGES OF LOVE and friendship right across, not only the length and breath of Egbaiand, Ogun State, and Yorubaland, Nigeria, Africa and indeed the entire world. God had said it tong ago that if there is no peace in Egbaland, there can be no peace in Nigeria. WHAT IS LOST IS LOW people according to the Bible, is the only LAW (Roman 13:8-14). We as Nigerians, surely need to Find this LOVE Imperative that we should, immediately establish the INSTITUTE OF LOVE, not only In Egbaland, Ogun State and right across all the states in the country and our dear Nation, as a whole The LOVE rooted God is LOVE, and we are all instructed to SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM and there Is great wisdom in ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE to God injunction God's wisdom we are talking about here is AGAPE! IS RIGHTEOUSNESS Not our own what we should always seek stead! This is a clarion call (or SOS) to all our people. Traditional Rulers and Governments in Nigeria. Its now time to revive morning o our schools and offices In order to seek the face of the Lord.

Sleep on in perfect peace. My Sweet Mother and our Indefat iga la We 3rd Iyalode of Egbaland and Yeye Oba of Oke-Ona. Your Labour of LOVE shall never be in vain in Jesus Mighty Name (Amen). AS you WERE, so ARE we AS you ARE. so WE SHALL be We must ail therefore be prepared. Long live Egbaland! Long live Yorubaland! Long live the federal Republic of Nigeria! NOTE REMINDER CALL TO DIVINE WORSHIP AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL LOVE AGAPE The above was written exactly 5 years ago. It is still very relevant today. Hunger and the Avengers have now even been added. Nigeria MUST organise at least a whole day for each state, each city and each village m unity and synchrony to do nothing but worship and praise our Omnipotent Cod and Cod alone that day. Everyone according to his Religious belief. God will surely appreciate it a lot If the pronouncement is made personally by our own dear President Buhari, GCFR of the Federal Republic of Nigeria himself. We suggest a date before the end of October 2016. A stitch In time saves nine. ALAIYELUWA OBA DR. ADEDAP0 ADEWALE TEJUOSO. CON M.A MB FWACP. PSc (HONORISCA USA) Karunwl III. Oranmiyan. Osile Oke-Ona Egba

Photo Panorama From Mama's Chief Mrs. Blsoye Esther Tejuoso OON, The lyalode Egba III

Photo Panorama From Mama's Archives

Mr. Joseph Somoye & Mrs. Esther Bisoye Tejuoso shortly after their marriage in 1934 Photo Panorama From Mama's Archives

HRM Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso CON. D.Sc, Karunwi III, Osile Oke-Ona Egba, and his mother Chief Mrs. Bisoye Esther Tejuoso OON, The lyalode Egba III on her 80th Birthday celebration, 1996 Photo Panorama From Mama's Archives

The first family house at No 1 Awonaike Crescent, off Tejuoso Street, Surulere, Lagos in London 1966

Chief Bisoye Tejuoso being decorated with the honourary award of O.O.N., by the then President Shehu Shagari at the National Theatre in Lagos, 1981

Late Mr. & Mrs. Tejuoso in Lagos 1964 Papa and Mama Late Mr. & Mrs. Tejuoso with their son Dr. Dapo Tejuoso at a Cocktail Send Off Party for Mr. Wiggins, Manager of Barclays Bank (Now Union Bank) @ The Bristol Hotel, Lagos in 1964

Dr. Dapo Tejuoso (middle), his paternal uncle Late Chief Akitoye Tejuoso, (left) and his father. Late Mr. Joseph Somoye Tejuoso (right), 1964

Bishop of Egba Diocese of Anglican Communion (middle) discussing with Chief Bisoye Tejuoso at the fifth synod of the church held at Abeokuta. With them on the (left) is Chief Semeon Adebo. Photo Panorama From Mama's Archives

Prince Lanre Tejuoso presenting a copy of the autobiography of his father, THE ULTIMATE HONOUR to Princess Alexandra at a cocktail party held in London, in celebration of the thirty second anniversary of Richmond fellowship, an International charitable organisation.

Chief Bisoye Tejuoso with her first granddaughter Mrs. Titi Adebiyi (Chartered Accountant) and first grandson Lanre (Medical Doctor), 1986

The lawn tennis court at Dabls Court, at 2/12 Tejuoso Av. Surulere Lagos. (Tejuoso Family House). 1981

Chief Bisoye Tejuoso at her installation as the 3rd lyalode Egba, on January 24,1982. Her son, Dr. Dapo Tejuoso as Bantun Oke Ona, Egba behind her.

Chief Bisoye Tejuoso with her son, grandchildren and the children of relations at her installation as lyalode Egba III, on the 24th January, 1982 The Installation of Chief Bisoye Tejuoso as second lya Ijo of the Cathedral of St. Jame’s African Church, Idi Ape, Ago-Oko, Abeokuta by His Grace, the Most Revd. J.O. Ademulegun, Primate of the African Church, Nigeria, on 24th January, 1982

Dedication of the Anglican Cathedral Church, Ake, Abeokuta. From the left to right Chief Blsoye Tejuoso, lyalode Egba III, Chief (Mrs) H.I.D. Awolowo, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, The Rt Revd TL Akintayo, the Rt Revd J.S. Adeniyi and Mrs. M. Obebe, the lyaloja Egba and very close friend, Mrs. Adebola Aklnyemi

Chief Bisoye Tejuoso second from left with friend at the Iwuye Ceremony of Ronke, the daughter of Lady Kofo Ademoia (centre)

From left to right: Mrs Obebe (lyaloja Egba) Chief Bisoye Tejuoso (lyalode Egba), Mrs Ogunbanke (lyalaje Egba) and Mrs. 0. Ogunsan at the 1990 Ogun State Merit Awards reception held in Abeokuta in May 1991

Chief Bisoye Tejuoso with the former Archbishop of Centerbury, Dr. Runcie during the latter’s visit to Nigeria.

Chief Blsoye Tejuoso being congratulated by the Governor of Ogun State, Navy Captain Ladeinde Joseph at the 1990 Ogun State Merit Awards reception

Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso being handle the Horse-Tail of Office as the Osile by Chief Akitoye Tejuoso, Oluwo Ago-Oko and Oluwo of Oke Ona, Egba

His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso and his children Photo Panorama From Mama's Archives

CHAPTER 4 Mama's 80th Birthday Ceremony in Focus Mama's Birthday: Call her W-O-M-A-N! A PRINCESS, she went to school very late but, once there, proved herself as a leader, demonstrating such brilliance and dedication to her studies as were rare in her times. She went on to marry her teacher and had five children. She lost four - and her husband as well. Yet she became an oak: One of the most successful women ever in business in Nigeria. Her only surviving son is, on top of that, a medical doctor, a successful businessman, a reigning monarch and father to her legion of grandchildren. Enter Abisoye Esther Tejuoso! Pioneer woman industrialist, Chief (Mrs.) Esther Bisoye Tejuoso, the Yeye Oba of Oke-Ona and Iyalode of Egbaland, today joins the league of octogenarians, as she marks her 80th birthday. She was born at Ago-Oko, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on June 22, 1916, to the family of Chief Josiah Ajayi Karunwi, son of the first Osile Oke-Ona Oba Karunwi I in 1897. A successful business tycoon and Industrialist Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso is enigma. Through a dint of hard work and determination, she has carved a niche for herself. A loving mother and religious woman, at 80 she looks satisfied and accomplished.

One of the fortunate few exposed to western education early in this century, she attended Igbehin Primary School, now St John Primary School, Abeokuta, and later proceeded to Idi Aba Teachers' Training College, also in Abeokuta.

She was very intelligent and brilliant in the school. According to Femi and Dotun Oyewole, Abeokuta-based educationists and primary school mates of Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso, "Bisoye Karunwi, as we called her then, was the best student in our class. We attended the same primary school in the early 1930s".

The 74-year-old twin brothers add: "Bisoye Karunwi was the oldest pupil in the class, because she started schooling very late. She was about six years older than most of her class mates. She was more matured and exploited the age advantage to lead us in the class. She later got married to our class teacher. "In spite of the fact that we were school mates, we still regarded her as a mother, very hardworking, intelligent and God fearing."

Married to Mr. Joseph Tejuoso (late), her former teacher in 1934, Chief Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso believes that she and her late husband must have been meant for each other. Right from the start, they got on very well together. Their marriage was blessed with five children, but unfortunately three died in infancy. A very sad loss occurred in December 1965, when another child, Rolayo Adebimpe, died at the age of 25.

Rolayo was an Arts student of the University College of Dublin in Southern Ireland. Although it appears that the wound has healed over the years, the memories of Rolayo's short life still linger on in her mind. The only surviving child, Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Tejuoso, the Osile Oke-Ona, was born on February 19, 1938, and all along has been a pride to the family. Although Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso is a trained teacher, she never taught for a day. She has never worked for anybody all her life, but rather employed thousands of Nigerians and foreign expatriates. At an early age, she veered into trading and mastered the art of buying and selling. She started with little wares but, as a result of her business acumen and dexterity, she became the toast of all in the trade.

In the early 1940s, she ventured into the foam business, dealing in Vono products. She was also one of the few agents of United African Company (UAC). However, fortune smiled on her in 1962, when, by sheer fate, a Norwegian businessman walked into her showroom at 131, Broad Street, Lagos, bringing a business proposal that was later to enlarge the business horizon of the woman. Knowing her reputation as the best foam-dealer in the country at that time, he went into foam manufacturing with her. The business involved another Nigerian, one Mr. Eribo (late), who became the executive director, while the European was the Managing Director and Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso, the Sales Director. The trio, with a business name of Nigerian Polyurethane Company limited, commenced production in 1964. Within a couple of months COOL foam, as their product -was known, started competing favourably with other products in the country. A few years later, she was dissatisfied with the way the business was being run and, therefore, decided to withdraw her partnership. Soon after the break-up, Teju Industries Limited was registered in 1971, with Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Tejuoso as a partner. She has since nutured the business to success.

Little wonder Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso now sits over a multimillion naira family business empire which comprises of Teju Industries limited, Teju industrial Clinics Limited, Tit- La-Tej Company Limited, owners of Regent Hotel, Lagos. Others include: Teju Farms, Teju investment and Property Company Limited, and Avis Petroleum Company Limited, an independent marketer of petroleum products. As a great industrialist, she was awarded the highest honour by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce: The Nigerian

Senior Citizen in Business Award in recognition of her contributions to commerce and industry in Nigeria. She was also honoured with the Nigerian national award of Officer of the Order of Niger (O.O.N) in 1982. As a princess, it is not in her character to solicit for honour. But her loving people of Oke-Ona and Egbaland would not allow her to relish long in her indifferent attitude to chieftancy honours. She has since been conferred with a number of titles, which include Iyalaje of Oke-Ona, Iyalode of Ago-Oko, Yeye Oba of Oke-Ona, in addition to several other titles from the church.

The Alake of Egbaland, Oha Oyebade Lipede, found in her a worthy woman on whom to bestow the highly contentious title of Iyalode Egba. As Iyalode of Egba, the third woman to be so honoured in the history of the Egbas, she is regarded as 'Oba Obinrin', that is the first female citizen m Egba and leader of all Egba women. She is consulted on certain happening in Egbaland and is the one who presents Female Egba chiefs to the Alake for formal conferment of their chieftaincy title. 'Mama', as she is fondly called by her associates and admirers, lives an exemplary life worthy of emulation. According to Chief (Mrs.) Titilayo Ajanaku, an Egba politician and Otun Iyalode of Egba, "Mama is a woman whose life is a great lesson to mankind. She has a lot to pass down to the younger generations. A successful business-woman she is a leader whose affluence and charisma has brought women together. In fact, she is not a boss but a mother to me.

Chief Ajanaku, the second- in-command to Chief Tejuoso, also describes her as "a courageous and loving woman whom we (Egba women) look up to for counselling. No matter the obstacle, she fights on for what she believes in."

To Chief (Mrs.) Alaba Lawson, an Abeokuta-based educationist and Otun lyalode of Oke-Ona, Mama is an extremely hardworking woman. At her age, she goes to the office. She is a loving and a great woman to follow. She is God fearing and religious. In a congratulatory message to Chief Bisoye Tejuoso on her 80th birthday, the Ogun State Military Administrator, Lt. Col. Daniel Akintonde, says: "As the third Iyalode of Egbaland, you represent, for me, a symbol of unity for the Egba people, while your contribution to the country's progress in industry and commerce, to mention a few of the areas of human endeavour in which you have acquitted yourself creditably since commencement of your terrestrial Journey in this world, cannot easily seep off Nigerians memory.

There is no gain-saying that you are a highly distinguished Nigerian whose sterling qualities of diligence, candour, uncommon patriotic outlook and Godliness, are worth emulating by younger generations of Nigerians and generations yet unborn..."

It is indeed hard to improve on such a tribute. Stories by Muyiwa Adeyemi Mama is second to non - Oba Tejuoso Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Tejuoso, Osile ofOke Ona, the only surviving child of Chief Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso, spoke on his relationship with his octogenarian mother. Excerpts: As a mother? I see her as second to none. I am happy that God made it possible for me to come to this world through her. I couldn't have had a better mother. She is so loving, so hardworking, so trustworthy, so reliable and so dependable. She is a loving mother to the core. I am 58, but she still thinks I'm a child that needs to be petted, needs to be pampered. I presume it is natural to mothers. A child, no matter how old, remains a child to his mother. Thank God we have a very good relationship. She is quite understanding. She is beginning to understand that I am no longer a child of 58 years ago. As a matter of fact, even though I am her child, I made her understand seven years ago that I'm no longer her child. I am now her father. As a traditional ruler, I am a father over all the indigenes of Oke-Ona. She happens to be an indigene of Oke- Ona. So, when we are outside, she gives me all the respect as a father of a community. Of course, when we are inside, I give her the honour and respect due to her as a natural mother. I can't remember my mother ever beating me as a child, because I believe that I never did anything to warrant being beaten. Equally, I can't even remember my late father, even a great disciplinarian and teacher, ever beating me. I believe that I never gave them opportunity to flog me or to discipline me in any way. I was naturally fearful of being beaten and, as such. I was always cautious to ensure that I did not do anything that would warrant being beaten. Of course, you have to realise the fact that I only lived with them until I was eight years of age. Thereafter, I left them in Zaria to come to Abeokuta for my schooling. I was living with the Onatolu's family, from where I left for Abeokuta Grammar School. We all know late Reverend I.O. Ransom-Kuti. He was a great disciplinarian, and I am happy to say that, even then, I can't remember anytime I gave him the opportunity to sanction school. So you will understand that, even though I wasn't beaten, it wasn't because they thought I was the only child and, as such, should not be beaten. I did not give them cause to beat me and I believe that has helped me throughout in my life, otherwise I will not be what I am today. I thank God for that. At present, I am the only child of Mama, Of course, you were right to say that I wasn't the only child. I was born in 1938. Before me she had had two other children who did not live long. Both died before I was born. After me, she had another child in 1940, a girl. She lived for 25 years and died in 1965. Then she had another still-birth, I think around 1949. In essence, there were only two of us alive between 1940 and 1965. Between 1938 and 1940, I was the only child and, from December 1965 to date, I am the only child.

I think the truth about her success is that she has the fear of God in heart. She believes that she has to live all her life for God. She believes that without God nothing is possible. She is religious. Her favourite passage in the Holy Bible, which she has always passed on to me, is found in Third John, Chapter One, Verse Four, which reads: "Nothing pleases me better than to know my children are living in truth." She believes that once she can deal with all human beings in truth, then everything in me will be going smoothly. She believes you have to be honest in whatever you do. She believes you must also have the fear of God at heart. Once you can do all these, you will find out that everything will just that be smooth-sailing for you. It is said that once you fear God, there is nothing else to fear. If you fear God, if you speak the truth at all times, then you will always be bold to face anybody, to face any situation, because the only thing that is constant in this world is truth. Anything else is bound to fail.

I know that as long as my mother lives, business will still remain in her blood. So whatever position she finds herself, you can be sure she is thinking of business. You can't separate her from business, even though we are trying hard to convince her that she can't work hard for the rest of her life.

I asked her to retire 10 years ago, when she was 70, but she refused. What else would I do. I have left everything to God, She has been working from her childhood till 70, we thought she should retire to live up to 80, but she worked till she is 80. May be if she continues to work, she will live up to 100 years.

I believe that this is the thing you cannot force on anybody, you can only advice. As a medical doctor, if a patient comes to you, all you can do is to advice. Whether she takes the advice or not depends absolutely on her. But, at least, she has refused to retire since she was 70 and she has lived up to 80. How can I now say hard work is not good for her? She thinks of business everyday and I am afraid of what will happen if she is forced to retire.

- With reports from Tunde Banjo

Egba Alake Reacts to Oba Tejuoso's Fallacies As responsible citizens, committed to peace, progress, development and overall happiness in Egbaland, and Nigeria as a whole, and as a people painfully concerned with contemporary events in Egbaland, we the Egba Alake people of Egbaland feel very embarrassed indeed to have to be joining in any kind of local altercation at this delicate stage of Nigeria's political development, given the national and international experiences through which we are all passing as Nigerians.

However, together with Kabiyesi, the Alake of Egbaland, our revered father, an Oba of outstanding stature and reputation both at home and abroad, we the Egba Alake people have been the subject of so much unceasing attack by Oba Tejuoso, Kabiyesi Osile of Egba Oke-Ona that we feel it is about time some brief rejoinder was given to the historical fallacies and self opinionated misinformation regularly published by Oba Tejuoso. We had accepted the principle that a man, even an Oba, should be allowed to exercise his free will and freedom of expression, and that given the relativity of importance, discussion generated by the publication would ebb and wane without harmful or negative consequences. In which case, there will be no need for any prolonged vicious and damaging debate, We have even presumed that in a dynamic society, genuine and objective prodding might lead to improvement in the society. In short but for the publication of the Osile's controversial monograph in book form and his continued antics of distortion of settled facts of history, culminating in an interview published in "THIS DAY SUNDAY NEWSPAPER" as lately as May 26,1996 we would have continued to treat the whole exercise as unworthy of any serious rejoinder. But to posterity and even to contemporary interested public, our silence might be construed as unpardonable negligence, cowardly and unpatriotic. Moreover, the regular publications Eire now becoming an irritating distraction, an incitement infesting the health and patience of the generality of Egba people who are now catling for a stop to this syndrome. The Egba people have been living peacefully and happily together since their settlement in Abeokuta in the 1830s. The Obas have been coexisting in peaceful and matured relationship in the same town with the undisputed primacy of Oba Alake. And this setup is not peculiar to Egbaland. Fortunately, the issue of the paramountcy of Oba Alake which Oba Tejuoso is now contending has long been settled. There is abundant evidence deriving from the authority of historians. Blair, Irving, Ajisafe, Biobaku, Folarin et al, to cite only a few, declaring the Paramountcy and Primacy of Alake both at the Old Egba Forest (the Orile) and later at the settlement at ABEOKUTA. It does not now require the untutored imagination of the 8th Osile to 'set the records straight' in accordance with his own wishful thinking.

According to the authorities cited above, in the Old Egba Forest, the Homesteads of the Egba people, there were numerous kingdoms and townships, and when all for reasons of security, decided to merge, they agreed to recognise the pre-eminence of Alake who thus became the overall King of Egba people. According to Folarin "At the homesteads the Alake was the universally acknowledged head of the Egba tribes. He was directly descended from Oduduwa and in the number of town lets and population he was in ascendancy".

In 1830, the Egba people migrated in waves and settled in ABEOKUTA under the overall leadership of Sodeke who was described as the supreme chief of the Egba Nation. A new Alake of ABEOKUTA was appointed in 1854 following a military interregnum that lasted from 1830 to 1854, some 24 years later. When the decision to have an OBA was taken, according to Blair,: "That this OBA should be the Alake went without saying for not only was Ake (in the words of Dr. Irving) "formerly the royal city", not only was the Egba Alake the ruling section, as being the section of the founder Sodeke, and as being the owners of the land, but also AKE was the township where the educated ex-slaves from Sierra Leone and the missionaries had settled, and these exercised a considerable influence". Now, if according to Oba Tejuoso, the appointment of the Alake as an overall OBA in the Orile was a mistake even after the due consultation of the If a Oracle in which the people were a consummate expert, why was the same mistake confirmed in the new settlement at Abeokuta after an interregnum of 24 years? In any case, there was no Osile at Abeokuta then, the first having been appointed only in 1897 long after the first Olowu of Owu, 1855 and Agura of Gbagura in 1870. In the Government gazette No 9 of the Colony of Lagos, dated 28th of February 1903, the Ooni of Ife listed the Obas to whom Crowns had been given by the Ooni at different times. It is very instructive that in that gazatte. The Alake of ABEOKUTA was mentioned first, that only the ALAKE was ascribed ABEOKUTA, that the Osile was not listed at all, that the Oloko of Oko was listed. We all know that the only Oloko in Ogun State today is in Ijebu Division, peacefully under the paramountcy of The A wujale. The Osile himself has confirmed in his book the settlement of the OKOs at Ijebu-Mushin before 1830. One would say that the non-listing of any Osile probably affirms that the Osile's crown is not an "Original assignment".

The following documented and verifiable facts should now be stated: 1. The First Crowned OBA In ABEOKUTA was Alake Okukenu In August 1854. 2. The first Osile In Abeokuta was Osile Karunwi in 1897 3. That the Census taken In ABEOKUTA in 1915 enumerated all compounds and houses in each township In Egbaland as follows: Egba Oke-Ona Section 1547 Egba Gbagura Section 1404 Egba Owu Section 294 The 3 sections jointly 3245 Egba Alake Section 4,622 In other words, Egba Alake alone had more than the other three sections put together. 4. That OBA DOSUNMU had to wait until he received the traditional consent of OBA ALAKE GBADEBO 1 before he could be Installed the Olowu of Owu In 1918. 5. That OBA JAMOLU, Agura of Gbagura (1870 -1887) had to wait until he received OBA ALAKE ADEMOLA’S consent before he could be Installed in 1870, 6. That Oba Alake Ademola's consent was sought and traditionally received before the Installation of the first Olubara In 1952. 7. That by 1979, the Egba Alake Section had 2 members in the Ogun State House of Assembly while the other 3 sections jointly had 2 members. 8. That as far back as 1920 Alake Ademola was the Sole Native Authority for the whole of Egbaland. 9. That In the 1898 proclamation, Kabiyesi Alake assumed the Presidency of Egbaland and personally appointed the sectional OBAS as his Ministers Including Osile Karunwi I 10. Kabiyesi Aiake Gbadebo 1 was the only Yoruba Oba to be received in audience by His Majesty, King Edward VH In England In 1904. 11. In population, in land ownership, In tenure of settlement etc., the Egba Alake people are over and above' the remainder using pure democratic guidelines and principles.

All these references and cited instances are to show not only the long accepted and undisputed paramountcy of Kabiyesi OBA ALAKE but also the position of the Egba Alake people as the first settlers and landlords who received and allotted settlements to other settlers. So no one is lording any privileges on anybody and no one is taking any undue advantage. The Alake is the paramount ruler of Egba Nation by Law, through old treaties and Government notices. He was Sole Administrator from 1920 over Egbaland. He was one of the Five prominent OBAS in Yorubaland before the advent of the British and after. He has been from time immemorial consenting authority to sectional Oba's appointment including the appointment of Oba Tejuoso as OSILE. There are twelve recognised Obas in Egbaland all living peacefully and happily in their domains under the undisputed paramountcy of Kabiyesi, OBA ALAKE. One hopes that the one or two exceptions would soon be wiser. OBA ALAKE has no equal in Egbaland. He is the first of all and not Primus inter pares. A study of the reigns of the past seven Osiles from Oba Karunwi 1 (1897) to Oba Alimi Adedamolal spanning the period 1897 to 1988 would show clearly that any charges of persecution of previous Osiles either by Egba Alake or any Alake are not sustained by historical fact. Each Osile had been an architect of his own misfortune and at the hands of OKE- ONA people, not Egba Alake. In fact, but for the advice of Sir Ladapo Ademola then Agent of Egba United Government in Lagos, and the instruction. Henry McCullum, then Governor of Lagos, that all vacancies be filled in the reorganization of the Egba Government, the title of Osile would have been abolished absolutely. The significance of OKO (pelting stone) in the seat of the Osile is not easily forgotten. In the same way, one would remember the Osile whose motto was "Pontan O' rudo, Tatnn O'foja, Jeun tan Of a'wo; Ibaje pe aiye hi O' ba jee tan. (Take delight in making the spring muddy. After you had fetched your own water: Rejoice at breaking the market. As soon as you had sold your wares: Smash the dish with glee. At the end of your meal. Life's pleasure to you is inexhaustible). The people of Egba Alake have always lived with the people of Oke-Ona with mutual respect. The Alakes, past and present, have always extended to the Osiles, past and present, genuine Royal Fellowship and colleagueship, an unalloyed leadership guide and protection required and worthy of their paramount position in the Egba Federated Kingdom. The Alake of Egbaland, OBA OYEBADE LIPEDE, as the overall head of all Egba peoples, symbolises this Significant demeanour like all his eight predecessors had done. In all his utterances and actions since assuming the throne of his fore fathers, the Alake has always demonstrated his personal and inherited commitment to good neighbourliness and peaceable living of the constituent peoples of Egbaland. During his atmost a quarter century reign, so far, Kabiyesi has had to overlook irritations and at times bend over backwards, to make personal and official sacrifices to ensure that the peace prevailing in his domain is not disrupted for whatever reason. All Kabiyesi Alake wants are Peace, Progress and Development in all of Egbaland.

In the interview referred to above, Kabiyesi Oba Tejuoso made the unguarded and embarrassing statement that the Egba Alake people preferred Chief Ernest Shonekan an Egba Alake man to Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola, a Gbagura man. This statement coming from a sectional Oba in Egbaland is as unfortunate as it is embarrassing to Egba people at home and across the nation. The overwhelming majority of Egba in the cities, towns, villages and hamlets in Egbaland are as depressed as any other group in this nation with the predicament in which Bashorun Abiola currently is. Perhaps Oba Tejuoso has conveniently forgotten that he was the first and only Egba to throw a reception dinner in honour of Chief Ernest Shonekan on his appointment as Head of State. He must of course, have had his reasons for doing so. Oba Tejuoso went to the Constitutional Conference as a nominated Candidate and returned home happily and peacefully to all the dignity and respect of his high position as an OBA, Oba Tejuoso wrongly asserts that Egba citizens are graded according to the Section of their origin. But nothing is farther from the truth. The truth is that while Obaship in Egbaland is graded, as in all societies, such classifications pertain to the ranks of the traditional General Titles or OBASHIPS involved and not to their citizens. Citizens of Egbaland all belong to one class, a class with a proud heritage of culture and learning. The Osile, Agura and Olowu are 2nd, 3rd and 4th in rank among Egba Obas, but that does not make their citizens 2nd, 3rd and 4th class citizens in Egbaland. Every Egba citizen knows this, even the smallest boy at school. Why should Osile want to start this kind of confusion? We sympathise with OBA Tejuoso as he looks back with nostalgia at the time when "the word of a King was law," and wishes a return to that age. But this only shows how much he has been left behind by the march of history. It would seem Oba Tejuoso is consumed by an irresistible political ambition for which he wants a short cut rather than go through the democratic process. He believes it is time government were handed over to traditional rulers again, as according to him, they have people who are better than any of the heads of state we have had in this country. According to Oba Tejuoso "until you make a traditional ruler in this country a Head of State, the country will not have peace." Since Kabiyesi Oba Tejuoso wants to be Head of State without the pains of contesting elections, he cannot but work against the democratisation process currently going on. That really seems the path he has chosen. Hear Kabiyesi Oba Tejuoso: "Who elected Sonekan? Who elected Gowon? Who elected Abacha etc. Did they not rule us...? So what democracy are we talking about? They were not elected. But, those who are elected are the people ruining the nation." There is no doubt that Oba Tejuoso expects the army to install him by fiat as our Head of State. From this perspective, it becomes easier to understand his actions, especially his anti-democratisation posture. But the Military should not be deceived into seeing him as their friend. The inordinacy of Oba Tejuoso's ambition and the state of megalomaniac confusion into which his self-conceit has led him can be seen when he said in the interview: "I am saying that from the origin of Egbaland itself when the Abeokuta Government was set up, it was a mistake making the Alake the head ....lam from OKO. my title used to be Oloko ofOKO. The Oranyan was the first Alafin of Oko, the throne which I have inherited. So strictly speaking, I am Oranyan ... "How far can one go?

Our plea is that because of the importance of the past to the present and future of a nation, the history of a nation must not be toyed with nor based on the prejudices or personal assumptions of any individual. The respect and position accorded our traditional rulers and the weight attached to their utterances on issues relating to origin and history are so heavy that any mis-pronouncement could derail the culture and tradition earlier established or practised. This calls for caution on the part of our traditional rulers not to allow their personal ambition, self aggrandisement and quest for excessive power to undermine the welfare of our people. They should always remember the say that “Afemi, afemi, loba akoko se to fi te." (Arrogance often leads to destruction). We love peace, we want peace, we plead with Kabiyesi Oba TEJUOSO to please let peace and progress reign in Egbaland. The Egba people at home want peace, progress, economic and social development, happiness and capacity to feed themselves and their families. They are not interested in the megalomaniac self-image and ambition of anyone. By the Egba Alake Community. Culled from: THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 22,1996

Chiefs Petition Akintonde Over Supremacy Row Twenty-four Egba Chiefs have appealed to the Ogun State Administrator, Lt. Col. Daniel Akintonde to wade into the festering crisis within the Egba traditional council to forestall breakdown of law and order. In a petition to Akintonde, a copy of which was sent to the Chief of General Staff, Lt. Cen. Oladipo Diya, the chiefs fear that an alleged challenge of the authority of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Oyebade Lipede, to preside over the traditional council by the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, may snowball into a social crisis in the city. Oba Tejuoso could not be reached yesterday, but the Agura of Gbagura, Oba Halidu Laloko, said the Osile was compelled to act the way he did. Signatories to the petition include Chief Toye Coker (SAN), Dr. Lateef Adegbite.Chiefs Nolla Edun, Adio Sonekan, E.A. Adeboye and Adefolu Koleoso, Femi Okuronmu, Bajomo- Bello.

Others are Apagun Oluwole Olumide, Chief S,0. Akinremi, Chief Emmanuel Sorunke, L.A. Sofenwa, Sesan Soluade, Sobo Sowemimo, Alani Bankole, FA. Oyalowo, A.O. Sobowale and Solomon Adeniyi. Alleging that Oba Tejuoso was inciting indigenes of Abeokuta against one another, they said: "The violent intra-Egba struggle which Kabiyesi Osile Tejuoso is provoking would not only destroy Egbaland if allowed to subsist, but could spell doom for the rest of the country. This is because an unrest within one part of the country might soon extend to other parts with dire consequences if not immediately and decisively arrested". The petitioners are specifically unpleased with Oba Tejuoso's version of history and the social realities of Egbaland which they allege were "distortions of established custom." They said the version portrayed Egbaland as a class society where some indigenes were unduly oppressed because of the place of origin. "We wish to stress, with due respect that Kabiyesi Osile's incitement to disaffection has gone too far and is becoming unbearable. He is relentless in twisting the arrangements that have for centuries sustained the unity, stability and peace of Egba federation/' the' chiefs alleged. To contain the situation, the petitioners urged the government to ask the Oba of each section to respect the laws which confer supremacy on the Alake and make them to purge themselves of any contempt of the office of the Alake by withdrawing all insulting letters and publications to the Alake. The resentment within the traditional council was publicly demonstrated last Saturday with the absence of Alake and his chiefs from the 80th birthday celebration of Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso, Oba Tejuoso's mother. The Egba Alake community also placed a newspaper advertisement to debunk Oba Tejuoso's claims about Egba history. Oba Laloko who is believed to be in league with Oba Tejuoso and the Olowu of Owu, Oba Adisa Odeleye, said he would not speak on behalf of his people not defend his position. He said: "We are not the community. We are just the incumbents; when the community reads (Egba Alake's reactions) they will take a position and whatever the position of the community, that will be my reaction." He added: "You just wait and see. He who laughs last laughs best." Abeokuta comprises four major sections of Egba people - Egba Alake, Oke-Ona, Gbagura and Owu. Traditionally, Egba Alake, being the most populous of the section, gets the greatest share of bounties and responsibilities than the other three sections while the Alake is recognised as the paramount of all the Obas.

Twenty-four Egba chiefs have appealed to the Ogun State Administrator, Lt. Col. Daniel Akintonde to wade into the festering crisis within the Egba traditional council to forestall breakdown of la w and order. In a petition to Akintonde, a copy of which was sent to the Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diva, the chiefs fear, that an alleged challenge of the authority of the Alake of Egbaland. Oba Oyebade Lipedc, to preside over the traditional council by the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, may snowball into a social crisis in the city. Oba Tejuoso could not be reached yesterday, but the Agura of Gbagura, Oba Halidu Laloko, said the Osile was complied to act the way he did. Signatories to the petition include Chief Toye Coker (SAN), Dr. Lateef Adegbite, Chiefs Nolla Edun, Adio Sonekan, E A. Adeboye and Adefolu Koleoso, Femi Okuronmu, Bajomo-Bello. Others are Apagun Oluwole Olumide; Chief S.O. Akinremi, Chief Emmanuel Sorunke, L.A. Sofenwa, Sesan Soluade, Sobo Sowemimo, Alani Bankole, F. A. Oyalowo, A.O. Sobowale and Solomon Adeniyi. Alleging that Oba Tejuoso was inciting indigenes of Abeokuta against one another, they said: "The violent intra-Egba struggle which Kabiyesi Osile Tejuoco is provoking would not only destroy Egbaland if Tuesday June 25, 1996

Egba chiefs petition Akintonde over supremacy row From Tunde Oladepo, Head, Ogun Bureau allowed to subsist, but could spell doom for the rest of the country. This is because an unrest within one part of the country might soon extend to other parts with dire consequences if not immediately and decisively arrested." The petitioners are specifically unpleased with Oba Tejuoso's version of history and the social realities of Egbaland which they alleged were "distortions of established custom." They said the- version portrayed Egbaland as a class society where some indigenes were unduly oppressed because of their place of origin. "We wish to stress, with due respect that Kabiyesi Osile's incitement to disaffection has gone too far and is becoming unbearable. He is relentless in twisting the arrangements that have for centuries sustained the unity, stability and peace of Egba federation," the chiefs alleged. To contain the situation, the petitioners urged the government to ask the Oba of each section to respect the laws which confer supremacy on the Alake and make them to purge themselves of any contempt of the office of the Alake by withdrawing all insulting letters and publications to the Alake. The resentment within the traditional council was publicly demonstrated last Saturday with the absence Alake and his chiefs from the 00th birthday celebration of Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso. Oba Tejuoso's mother. The Egba Alake community also placed a newspaper advertisement debunk Oba Tejuoso's claims about Egba history. Oba Laloko who is believed to be in league with Oba Tejuoso and the Olowu of Owu, Oba Adisa Odeleye, said he would not speak on behalf of his people nor defend his position. He said: "We are not the community. We are just the incumbents; when the community reads (Egba Alake's reactions) they will take a position and whatever the position of the community, that will be my reaction " He added: "You just wait and see Hr who laughs List laughs best." Abeokuta comprises four major sections ot F.gha people - Egba A hike, Oke-Ona, Gbagura and Owu. Traditionally, Egba Alake, being the most populous of the sections, gets the greatest share of bounties and responsibilities. I then saw the other three section while the Alake is not installed as the paramount of the Oba.

Because in the East the traditional institutions are not as well developed, as in the North or South or South West there is less acrimony across the River Niger, in matters pertaining to Chieftaincy and Kingship. Authentically, they were Acephalous societies whereas the North and West are Chiefly Societies like the Ashantis, the Bugandans unlike the acepholous societies of the Kikuyus in East Africa. Even in some parts of this then known world the oldest in the society sometimes assume leadership and emergence of Warrant Chiefs for purpose of traditional and administration and tax collections were not unknown. On Saturday the 22nd of June 1996, the Iyalode of Egbaland and mother of Osile Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso celebrated her 80th Birthday in Lagos amidst pomp and pageantry in a ceremony befitting her Royal status as Iyalode of Egbaland. Some Egba Chiefs and indigenes were conspicuously absent at the ceremony. Egbaland turned into a minefield, the Egba Chiefs had led the ship to the rocks leaving it to a latent incident to wreck it. The explosion did not take long to occur. It came sooner than expected. The Shakespearean adage came home to roost. "There is no heart that can read the minds construction in the face." This saying is not in any way assuaged by the dastardly act of barbarism that followed. The Yoruba proverb "all the Lizards crawl on their bellies no one can identify the ones with bellyache or stomach troubles" as all the postures are alike - posture of crawling. In similar fashions missiles of suspicions became the order of the day. The missiles flew indiscriminately showing the dance of nakedness in the market place. Only fools will wait to watch the scene. Egbaland is poised for self-auditing and to assuage injured feelings. They must chart the future for better human relations. The situation was unable to stem the shadow of discord creeping slowly over the fragile and unsettled period of peace in Abeokuta the City of Rocks. The Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, Osile Oke-Ona Egba was said to have restated his vision with justified indignation that Egbaland, "would know no peace until certain injustices were redressed." "The goose that laid the golden eggs in Egbaland was thus killed." During her lifetime she was the epitome of peace, stability, ORDER and good governance, with the Royal fathers including her beloved son. They all worked in harmony for growth and development of Egbaland and sustainable economic growth. But her absence meant the lack of motherly guidance and matriarchal directives, social, religious and economic contributions for the African Continent any day in terms of her indisputable pedigree and Royalty she would fit the stature of the African woman of the year any day. Critics and war mongers, however, felt they should give success a bad name. They made her pay a terrible price for her devotion to duty, devot.ion to her family, and her unalloyed patriotism to the country of her birth - NIGERIA for which she won accolades; It was not without cause that the honourable Chiefs and Royalties/ the religious bodies and non-govemmental organisations in Egbaland and market women conferred on her first, the Iyalaje and later, the Iyalode of Egbaland. What thoughts! What actions! Could have caused the imbalance in their assessment to make her pay a terrible price for piety, kind deeds and humanitarianism? The Iyalode Egba was also the recipient of a large number of award, the highest being given by the Nigerian-American 'Chamber of Commerce. She also got a number of recognised high-ranking Chieftaincy titles besides the Iyalode of Egbaland. Prior to her becoming, the Iyalode Egba in January 1982, she was the IYALAJE of Egbaland since 1974. The Iyalode of Ago- Oko, Iyalode (Princess Merchant) of Oke-Ona, lya Oba Oke- Ona Egba as well as Yeye-Oba of Ikeja in Lagos State. Just before she died, she was also slated to be the first Yeye Oba of Ala in Ijebuland. But death came earlier than installation. In the imbroglio that followed her untimely death which could be registered as a big shame on Egbaland and a blot on the impressive records of administration in Egbaland, many prominent personalities were interrogated and some top Chiefs too were held behind the Bars in Lagos for a day or two. By a touchstone of Nigerian factor there is no progress report to date. It was all performances without achievements. In the Shakespearean connotations "some were born great, some achieve greatness, some have greatness thrust upon them. Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso was the embodiment of all these three facets." She had the Midas touch as all she undertook, turned to pure gold. Adieu.

Poems Our Late Mother 1. Our late Mother was tough She was tenacious She was a Triplex with Brain beauty and Bravery She was an epitome of dedication 2. A colossus A woman with a mission The inestimable jewels of a Mother A Mother-in-Israel Rest in Peace 3. Rest in Perfect Peace Mama Orun re Mama Sun re O Sir Victor Uwaifo B.A. (Hons)M.A. (Unibert) MON.J.P.(Benin City)

The Cross She Bore Bravely Death came calling Like a thief in the night Your sleep rudely disturbed after a long hard day's work by vagabonds and beasts of no nation to the very end You carried out your civic duties to your church and its leaders You served. You donated as an act of charity A giant cross that adorns the new St. Peter's Church Cathedral Ake as a symbol of God's love to mankind In retrospect Our inestimable jewel, did you know they would nail you on the cross the cross you bore so bravely death, where is thy sting grave, where is your victory? Yours, our pioneer female industrialist Had been an exemplary life. An appropriate Epitaph on your cross should read: "As you are, so was I, As ram, so you will be. Be prepared". Requiem In Peace A joke Olabiwonnu Ibadan

Epitaph 1. Deep calls to the Deep The water pot has broken The golden chain has snapped The Silver lamp has quenched 2. The Fire of love disappeared Let what is broken so re-union For the gods are hard to reconcile 3. The dryness of the Lake Many people baffled In the middle of wet seasons The oasis dried up While the desert sands are wet It is the sonorous song But never allowed to reach its pitch O Mother What a time What a season of anomie Hon. Justice Ademola Kuti (Abuja) The Royal Roots: Iyalode Egba - Osile, Oranmiyan Deep Calls to the Deep Emerald cool we may be As a water in cupped hands But Oh that we might be As splinters of glass in cupped hands The falcon flew right into the cloudy sky Leaving her footprints On the sands of time. A lone one without a guide That gave success its noble name May her gentle Soul Rest in perfect peace Sun reo Mama Rere Chief Tunde Osho-Eleku (Ikorodu)

True Mother's Love 1. Dearest Mum You left us without a good-bye the cowardly assassins saw to that 2. Exactly a week before the end came You hosted the entire Anglican Church Synod of Nigeria in your home. Its Laity, clergy, Bishops and Archbishops You served cheerfully 3. Your life was exemplary of devotion to God of duty to all of hard work and diligence of honesty and humility of commitment to family life of generousity to all and sundrys 4. In the claws of cruel death You raised your voice in prayers For God to forgive your tormentors 5. And in death the whole Nation stood silent and mourned the passing of a great MATRIARCH 6. Your courage and the manner of your death led us to appreciate Jesus Christ on the Cross and True Mother's love PDG+ Chief Lekan Ogundimu 19/9/96 (Lagos)

In Retrospect Only time will tell. History, nay human history cannot be manufactured. It is a case or after forgiveness, receives peace; but events of yesteryears, persist like a wound that will not stop bleeding. It is to be hoped that time will peal all wounds. The late Iyalode Egba is a lasting lesson of what greatness portrayed. While many a man dissipated energies on resting their fortunes on the quicksand of uncertain political fortunes. And people lay claim to the evanescent lust for naked power. "The Egba Princess Merchant" built her fortune of legitimate affluence on commerce and merchandise entrepreneurship. In some other places people acquire wealth by questionable means. People love wealth and those who could, flaunt affluence in societies even if they probably have paid their prices to society on serving terms of imprisonment. The Egbas look down on this way of acquiring wealth. Once you soil your reputation by dubious means, the Egbas would shun such a person like a social pariah. Greatness does not consist in falling but the ability to rise when one falls. The legendary sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a renowned Statesman and Na.ionalist was quoted on the rough of political life. The horse as a rule, does not fall a rider who is not capable of remounting it. "Esin ki dani ka ma Ie tun gun." It is a sign of valour never to give up in the journey for success in life. The ups and downs are worth every measure of human strength and the power of inner will. One can call to mind the travail of Abraham Lincoln. Success eluded him so frequently and he was inured to failures like multiple sclerosis. Until in the long struggle he finally emerged President of the United States. Even at the peak of his political career he was made to pay the price of success with assassination. The renowned Egba bom General Olusegun Obasanjo could remain forever the first

African General who handed over power freely to a Civilian Administration and that in itself is a fact of history. The General therefore has the star to rise from the ashes of the past. His wide International connections and his contemporaneous leadership of the great African nation Nigeria when President Jimmy Carter was ruling the world through American hegemony had marked him out as a man of history. That is the Egba man's trait, it is an Egba National virtue inborn and embedded in them. Only a preserve of the valiant. The Egba's traits are unconquerable and like the Phoenix could rise any time from the ashes of its ruins." In most cases, they are usually born great, they strive and achieve greatness and have greatness thrust upon them.

Another Egba who strode like a Titan through "Egba and its neighbours" and could be described as an 'Ijegba' is the one and only Nobel prize winner Professor of Literature and Theatre Arts, Wole Soyinka, an alumnus of Government College Ibadan and a year junior to Senator Ayo Fasanmi. Wole had a lot to share in this trait of Egba tenacity of purpose stubbornness and justified indignation, obsession with democratisation, an ardent crusader of Human Rights and the enthronement of Justice and equity for all humans. The Egbas do all these with catholicity of purpose, and much more in the field of social welfarism.

The late legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti a "pure genius of a musician" and a classmate of Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso along with his brother Dr. Bekololari Ransome-Kuti had the same message against oppression and victimisation. His crusade was never to lose touch with the grass root populace for who the language was clear and uncompromising. His footprints were firmly planted in the golden sands of time. It is this tenacity that belongs to the Egbas where ever they find themselves. They tended to combine all the various aspects of greatness in such a way that the embodiment is colossal. Copious references had been made to the Egbas individual contributions to the field of Medicine, preventive, health care delivery, psychiatry and orthopaedic areas of medicine. In the field of Law they have no compares so also is in the field of education. The Egbas were there when Ashby Report was in its infancy. In accountancy, Corporate bodies, capital market and International multinational complex organisations the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola was a primeness. Chief S.O. Adebo became the legendary leader of the Civil Service in the West, the culture of ruthless efficiency and excellence were translated to Ogun and Osun States by what seemed like immutable Laws. So while the Civil Service at the National level was nothing to write home about in terms of accountability and continuity of the Civil Service cadres due to the purge exercise of 1975, the Regions (former enclave of administration) retain, their unalloyed loyalty and high sense of Public accountability. The nexus had since greatly affected the service at the national level where it is a free for all sort of draining the country of its bullion. The real cadres of great Civil Service traditional still lur’' behind the relics of the Western Nigeria style of public administration which led to fruition, and veritable vehicle of sustainable growth. It is against this background that the likes of Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso had emerged to play with future and its possibilities and to continue to do so against insurmountable odds and challenges. Even railing on prominent Egbas to the culture of excellence is indeed a social and professional roll call. And just before I write the epilogue let me state with all sincerity my grateful thanks to Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, Oranmiyan, Karunwi III, Osile Oke-Ona Egba for giving me the opportunity to write this short dedication to his ten glorious years on the throne of his forefathers. I pray for your continued success in life, as you serve the fatherland selflessly; for I know your salaries in the last ten years, and much more go to finance the Oke-Ona Egba Dynasty Fund where the trustees regularly award scholarships to needy Nigerians. I know you propagate the message of JESUS CHRIST as a means of winning and saving souls for JESUS CHRIST. I also learnt that at a time you made foodstuffs affordable to the poor and successfully embarked on a Guinea worm Eradication Campaign in your domain. And the more you get to know the Lord the more you drop those things you consider offensive to HIM. For example, you do not sell alcoholic drinks in your complex nor do you serve your friends and visitors alcoholic drinks anymore because you believe that what you know is not good enough for you, should not be offered to your friends by you. I pray for your continued good health and equanimity of mind. I thank you, for allowing me a glimpse into your thought, to feel the burden of office you carry. Your decision to leave a legacy of Truth to generations yet unborn. Thank you. I thank you, for I remember, I promised to write this book neatly ten years ago when I wrote in December 1989 to congratulate you on your serious literary work, incisive and in depth, an academic tour-de-force of the first order - "The Ultimate Honour". Ten years have rolled by just like a twinkle of an eye, I recall I wrote "It is with deep insight and humility that I offer to write a biography of your Majesty by nay! In ten years time, I shall where possible amend where the "auto" goes astray. There is a lot of modestly in the work for now, but the biography would centre on an eventful reign of peace and prosperity role of Oke-Ona in Egba economic euphoria etc. A lot of water had gone under the bridge since. Yesterday is gone and we cannot recall it, but we have been wiser by its happenings, things done and undone. Life rolls on. I give thanks to the Almighty God for granting me His grace to fulfill my promise. And one thing more - the happenings of time past have also afforded me the opportunity to speak to the silent majority of your admirers and well wishers and those whom God will use for His glory to put right what is wrong in Egba polity. I believe an urgent and timely redress will be a welcome tonic because opportunities once lost can never' be regained. The book has also given me the opportunity to point out some illustrious sons and daughters of Egbaland, for special mention. May the Almighty God always be with you, your family, the people of Oke-Ona Egba, Egba and Nigeria as a whole. May it please the good Lord to intervene very soon (Amen). May you enjoy good health and peaceful reign for a very, very long time to come (Amen). Thank you. And finally my sincere appreciation to Miss Praise Chinelo Nwafor for her Secretarial assistance and my Typist/Secretary Miss Iyona and Special thanks to Chief Lekan Ogundimu Chairman, Professional Executors, Trustees and Investments Ltd. Lagos for technical assistance and editorial work done.

Life and Times of the Third (3rd) Iyalode of Egbaland - Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Esther Tejuoso - OON The Royal Roots: Iyalode Egba III - Osile, Oranmiyan - is a book written in memory of my late mother, detailing her life and times (1916-1996). I am writing this book to achieve a number of objectives: firstly to inform those who were not old enough to understand what happened at that time, when my mother was assassinated in cold blood and also to remind and put the records straight for the purpose of those who might have had some jaundiced information of what really happened during that period. Besides, I have undertaken to write this book so that children who were too young to understand what happened at that time and those that were bom after her death could read about my mother, the iconic 3rd Iyalode of Egbaland and the circumstances surrounding her murder which took place six (6) years after my persecution for telling the TRUTH in Egbaland started, three (3) years after I went by divine instructions above human imaginations to the National Constitutional Abuja Conference of 1994/95 and three (3) months after her 80th birthday anniversary celebrations and barely one week after hosting all the Bishops and Archbishops of the Anglican Communion of Nigeria in her resplendent and palatial home in Surulere, Lagos. Also, the book is written for the general reading public who might not have had the opportunity of knowing the truth about what happened around and during her brutal murder. I spent the weekend commencing Thursday the 11th of September, 1996 in Lagos Surulere with her at her Palatial Dabis Court, 2/12, Tejuoso Avenue, near Tejuoso Market. I joined her in hosting all the Bishops and Archbishops of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria on that Thursday evening of the 11th of September, 1996, exactly a week before she was callously murdered in the early hours of Thursday the 19"’ of September, 1996. I was informed, by phone, as early as about 6:00a.m on that fateful day. I had enough time to assemble and inform my household before I headed for a meeting of the Ogun State Council of Obas in Abeokuta at about 9:00a.m The meeting was also attended by the then Governor of Ogun State, Wing Commander Sam Ewang (Military Administrator) and the then NDLEA Chairman, Major General Musa Bamaiyi. Unknown to them, I left the meeting unannounced but early enough to enable me get to our Lagos home before noon. The uninvited guests, the assassins broke the security network of the premises very early in the morning. They gained entrance through the backyard, jumped the 12-foot high fence which is shared between Teju Clinic Limited on Awonaike Crescent and our home at Tejuoso Avenue, Surulere, by overpowering the security guards. They killed the old woman in cold blood we were told, despite all her pleadings. Shortly after the bandits left, I was informed about what happened through the phone, by my son, Prince Femi Tejuoso an Engineer who was the first in the family to get to the scene of the heinous crime. We were shocked to the marrow and were dumbfounded. The police were informed and their yet unending investigation started. Eighteen years after, the Police is yet to produce the killers and their sponsors! She died the death of a martyr. The question that kept coming again and again to me through the time was, what could such an old woman have done to warrant being killed the way she was murdered? Every time I think of my mother, the entire story of her' life, the cycle of what she went through in life, the many odds that stood against her, her strong commitment to succeed despite all these odds, her life times and death, and most importantly, the kind of intimate relationship I had with her, I always feel the nostalgia of a growing baby. Eighteen years after her gruesome murder, my reminiscences of my mother still remain so evergreen, as if I still see her daily. How can I forget in a hurry those enthralling warm relationships I had shared with her for the better part of my 58 years of children and adult life before she was brutally assassinated in the early hours of the morning of that fateful Thursday the 19th of September, 1996? I was then her, only surviving child, partner and confidant, I remained her best friend till she passed on to glory. My mother was second to none. I had a deep-rooted love and affection for her. I am happy that God made it possible for me to come to this world through her. When my mother was celebrating her 80th birthday, I was 58 years old then. But my mother still related with me as if I was a child that needed to be pampered. Such was the bond of love that bounded the two of us together till she passed on to glory. The manner of her death does not diminish her glorious life that was full of grace. More than the nature of her death, I ruminate more often over what a special breed she was and the multiple impacts she made on the lives of everyone that came her way during her 80 years sojourn on this planet earth. It is such a sweet remembrance! My consolation is in the fact that even our Lord Jesus Christ died a more gruesome death on the cross. No wonder my mother's last precious and memorable gift to the Egbas and humanity was the huge, giant concrete, over 18 feet tall CROSS she single handedly donated to the Church and erected in the front of the magnificent and imposing church building of the Cathedral of St. Peter's Anglican Church at Ake, Abeokuta. What would you call that? Prophetic? Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Esther Tejuoso was a woman who seemed to have made up her mind from heaven that coming to this planet earth, she would not be just an onlooker. The maxim, "I came, I saw, I conquered" couldn't be more apt than in the life of my mother. It will be an understatement to say that she made an indelible mark on the sands of time. I wish there were better words or ways to describe her successful and inspiring life. Destiny must have assigned to her a big responsibility that she couldn't shy away from. She: diligently and positively pursued destiny successfully. She went, in the company of Chief (Mrs.) H. I. D. Awolowo and other numerous women of virtue and valour to Abuja in 1993/94 to see. General Babagida/Abacha to plead for the release of the then Chief M.K.O Abiola whose successful election result had been annulled. Bom into the Karunwi Royal Family of Ago-Oko, Oke Qna Egba, Abeokuta on the 22nd of June, 1916, my mother had her education at Idi-Aba Girls High School, Abeokuta. In 1934 she got married to my father the late Joseph Somoye Tejuoso, a teacher, who later worked with the Nigeria Railway Corporation. The impact my mother made on every level of educational attainment was quite formidable. She substantially and generously gave to educational institutions and supported many indigent students from various parts of Nigeria. In spite of her limited level of formal education, my mother successfully ventured into the murky waters of business early in her life with a modest capital of 100 pounds which she got from her father. Having started as a petty trader in textiles in 1938, the year I was bom, my mother took up United African Company (U.A.C.) dealership (Agency) in provisions and textiles and moved to Zaria with my late father in quest of business expansion. She traded in hardware and enamel ware Mama was a dealer (Agent) with Vono and G.B. Olivant, She was a dealer (Agent) in beds and Building materials. She was also a leading dealer (Agent) with Vita Foam. She went into partnership with a Norwegian in 1959 to form a Norway- Nigeria Company called the Nigerian Urethane Company Limited- dealing in foam and Carpet manufacturing. She was the Marketing Director while the Norwegian was the Chairman and Mr. Eribo, a Bendelite was the Managing Director. Another Eribo, a medical doctor and my humble self Dr. Dapo Tejuoso were also the other two Directors of the Company. The company was sited in Benin. Mama became the Chairperson of a number of other companies later in life. These included Teju Industries Limited; Teju Farms Limited; Hortipex Limited: Teju Industrial Clinics Limited, Dabis Company Limited, Teju Investment and Property Company Limited among others. She was honoured with the First International African Trophy for Industry, Commerce and Tourism. She also clinched the Nigerian Senior Citizen in Business Award by the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce and Industry. My mother will be remembered as the first (pioneer) woman industrialist in Nigeria. Also as a great community leader, a devoted Christian with a staunch religious commitment. Despite her busy schedules, Chief Mrs. Bisoye Esther Tejuoso had a high reverence and adoration for her Creator. She would not miss any Church service. Even while on any oversees travel, she must have fellowship wherever she found herself. She became the Iya Ijo of the Cathedral of St James' African Church, Idi-Ape, Ago Oko, Abeokuta in 1982. A week before her demise, Mama hosted the Anglican Synod, comprising the Bishops, Archbishops and Primate of the Anglican Church to a dinner party in her palatial home in Surulere, Lagos. Mama is recognised as one woman who used her resources to build for the Lord. Alhaji Shehu Shagari, the second. Republic Executive President of Nigeria honoured Mama with the National Award of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 1982 on the same day as Chief Obafemi Awolowo. I believe it is the industry in my mother which she ably exhibited, coupled with her spirit of selfless service to the community, that earned her the chain of chieftaincy titles she received. The mother crown of the titles and arguably the most prestigious of all is that of the third (3rd) Iyalode Egba which was conferred on her on the 24th of January, 1982 by the then Alake Oba Oyebade Lipede. This is exemplified by, not only the prestige attached to the Iyalode Egba title, it is also a highly contentious and hitherto highly nevened office because of its historical significance. My mother was the 3rd person to be conferred' with this Egba title since the inception (of Abeokuta Egbaland) on the 5th of August 1830 (a period of over 150 years) when Abeokuta was founded. The first (lsl) Iyalode being Madam Tinubu and the second Iyalode being Madam Jojolola and the their Iyalode (3rd) being Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Esther Tejuoso OON. This puts it at one Iyalode Egba in every 50 years.

What a consternation? My mother's benevolence was widely acknowledged by various lives she touched. She gave to both young and old such that children, always particularly loved to be with her because of the gifts they were sure of receiving from her. In her neighbourhood, she was respected for giving and giving always. Whenever it comes to things that would benefit the whole community, my mother would not look back in spareheading such expenses. In spite of these her unprecedented achievements in various spheres of life, especially in commerce and industry, and not minding her grey hairs, she was cruelly and callously murdered by some hoodlums about three months after her so" birthday celebration in her own otherwise peaceful home. The assassins who were reported to be actually looking for me, inquired from her as to the whereabouts of her only son. Without doubt, if the assassins were to meet me at home (we lived in the same home, a duplex without a difference) early that morning, they would have possibly killed the two of us together (God forbid), or perhaps, they would have intentionally killed me (God forbid) right in front of her, and sparing her own life. This would have been worse than tragedy or calamity. Thank God that I was not around on that tragic night. Up till today, I still wonder, what the hell, my mother would have done to warrant their snuffing life out of her forcibly. This still remains a misery. What could I have done too to warrant the assassins to be looking for me to kill? May be I was too outspoken, especially in speaking the truth in Egbaland and at the 1994/95 Abuja National Constitutional Conference and always. And you know the truth is always bitter. Whatever their motive and wherever they come from, I have the strong belief that the assassins and their sponsors would never go unpunished. Some of them must probably have already met their Waterloo or certainly would soon meet their Waterloo sooner or later. The spirit of the late Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Esther Tejuoso (OON) would no doubt pursue her murderers menacingly till they go to their graves. It is a well known Epitaph that reads: "As you are, so was LAs I am, so you will be. Be prepared."

Epitaph For A Noble Mother Introduction His Lordship Hon. Justice Abdel Fatayi Demola Kuti (Rtd) A Judge of the High Court, Abuja A Poet, A Scholar and a Diplomat par excellence; had the following to say about my mother and our matriach shortly after her assassination during my 10th year Coronation Anniversary. It all happened like a flash, the inestimable jewel of a blue blood Royal Mother died. It was on Thursday morning the 19th of September 1996. It was indeed a candle in the wind. For a Mother-in-Israel an accomplished philanthropist and successful industrialist, fondly, described as one of the best Mother a person could have. Highly motivated, a staunch high church woman who "would rather light the candle than curse the darkness." This incomparable mother of a distinguished Physician cum Industrialist was the third Iyalode of Egbaland. She had also distinguished herself in business, church and community service. The first woman Industrialist in Nigeria, She sat atop, a chain of businesses and came into limelight with Teju Industries Limited a Company founded in 1971 to manufacture Polyurethane Foam products of mattresses, pillows, cushions etc. No complete epilogue of ten years on the throne of Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, Karunwi III, Osile Oke-Ona Egba her distinguished son would be complete without the chronicle of the life and .times of this great crusader and missionary. The word "Missionary" is used here advisedly in terms of a fulfilled existence, a life without guile, bitterness or even rancour, She enjoyed so much social standing and goodness that her statue still adorns the Marina side of Lagos of the back of U.T.C. Department Stores, where she could be found doting over children, She was a symbol of strength, good breeding and enviable heritage. Her untimely departure was a lasting shock and a rude episode of man's inhumanity to man. A dangerous and atavistic aspect of base human nature and instincts. Bom at Ago-Oko Area of Oke-Ona Egba in Abeokuta to the family of Chief Josiah Ajayi Karunwi, son of the first Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Karunwi I. The young Princess (as she then was) was among the privileged few to enjoy Western Education. Though a late starter at school. Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso attended Igbein Primary School (as it then was). It is now known as St. John's Primary School Igbein Abeokuta. Her classmates in school especially the septuagenarian twin brothers, the Scientists Femi and Dotun Oyewole the pacesetters of Nigeria's qualitative education and erudite scholars both described Bisoye Karunwi (as she was then known) as the best student in the class. Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso also attended Idi-Aba Teachers Training College, but even after graduating as 'a qualified teacher, she was not destined to take up that profession. By freak of irony she never for one day practised as a teacher. Again by act of destiny, she later got married to her former teacher, Late Pa. Joseph Somoye Tejuoso in 1934 for whom she bore five children but four died mostly at childbirth. Today her only surviving son is the Royal Father Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, the Osile Oke-Ona Egba. Her bond of affection as a doting mother with Oba Dr. Tejuoso was so strong that close relations and friends described them as "Soul Mates" and at best, the best of friends. In his book the "Ultimate honour", Oba Dr. Tejuoso disclosed that his mother had been involved in trading in merchandise starting with buying and selling in Lagos and later in Zaria immediately after her marriage. A vacuum was created later by the death of her beloved husband on the 27th of December, 1968. As it would have been expected, but not one to be daunted by misfortune she concentrated her energy on building a vast business empire for herself and her growing family. She also worked tirelessly to fill the void occasioned by widowhood. She accomplished all she wanted in the world of entrepreneurship with singleness of purpose and efficiency. And in recognition of the laudable achievements, she was credited in the business world and she was honoured with the prestigious Nigerian National Award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on the same day that Chief Obafemi Awolowo was also honoured with the G.C.F.R.; in 1982 during the President Shehu Shagari's regime when national honours were the preserve of the diligent, the honest and the patriotic citizens who had added glamour to the image of Nigeria as of great physical beauty, comportment and exquisite elegance a peer among her contemporaries "Princess Merchants." She exuded warmth and the traditional African hospitality. She was never like 'the mother next door, she was special and full of her mission in life. Little wonder honour surrounded her as the historic title of the Iyalode Egba fell to her lot in January 1982. She attended to the office of this High Chieftaincy with matronly attention, dignity and rare candour, She also dignified the office amongst other Chiefs who owed her obeisance just as the Cheetah is swiftest of cats so she became one of the ablest of those title holders. The police are yet to perform any remarkable feat in their investigative mechanism on this vexed issue of cold-blooded assassination of an innocent Nigerian matriach, a personality of outstanding and remarkable contribution to our societies as Community leader, an effective communicator and innovator. "A pure genius" in the business world and capital market the like of whom is still hard to find. For those with convenient memory the gruesome murder of this light of Africa and Matriach of the highest calibre is no doubt an addition to a long list of unresolved and cowardly murders in recent years which are as dastardly repulsive as they are barbaric, and to say the least, un - African and baseless. The sequel was bad blood among the blue blooded Royalties, arid the "Manipulations of some by others" were revisited. The coincidence was timorously and many challenges were raised leaving no one in doubt where democratisation is blowing. The wind of change became an added instrument to skilful diplomacy among Royalties and even the cry of Justice, equity and contending syndrome of marginalisation became seasonal fever. “The Egbas are never conquered" became the sonorous adult rhymes for the elders. Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso was not alone in the scenario, the Arch. Dr, Oba Adisa Odeleye, the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta joined the chorus team while Oba Halidu Laloko, the Agura of Gbagura refused to be left behind. The clamour for the wind of change had come home to roost. The bone of contention as never before is peculiar to Egbaland. The pedigrees of Yoruba ancestry were not left out of this miasma of rotational contention. The dispute in Egbaland polarised the whole Egba Community with many prominent indigenes towing separate lines, when in sum, the Iyalode of Egbaland and beloved mother of Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, Karunwi in, Osile Oke-Ona Egba, died. All suspects were with conscience vibrating even in hiding. They soon became Cinderella hanging on in glass houses. Eighteen Egba Chiefs were invited and questioned by the police over Iyalode's murder. These eighteen Egba Chiefs had earlier on, on the 25th of June, 1996 declared themselves publicly on the back-page of the Guardian Newspaper that they are the sworn enemies of lyalode Bisoye Tejuoso and her son Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso - See text Today the police are yet to unravel the mystery behind this dastardly act. Back Page of The Guardian of Tuesday June 25, 1996

CHAPTER 5 The Murder of Mama Chief Mrs Esther Bisoye Tejuoso As Reported by Newspapers & Magazines The dastardly murder of the matriarch on 19th September 1996 touched the raw nerves of newspaper reporters and they poured out their empathy for the family, and venom on the "goons" - They wished those evil personified to roast in hell. Please read their reports. It touched me, I pray the Almighty Father will redeem our humanity and replace our hearts of stone with flesh (Love). Bisoye Tejuoso, 80, shot dead Christie Ohuabnuwa, Lagos Austeen Elewodalu, Abeokuta. RENOWN industrialist and merchant, Chief (Mrs.) Esther Bisoye Tejuosho, the 80-year old mother of Osile Oke-Ona Egba and former Constitutional Conference member, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho, was yesterday shot dead by a yet-to-be- identified armed gang. Motives for her killing, which came barely three months after 'her 80 th birthday, were unknown, as the six-man armed gang which invaded her palatial residence in Lagos, did not take away Chief Tejuosho, a high chief of Egbaland, was killed at around 2 a.m. in her bedroom at her 2-4 Teju Avenue, Tejuosho, Yaba, Lagos, home.

Her killing heightened fears of insecurity in Lagos metropolis, especially coming less than a week after similar killing of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Robinson Agho. Witness accounts had it that her assailants, six in number, broke into her well-fortified residence, at about 2a.m. and met the octogenarian fast asleep.

The invaders were reported to have claimed to be relatives of the Tejuoshos, returning late from a long, tortuous journey, to beat the usual tight security at the palatial home of the Yeye Oba.

A family source told our correspondent that the security man at the gate was taken in by the assailants well-rehearsed story and allowed them in. But the visitors sounded the first warning of their dastard mission when they turned around, after gaining entry to shoot and demobilize the gateman, before moving upstairs for the Oba's mother. The Yeye Oba was violently woken from her deep, sleep and, sensing that there was real trouble, she went down on her knees, pleading with the invaders to spare het life and make any other demands, a family source re counted. But an apparently unimpressed gang leader reportedly told her: "We are here for your son, produce him or you die." A confused Yeye Oba was said to have pleaded with them in Yoruba. Ejowo, ma fun un yi ni gbogbo nkan ti e ba fe, ma pa mi, meaning "Please, I will give you all that you want, but don't kill me." The police were contacted soon after the incident and a team of armed police reportedly combed the area. Her body was taken to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); Idi-Araba, where she was pronounced dead. A tall, light-complexioned man who refused to disclose his identity had assisted the police, but he was believed to be related to the deceased. It was also learnt that then was an arrangement to have the body embalmed at LUTH. As at press time, sympathisers who thronged the Yaba residence of the deceased, left without any official family confirmation, as those available insisted Oba Tejuosho had to make the announcement himself.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in-charge of Surulere Police Station, Mr. Emman Okoroafor, was seen briefing his officers on the incident. Our sources said the Surulere police had contacted the Police Headquarters and had filed report of preliminary investigations. It was also learnt that the Deputy Commissioner of Police incharge of Operations in Lagos, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, had visited the Tejuoshos home, earlier yesterday.

Police sources said the former Commissioner of the state, Mr. James Danbaba, had gone to Oyo, his new station while the new police boss, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, was yet to resume in Lagos. It is expected that the injured guard who was said to be a critical condition, would assist the police in their investigation. He was believed to be capable of identify, at least, one of the assailants with whom he had engaged in a prolonged scuffle yesterday. Chief Tejuosho, a foremost industrialist and business-woman, was bom on June 22,1916, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. She was educated at Idi-Aba Girls High School, Abeokuta.

A princess from Egba Oke-Ona, Abeokuta, her grandfather was the Oba Karounwi I (1897-1899), while her uncle was Oba David Sokunbi Karounwi IT (1904-1918).

She took to petty trading in textiles in 1938 and later became UAC dealer in provisions and textiles, Zaria, in the 1940s and UAC hardware and enamel ware trader in Lagos in 1957. Chief Tejuoso established Tejux Industries Limited in 1968; of which she was the chairperson and was also a director of many family businesses. She held the traditional titles of Iyalode Egba UL Iyalaje Egba, Lika Oloja Ohirin of Ago-Oko in Abeokuta and Yeye Oba of Oke-Ona Egba, Abeokuta.

In 1982, she was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), by former President Shehu Shagari. His only surviving child is Oba Tejuosho, the incumbent Osile of Oke-Ona, Abeokuta.

Oba Tejuosho attended yesterday's meeting between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Chairman Major-General Musa Bamaiyi and Ogun State traditional rulers in Abeokuta. Informed sources at his Sapon Palace and Ibara private residence told our reporter in Abeokuta that Oba Tejuosho was already aware, of his mother's death before attending the meeting.

It was learnt that he attended the meeting in compliance with Yoruba tradition that traditional rulers must not betray their emotions no matter how grievous they maybe.

The royal father, who was silent during the meeting, was the first to leave among the 20 Obas., while the meeting was still going on. Others contributed to the discussion during the question-and- answer session but Oba Tejuosho was in pensive mood.

At his Ibara Housing Estate residence, a few visitors, especially close associates, were seen in the premises wearing mournful look. The visitors, who were apparently there to condole Oba Tejuosho refuse to entertain questions about the death of the third Iyalode of Egbaland. But the traditional announcement of the death of Mrs. Tejuoso, who, until her death was a high Egba Chief, may be delayed as a result of the protracted crisis in the Egba Council of Obas.

Culled from: The Punch, Friday September 20, 1996 Bisoye Tejuoso shot dead Bosun Odedina, Assistant Editor, Lagos FOREMOST industrialist and mother of the Osile Oke-Ona Egba in Ogun State, Chief (Mrs.) Bisye Tejuoso was yesterday shot dead at her No.2, Tejuose Avenue, Yaba, Lagos by unknown assassins. The 80-year-old Iyalode Egba was said to have been attacked by a gang of about 10 gunmen around 2.00a.m. who took nothing away from the house. According to Tribune sources on arrival at the well-fortified premises, the hoodlums demanded to see Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, who was said to be outside Lagos and thereafter took positions within and outside the premises. Tribune sources revealed that while three of the assassins took strategic positions outside the house, the seven others forced their way into the house. The gunmen were said to have confronted Madam Tejuoso in her bedroom where she was woken up and ordered to bring out her son, Oba Tejuoso, a demand to which she responded that he was not in the house. Madam Tejuoso was said to have gone on her knees, pleading with her attackers that she would give them any amount of money and whatever else they wanted but this fell on deaf ears. While the pleadings lasted and the deceased attempted to run into her bedroom's restroom, one of the assassins opened fire on her hitting her at close range on the chest several times, the source said.

According to the source, the assassins went into the house, in search of Oba Tejuoso after his mother, the Yeye Oba fell in a pool of her blood. After searching in vain for their target, the gunmen took off towards the Tejuoso Market. Nigerian Tribune further gathered that the deafening sound of the gun-shots attracted policemen at the nearby Barracks Police Station who rushed to the scene but were too late. It was also gathered that the remains of Madam Tejuoso had been removed to a Lagos hospital mortuary. Neighbours of the Tejuoso’s said they heard gunshots around 2.00a.m. and thought it was from the special anti-robbery squad that normally mount a road block at the Tejuoso Junction, which is about 20 metres to the house. At the house, an armed police corporal and a private took charge at the gate, warding off sympathisers and callers to the house. Some, of the domestic staff of the deceased told the Nigerian Tribune that they could not volunteer much information as they only came in to work yesterday morning only to learn of the incident. An unmarked police Peugeot 504 drove some of the domestic staff out of the premises around 5.30 p.m. to an unknown destination for interrogation. Sympathisers gathered in groups in the area, discussing the incident while close family relations of the deceased were allowed to drive into the premises after thorough interrogation at the gate. Oba Tejuoso was driven out of the premises at about 6.15 p.m. in a white colour Mercedes Benz car with registration number OGUN AT 01 WOE, followed by two other cars. The third Iyalode of Egbaland was born on June 22,1916 in Abeokuta, Ogun State to Mr. Josiah Ajayi Karunwi who died on 27 November, 1968. Her grandfather was Oba Karunwi I of Oke-Ona.

A reknown industrialist who left very dear prints on the shores of time especially in Commerce and Industry, Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso attended Idi-Aba Girls High School, Abeokuta before making her debut in business. She became a petty trader, dealing in textile in 1938 and was later a UAC dealer in provisions and textile with her base in Zaria for the most of the 40s. She became a UAC hardware and enamelware trader in Lagos in 1957. Esther Bisoye Tejuoso, the pioneer woman industrialist in Nigeria joined corporate business in 1959 as a director (Beds and Building materials) of Vono and GB Olivant. She was a partner (Norway and Nigeria), Nigeria Urethane and Company Ltd., the first foam industry in Nigeria. Appointed sales director, Nigeria Carpet Manufacturing Company in 1963, she established Teju Industries Limited in 1968 and became the chairperson Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso was also a director, Teju Farm Limited and AVIS Petroleum Company Limited. The late Iyalode of Egbaland won many awards traditionally, nationally and internationally. Honoured with the first international African Trophy for Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso was given the Nigeria Senior Citizens business award by the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce and Industries in 1979. She was Like Oloja Obinrin of Ago-Oko, Iyalaje of Egbaland, Iya-Ijo Cathedral of St James Church, Ago-Oko. The third Iyalode of Egbaland, Iyalode Oke-Ona, I valode Ago- Oko, whose only son is Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso was given the national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (OON). Her hobby was engaged in religious activities The Royal Roots: lyalode Egba in - Osile, Oranmiyan Just last June 22, she celebrated her 80th birthday with pomp and pageantry with many of the movers and shakers of the Nigerian society present. Last year October 6, 78 year-old Pa Alfred Ogbeyewa Rewane, a front-line politician was shot dead by unknown assassins at his Lagos residence. This year February 2, Mr. Alex Ibru, Publisher of Guardian newspaper was shot by assassins along Kingsway Road Ikoyi, but he did not die. In May, Rear-Admiral Olugbenga Omotehinwa was also killed by armed bandits at his Maryland, Lagos residence. On 4 Kudirat Abiola was shot dead by assassins in her car on the streets of Lagos. Vice Admiral Babatunde Elegbede also suffered similar fate 19 June 1994 when he was shot dead by assassins in Lagos. Culled from: Nigerian Tribune Friday September 20,1996

Bisoye Tejuoso killed THE octogenarian "Yeye-Oba" (king's mother) of Oke-Ona Egba, Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Esther Tejuoso, was clubbed to death in Lagos yesterday by unknown assailants. The dastardly act was carried out at the 2, Tejuosho Avenue residence of the distinguished industrialist, who was also the mother of Oba Dapo Tejuoso, at about 2 a.m. Family sources said the assailants numbering six, scaled the high wall surrounding the sprawling mansion to gain entrance and traced the victim to her bedroom while she was fast asleep. The assailants armed with automatic guns, iron rods and cutlasses, according to earlier reports, shot the octogenarian in the head but later accounts said the deceased was clubbed to death. It was learnt that the assailants attempts to force their way into Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso's bedroom woke up the victim. The attackers were said to have earlier rounded up the security guards manning the house. Sensing danger, the old woman was said to have run into her private toilet, with the assailants on her heels, and locked herself up. The desperate assailants hacked the door with a cutlass and dragged her out as she reportedly pleaded with her captors in Yoruba: "Ejowo, ma a fun yin ni gbogbo nkan ti e bafe. Ema pa mi," meaning: "Please, I will give you whatever you want, but don't kill me." The pleas fell on deaf ears, as the assailants clubbed and matcheted her to death. Her remains were first taken to her son's hospital before they were finally deposited at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Surulere Police Station, Mr. Emma Okoroafor, was in no mood to talk to the press as he was busy supervising his men handling preliminary investigations. Sources said the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operation in Lagos, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, visited the house earlier. When National Concord visited the residence of the Tejuosos last night, a family member confirmed the brutal killing. "Yes it is true. It happened this morning inside this house," the young man who refused to disclose his identity said. Security at the gate outpost of the house was tight as armed policemen bluntly refused to allow visitors, especially journalists, into the compound. However, known relations who heard the shocking news were allowed in after being identified. Family members are said to be baffled about how the assassins gained entry into the compound which has a heavy concrete fence of about eight feet high, and further secured with heavy steel gates.

In Abeokuta, all was calm yesterday at the palace of the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso. Even though palace sources said that Oba Tejuoso was unaware of the reported murder of his mother who, until her death, was the third Iyalode of Egbaland as he engaged in official assignment by joining other traditional rulers to welcome the chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Major-General Musa Bamaiyi, who was on tour of the state. At the ceremony held at the Ogun State Assembly Chambers, Oba Tejuoso left the engagement midway without informing anybody. The brutal murder of Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso came to the residents of Abeokuta, including the high title chiefs as news. Seriki of Egbaland, Dr. Lateef Adegbite, said last night that it would be very tragic if the news was true. The Amono-Oba of Egbaland, ChiefE.B. Sorunke, when contacted, also said he was unaware of the incident. Meanwhile, palace sources said the announcement of the death of Madam Tejuoso, according to tradition, would be announced by the Egba Council of Obas.

Her History By ABDULFATAH OLADEINDE THE late Chief (Mrs) Esther Bisoye Tejuoso, the Yeye Oba Oke- Ona Egba and Nigeria's leading female industrialist, who turned 80 on June 22, is the latest addition to the list of Nigerians whose lives have been brutally terminated. Born in 1916, into the family of Karunwi in Isale Oko, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Chief (Mrs) Tejuoso was the granddaughter of the first Osile of Oke-Gna, Oba Karunwi I. Her father was Chief Josiah Ajayi Karunwi, son of Oba Karunwi. A wealthy business person and industrialist, Chief (Mrs) Tejuoso was the Iyalode of Egbaland. She attended Igbein Primary School, Abeokuta and later proceeded to Idi-Aba Teachers Training College, also in Abeokuta. Although she trained as a teacher, she never taught. She began trading at an early age, starting with little wares and later veering into foam manufacturing. The female industrialist was married to the late Joseph Somoye Tejuoso in 1934. Of all her five children, the only surviving one is the present Osile Oke-Ona, Oba Dr Adedapo Tejuoso. With the utmost support of her son, Oba Tejuoso, the Yeye Oba devoted most of her time and energy to building a business empire. Her multi-million naira family business comprises Teju Industries Limited, Teju Industrial Clinics Limited; Tibla-tej Company Limited, owners of Regent Hotel, Lagos; Teju Farms, Teju Investment and Property Company Limited and Avis Petroleum Company Limited, an independent oil marketing firm. She held the title of "The Nigerian-Senior Citizen in Business" awarded by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce- and was also honoured with the Nigerian National award of the Order of the Niger (O.O.N) in 1982. The title of Iyalode of Egbaland was bestowed on her by the Alake, Oba Oyebade Lipede. As the lyalode, she was regarded as the "Oba Obinrin," that is, the first female citizen in Egbaland and leader of all Egbawomen. Apart from being the lyalode of Egbaland, Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso was also conferred with a number of titles which include Iyalaje of Oke-Ona, Iyalode of Ago-Oko, Yeye Oba of Oke-Ona, in addition to several other church titles.

Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso had, in an interview almost three months ago, on her 80th birthday, looked back and said she had every reason to be grateful to God. "Life is not so easy, yet so easy", she philosophised, adding: "If you put trust in God and do the right thing, you will have no problem." Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, the Osile of Oke-Ona also in a recent interview, described his mother as "second to none." Said he: "I am happy that God made it possible for me to come to this world through her. I couldn't have had a better mother, She is so loving, so hardworking, so trustworthy, so reliable and so dependable." "She is a loving mother to the core," Oba Tejuoso declared, adding: "I can't remember mother ever beating me as a child". Culled from: National Concord Friday September 20, 1996

Mama Tejuoso Shot Dead By BISIONANUGA/SEGUN OLATUNJ1 THE 80-year-old mother of Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, the Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso, was yesterday shot dead at her residence in Lagos by gunmen believed to be hired killers. Authoritative police source told Sketch yesterday that the deceased was killed around 2.00a.m. by a gang of 10 gunmen who invaded her residence in search of her son, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso. Late Madam Tejuoso was until her death the Yeye Oba of Oke- Ona Egba, the Iyalode of Egbaland and chairperson of Teju Industries among others. Our source revealed that on arrival at the No. 2 Tejuoso Avenue, Surulere the 10 gunmen allegedly demanded to see Oba Tejuoso and were told that the Oba was not in Lagos. Consequently, three of the gunmen were said to have positioned themselves at strategic areas outside the building while the remaining seven bulldozed their ways into the building through the front gate and went into late Madam Tejuoso's bedroom where they woke her up. The attackers, according to our source, then told the Yeye Oba to produce her son, the Kabiyesi, and she told them that the Oba was not in Lagos as earlier said by the guards. It was gathered that at this stage, Madam Tejuoso, who celebrated her 80 year birthday anniversary' with fun-fare on June 22, pleaded with the gunmen that she was willing to give them any amount of money they demand and that she was ready to co-operate with them if they needed other material things. The hoodlums, who became furious about the deceased's failure to produce her son as demanded, turned down all her offers, insisting that she should show them where the Oba was hiding. At this stage, Sketch learnt that the efforts of the late Iyalode of Egbaland to dash straight to her bed room's toilet for safety were thwarted by the gunmen as one of them fired several shots at her chest at close range and she consequently slumped into her own pool of blood. It was gathered that the gunmen after silencing her ransacked the whole house apparently looking for Oba Tejuoso. They however fled later towards the Tejuoso market junction without removing anything from the house, sources said. Sketch learnt that the defeaning sound of the gun shots attracted the police who rushed from the nearby Barracks Police Station to the scene. The remains of Madam Tejuoso were later deposited at the I Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH), Idi-Araba mortuary. When Sketch visited the Surulere residence of the Tejuosos yesterday, the whole place, was calm and two policemen on guard prevented people from going into the compound. "Go to Abeokuta and ask the Kabiyesi. We don't know what's happening. Please leave us alone", one of them said. When Sketch put a telephone call through to Oba Tejuoso's house in Abeokuta to obtain further information about the incident, a female voice said that the Oba and 'the Oloris had I already left for Lagos. She confirmed that a message had already been delivered to Oba Tejuoso on the incident but refused further comment saying," only we the little ones are at home. However, at the force headquarters, a competent source at the I special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) told Sketch under anonymity, that the matter was already being investigated. According to the source, some of the house helps and guards have been questioned for first hand information to enable the police have clues to work with. The police source told Sketch that police had already spread necessary dragnets around Lagos with a view to tracking down the fleeing gunmen. When Sketch called second time at No.2 Tejuoso Avenue at 6p.m., Oba Tejuoso was spotted in the compound but efforts to gain entrance into the compound were thwarted by the police who said they were acting on instruction. Oba Tejuoso was driven out of the compound at about 6.15 p.m., in a white Mercedes Benz car series T200 with registration number OGUN AT 01WDE in mourning mood to an unknown destination. On June 4, this year, the late Alhaja Kudirat Olayinka Abiola, senior wife of the detained Basorun MKO Abiola, an Egba indegene, was shot dead by unknown gunmen in mysterious circumstances. Also, on September 13, this year, the force secretary, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Robinson Agbo, was shot dead at close range at his Lagos residence. Police are still investigating the incident.

Egba Chiefs react By OLUSAKIN BABALOLA THE Jaguna of Owu, Abeokuta in Ogun State Chief Olufemi Shodeinde, has described the assassination of Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso as "the unkindest cut of all." Chief Shodeinde, who was speaking with Sketch in Ibadan yesterday on the incident, called on security agents to investigate the murder and bring the culprits to book. Describing the deceased who was the third Iyalode Egba as a loving mother, Chief Shobande said: "We have never seen such a woman in Egba". Chief Shodeinde, who said that the story was very incredible to him initially wondered what the assassins wanted to gain from killing the innocent woman. Apparently in tears, Chief Shodeinde said that he was pained to the marrow and believed-that God would expose the culprits. He prayed that God would give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Chief Alani Bankole, another Egba Chief, said that he had not confirmed the story, stressing that if it was true, then it would be unfortunate. Chief Bankole described Chief (Mrs) Tejuoso as a loving mother who was a source of inspiration to prominent chiefs and sons of Egba. The Egba chief called on the government to track, down those behind the brutal killing of the 80-year old woman.

Mama's life time A PRINCESS and granddaughter from the royal family of Oba Karunwi, the first Osile Oke-Ona Egba, "Mama" as she was fondly called was bom on June 22, 1916. She attended Igbehin Primary School, Abeokuta before proceeding to the Teachers' Training College at ldi-Aba, Abeokuta, for her professional training. Though a trained teacher, Chief (Mrs) Tejuoso went into trading beginning with time the business grew and she became a dealer in Vono, the mattress manufacturing outfit. In 1964, she joined other partners (Norwegian and Nigerian) to produce Cool Foam, after, which, she in conjunction with her late husband, Papa Somoye Tejuoso, and Osile Oke-Ona Oba Adedapo Tejuoso travelled to England and Germany to acquire plant and equipment for a new manufacturing outfit tagged "Tejufoam". A beneficiary of many titles in several churches, Mama was until her demise, Iyalode of Egba, lyalaje of Oke-Ona, Ekerin of Ago-Oko and Iyalode of Lagos. To mark her 80th birthday ceremony on June 22, this year, Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso Hospital was formally commissioned and dedicated in-her honour. She is survived by the Osile, Oke-Ona, Oba, Adedapo Tejuoso, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Culled from: Daily Sketch Friday September 20, 1996

Oba Tejuoso's Mother Killed ARMED men invaded the Yaba, Lagos home of prominent business woman, Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso in the early hours of yesterday and machete her to death in another case of wanton murder and possible contract killing Chief Tejuoso, the Iyalode of Egbaland, and leader of all market women, was slain four months after her 80th birthday. Police sources said unknown assailants, gained entry into the late industrialist, Tejuoso's home around 2 in the morning, overpowered her guards, and methodically, but brutally, inflicted several machete cuts on her. No arrests had been made by press time and police at the Barracks station were still trying to unravel how this woman of substance met her death. There was serene calmness yesterday in the Egba (Abeokuta) traditional set-up as news spread of the passing of foremost female business mogul, Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso. Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso, who is the mother of the Osile of Oke- Ona, Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, was said to have been assassinated in Lagos by some unknown gunmen. The deceased, aged 80, who was the third Iyalode of Egbaland since the Egbas Settled in Abeokuta in 1830, was a wealthy business woman. She became the Iyalode of Egbaland about 10 years ago, about 30 years after the former Madam Jojolola, died. The first lyalode of Egbaland - a very Powerful Position - Was the legendary Madam Efunroye Tinubu, after whom the popular Tinubu Square, Lagos was named. She promoted the establishment of many industries and celebrated her 80th birthday in June, this year in Lagos.

However, no official confirmation could be obtained in Abeokuta yesterday over the incident, and those who spoke to Daily Champion said it was against the Egba tradition for anybody to discuss the death of the foremost leader of Egba women. What baffled most people, however, was the presence of the only child of the deceased Oba Tejuoso at a gathering of Ogun State royal fathers' addressed by the NDLEA leader, Major General Musa Bamaiyi, fuelling some doubts that it may not be true. Oba Tejuoso did not betray any emotion at the meeting possibly in line with Yoruba tradition which forbids royal fathers to mourn openly, the death of another person. Contrary to his usual habit, Oba Tejuoso did not ask any question, nor did he pass any comment, like other Obas at the meeting. He also left the House of Assembly Complex venue of the meeting, before other royal fathers. A highly reliable source told Daily Champion that a telephone message about the incident was sent to Abeokuta by someone over the incident early yesterday. The source, however, failed to confirm where the corpse of the deceased woman is being kept, but she was confirmed to have been assassinated in Lagos. In line with tradition, none of the workers at the Osile Palace at Sapon, wore mournful looks yesterday, while many residents of Abeokuta were still unaware of their great loss. However, our highly reliable source said the official announcement of the deceased may be bedevilled by the ranging crisis between the Osile, Oba Tejuoso and the Ake people, over the Alake's chieftaincy. There are four divisions in Egba-land, each under an Oba.

His view has been that the Alake chieftaincy should be rotated among the four sections in Abeokuta, a position which has sent him on collision course with prominent Egba Chiefs. It is, however, expected that the issue will be resolved in next few days since the deceased's traditional chieftaincy is highly revered in Egbaland. Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso was born on June 22, 1916 in Abeokuta. She attended the Idi-Aba Baptist Girls High School. Her business expanded gradually and she became one of the major distributors for the United African Company (UAC) in the 1940s. She in 1982 bagged the national award of Order of Niger (OON). Culled from: Daily Champion Friday September 20, 1996 The Royal Roots: Iyalode Egba m - Osile, Oranmiyan

Oba Tejuoso's mum killed by gunmen By KEMIBABALOLA ACCOMPLISHED industrialist and mother of Osile Oke- Ona of Egbaland, Madam Abisoye Tejuoso, was in the early hours of yesterday shot dead in her Surulere Lagos residence by unknown gunmen. Her killing by a gang of 10 men who invaded her home at about 2 a.m. has again brought to the fore the increasing wave of gun attacks on wealthy Nigerians and Jaw enforcement agents across the country, especially in Lagos. In October last year, Pa Alfred Rewane, 79, was killed in his Ikeja GRA residence by unknown assailants, while Alhaja Kudiratu Abiola and Assistant Police' Commissioner, Augustine Agboh suffered similar fate on June 4 and September 13, respectively. DAILY TIMES gathered that when the gun men stormed the Tejuoso's family home, they requested to see Oba Dapo Tejuoso, but the monarch was said to be away in Oke-Ona, Egba. Three of the armed men, it was learnt, took position outside the family compound along Tejuoso Avenue, while the seven others forcefully opened the gate leading to the home. Dependable police sources told DAILY TIMES that the matriach of the Tejuoso family who celebrated her 80th birthday recently told the armed men after they had entered the home that she would cooperate with them and offered them money. The armed men, however turned down the money and insisted on seeing the Oba, who they believed was shielded from them by his mother. DAILY TIMES gathered that at a stage Madam Tejuoso allegedly panicked and ran inside her toilet apparently for safety. But the gunmen who thought she hid the oba, consequently shot her several times on her chest leaving her in a pool of blood. DAILY TIMES, however, learnt that the gunmen who removed nothing from the house quickly, took to their heels after the heinous act. Detectives from Barracks Police Station in Surulere who heard the gun shots were said to have gone on the trail of the attackers but, the gunmen fled through Tejuoso market road. DAILY TIMES learnt that her remains had been deposited in a mortuary in Lagos. When DAILY TIMES called at the residence of Oba Tejuoso in Abeokuta yesterday a lady who simply identified herself as Jumia said the news of the death got to the oba early yesterday. She explained that Oba Tejuoso and' his wife left yesterday afternoon to arrange for the burial, while some of the kids were still waiting for the Oba's arrival from Lagos. A top police officer at Zone II, Onikan, Lagos told the DAILY TIMES that the case was under investigation. Culled from: Daily Times Friday, September 20,1996

Madam Tejuoso, 80, Killed in Lagos By Our Reporters The wave of mysterious murders sweeping across the land blew up again in Lagos yesterday when Madam Bisoye Tejuoso, eminent industrialist and businesswoman, was killed in her home by unknown assailants. Mrs. Tejuoso, 80, was murdered at dawn in her home in surulere, Lagos, by armed men believed to have gained access to the compound through an adjacent street. Madam Tejuoso, the lyalode ofEgbaland, was the mother of Oba Adedapo Tejuosho, the Osile ofOke-Ona and a member of the defunct National Constitutional Conference. The Post Express gathered that when the assailants escaped after the violent attack on the frail old lady, she was rushed to the nearby family clinic where she died. Up till 11 pm. last night when our reporters visited the Tejuoso residence, the sprawling compound looked entirely deserted, with only a solitary security men inside the compound who refused to attend to callers. The entire atmosphere was mournful, and residents and hawkers alike spoke in hushed tones about the gruesome murder. "It's true o", said one source. "It happened around 2 a.m. and the body has been taken to the mortuary,"

MADAM Tejuoso Assassinated Callers at the Tejuosho residence last night were said to have included some white men. However, they were not let into the compound by the uniformed security guard, who sat mournfully on a table behind the immense gates, with folded arms. In a similar macabre murder of a defenceless woman, Mrs. Kudirat Abiola, wife of detained politician, Chief Moshood Abiola, was also gunned down in Lagos on June 4. News of Mrs. Tejuosho's murder was also flashed last night on Ray Power EM, a private radio station. Mrs. Tejuosho was bom on June 22, 1916, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. A deeply religious woman and philanthropist, she was conferred with the national honour of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 1982 by the then President Shehu Shagari. Culled from: The Post Express Friday, September 20,1996

Outrage over Tejuoso's death SHOCK, utter disbelief and unmitigated contempt yesterday trailed Thursday's gruesome murder in Lagos of the lyalode of Egbaland, Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso, 80, by suspected assassins as homicide detectives began intensive investigations to unravel the motive as well as her killers. Traditional rulers, eminent Nigerians, traders, students, the high and low without exception expressed a deep sense of loss and condemnation for the murder of the woman described by many sympathisers in glowing terms. The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Oyebade Lipede, yesterday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, officially announced her passing on. Also, the National Democratic Alliance (NADECO) chieftain. Chief Adekunle Ajasin, the secretary-general of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, (SC1A), Dr Lateef Adegbite, were astounded and dazed by the Incident. Their reactions came as Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, the Osile of Oke-Ona and son of the deceased for the second day, visited the No. 2 Tejuoso Avenue Yaba; Lagos, residence of her mother, where she lived until her cruel death. Oba Tejuoso, who arrived the premises at about 1.50p.m. in a white station wagon Mercedes Benz car, was driven straight into the compound. Attempts by curious, reporters to enter the compound to get his reactions failed as armed policemen kept everyone at bay. Among the first personalities to pay sympathy visits to the residence yesterday were the chairman of CF AO, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, and a former director-general of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NILA), Dr. Gabriel Olusanya. Others included the Alaye of Ode Remo, Oba Funsho Adeolu, and many sympathisers, many, of whom mopped their faces with handkerchiefs repeatedly.

News of the murder jolted the Egba traditional set-up, whose monarch, Oba Oyebade Lipede, the Alake of Egbaland, quickly assembled a six-man delegation led by the Seriki of Egbaland, Dr. Lateef Adegbite, to visit the Osile to express the condolences of the Egba titled chiefs. Other members of the delegation were Chief Sesan Soluade, Chief Akin Majekodunmi, Chief Femi Adewunmi, Chief Olu Oluyemi and Chief T.A. Abolorin. Besides, the delegation was asked to hold consultations with the Osile to draw up plans for the formal announcement of the brutal incident. In Abeokuta where the people were jolted beyond description Oba Lipede described her as an illustrious, loyal and patriotic daughter of Egbaland. Culled from: Saturday Champion Saturday September 21,1996

Bisoye Tejuoso's murder By Jude Arijaje, Christie Ohuabunwa, Lagos, Austeen Elewodalu, Abeokuta, Dare Ajuwon, Akure. Neighbours of the late Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief (Mrs) Abisoye Tejuoso, murdered in her sprawling Surulere, Lagos residence, early morning of Thursday, heard her cries for help, but could not intervene. This sad revelation was made known to our correspondent by some members of the Celestial Church of Christ, Olajuwon/ Tejuoso Parish on Friday afternoon, just as sympathisers besieged the home of the industrialist, the scene of the murder- to pay condolence. Members of the Church situated directly opposite the Tejuoso mansion, told our correspondent that "we saw the commotion outside the compound and we knew that something terrible was about to happen." Our correspondent gathered that some members of the church were having a night vigil when the assailants arrived. "We were scared, we started praying. We heard her cries, we even heard' her guards screaming and crying out for help, but we could not offer any. We gathered in one comer and we started praying." It was not only the church members who heard the octogenarian cries, her neighbours on, number 29 and 35 Tejuoso street, Lagos actually saw the events unfolding, but were handicapped. Kayode, a trader at Tejuoso market claimed to have witnessed the drama in the sprawling compound before the assailants gained entrance into the house.

"It was around 2 a.m. when heard a loud noise. I peeped from my window and I saw a scuffle going on. I saw about four men beating the security guards. One of them stayed in the car throughout. He did not go into the house with them. The men (assailants) were shooting anyhow, and were shouting that anybody who dares come outside would be finished. I did not know that they would kill Mama (Chief Tejuoso), I thought they would only steal some things from her. I later heard Mama crying out for help and begging for her life. Later she stopped. I was all the while peeping from my window. I was scared." The whole episode, according to Kayode, took about twenty to thirty minutes. "After that, they went into the car and zoomed off. It was later that policemen came." Kayode told our correspondent that the assailants put the whole area under siege. "It was difficult to even breath. It was surprising that policemen came after the bandits had left," he told our corespondent. Indeed, the bandits left a gory trail behind. By the following day, the family was still trying to lick the wounds of the death of the matriach. The only son and the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso was yesterday playing host to hundreds who have thronged the palatial residence to mourn with him. Early callers include Oba Funso Adeolu, Professor Olikoye Ransome Kuti, Prince Supo Adetona and numerous Egba Chiefs who were among about 136 people who had signed the condolence register as at 4 p.m. yesterday. Also, security at the premises was watertight as only recognised faces were allowed into the spralling compound. At least eight policemen, well armed, were seen around the premises Three of them kept guard at the gate. At about 4pm Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Ali Jos, visited the scene of the murder in company of the outgoing Lagos State Police boss, Mr. James Dambaba and ACP Kehinde Oyenuga. They called the Osile of Oke-Ona to the extreme left hand side of the compound, where sources told our correspondent that he was interviewed. The discussions they had with him lasted about one hour and it was in the presence of his son, Lanre, a medical doctor and two other family members. Meanwhile, three persons may have been quizzed by the police in Lagos in connection with the murder of the Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief Mrs Esther Bisoye Tejuoso, just as a formal announcement of the death of the octogenarian was made known yesterday in Abeokuta, Ogun state, where she hailed from. The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Oyebade Lipede, broke the news of the death, in a public statement, according to traditional rites. A competent police source told our correspondent that those arrested in Lagos for questioning over the incident, included two women, who were known to have had a bitter land dispute with the Yeye Oba, before her death. The third, described as the chief sponsor of Lagos Area Boys was also reportedly picked up by detectives. He was alleged to have threatened the life of the deceased, shortly before Thursday's incident. All the suspects were arrested by the police in the morning of yesterday, our correspondent leamt. Also in Abeokuta, a meeting of the Egba traditional council of Chiefs which was scheduled for yesterday, was put off as a mark of honour for the late Yeye Oba. A six-man delegation led by the Seriki of Egbaland, Dr. Lateef Adegbite, was sent by Oba Lipede to condole Oba Tejuoso in his private residence at the Ibara Housing Estate in Abeokuta.

Dr. Adegbite, who is also the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCLA) told newsmen after the visit that Oba Tejuoso had in accordance with tradition, informed the Alake of his mother's death, a condition he said was necessary for the Alake to make the announcement proper. Dr. Adegbite said it was premature to begin to talk of where and when the late Iyalode would be buried. He described the late Yeye Oba as a devoted Christian, kind hearted and a mother to all, adding that it would be very difficult to get another prominent and influential Egba woman to fill the vacuum of Iyalode of Egbaland created by her demise. "It is a brutal act, callous. It has shocked all of us because she was like a mother to all. It is too cruel for anybody to do that to her. Though we should be celebrating that she died at a ripe age but not in this circumstance. Adegbite said in his reaction. Other prominent Egba indigenes who was atqba Tejuoso's private residence to commiserate with him, included the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Babatunde Delano, wife of the former Head of State, Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, Justice Olufemi Odunlami and Mrs. Alaba Lawson a dose associate of the late Iyalode. Meanwhile, Abeokuta has remained peaceful, since the death of Mrs. Tejuoso was made public, as everybody was going about their normal businesses. Some people were seen in groups discussing the issue in shops, offices and streets, most of whom wore mournful looks. Octogenarian National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) leader Chief Adekunle Ajasin has expressed outrage on the assassination of Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso, calling on Yoruba leaders to urgently arrange a meeting with the Head of State, General Sani Abacha to discuss what he said was frequent attacks on Yorubas, by assailants, in recent times. "I wonder about the incessant killing of' the people in Yoruba land;' Chief Ajasin said when he was informed of the incident yesterday." Why is it that it is only the Yoruba people that are being killed?" he queried. The political activist advised that with the latest killing of the Chief (Mrs) Tejuoso, Obas, leaders of thought and other eminent personalities in Yorubaland, should convene a meeting immediately to discuss the incessant assassinations of notable Yoruba personalities. Thereafter, he said they would arrange and meet with the Head of State on the "negative development," Speaking on the assassination of Mrs. Tejuoso, Chief Ajasin argued he could not fathom any reason for her murder. "I cannot even think of what could be responsible for the killing of such an industrious woman." The government, he charged, should immediately apprehend those behind the elimination of illustrious South Westerners and restore sanity in the region. He said government would need to mobilise all its security agents, to the area and stop once and for all, 'the senseless killing of people and give adequate protection for the lives and property of the people in the area." Culled from: Saturday Punch Saturday September 21, 1996

Tejuoso's murder: Egba chiefs jittery THE Alake of Egbaland, Oba Oyebade Lipede, has lamented the assassination of Chief [Mrs] Bisoye Tejuoso, describing the death as a tragic loss just as some Egba traditional Chiefs are now reportedly gripped with the fear of being invited by the police tor questioning. The Alake, who spoke to our reporter in his palace, revealed that the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, the only surviving son of the slain Egba high chief had traditionally announced to him the demise of Chief Tejuosho. While describing the murder of the Oke-Ona monarch's mother as a "sad development and a tragic loss to Ogun State and Nigeria," Oba Lipede said he had immediately sent a high r powered delegation, comprising some Egba high chiefs, "to convey my condolence" to Oba Tejuosho. The Egba monarch described the late Egba high chief as a great, loyal and patriotic leader. He said: "Late Mrs. Bisoye Tejuosho, the Iyalode of Egba, was a loyal and patriotic chief, a great leader, a philanthropist and mother in Israel, a devoted Christian who had spent energy and money to propagate Christianity." However, it was learnt that some of the Egba chiefs were apprehensive over possible embarrassment by the police, as they were making efforts at evading any police invitation on the murder of Mrs. Tejuosho. The chiefs, according to sources, believed that based on a lingering feud among the Egba traditional ruling houses, the police might routinely invite them for questioning. Relations and friends were said to have warned some of the chiefs to limit their public appearances and also refrain from making any public pronouncement over the murder, which may be misconstrued.

One of the high chiefs, who reportedly travelled, abroad on vacation about two weeks ago after a brief illness, was said to have been sent messages by relations to shelve his return home for now. However, the Alake described the reported anxiety among the traditional chiefs as a rumour, saying none of his chiefs was in fear. According to Oba Lipede: "I do not believe in rumour, I see my chiefs all the time, none of them is in hiding and none is entertaining any fears." The mood of the people of Egbaland over the murder was of grief and shock. The assassination, which was freely discussed by Egba in habitants both on the streets and in commercial vehicles, was viewed as a sign of insecurity in the country, especially in Lagos. Why would they kill a high chief aged over 80 years?" some of the people were heard asking. Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Investigations Bureau, Musa Abdulkadir, is leading a crack team consisting of Assistant Commissioner of Police, Emeka Chukwura, and Superintendent of Police, Sam Okunola, to unravel the murder of Chief Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso. The team was said to have stumbled on some information, provided by the family of the murdered octogenarian that would help crack the murder case. The presence, yesterday, of the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations, Mr. Yakubu Muhammed, at the venue of the incident underscored the special attention the police has given the matter. Already the police had confirmed that Chief Tejuoso, who clocked 80 years of age in June, was clubbed to death by her assailants after she fled from her bedroom into the bathroom, where she was eventually killed.

Police sources disclosed to our reporter that the two leaders of Lagos Island Market Women's Association, arrested for questioning, had been released. Only surviving son of the deceased, The Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, said that his mother's blood would forever haunt her killers. "My mother's blood will fight back in Nigeria and in Egbaland, Oba Tejuoso told the Ogun State Government delegation which paid him a condolence visit on Friday night. The monarch who spoke in Yoruba said the blood of his mother, who he described as a saint will avenge her brutal killing no matter how long. "Omode bu Iroko o nw'ehin, o sebi ojokan ni npani,' a Yoruba proverb meaning that the repercussion of an evil act might not be immediate but the perpetrator of such evil would surely suffer for his action in future. The royal father, who was calm and composed while receiving the visitors, advised that "e ma je kafi eto wa dun ara wa," meaning that we should not deny ourselves our right. He confirmed that his mother's killers had demanded to see him, adding that, it would have been more regrettable had the assailants met him at home because "they would have killed me and you would have been paying her this condolence visit." He disclosed that he received a phone call at about 6 a.m. on Thursday from one of his mother's aides intimating him of the tragic incident which took her life. He said he gave directives on what to do before his arrival in Lagos at 10 a.m., but he said he deliberately did not make the appointment because as an Oba, he was forbidden by Yoruba tradition to see a corpse. According to the royal father, rather than head for Lagos, he went to the State House of Assembly, where the chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was billed to address traditional rulers of the state as part of his nationwide campaign against drug abuse and trafficking. After a few hours at the venue of the meeting, the Oba said he sneaked out of the hall through the Assembly's toilet so as not to attract the attention of his colleagues and members of the state executive council, who were already aware that he was bereaved. Explaining how the incident occurred, he said, at about 2a.m. on the fateful night, the late Iyalode of Egbaland woke up all her grandchildren and relations who lived with her and called them to prayers. It was during the prayer session that they started hearing gunshots, after which the gunmen forced their way into the house and assassinated her. He observed that the callous and brutal manner in which his octogenarian mother was killed was responsible for the wide coverage given it by the press. Said he: "Oro ayo Voro um. Awon to seeleyi won rope awon se ika sugbon ayo ni oro wa jasi;" meaning, the perpetrators of this act believed that they had done us evil but at the end, it brought us good fortune. Speaking earlier, head of the government delegation and Secretary to the State Government, Prince Babatunde Osokoya, described the late Yeye Oba as "a jack of all trades, a mistress of all. She was a pillar of support who held prominent positions." Culled from: Sunday Punch Sunday September 22,1996

Weep Not For Me — Oba Tejuoso By Moshood Adebayo & Lanre Sorunke IN a rare show of equanimity, bereaved Oba Adedapo Tejuoso yesterday pleaded with sympathisers not to weep over the brutal killing of his octogenarian mother. Madam 'Bisoye, but rather rejoke with him that he survived her. The Oba made the remark while receiving the Lagos State Administrator, Colonel Mohammed Marwa at his Lagos residence. "I appreciate the gesture of everybody who had sympathised with me on the gruesome murder of my mother, but rather than console me, please rejoice with me that I have survived my mother," he said. The royal father said though he did not expect the demise of his mother so soon and the manner of her death, but that he was still full of thanks to the Almighty God 'for preserving his life to survive his aged mother. "Who are we to question God on the manner of her death, afterall Jesus Christ had died violently to transform into glory", he added. Col. Marwa, defying a heavy down-pour arrived the family home at about 2.50pm and was received by Oba Tejuoso (who also drove in shortly after in his red 380 SEL Mercedes-Benz car) in the living room where Madam Bisoye was killed. Consoling the family, Col. Marwa described the incident as "very, very sad and prayed God to give the bereaved Oba, the fortitude to bear the great loss. The administrator said he had already met with the security personnel in the state and had been assured that the perpetrators of the dastardly act would be brought to book promptly.

He told Oba Tejuoso that the Lagos State Government had perfected strategies to intensify the fight against crime which would soon be unfolded saying: "the battle-line against criminals in Lagos has been drawn and with the Almighty spurring us on, we are sure to win the war." Col. Marwa, who came with seven of his Directors-General, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Funmi Da-Silva and the state Deputy commissioner of Police (Operations) Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, hinted that security operatives shall comb all the nooks and crannies of the state to fight crime to prevent a recurrence of the gruesome murder. In his condolence message, Colonel Marwa, who was the 252nd sympathizer, wrote. "Her loss is not only to Lagos and Ogun states, but to the entire country. May God allow her soul rest in peace and grant the family the strength to bear the loss.' Earlier in the day, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso in Abeokuta received a delegation of the Ogun Slate government led by the Secretary to the state government Prince Babatunde Osokoya during which he said the "saintly blood of my mother would avenge her death." Oba Tejuoso who said he received the sad news on telephone assured the delegation that the hoodlums who terminated the life of his mother, the third Iyalode of Egbaland, would not go unpunished. The traditional ruler, who spoke in Yoruba confirmed that the murderers had asked of him from his late mother noting that it would have been disastrous "If they had met me at home because they would have killed me." Oba Tejuoso betrayed no emotion as he said in Yoruba: “Ode bu Iroko, o boju wehin, o sebi ojo kan ni lroko npani" (meaning that the perpetrators of the dastardly act would be caught and adequately punished at the right time). Culled from: Sunday Concord Sunday September 22, 1996

Oba Tejuoso thanks God for missing death From Sim Aina, Abeokuta THE Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, whose mother, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso, 80, was assassinated in her Lagos home last Thursday morning, has thanked God that the killers did not find him at home. He spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Friday night, while receiving an official condolence team led by the Ogun State government secretary, Prince Babatunde Osokoya. Oba Tejuoso, the only surviving son of the deceased, further confirmed that the assassins actually asked of him from the woman before finally taking her life. He was speaking tor the first time on his bereavement. He told the team that iri spite of everything, he had cause to thank God because, "if they had met me they would have killed me as well, thus compounding the problem." Oba Tejuosho said, however, that the killers would not go unpunished and advised sympathizers not to weep for the octogenarian industrialist and Egba high chief who was hacked to death by yet-to-be identified assassins. He insisted that the circumstances of the death had made his mother a martyr "therefore no one should weep for her." He remarked that though his mother was a great woman, she would be remembered more for the circumstance of her death. "But whatever was the motive for the gruesome killing," he went on, "the dastardly act would not go unpunished." Looking calm and apparently unruffled, Oba Tejuosho who spoke throughout the reception in Yoruba illustrated his thought with a vernacular proverb: "Omode bu iroko oun boju wehin o ro pe ojo kan lo un pa ni" (A child curses the iroko tree and trembles in fear that the repercussion may come immediately).

Oba Tejuoso also said that his mother's blood would definitely fight in Egbaland and Nigeria since she had been brutally killed, despite her immense contributions to the country's industrial development. Noting the massive publicity given the death in the press, he said the circumstance of it (the death) might have led to the front-page treatment. "The publicity given the event has saved me the money for obituary advertisement, which I would have placed in many newspapers, he said with a tinge of humour. The royal father who attended a meeting of Ogun State Obas addressed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) boss, Major General Musa Bamaiyi, on the morning of the incident, confessed to having heard about it at 6a.m. on phone, much earlier before the meeting. He said that though he promised to come to Lagos at 10.00 a.m. he still felt he must attend the meeting in Abeokuta, "since as an Oba must not see a dead body, I just directed them where to deposit it. Besides, Oba Tejuoso said he later left the meeting venue through the toilet so that people might not suspect. He, however, thanked the delegation for the visit, saying the incident called for celebration despite the circumstance. Responding on the delegation's behalf, Prince Osokoya who led the seven-man delegation comprising the commissioners for agriculture, health, commerce, justice and two directors- general, apologised for the inability of the administrator, Wing Commander Sam Ewang, to visit, as he had travelled out of the state. He, however, described the late Iyalode of Egbaland as a jack of all trade and mistress of all. Culled from: Sunday Champion Sunday September 22, 1996

Police to Quiz Son DETECTIVES working' on the last week murder of Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso in Lagos, are optimistic that the assailants would be unmasked soon, following a possible breakthrough in police investigations. Police also said it had the right to interrogate he deceased's son (a royal father) if there was a need. Head of state intelligence and investigation bureau (SHB) at Panti Street, Yaba, Lagos, deputy commissioner of police (DCP), Abdulkadir Musa, said yesterday that "the police have received vital clues capable of yielding results." Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso, an accomplished industrialist was murdered in her Tejuoso residence, Surulere, Lagos Thursday morning by unknown assailants. On Friday, the SUB was detailed to work on the incident, which preliminary investigation was undertaken by the Surulere divisional police office. At the weekend, Daily Champion gathered that the Ogun State SIIB had also been drafted into the, investigation which has seen "many persons, including family members of the deceased interrogated," according to Alhaji Musa. Speaking with Daily Champion in Lagos yesterday, the SIIB boss Alhaji Musa would not be specific about how soon the suspects would be unmasked. He just said: "as soon as possible." "I trust the clues' we have got right now, and I trust the direction the preliminary investigation is going so far. And God willing, in no time, the real suspects (culprits) would emerge," he said. The police, however, cautioned about taking those already interrogated as the real assaliants, and according to Alhaji Musa, "all those we have interrogated was to get dependable dues to help us fish out the real suspects," adding that "the police had the right to interrogate the oba himself (deceased's son)." Last Saturday, armed robbery and homicide detectives, drew up-a list of some thugs and market women, who visited Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso days before her assassination and subsequently arrested them. Meanwhile, the family of the slain industrialist has begun preparations for her interment even as police hinted of possible breakthrough in investigations into the brutal murder last Thursday of the octogenarian. A spokesman of the Karunwi family the royal ancestral clan of the Tejuoso, told newsmen in Abeokuta yesterday, that the late business tycoon will be e buried at home in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The Amana-Oba of Egbaland, Chief Emmanuel Babatunde- Sorunke, said tradition required that any lyalode must not be buried elsewhere other than her hometown. Iyalode is the highest ranking female title and traditional leader of market women in Egbaland. He said since the first and second "Iyalodes of Egbaland, late Efunroye Tinubu and Madam Jojolola were buried in Abeokuta, there was no room for any deviation this time around. The Amana Oba added that the late Madam Tejuoso, being a of the Christian title of Iyo-Ijo of St. James' African Church Idi- Ape, Abeokuta it was a must that she be buried in her home town. His view coincided with the setting-up of 19-man burial committee by the church authorities, to liaise with the Tejuoso family for the burial which date had not been fixed. The committee had been scheduled to meet with the Osile of Oke-ona of Egbaland, Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, tomorrow (Tuesday) on the burial arrangements.

On efforts to arrest the killers, another ranking member of the Karunwi family Chief Ademuyiwa Karunwi, the Agbaakin of Ago-Oko, Abeokuta, said a meeting of the Karunwi family would hold this week where the issue of how to uncover the killers will be tabled, among other things. He described the loss of the late Iyalode as painful, moreso when they had all looked forward to November this year, for the 27th remembrance of her late father, Chief Josiah Karunwi. He said the late Iyalode had promised to make this year's remembrance of her father unique, during a discussion he had with her during her 80th birthday celebration, last June. "The remains of her father are there, pointing at the tomb but can she organise any remembrance again?" he asked in tears. Culled from: Daily Champion Monday September 23, 1996

Tejuoso's burial next week INDICATIONS emerged yesterday that the remains of the late Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso who was assassinated in Lagos on Thursday may be buried in Abeokuta, next week, just as the police expressed their determination to capture her killers. The burial, according to family sources, will be preceded this week by an autopsy. Investigations revealed that the deceased is likely to be buried at the Saint James' African Church, Idi-Ape, Abeokuta of which she was "matron" or Iya ljo. Already, a 19-member committee has been set up by the church to liaise with the Tejuoso family on the burial ceremony in which the church might bear great responsibility. Even though no date has been fixed for the burial, arrangements and consultations are in top gear for an early burial. Speaking to journalists yesterday, the Amono-Oba of Egbaland, Chief E.B. Sorunke said that the late third Iyalode of Egbaland, would be buried according to the Egba tradition which demands that the Iyalode must be buried in the town. Besides, Chief Sorunke said that the Christian title of Iya ljo held by the deceased until her death in the Saint James African Church, Idi-Ape, made it compulsory that she be buried in Abeokuta, saying "no Iya Ijo is ever buried outside." Chief Sorunke, who described the brutal murder of Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso as a shock, said that the vacuum created by her death would be difficult to fill. The Amono Oba who described the deceased as a kind, gentle and industrious woman stated that the next Iyalode would be selected purely on merit.

He said the responsibility of selecting an Iyalode was purely that of the Alake and that would be announced at the appropriate time. The selection, Chief Sorunke however added, would 'not be made until Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso was buried, in deference to the Yoruba culture. On the autopsy, the grandson of the late Iyalode, Dr. Lanre Tejuoso confirmed in a chat at the Tejuoso family home in Lagos that it would be carried out this week, but he did not give the specific day. According to the junior Tejuoso, “the autopsy will be carried out this week and we expect the report soon after the exercise". Many sympathisers including Petroleum Minister, Chief Dan Etete, Chief T.O.S. Benson and his wife; Chief Ayo Rosiji; Chief Awolu, Dr. Balogun, formerly of NITEL; Pa Ibukunoluwa Ibirogba and Primate Omolaja Olorunwo were among those who came to sympathise with !he Oba yesterday. The Oba at 4.46 p.m. left Lagos in his wine 380 SEL Mercedes Benz and was closely- followed by a silver-coated station wagon Mercedes Benz occupied by his three wives' while Chief Oluwole Adeosun, the Secretary of Communications in the defunct Interim Government trailer them in a blue 500 SEL Mercedes Benz car for what a close associate called a crucial meeting in Abeokuta. Meanwhile, detectives at the State Intelligence and Investigation Department Panti, Yaba investigating the brutal assassination said that they would soon unmask her killers. A top police officer assured that "We are likely to unmask the killers sooner than expected." The police chief said many suspects including members of the deceased's family have been interrogated, adding: "We have very strong clues."

It was learnt that police clues emanated from interrogations conducted so far. Some unknown assailants had in the wee hours of last Thursday reportedly clubbed Mrs. Tejuoso to death at her 2, Tejuoso Avenue, Surulere home. The murderers, allegedly numbering six, reportedly scaled the heavily-fortified fence surrounding the sprawling home of the Tejuosos and stormed the victim's bedroom while she was asleep. Culled from: National Concord Monday September 23, 1996

Tejuoso to be buried in Egbaland IT has now been confirmed that the remains of the late Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso will be buried in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Just as the Chief of General Staff, Lt- Gen. Oladipo Diya was reported to have issued further directives to the Director-General of the SSS and the Lagos State Administrator, Col. Buba Marwa to fish out her killers. The Presidency had earlier issued a similar directive to the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie on the same issue. The Amona Oba of Egbaland, Chief E.B. Sorunke, told newsmen in Abeokuta yesterday that Chief (Mrs) Tejuoso, apart from being the third Iyalode of Egbaland was also the Iya Ijo of St. James Anglican Church, Idi Ape, Abeokuta before her death. He said as the Iya Ijo of the church, which is located in Oke-Ona area of Abeokuta, it is the tradition that the church should take charge of the burial responsibilities. Chief Sorunke noted that her predecessors the first and second Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief (Mrs) Jojolola and Madam Tinubu respectively, were buried in Abeokuta City, adding that Chief Mrs Tejuoso's case will not be different. The Amona Oba who stressed that Mrs. Tejuoso's position in Egbaland will be difficult to fill, pointed out that the next Iyalode of Egbaland would be selected purely on merit. Already, the authorities of St. James' 'Church, Idi-Ape, Abeokuta, set up a 19-member committee to meet and hold discussions with the Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso on the burial arrangements of his late mother. The Agba Akin of Ago Oko Abeokuta, Chief Ademuyiwa Karounwi, told newsmen at the weekend that it was the wish of the majority of the family members to bury the remains of the late Chief (Mrs) Tejuoso in Abeokuta. In his reaction to the murder of Chief (Mrs) Tejuoso the Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi, said that those who murdered her have not only deprived her son, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, Osile of Oke-Ona Egba of a mother and counsellor, but have also dispossessed Yoruba royalty as a whole of an invaluable member. They also robbed the business community, of a worthy pioneer and the womenfolk of a motivator whose achievement is a source of inspiration, Oba Adeyemi said. In a condolence message he sent to Oba Tejuoso, from England where he is currently undergoing his annual medical check up, the Alaafin said "the gruesome murder of mama which 1 picked up from Nigeria was more than a rude shock to me, a situation which compelled my doctors to kept my blood pressure under extra watch." He described the late Chief (Mrs) Tejuoso as "a woman who had not only endeared herself to all as special among mothers, but who through golden distinction in industry, philanthropy, altruism and maternal affection, had earned herself a place in the indelible book of history as a woman of honour and integrity. Oba Olayiwola regrets that violence in our society had assume such a notorious dimension of the unenviable subculture of murdering people in their eighties, saying that this should be a matter of concern to both the government and all "those who believe that the reward of old age is rest and confidence and not fear and torture. The Alaafin, while praying for the glorious return of the deceased into "the warm hands of the Lord," implored security agents to leave no stone unturned in their search for her killers and to expose them because adding her killing to the catalogue of unresolved murder may further push crime rate t the upper brackets in our society. No fewer than 600 people have turned up at her residence to condole the only surviving son Oba Adedapo Tejuoso and members of her family. Among the early callers yesterday, was the former Minister of Petroleum, Chief Dan Obot Etiebet who described the assassination as tragic. He noted that this kind of murder is increasing in the country and called 'on members of the society to rise up against the development. This, he said, can be achieved if the people join hands with government agencies to unravel and catch the perpetrators. In his condolence message to the family, Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, commended her valuable contribution to the economic development of the country. He said "her life was an inspiration to those of us who knew her; we pray that God in his infinite mercies will give Kabiyesi and others the strength to bear the great loss. It is indeed a great loss to the country as a whole." Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson, Asiwaju Iyalode of Egbaland, who led the Egba female general title chiefs, wrote simply, "Iyalode, mama you are great even in death, may you continue to rest in the bossom of Jesus and Lord your creator. Culled from: Nigerian Tribune Monday September 23, 1996

Burial: Mama Tejuoso for Abeokuta By SOLA OLABANJI DESPITE spending the greater past of her adulthood and virtually all her business life in Lagos, the remains of slain mother of Osile Oke Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso will be buried in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. This step, Sketch learnt, became inevitable since the deceased was until her death not only the Iyalode of Egba, but also the Iya ljo of ST. James Anglican Church, Idi-Ape Abeokuta. The burial committee which met yesterday in Abeokuta is billed to meet with the only surviving son of the deceased, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso tomorrow. Even the church had set up a 19-man committee to liaise with the deceased family an the burial arrangements. Confirming the late octogenerian's burial place in Abeokuta yesterday, the Amona Oba of Egba, Chief Emmanuel Sorunke, said that Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso must be buried in Abeokuta in accordance with the dictates of custom and tradition. He pointed out that her two predecessors in office, Madam Tinubu, who died in 1877 and Madam Jojolola, who died in 1962, were both buried in Abeokuta and that Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso matronship of an Abeokuta Church made her case more explicit, as the church must be involved in the burial arrangements. Burying Madam Tejuoso who was also the Yeye-Oba of Oke Ona Egba in Abeokuta, is also in accordance with the wishes of some members of Karounwi family. In fact, one of the cousins of the Osile, Chief Ademuyiwa Karounwi, the Agba Akin of Ago-Oko, had in an interview at the Oba's family house, expressed similar view last Saturday.

Chief Sorounke, who described the late Iyalode of Egba as a very kind, lovely and dedicated woman, said that the processs of choosing a successor to the now vacant title would not commence until after the burial ceremony. Though, he said that the task of choosing a new Iyalode is the responsibility of the Alake of Egba, Oba Oyebade Lipede, Chief Sorounke said that the choice would be made purely on merit. He said that the immediate family of the deceased would pick a burial date which will be communicated to the Alake of Egbaland and other necessary organisations. Culled from: Daily Sketch Monday September 23, 1996

Bisoye Tejuoso's Last Minutes Family's first reaction THE REACTION OF the family of late Bisoye Tejuoso when they first heard about the brutal killing of their grandmother, mother and sister was to notify her son. Dapo Tejuoso, the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba. Details of how they got in touch with him are still sketchy but FAME Weekly gathered that the Oba was said to have directed two of his children, Akin and Femi (who owns Esquire Men's Shop on Allen Avenue) to take charge of things. A source close to Femi revealed to us that it was Femi that called in the police who later brought their photographer to shoot the picture of the scene and the body of the victim, Femi's grandmother. Another eye-witness confirmed that Femi was actually seen at his Allen Avenue boutique on the morning of Thursday, September 19, 1996. "It was around 9 a.m. He came in a chauffeur-driven blue Mercedes Benz 280 in company of three others, apparently security agents. Their mission was to develop and print the films of the pictures they took." They reportedly went into Uncle Eagle Photo whose office is located within No. Ill Allen Avenue property of the slain Yeyeoba. There, they insisted that the proprietor and Rotimi, his son should carry out the assignment under the supervision of the security agents. They collected the print-outs and the negative. Femi, who was dressed in a pair of shorts and blue shirt, reportedly kept his boutique opened. "He even spoke briefly with his staff before zooming off. We have not seen him since them." Her multimillion naira investments AT THE AGE OF 22, YOUNG BISOYE TEJUOSO was ready to take the business world by storm. She became a petty trader in 1938 dealing in U.A.C products and by 1940 when she clocked 24 she turned her attention to the Northern part of the country after making a significant impact in the West. She started investing in Zaria Textile and U.A.C. Hardware and Enamelware. With this she became a force to reckon with in U.A.C. and by the time she turned 41 in 1957, she was already a millionaire many times over with substantial interest as a director in Vono and G.B. Ollivant Beds and Building Materials. In 1958 she went into partnership with some Norwegians to form a Norway-Nigeria Limited Company, Orenchane and Company Limited. They thus became first foam industry and carpet manufacturing company in 1968. When she went solo she became the chairperson of Teju Foams Limited and later added Avis Petroleum Company to her chain of successful invetsments. Bisoye Tejuoso also established a modem hospital for her only son, Dr. Dapo Tejuoso along Awonaike Cresent directly at the back of her sprawling mansion, she also established Teju Industries, Tit-la-Tej Company owners of Regent Hostel, Lagos, Teju Investment and Property. When it was time for the Karunwi ruling house to produce the king to the Osile stool and being a woman and also next in line to the throne she beckoned on her beloved son, Dapo to ascend the throne as king over the Oke-Ona people in Egbaland. With the financial backing of Bisoye Tejuoso, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso also went into business and became successful with vast interests in several companies.

Tragedies in her life LIKE ANY HUMAN being, tragedies littered slain matriarch, Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Esther Tejuoso 80 murdered on Thursday, September 19,1996 at the palatial Dabis Court, on 2, Tejuoso Avenue, Yaba (Lagos). The much decorated business giant, who trained as a teacher married her teacher husband. Pa Joseph Somoye Tejuoso in 1934 and tragedy visited her on many occasions. Between the year of marriage and 1938, she had three children. And two died in infancy. Only Dapo Tejuoso, now a king survived. But a younger sister soon came. Rolayo Adebimpe was bom in 1940. But at 25, then a student of University College of Dublin, Southern Ireland, she died. That was in 1965. In 1949, another child ended in still birth. Her father also died in December 1968. Pa Josiah Karunwi's death was shortly followed by that of her husband Pa Joseph Somoye Tejuoso. How the killers broke security network UNKNOWN TO many, security network on the 5-acre multimillion home of the 80-year old mother of the Oba Dapo Tejuoso, Chief Esther Bisoye Tejuoso has been beefed up - with the presence of two plain clothes policemen that work (rotationally) round the clock. In the past eleven months, we can reveal authoritatively. However, when some gunmen invaded her palatial home in the early morning of Thursday. September 19, 1996, a police source disclosed that they gained entry through the backyard - on which lies the Teju Hospital which is owned by the Osile of Oke-Ona (Abeokuta). Oba Dapo Tejuoso. We reliably gathered that the 12-foot thick fence is shared by the hospital and home of the businesswoman. "Also, we're working on a theory that the assailants must have come into the house through the" orchard on Awonaike St., which sits behind the fence." the source maintained. Both the hospital and the orchard, we discovered, are on the stretch on Awonaike Street. When they eventually had their way into the house, the octogenarian was said to have been asked of the whereabouts of her son - Oba Dapo Tejuoso.

How she was killed DETAILS OF HOW Yeyeoba of Oke-Ona Egba, Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Esther Tejuoso was killed may probably not be known until the police comes out with the result of its preliminary investigation. However, information available to FAME Weekly indicate that the octogenarian may have been clubbed to death, Insiders filtered the gist of how her assailants (reportedly numbering six) attempted to make her reveal where her son, Oba DapoTejuoso was. "In the process of doing this, they continued pounding her with the clubs and gun butts. She could not take much of this because of her age. It didn't take too long before she gave up the ghost. This was only when those people left her alone," FAME Weekly gathered. Another source close to the police told us that there was no sign to show that she was clubbed. 'We need to be careful," admonished our source. "It is only the doctors that can tell whether lacerations are on her body. If so, they must also reveal the likely cause or causes." Culled from: Fame Tuesday September 24, 1996 - Monday September 24, 1996

Accountant quizzed over Tejuoso's murder THREE persons, including the chief accountant of a company owned by the slain Chief Bisoye Tejuoso, were yesterday interrogated by the police as the manhunt for her killers hots up. The accountant, DAILY TIMES learnt, was invited by the police to shed light on a case of misappropriation in the company early in the year, which led to the sacking of some management staff. Detectives rounded up the trio for questioning as Chief Zainab Marwa and Mrs. Munirat Marwa, the two wives of the State Administrator, Colonel Mohammed Marwa, visited the Tejuoso's Surulere, Lagos residence to condole them on the killing of their mother. Madam Tejuoso, until her death on Thursday morning, was the chairman/chief executive of several multi-million naira several multi-million naira family businesses which include Teju Industries Ltd; Teju Industrial Clinic, Tit-La-Tej Company Limited; Teju Farms; Teju Investment and Property Company and Avis Petroleum Company. DAILY TIMES learnt that the accountant was invited to tell the police the role of some of the sacked staff in the misappropriation case and provide the personal addresses of those staff. Also picked up yesterday, DAILY TIMES learnt, was a family head in Alagbado, Agege who had allegedly engaged in serious land tussle with the foremost female industrialist before her death. The land, said to be located at Alagbado had been a source of dispute between Madam Tejuoso and the man since April when some people came to claim ownership of the land. Mama, according to sources, bought the land from a Lagos family with the aim of establishing an industry there. After she had paid for the land and collected the certificate of occupancy, information got to her that some people "Entered into the land illegally and were carrying out construction." Sources said the development provoked Mama who enlisted the assistance of an army major to dislodge the trespassers from her land. The trespassers, reportedly threatened Mama that if she succeeded in dislodging them, too would not live to develop the said land. DAILY TIMES gathered that the information on the disputed land was provided by mama's domestic staff and relations already interrogated by the police. The detectives, DAILY TIMES learnt, also invited the Major for interrogation, while the family head of those believed to be the owners of the land was also arrested yesterday. Meanwhile, leaders of Lagos Island Market Association arrested at the weekend have been released by the police. At the Tejuoso's residence in Lagos yesterday, Zainab, the senior wife of the administrator, said the killers of the late industrialist would not go unpunished. She said no punishment would be too big for the assailants because they turned what would have been a joyful departure of Madam Teiuoso at an old age, "to sorrow". Almost moved to tears, she said her husband had already taken up the task of fishing out the killers, as a personal challenge. Her second, Munirat, who is the Chairperson of the Lagos Chapter of Family Support Programme (FSP) led the wives of local government chairmen in the state, to pay a condolence visit to the bereaved family. Delivering the condolence message, Munirat described the late Madam Tejuoso as an embodiment of woman dignity whose pioneering role as a frontline in. Culled from: Daily Times, Tuesday September 24, 1996

Twist in Tejuoso's burial THE family of the Late Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso may not allow the involvement of the Egba Traditional Council in the burial of the third Iyalode of Egba. Indications to this effect emerged yesterday as the police transferred investigations into the assassination from the Special Anti-robbery Squad to the Homicide Department, suggesting that the dastardly act was perpetrated by murderers. The Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso strongly rebuked the Egba Traditional Council in Abeokuta describing as "rubbish" the comments which he said had been coming from Ake Palace since the death of his mother. Oba Tejuoso, who spoke during a condolence visit by the executive members of NACCIMA led by the National President, Chief Kola Daisi, declared that since the late lyalode died, "comments had been coming from Ake palace as if they were friends of the woman." He told the visitors that the late Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso sacrificed her blood for Egbaland. Oba Tejuoso's comments came just as the 19-member committee set up by the Saint James African Church, Idi-Ape Abeokuta and members of the Tejuoso family were due to hold a meeting on the burial ceremony. The deceased held the title of 'Iya Ijo' (matron) in the church until her death. The, Osile told the sympathisers that because her mother sacrificed her blood for Egbaland, he was sure that her death would revolutionise the nation and indeed Egbaland. The royal father stated that given what was now prevailing in Egbaland where some people were subjugating others, "he who thinks there is peace in Egbaland is fooling himself." The Royal Roots: lyalode Egba in - Osile, Oranmiyan Stating that he saw no reason why some people should be made to play the second fiddle in their fatherland, Oba Tejuoso declared that it was high time Egbaland was "straightened out." According to him, there was no justice and equity in Egbaland and as such, he would continue to fight 'to the ends. "I am sure my mother, even in death, would not stop to ensure that there is justice and equity in Egbaland," he declared. Oba Tejuoso stated that the type of peace in Egbaland was one without justice and added that until there was justice, there could be no peace. Speaking earlier, Chief Kola Daisi expressed regrets that late Chief (Mrs) Tejuoso died in such circumstances and prayed for the repose of her soul. On the change effected by the police, National Concord gathered that the decision to transfer the case to the homicide detectives was based on the details of the interrogations so far carried out on arrested suspects. The head of the homicide team and his counterpart in charge of the anti-robbery squad were seen discussing the details of the change-over in the office of the Deputy Head of the State Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (SUB), Panti, Mr. Chukwurah yesterday. Police sources, however, said some officers from the antirobbery squad would still be involved in the investigations to track down the assassins. Meanwhile, the director of a community bank in Lagos who bought a disputed land from the late Madam Tejuoso has been picked up by police detectives. The director, (name withheld), who hails from Ondo State, was picked up in Akure. He is being interrogated on the transaction between him and the "deceased, a police 'source hinted.

It was learnt that the land which is located on the outskirts of Lagos created some misunderstanding between the two parties before the dispute was resolved. The director was said to have at the end, bought the parcel of land which' had since been developed. Police sources said that the director was brought to the S1IB, Panti at about 8.40a.m. yesterday, adding: "We are still working on him and others already arrested," the sources added. Also yesterday, scores of sympathisers, including the two wives of the Lagos State Administrator, Col. Buba Marwa besieged the Surulere home of the Tejuoso family to express their sympathy on the brutal assassination of Madam Tejuoso. The administrator's wives, Chief (Mrs) Zainab Marwa and Mrs Munirat Marwa led the wives of 13 local government chairmen, two female council chairpersons and some officials of the Family Support Programme to the palatial mansion of the Tejuosos at about 3.20p.m. On hand to receive them were Oba Tejuoso, his Oloris, Omolara, Yetunde and Labisi as well as other family members. Expressing condolences on behalf of the Marwa family, the administrator's senior wife, Chief (Mrs) Zainab Marwa described Madam Tejuoso's death as a loss not only to her immediate family but to the whole nation. Mrs. Marwa prayed for the repose of the deceased's soul and fortitude for the family to bear the loss. "I, being a woman and a mother, I also pray that the murderers will be punished by Allah. They are not going to go unpunished and their death will be worse," she said fighting back tears. Also expressing sympathy on behalf of the Family Support Programme, its chairperson in Lagos State, Mrs. Munirat Marwa described the late Madam Tejuoso as a frontline woman, an industrialist and a symbol of hope, courage and determination to all.

Responding, Oba Tejuoso expressed thanks to the entourage "for the visit and kind sentiments expressed." "My thanks and deep appreciation also go to everyone who has stood by us since this sad incident that has turned a happy event for us, because my prayer has always been to survive my mother and they have made that possible for me without sweat," Oba Tejuoso said. The Oba, who betrayed no emotion and even spiced his response with jokes, however, expressed the hope that the assassins would be brought to book. The most senior wife of Oba Tejuoso, Olori Omolara also expressed gratitude to the sympathisers. Other notable personalities who have called to commiserate with the bereaved family included the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Mike Akhigbe and his wife, Josephine, former Works and Housing Minister, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and former Secretary for Health in the defunct Interim National Government, Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi. Culled from: National Concord Tuesday September 24, 1996

There will be trouble in Egbaland THE Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso yesterday described as "rubbish" comments emanating from Egba titled chiefs over his mothers death, saying their comments are pretentious. Oba Tejuoso, who expressed this annoyance yesterday when representatives of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) paid him a condolence visit said the comments were being made as if they were friends of his mother. "It is insulting when I open the papers and read all this nonsense. Don't ask me about burial, go and ask them," he said. Egbaland, he said must be re-organised if peace is to reign, adding that "he who thinks there is peace in Egbaland is- fooling himself." "Peace will come, but there will be trouble. People cannot continue to subjugate others in their fatherland in the wrong belief that there is peace in Egbaland", he said. Oba Tejuosho, while speaking on his-mother's death said, "my mother's death will revolutionise Nigeria and Egbaland as she was a peacemaker" adding, "my mother has sacrificed her blood for Egbaland." Oba Tejuoso who said he last saw his mother on 14 September, expressed thanks to God that he was going to bury his' mother after her 80th birthday. Speaking on his mother's 80th birthday, he said some people who were supposed to be at his mother's birthday were not there because they were fighting the woman's son, but did not know that indirectly they were fighting the Iyalode. "If they had known that this thing will happen, they would not have done so," he said.

Oba Tejuoso said he stood for justice which was why he went to the Constitutional Conference to fight for equity and justice. He said he was happy that at the confab they were able to achieve for the Yorubas rotational presidency, which makes every Yoruba to be able to aspire for the Presidency of Nigeria, adding "if we can fight that at the confab, why can't that happen in Egbaland." Oba Tejuoso declared that his peace-loving mother will not stop even in her death to ensure that justice prevails in Egbaland. The National President of NACCIMA, Chief Kola Daisi, who led the team commiserate with Oba Tejuoso and thanked God that he survived his mother. Oba Tejuoso had been a strong advocate of the rotation of the stool of Alake of Egbaland among the four sectional quarters in Abeokuta namely Ake, Oke-Ona, Gbagura and Owu. Five years ago, Oba Tejuoso had challenged the authority of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Oyebade Lipede as paramount ruler in Egbaland. In 1990, about a year after he was installed, Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Tejuoso in his book: "So far, So Memorable" said Alake's supremacy in Egbaland was based on historically faulty foundation He was also reported to have said that "from the origin of Egbaland itself, when the Abeokuta government was set up, it was a mistake making the Alake the head. This issue has since thrown the Egba traditional council into a big crisis which has prompted the constitution of a reconciliation committee under the chairmanship of Professor Sabiru Biobaku to broker peace in the land. The crisis has also divided the Egba council of chiefs into two with the Alake on one side and Oba Tejuoso on the other.

The newly appointed administrator, Wing-Commander Sam Ewang just last week, called for peace in Egbaland and warned of the consequences of a breakdown of law and order. The Osile of Oke-Ona, Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso yesterday put the killers of his mother. Madam Bisoye Tejuoso, to shame by declaring that their intention to inflict sorrow on him has actually turned to happiness. Oba Tejuoso, who was receiving the wives of the Lagos State administrator who came to pay him a condolence visit, said that, there was nothing to be sad about. "My prayer has always been that I should survive my mother and they (assailants) have made that possible for me-without sweat," Oba Tejuoso who is the only surviving child of the late Madam Tejuoso stated. He thanked the Marwa family and the entire people of the state for their support since the incident last Thursday. The traditional ruler also thanked pressmen "for doing a good job," urging them not to relent in their efforts until the culprits are brought to book. Earlier, the senior wife of the administrator, Mrs. Zainab Marwa, had described Mrs. Tejuoso's murder as not only a loss to the Tejuosho family and Lagos alone but to Nigeria in general. She said she was glad that her husband, Col. Marwa is taking the matter as a challenge to him, praying Almighty Allah to punish the perpetrators. Also speaking, the younger wife, Mrs. Munira Marwa said she had come to console Oba Tejuoso on behalf of herself and the entire chairpersons of the Family Support Programme in the state. She described the deceased as a frontline businesswoman, industrialist and an embodiment of an ideal woman. Culled from: Nigerian Tribune Tuesday September 24, 1996

Tejuoso Predicts Trouble In Egbaland HOMICIDE detectives probing last week's murder of the Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso, had by yesterday detained four persons, just as the victim's only child. Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Dapo Tejuoso, dismissed tributes paid to her by Egba chiefs and predicted trouble for the area. Oba Tejuoso, who spoke in Abeokuta, said the chiefs were creating the false impression that all was well between them and his slain mother. The detectives had by yesterday questioned 35 persons, as the Lagos State Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (SUB). Panti Street, Yaba, charged with the investigation, gave the task to its best hands. The four suspects, our correspondent learnt, were arrested in Lagos at the weekend. Madam Tejuoso, an accomplished industrialist, was assassinated last week Thursday at her Surulere, Lagos home by unknown assailants. Following public outrage on the manner of her murder, the matter, which was hitherto being handled by the Surulere divisional police, was transferred to the SUB for discreet investigation. Detectives drawn from its anti-robbery and homicide sections have so far interrogated some thugs and market women. On Sunday, the deputy commissioner of police (DCP) for the SIIB, Alhaji Abdulkadir Musa, told Daily Champion that the killers would be unmasked. Yesterday at the SIIB, feelers emerged that four of those so far arrested have been detained just as detectives are on the trail of some prominent Egba indigenes said to have clues that would help detectives in their investigation. A director of a community bank in Ogba, Ikeja said to have had a land dispute with Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso was spotted yesterday volunteering statements to the police. In what appeared like a strong indictment of Egba chiefs, Oba Tejuoso told a delegation of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) who paid him a condolence visit that the Egba chiefs created a false impression that they were friendly with his late mother. Oba Tejuoso, whose views on the need to rotate the Alake stool among the four sections of Egbaland-Ake, Owu, Gbagura and Oke-Ona had set him on a collision course with some Ake- Egba chiefs whose people have occupied the stool, added: "Whoever thinks there is no injustice in Egbaland is definitely fooling himself. Egbaland must be re-organised. There is no gainsaying it. We want peace, but before there is peace, there must be trouble." According to him, the spirit of his mother who died in pursuit of peace would fight on to ensure there is justice in Egbaland. He said some of the pretenders currently sympathising with him were part of the 18 people who refused to attend the 80th birthday of her mother only to lie to the Chief of General Staff, Lt. General Oladipo Diya and the former military administrator of Ogun State, that they did. "They did not attend because they were fighting the son of the assassinated old woman. They did not know that they were indirectly fighting their own lyalode," he added. Oba Tejuoso said as far as he was concerned, he had buried his mother on her 80th birthday and that the birthday had turned out to be "the burial she waited for." He advised those he alleged to be unwilling to relinquish their hold on the Alake stool to know that no group could continue to subjugate others in their fatherland and still expect people to keep quiet.

He said nothing prevents the Alake stool from being rotated, moreso when the presidency of the nation has been constitutionally endorsed for rotation. NACCIMA national president Chief Kola Daisi, had earlier consoled the royal father on the death of his mother, who he described as a great industrialist. He said her death had robbed the nation of one of her industrial giants. He prayed God to grant the late Iyalode eternal rest. Also yesterday at Iba former presidential aspirant and a national leader of the People's Party of Nigeria (PPN), Otunba Reuben Famiyibo, condemned her killing and described the spate of murder of notable leaders in the South Western part of the country as a source of concern to all. Speaking at the presentation ceremony of All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) cup won by the Ibadan Boys' High School in Ibadan, Otunba Famiyibo urged the leaders of thought to ponder on the unholy development. Also yesterday, senior wife of Lagos State administrator, Mrs. Zainab Marwa, consoled the Tejuoso family;' praying God to help bring her killers to book. Speaking when she led her mate, Mrs. Munirat Marwa, and wives of the chairmen of the 13 local governments in the state to the Tejuoso family home in Yaba, she said her death was not only a loss to Ogun and Lagos states but to Nigeria as a whole. While praying God to grant her soul eternal rest, she reaffirmed government's commitment to fish out her killers. "May God deal with the people that must have-done- this (murder). Like my husband said, they will not go unpunished," she said as she wept openly yesterday. Culled from: Daily Champion Tuesday September 24, 1996.

Oba Tejuoso feels happy THE Osile Oke-Ona, Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso and his first wife, Olori Omolara Tejuoso have said that the death of the king's mother, Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso, who was murdered in the early hours of last Thursday by unknown men has turned out to be a happy event for them and the entire family, Responding to messages of condolence from the wives of the Lagos State administrator, whio visited him at the Tejuoso family compound in Lagos, on Monday Oba Tejuoso said that his mother's assassins have made his prayers to succeed his mother come to pass. "It was meant to be a sad event, but it turned out to be a happy event. It has always been my prayer to succeed her, but they have made that possible without sweat", Oba Tejuoso declared. Supporting his husband's statement, Olori Tejuoso said: "Here we are rejoicing our mother's death. No matter how she died, the end is death. This is not a sad occasion." She urged those present to join her in singing songs of praises. The Oba and his wife thanked the wives of the administrator, Mrs. Zainab Marwa and Mrs. Muinat Marwa for their visit. Oba Tejuoso was particularly grateful to Colonel M.B. Marwa and the entire Lagosians for the love, sympathy and kind sentiments shown over the death of his mother. Earlier, Mrs. Zainab Marwa, had expressed the sympathy of the family to the Tejuosos and urged them to regard the death as a loss to Nigerian womanhood. In her speech, the chairperson of the State F.S.P., Mrs. Munirat Marwa on behalf of all families in the state, condoled with the Oba on the death of his mother. Culled from: Daily Sketch Wednesday September 25, 1996.

Tejuoso: 4 Egba Top Chiefs Quizzed From Sina Aina, Abeokuta and Oguwike Nwachuku (Lagos) Four senior titled Egba chiefs were quizzed yesterday by homicide detectives investigating the brutal slaying last Thursday of Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso. The arrest and interrogation 'of the four chiefs underscored the deep divisions Within the Egba (Abeokuta) traditional, hierarchy tom asunder by recent claims of supremacy. Although details of the brief detention of the chiefs were' sketchy by press time, Daily Champion gathered that the four royal, personalities were invited to Lagos for an interview by detectives at the Lagos State Investigation and Intelligence Bureau (SIIB) Panti, Street, Yaba. The interrogation comes amid the disruption of the inaugural meeting of the 19-man committee set up by the St. James African Church, Idi-Ape, Abeokuta, that was to co-ordinate the burial rites for the industrialist. But the inaugural meeting was aborted after 100 protesting youths stormed the venue and insisted on being consulted on the arrangements. Daily Champion gathered yesterday from police sources, that the interrogation of the four Egba high chiefs was not unconnected with police search for clues to enable them unravel the killing. On Monday, about four persons were detained and were among the 35 persons so far interrogated by the police. Those interrogated include market women, thugs, family members, maids, security guards and staffers of the late lyalode of Egbaland. Daily Champion gathered yesterday that the arrest of the four high chiefs may not be unconnected with a land matter in which the deceased's family had an interest.

Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso, a celebrated industrialist and holder of traditional and church titles, was killed on Thursday by gunwielding assaillants at her Surulere, Lagos home. At the weekend, Alhaji Abdulkadir Musa, the deputy commissioner of police (DCP) in charge of SUB, told Daily Champion that the real suspects would be unmasked "soon." In Abeokuta, the church committee could not commence action as promised yesterday, because about 100 youths, who are members of the church, protested their non-representation on the committee. Consequently, the committee could not meet with the only surviving child of the Iyalode, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso the Osile Oke-Ona Ggba. Oba Tejuoso himself had earlier ruled out the participation of the Egba titled chiefs in his mother's burial due to what he called on Monday, "their frosty relationship" with late Iyalode while alive. In another development, a Sokoto government delegation visited the Osile yesterday with a message from the state administrator, Navy Captain Rasheed Raji. The two-man delegation, led by the state commissioner for justice and attorney general Alhaji Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, expressed the condolence of the sokoto State Government to the monarch. Culled from: Daily Champion Wednesday September 25,1996

Protests Greet Church's Plan For Tejuoso's Burial Bunmi Elewodalu and Wole Efunnuga Abeokuta THE 19-man committee set up by the St. James African Church, Idi-Ape, Abeokuta to deliberate on planning a befitting burial for the Iya-Ijo of the Church, Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso, has run into a hitch. The youths of the church, under the umbrella of the Youth Fellowship staged a protest in the church premises immediately after the members of the committee were named. The youths, who vowed not to co-operate with the committee were aggrieved because they claimed that the youths were not represented in the committee and accused the elders of the church of marginalising them. The youths insisted that without their inclusion in the committee, they would ensure that the committee did not take off. Consequently, the Nigerian Tribune gathered that a meeting which the committee was to hold with the only surviving son of the Iya-Ijo, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, yesterday was aborted as a result of the crisis. At the Ibara Housing Estate residence of Oba Tejuoso, sympathizers continued to troop in to condole with the Oba. Two representatives of the Sokoto State Government were also there yesterday to condole with Oba Tejuoso. Oba Tejuoso, while receiving the delegation from Sokoto led by Alhaji Muktari Shehu Shagari, state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, said the visit demonstrated the unity and love that existed in the country. He said the delegation was the first from the North to visit him, adding that the Tejuoso Family has affinity with the North. Oba Tejuoso said that his late mother lived in Zaria for more than 17years, adding that he started his education in the North.

He stressed the need for unity, justice and equity to prevail in Nigeria as this was very important. The leader of the delegation, Alhaji Muktar Shehu Shagari, son of former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, said the Sokoto State Administrator, Captain Rasheed Raji, and the people of Sokoto State received with rude shock and disbelief news of the murder of the Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso. Wife of the Ogun State Administrator, Mrs. Comfort Ewang, also came to condole with the Oba. The Ogun State Administrator, Wg. Cdr. Sam Ewang, yesterday sent a condolence and message to the Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso over the death of his mother whom he described as "the quintessence of a mother and a first among equals." Cdr. Ewang said the death of late Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso was not only tragic, but also a monumental loss to womenfolk and. the entire nation. He said the deceased was an embodiment of all that is noble and desirable in womanhood. "Although she is gone, our consolation lies in the fact that she lived a full and useful life worthy of emulation by the present and future generations, the administrator noted. Cdr. Ewang prayed that the Almighty God grant Oba Tejuoso the fortitude to bear the loss. Culled from: Nigerian Tribune Wednesday September 25, 1996

Death And King's Mother BECAUSE of the special relationship that existed between the late Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso and his son, the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, family members and well-wishers who first got wind of last Thursday's dawn murder of the Yeye Oba, were in a quandary. How do we break such shattering news to Kabiyesi, knowing how close mother and child were? They must have reasoned. Indeed, the royal father himself, the only surviving child of the business guru, proudly displayed the depth of the love mother and child had for each other when he declared on the occasion of his mother's both birthday: "There is none like Mama. I am happy that God made it possible for me to come to the world through her. I couldn't have had a better mother. She is so loving, so hardworking, so dependable. She is a loving mother to the core." As it turned out, they needn't have bothered about how to break the news. For Kabiyesi is made of sterner stuff. He received the shocking news of the demise of his loving mother, with, to borrow that trite expression, philosophical calmness. Betraying no emotion, Oba Tejuoso switched roles with those who had come to console him. The bereaved became the comforter. "Rather than console me please rejoice with me that I have survived my mother. Who are we to question God on the manner of her death; afterall, Jesus Christ had died violently to transition into glory." To further demonstrate that no greater love had a child for a mother than the one Dapo had for Bisoye, the king, on the occasion of the mother's both birthday on June 22, 1996, officially opened and dedicated his hospital, Teju Hospital to his mother. The hospital took the new name of Iyalode Bisoye (Teju) Hospital.

The Oba is never tired of expressing his affection and love for his mother. Even at 58, the Yeye Oba, he disclosed, never stopped loving him and treating him as a child. His words: "I am 58 but she still thinks I'm a child that needs to be petted, needs to be pampered ... Thank God we have a very good relationship. She is quite understanding. She is beginning to understand that I am no longer a child of 58 years age." It took the king's mother's death to reveal the philosopher in the king. Hear him: "At the end of the day, we shall all see the good that would come out of this matter. I thank God for giving me the conviction to have absolute faith in Him." Kabiyesi was not done yet. Refusing to be cowed by his mother's death, rather he implored the living to remember that the world is a temporary abode of all and so all should do good. His words: "Death is the debt that we all owe. Our prayer is that when death comes our deeds should be good. Everybody should continue with his actions, whether good or otherwise people in position of power and authority should endeavour to do good to all persons because the Almighty God is watching all of us. So even though the king is not grieving, in obedience to tradition, not a few people would be prepared to swear on oath that, in the inner recess of his room, Kabiyesi, would, like any mortal, be mourning the death of his mother. For his mother was not only the first female citizen in Egbaland, she was also the leader of all Egba women. The murder at dawn of this woman with the proverbial midas touch, whose murder many have said, would join the statistics of unresolved murders, is one murder too painful to bear. If the Yeye Oba had answered the home call after a brief illness, the king, who was his mother's business associate, would have rolled out the drums and the palatial Tejuoso homes in Lagos and Abeokuta would have been the scenes of merriment and jollification. Although no dirges are heard, it is obvious that Kabiyesi has been dealt a severe blow. A trained teacher, the woman did not touch the chalk for a single day. Instead, she deployed her talents and energy to trading and carved a niche for herself and the Tejuoso family. The business bug bit the king who dropped his stethoscopes and joined his mother in business. To demonstrate beyond any shadow of doubt that he is pained by mama's death, the king had declared: 'They (killers) will not go scot-free. It might not be today or tomorrow, but they won't go scotfree". Culled from: Midweek Digest Wednesday September 25, 1996

Egba Chiefs keep Mum over Tejuoso's Burial Bunmi Elewodalu, Abeokuta EGBA High chiefs have now adopted the "no comment" posture to issues concerning the burial of lyalode of Egbaland, Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso, following the recent outburst by Oba Adedapo Tejuoso over comments made by some of the chiefs on burial arrangements for the late bueiness woman. This "no comment" posture may have been due to a shut-up order slammed on Egba high chiefs by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Oyebade Lipede after a peace accord between the Alake and the Osile of Oke Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso at the 57th birthday anniversary of the Olowu of Owu, Oba Adisa Odeleye. Oba Tejuoso, who on Tuesday acknowledged the beginning of a peaceful dawn, said he had fruitful talks with the Alake in the presence of the two other rulers and was quoted as, saying "love appears to' 'be coming to Egbaland" at the birthday ceremony of the Olowu of Owu. The Alake of Egbaland, he said, had told him that he had already been talking with the chiefs on the matter, which may have prompted the "no comment posture." Signals to this effect emerged yesterday, when some of the high chiefs snubbed journalists who cornered them for comments on burial arrangements for the Iyalode. The Amona Oba of Egbaland, Chief Ebenezer Sorunke, who spoke with journalists on Sunday over burial arrangements for the late industrialist, rejected entreaties from newsmen on further arrangement on the burial yesterday at the Ake Palace. Other chiefs contacted to comment over the issue yesterday, also adopted the "no comment" stance as one of them said "I have decided not to make any comment on the issue."

Oba Tejuoso had expressed annoyance over comments emanating from the Ake Palace made by Egba chiefs over burial arrangements for his mother, describing the comments as "rubbish." He said the actions of the chiefs were pretentious as their comments were coming from the Ake Palace as if they were the Iyalode's friends, adding that the refusal of these chiefs to attend the 80th birthday ceremony of the Late lyalode did not portray them as friends of his mother. Culled from: Nigerian Tribune Thursday September 26,1996 The Royal Roots: lyalode Egba HI - Osiit, Oranmlyan FG condoles Tejuoso A FEDERAL Government delegation of six ministers on behalf of the Head of State, General Sard Abacha, last night paid a condolence visit to Oba Adedapo Tejuoso at his residence in Lagos over the death of his mother. Led by the Minister of National Planning, Chief Ayo Ogunlade, the Head of State, through the delegation, described the life of the late Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief Bisoye Tejuosho, as a shinning example worthy of emulation. Expressing his condolence, General Abacha said that the vacuum which the late Iyalode had left would be very difficult to fill. In his response, Oba Tejuosho expressed his gratitude to General Abacha, describing him as a man chosen by God to rule Nigeria. "I believe Abacha was chosen by God to be the Head of State at this critical moment of the nation with the way he approaches situation fearlessly. I will not be surprised, if he goes down in history as the best president Nigeria has had", he said. Oba Tejuosho, who believed that God would use the death of his mother to revolutionise the state of security throughout the' nation, thanked all who have come from far and near to condole with him. Other members of the delegation who individually signed the condolence register were Information and Culture Minister, Dr. Walter Ofonagoro, the Internal Affairs Minister, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, the Ministers of Special Duties, Alhaji Wada Nas and Elder Wale Oyelese and the Minister of Sports, Chief Jim Nwobodo. Culled from: Daily Times Thursday September 26, 1996.

Ewang condoles with Oba Tejuoso THE Ogun State military administrator, Wing Commander, Sam Ewang hassent a condolence message to Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, over the gruesome murder of his mother Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso, the late Iyalode of Egbaland. Dated September 20, the message which was personally signed by the administrator and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta yesterday, described the death of Mrs. Tejuoso not only as a tragedy, but also a monumental loss "to our womenfolk, the state and the entire nation." The administrator described the late Iyalode by virtue of her chieftaincy title as the first female citizen of Egbaland during her life-time. Commander Ewang further described Chief Tejuoso as an embodiment of all that is noble and desirable in womanhood and indeed the quintessence of a mother and the first among equals." Meanwhile, the military administrator of Sokoto, Commander Rasheed Raji who is an indigene of Ogun State yesterday sent a two-man delegation to condole with the Osile. The delegation which consisted of the state attorney-general, Alhaji Mukhatar Shehu Shagari and commissioner for commerce, Alhaji, Muhammed Mafara were received by Oba Tejuoso at his Ibara residence. The Oba told the delegates that the team was the first he would personally receive from the Northern part of the country. He said her mother had a lot of affiliation to the North as she was in Zaria for more than ten years. Alhaji Mukhtar who delivered the message disclosed that Commander Raji received the news with shock and disbelief. Culled from: Daily Sketch Thursday September 26, 1996

Lagos bids Iyalode Egba farewell By David Ogah, Staff Reporter SLAIN industrialist and the Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief Esther Bisoye Tejuoso, began, yesterday, the journey to her final resting place. A funeral service and a brief lying-in-state were held in Lagos, ahead of today's scheduled interment in Abeokuta, her hometown. She was murdered in the early hours of September 19 by unknown assailants who invaded her Surulere, Lagos home. Commendation service took place at the St. Judes Church, Ebute-Metta and was conducted by the Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye of the Anglican Church of Nigeria. In his very brief sermon, Archbishop Adetiloye extolled the virtues of the Iyalode, whom he described as a woman who devoted her entire life to God and the service of mankind. During the emotion-laden service attended by the cream of the society, the clergyman urged the Tejuoso family members to accept the death as the will of God. Earlier, her body, dressed in white traditional Aso-Oke laid in state in a gold-plated white casket, at her Tejuoso Yaba residence, where relations and associates paid their last respects. Madam Tejuoso's only son, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, the Osile of Oke-Ona, Egba, was absent at the church service, apparently in compliance with Yoruba tradition which forbids a royal father from seeing dead bodies. However, his three Wives and son, Lanre Tejuoso and other members of Tejuoso and Karunwi families were present Notable Nigerians who attended the service included Chief Rasak Okoya, Chairman of Eleganza Group, Chief Olabivi Durojaiye, Otunba T.O.S. Benson and Vice-Admiral Akin Aduwo (rtd). Culled from: The Guardian, October 12, 1996.

Madam Tejuoso for burial today By ALIU MUHAMMED THE remains of the slain Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso, will be buried in her home town, Abeokuta, today. The final burial of the late industrialist who was brutally murdered on September 19 by yet unknown persons will climax a week-long programme for her final journey to the great beyond. A commendation service for the repose of her soul took place at the St. Judes Church Ebute-Metta in Lagos yesterday. The emotion ladden service attended by the cream of the society was led by Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos. The congregation was led in the rendition of sonorous and enchanting hymns and prayer for the repose of the soul of the mother of the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso. In a very brief sermon, Archbishop Adetiloye extolled the virtues of the late Chief (Mrs) Tejuoso stressing that she was a woman who devoted her entire life to God and service of humanity. Praying to God to grant her eternal rest, the Archbishop urged members of her family to accept the death of late Iyalode of Egbaland as the will of God. Earlier the remains of the late Chief (Mrs) Tejuoso lain-in-state at her Tejuoso residence where hundreds of family friends, associates and relations paid her their last respect. The body dressed in a white traditional Aso-Oke was beautifully laid inside a gold-plated white casket made by M.I.C. undertakers.

Her only son, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, was conspicuously absent at yesterday's ceremony In compliance with Yoruba tradition which forbids an Oba from seeing dead bodies. His three wives and son, Lanre Tejuoso, led other members of the Tejuoso and Karunwi families at the service. Among eminent Nigerians who attended the sendee were Chief Rasaq Okoya, the chairman of Eleganza group; Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, a presidential aspirant; Otunba. T.O.S. Benson, first republic Information Minister and Vice Admiral Akin Aduwo rtd. Culled from: Weekend Concord, Saturday October 12, 1996.

Madam Tejuoso Buried in Style THE Tejuoso family yesterday disgraced death by trying their slain matriarch. Chief (MIS) Esther Bisoye Tejuosho amidst pomp and ceremony instead of anticipated sighs, 24 days after she was killed. The festive around the Saint James' African Church, Idi Ape, Ago Oko Abeokuta, venue of the funeral and internment was packed with well wishers. The third Iyalode Egba, 80, and mother of the Osile of Oke- Ona, Abeokuta, Oba Dapo Tejuosho, was killed by unknown gunmen in her home on September 19. The visitors included the Chief of General Staff, Lt. General Oladipo Diya and the administrator of Lagos, Lt Colonel Mohammed Marwa, Ogun, Navy Cmdr Sam Ewang. Sokoto, Col. Rasheed Raji, Oyo, Col. Hamed Usman, Ekiti and Col. Daniel Akintonde. Revered (Dr) Solomon Olawale Oyawoye who picked his sermon from the Book of Revelations chapter seven from verse nine, through to 17 appealed to the federal and, state governments, to provide adequate security to Nigerians in view of rising cases of murder in the country. In providing adequate security, he said, the government should look inwards and examine the activities of law enforcement agencies, pointing out that there were increasing evidences of collusion between hoodlums and security men. Law enforcement agents, he recommended, should be more committed to their duties saying "the government has the option to do good in the area of security." Ogawoye reminded the government that it was duty bound to protect its citizens and urged Nigerians to cooperate with the government. Madam Bisoye Tejuosho, he said lived a fruitful life worthy of emulation. He consoled the Osile to keep heart saying God will come to his help.

Speaking with the SUNDAY TIMES yesterday a retired deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Johnson Oladipo Odu canvassed for peace arguing that what is gone is gone, and citing General Diya, he said the mode of death was not what was importance but the life one lived. But former secretary for commerce, Chief Mrs, Kuforiji Olubi called for vigilance among Nigerians. According to her, every Nigeria must ensure that they resist drawing unnecessary attention to themselves in what ever they do. The death of Mrs., Tejuoso she was painful adding that: "She was a role model to many of us, we are all very sad, especially, when somebody has lived this long, that person should have been allowed to die peacefully, but nothing happens without the Almighty God knowing about it." Yesterday's burial was the climax of a week long funeral for the late industrialist. On Friday, a service was held in her honour in Lagos before the lying in state for one hour at the Centenary Hall, Ake, Abeokuta. Present at the burial were Ogun State Chief Judge Justice Olutoyin Delano, representatives of the Alake of Egbaland and Oloris of the Olowu of Owu. Meanwhile, the absence of prominent Egba Kings at the burial has been traced to Egba tradition that barred them from such a funeral. Culled from: Sunday Times October 13, 1996

Madam Tejuoso Buried COMMERCIAL activities came to a standstill yesterday in Abeoknta as the remains of Chief Bisoye Esther Tejuoso were buried in the Ogun State capital. It was a remarkable ending for the 80-year-old industrialist and community leader who was murdered by yet unknown assailants at her Tejuoso, Lagos Mainland home on September 19. Yesterday's funeral attended by the Chief of General Staff, Lt.- Gen. Oladipo Diya, and the administrators of Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, Sokoto and Osun states, was preceded by an hour-long lying-in-state ceremony at the Centenary Hall, Ake, significantly foreclosing communal animosity that trailed Mrs. Tejuoso's murder. Expectedly, the nation's insecurity problem formed the kernel of a sermon preached by the Primate of the African Church, the Rev. Solomon Oyawoye, at the funeral service held at Saint James's African Church, Idl-Ape. Observing that sermons at funerals were directed at the living "so that they can mend their ways, the African Church Primate assessed the nation's security situation, concluding that the government has not done enough. "Our governments, both at the federal and state level, have the opportunity to do a lot of good while the subjects are asked to obey them (governments). In particular, I have in mind, the security. God is not going to come down and do what you can do for you," he said. Although the Primate confirmed, as the Bible says, that man's ultimate security lies with God, he cautioned against complacency, saying what the proverb says "does not mean government's wholesale abdication of its duty of protecting lives and security of the citizen from the menace of armed robbers and other miscreants." He argued that the government has the capability to stamp out violent crimes from the polity, saying "we have a 'very capable government. It should show its capability." Current efforts at curtailing the spread of violent crime, such as "Operation Sweep," the Primate said, barely scratch the surface of the problem while others completely miss the target. "For the government to achieve meaningful results it must look inward. Many of the law enforcement agents are downright corrupt and they have to be disciplined," he said. To the Rev. Oyawoye, life on earth is the preparatory period for eternity which can be spent either in perpetual communion with the Creator or eternal separation from Him. To get to the Creator, he said, every human being must pursue the truth and be righteous at all times. He urged Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, the only surviving child of the late industrialist, not to feel lonely, assuring him that God would fill the vacuum 'created by his mother's death. Earlier at the Centenary Hall, which was the seat of the Egba United Government, titled chiefs, market women and artisans took a last glance at the third lyalode, titled chiefs in their full regalia and paraphernalia of office filed past to pay their last respects to the slain woman. Three orations were read by Prof. Saburi Biobaku, Mrs. Titilayo Ajanaku, (Madam Tejuoso's deputy), and one of the Oyewale twins who were Madam Tejuoso's schoolmates. Markets and shops remained closed in the ancient city for the better part of yesterday. Security presence on the major streets of the city was heavy with camouflaged soldiers joining regular poicemen on patrol. The former Ogun State Administrator, Lt. Col. Daniel Akintonde, a former minister in the Shonekan-led Interim Government, Chief Bola Kuforiji-Olubi and some Egba chiefs, including the Apena of Egbaland, Chief Toye Coker, were at the burial service. Apparently because of the presence of the Chief of General Staff (CGS) security at the church premises where the remains were later laid was water-tight. Many symphatisers, including journalists' efforts to get into the church failed and had to stay outside, under canopies to listen to the sermon, even while there were empty seats in the church. The body arrived the church premises in a white ambulance at 10 a.m. with wreaths adorning the casket. Culled from: The Guardian, October 13, 1996.

Tejuoso's Burial Grandson Rejects Abeokuta's Soil By AUSTEEN ELEWODALU Abeokuta REMAINS of the slain lyalode of Egbaland, Chief (Mrs.) Esther Bisoye Tejuoso, were interred in Abeokuta, her home town, yesterday, with the overwhelming presence of the warring Egba chiefs, but elements of distrust pervaded the atmosphere. In a dramatic grave-side Ritual, Madam Tejuoso's eldest grandson, Lanre, refused to perform the dust-to-dust rite with Abeokuta soil. Lanre, had rejected a big bowl, full of sand offered him by officials of St. James African Church, where the Tejuosos worship, and collected a black polythene bag containing 'sand reportedly brought from Lagos, to perform the rite. Lanre had last Wednesday, while giving the vote of thanks at the interdenominational service in honour of his grand-mother in Abeokuta, said that he grew up with the belief that there was deep-seated hostility and wickedness in the whole of Egbaland. He said the notion was still enduring in his sub-conscious mind and called on elders of the town to show more love for one another as a way of bringing an end to the crisis in the land. At the woman's lying in state in Lagos on Friday, family members, had also vehemently turned down entreaties to display her body publicly. Lanre's elder sister. Mrs. Titi Adebiyi and his siblings numbering about 15, however, used the sand presented by the church officials to perform the dust-to-dust rite. The white casket containing the body, which arrived the church in Idi-Ape, Abeokuta at about 9.50 a.m., was lowered into the white-tiled grave in the premises of church where she was until her death the lya-ljo, at exactly 12.05 p.m.

The 80-year old industrialist was murdered in the early hours of September 19, in her Surulere, Lagos, residence by unidentified assailants. The Chief of General Staff, Lt.-General Oladipo Diya led Federal Government delegation to the occasion, while the administrators of Lagos, Oyo, Sokoto, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo and Ogun states also graced the occasion. Abeokuta literally stood still for the third Iyalode of Egbaland as markets in the town were shut down with thousands of residents of the ancient city besieging the church to pay their last respect. Egba Alake high chiefs, whom the only surviving child of the late Iyalode, Oba Dapo Tejuoso, had launched verbal attacks on for their alleged roles in the Egba feud, after her death, were also present at the ceremony, indicating a possible truce in the deep-seated communal distrust. Primate of the African Church, Rev. S. O. B. Oyawoye had called on the Federal Government to stop law-enforcement agents' collaboration with robbers to dispossess unsuspecting citizens of their possessions. He cited a case at the Ogere toll plaza near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state, where some law-enforcement agents smashed the windscreen of a motorist with bullets and paved way for robbers to dispossess him (motorist) of his belongings. He said on getting to the police station to report the incident, the victim was stunned to see the leader of the gang, which had just robbed him in a police uniform and about to take the victim's statement. Earlier, before the church service, there was a brief lying in state of Madam Tejuoso's body at the Centenary Hall opposite the Ake Palace. The Royal Roots: Iyalode Egba 111 - Osale, Oranmn an The late Iyalode was also laid in state at her, ancestral home, the Karunwi compound, Ago-Oko on Friday night followed by an all-night party Oba Tejuoso and other Obas stayed away from the elaborate ceremonies in observation of Yoruba tradition which forbids obas from seeing a corpse. Madam Tejuoso is the 12th to receive the honour of being buried in the premises of the St. James' Church, Abeokuta. Culled from: Sunday Punch, October 13, 1996.

Iyalode laid to rest on Bed of Encomiums By Wale Akinola That he was paying a condolence visit notwithstanding, Sir Alex Akinyele, chairman of the National 'Reconciliation Committee (NARECOM) lived up to his billing as a flamboyant personality. He arrived the palace of the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso in the heart of Abeokuta, in a convoy of three Peugeot 505 cars. The cars all bore the presidency number plates. As the cars screeched to a halt on the frontage of the aging two-storey building, Akinyele, clad in a heavily embroidered agbada, with black cap and shoes, and rows of beads dangling on his left hand, quickly disembarked from one of the cars, and headed for the entrance. His sobriety underlay his mission. He was accompanied by a retinue of aides. As the NARECOM chairman approached the palace, he bellowed to an attendant who stood at attention beside a table that bore a condolence register. "I have been to Oba Tejuoso's private residence, where I was told that he could be found here. Will it be possible for me to see him?" "The Osile left for Lagos a short while ago," the attendant replied. A mass of creases that formed on the forehead of the Ondo high chief betrayed his disappointment. "To say that I came all the way from Abuja and get here only to learn that the Osile is not here is simply unfortunate. Could you let him know that I called to pay my condolence?" he added. He then requested for the condolence register in which he wrote: "Mama fought a gallant battle as it seemed, saving the life of his only begotten and illustrious and deserving son. Such a mother of mothers would not have wished a worthier way to die. May her soul find peace with the Lord and Saviour, Jesus." He exchanged greetings with the attendant, made for his car, with his aides on his trail, and drove off in a matter of seconds. As the home call ceremonies for the assassinated mother of the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, came 'to a close over the weekend in Abeokuta, tears flowed freely notwithstanding the fact that the late Iyalode died at the ripe age of 80. Observers generally agreed that the tears were shed because of the manner of death of the octogenarian. Another feature of the ceremonies was the unending flow of encomiums that were freely showered on the memory of the late industrialist by those who paid condolences to the family of the deceased. No fewer than 2,000 persons had signed the condolence register, opened in memory of Chief (Mrs.) Tejuoso at the Abeokuta GRA residence of his son, as at early last week. They all attempted to outdo one another in their assessment of the Egba woman, who was mostly recognised for the giant strides she recorded in the Nigerian industrial sphere. Dr. Lateef Adegbite, one of the early callers to commiserate with the Tejuoso family wrote in the condolence register on behalf of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Oyebade Lipede, "we lament the passing away of the Iyalode, the exemplar of all that is noble and righteous. The Egbas mourn her death, which has robbed them of the greatest woman and daughter of the kingdom. May her soul rest in everlasting peace." While it would not be-wrong to describe Mrs. Tejuoso as a "titan," as far as the Alake was concerned, a stalwart of the dissolved Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), Chief Yomi Ademefun wrote: "Egba and indeed Nigeria have lost a foremost industrialist. When shall we stop killing ourselves in Nigeria? It is a shame that Nigeria continues to witness the dogmatism of our best and noble ones. May the Lord console our Oba Adedapo Tejuoso and all the grand children," General Olusegun Obasanjo, currently serving a prison term, was not left out of the crowd, jostling to pay tribute to the fallen industrialist, as he sent in words of The Royal Roots: Iyalode Egba III - Osile, Oranmiyan condolence, His wife who delivered his condolence message commented: "May the soul of the indefatigable woman, who all Egba women look up to, rest in peace. The grief that we have been thrown into with the most unjust murder is indescribable." Dr. Onaolapo Soleye, a former minister of Finance and Economic Development in his tribute to Mrs. Tejuoso wrote. "Mama lived for others to follow, She lighted a candle that can never be extinguished. In a nation, she was an embodiment of everything good and righteous. Why did she die like this? God knows best." In another tribute, the Agura of Gbagura, Oba A. Laloko, the traditional ruler of one of the sections of Egbaland wrote." It is a big Shock, may her soul rest in peace." Chief Kola Daisi, the national president of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) said of the departed Iyalode, "the passing on of the industrialist and community leader is a monumental loss to the people of Abeokuta in particular and Nigeria in general. All the people of goodwill will mourn her loss." In his own assessment, Oba Olawale Adisa Odeleye, Olowu of Owu, another section in Egbaland said:" mama was a great soul. She lived a good Christian and pious life. She left her footprints on the sands of time." While in the words of Professor Adeoye Lambo," "Mama was a great and generous woman and a human being truly created by God." Other short and concise tributes paid to the late Mrs. Tejuoso include: "The news of mama's death is shocking. She was too good for anybody to contemplate taking her life," Chief Sesan Soluade, former deputy governor of Ogun State; "Tragedy of the year, prize of inter sectional animosity," Chief Tunji Falola: "Mama lived a life worthy of emulation," Chief Soniran Sowemimo; "A colossus is gone," Olorogun Sunday Kuku; "Mama's ideal and philanthropic legacies live on." As the Egba and indeed the nation joined the Tejuoso and Karunwi families in giving the late Iyalode a befitting interment on Saturday, the flow of such tributes cannot be captured in a report of this volume was mending be captured in a report of this volume. It suffices to say that if the dead are conscious of the happening in their immediate past abode, Mrs. Tejuoso could not, but be satisfied that she had a fulfilled sojourn on earth. Culled from: TNT Monday October 14, 1996.

Arrest Oba Tejuoso - Egba Chiefs By ROTIMI WILLIAMS EGBA chiefs, released from police arrest, have implicated Oba Dapo Tejuoso of complicity in the murder of his mother, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso. Statements made by the chiefs of Abeokuta who have so far honoured police invitation to help, unravel the mystery surrounding the slain octogenerian, attempted casting aspersions on the Oke-Ona monarch, the only son of the murdered Iyalode of Egbaland. Our reporter gathered that if the police are impressed by the incriminating statements made by the high chiefs, they might invite Oba Tejuoso, who had charged the Egba ruling house with complicity over the killing of his mother, for questioning. Speaking with our reporter, two of the detained but released chiefs said that they told the police in their statements that the murder of the industrialist" is purely the job of an insider." Chief Toye Coker and Apagun Oluwole Olumide made these revelations. The Apena of Egba, Chief Toye Coker, said: "I told the police that Oba Tejuoso should be having a hand in the murder of our Iyalode." Chief Coker, who revealed that the police had been charged to properly quiz the Osile so as to get to the roots of the matter, said "his actions and utterances before and after the death of his mother are pointers to the fact that he is privy to the killing." "I told them that the Osile after being told on phone at around 6 a.m. about his mother's brutal killing, did not show any remorse, instead he dressed up and came to the Oba's Council meeting where he contributed extensively to various discussions till about 2p.m. without telling anybody or showing signs that his mother had been killed," he revealed. The Royal Roots: lyalode Egba 111 - Osile, Oranmiyaa According to Coker, "I asked the police, if any human being who genuinely loves his mother would have done that as there is no tradition that says that Obas should not mourn, cry or be remorseful over the loss of their relations, especially one's mother, brutally murdered." Coker further said: "The police have also been told to investigate the utterances of "Oba Tejuoso that he knew that his mother would die three months before she was murdered and he (Osile) had actually buried her during her 80th birthday. "What the police was told to investigate in this instance are that how did he know his mother would die? What type of death? And by whom?" he said. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who alleged that the Osile's hand could not be said to be clean said: "If he had a pre- knowledge that Chief Bisoye would die and had no hand in the killing as he (Osile) would have made people to believe, why did he refuse to provide security to save his mother's life?" Chief Coker said the police had been told not to be deceived by the complaint of the Osile against the Egba chiefs, alleging they were only diversionary. The Apena who said that people were not killed brutally like the Iyalode was without the consent or conspiracy of a close person or business partner/ had also told the police "to look into the type of business the lyalode did and with whom." Questions asked the detained chiefs during interrogation, according to them, were based on complaints received by the police. They include:

*Did you Egba chiefs kill the Iyalode of Egba, Chief Bisoye Tejuoso? *Why did you refuse to attend the murdered woman's 80th birthday celebration? *What are the animosities between you and the Osile of Oke- Ona, Oba Dapo Tejuoso? "You jointly wrote a petition to the then Ogun State Military Administrator against the Osile, why did you do that? Is that why the woman was killed? *Why did you not allow the murdered lyalode of Egba to become the lyalode of Egba Christians when she showed interest? *What do you know about her murder? *There is information that the killers were sent from Abeokuta. Is that true? *Why was a protest staged against the Iyalode in Abeokuta township few days before her death? However, It was leamt that the Alake of Egba, Oba Oyebade Lipede, considered the arrest of his chiefs a direct attack on his throne. He had reportedly described the ordeal of the chiefs as a disgrace to the entire Yoruba race, saying he had been thus I "stripped naked in the public." Police had last Monday summoned 18 Egba chiefs over last month's killing in Lagos of the Iyalode. Some of them were: Chief Coker, Alhaji Lateef Adegbite, Chief I Nola Edun, Chief Adio Shonekan, Chief E.A. Adeboye, Chief Olu Koleoso, Chief Femi Okurounmu, Chief F.A. Oyalowo, I Chief Solomon Adeniyi and Chief A.O. Sobowale. Others include: Chief Bajomo Bello, Apagun Oluwole Olurnide, Chief Solomon Akinyemi, Chief Emmanuel Shorunke, Chief L. A. Shofenwa, Chief Sobo Sowemimo, Chief Alani Bankole and Chief Sesan Soluade. All the invited chiefs were among the 25 that signed a paid I advertisement in a newspaper in June, alleging Oba Tejuoso I was re-writing the history of Egbaland through his utterances and actions. Culled from: Sunday Punch, November 3, 1996.

CHAPTER 6 Burial Ceremony of my Mother - The Burial Programme and Tributes ST. JAMES AFRICAN CHURCH IDI-APE AGO-OKO ABEOKUTA ORDER OF FUNERAL AND OUTIN GSERVICES FOR THE LATE CHIEF (MRS.) ESTHER BISOYE TEJUOSO (O.O.N.) IYAIJO OF ST. JAMES’AFRICAN CHURCH IDI-APEABEOKUTA IYALODE AGO OKO, ABEOKUTA IYALODE OKEONAEGBA 3RD IYALODE EGBA YEYE OBA EKEJA, LAGOS STATE YEYE OBA OKE-ONA EGBA Who slept in the Lord on Thursday, 19th of September, 1996 and was buried on Saturday the 12th of October; 1996 at 10.00 a.m. OUTING SERVICE IMMEDIATELY AFTERTHE INTERNMENT. BRO. BUNMIDIPEOLU BRO. E. A. SOB AKIN Organists and Choir Master ENGR. S.A. SIJUADE People's Warden REVD. KUNLEAWNREMI Curate BRO.BOLAKUYE Verger ENGR. CHIEF SOJISODAMOLA Pastor‘s Warden VEN. OLUDOTUN OGUNSEYE Archdeacon-in-Charge THE RT. REV. I. O. AJULO Bishop of Abeokuta Division PREACHER - THE MOST REVD. (DR.) S. O. B. OYAWOYE Primate, The African Church

CHIEF MRS. BISOYE ESTHER TEJUOSO 0.0 N YEYE OBA. OKE-ONA EGBA 3RD IYALODE EGBA

ORDER OF FUNERAL SERVICE 1. Meeting the Corpse at the Church Entrance 2. Processional Hymn (With Sentences) - “Who are these like Stars appearing” 3. Hymn - “I know that my Redeemer lives” 4. Psalm 90-(To be chanted) 5. Lesson - Revelation 7:9-17 6. “Begone unbelief my Saviour is near” 7. Sermon - THE MOST REV. S. O. B. OYAWOYE 8. Hymn - “Ye servants of the Lord” 9. Prayers 10. Announcements 11. Anthems 12. NuncDimittis 13. HalleluyaChorus 14. Recessional Hymn - “Forever with the Lord” HC 247

AT THE GRAVE SIDE 1. Sentences 2. The commital & Prayers 3. Hymn-Sleep on, beloved sleep 4. Benediction 1. Pipade Oku ni enu ona ile Olorun 2. Orin Akowole pelu awon Asayan oro Olorun - Tal'awon wonyib’irawo? 3. Orin - Mo mo p’Oludande mi mbe 4. Psalmu - 90 (A ko lorin) 5. EkoKika-Ifihan7:9-17 6. Orin - Aigbagbo, bila, temi l’Oluwa 7. Iwasu-THE MOST REV. S. O. B. OYAWOYE 8. Orin-lranseOluwa! 9. AwonAdura 10. Awon Ifilo 11. Awon Orin Akanse 12. Nisisiyi 13. Halleluyah Chorus 14. Orin Akojade - Lai lodo Oluwa I.O.M.259

NI IBOJI 1. Awon Oro lyanju 2. Gbigbe Oku si isa ati Awon Adura 3. Orin - Masun, olufe k’o si ma sum 4. Ore-Ofe

PIPADEOKU Alufa: Oluwa, jowo fun Iya wa OLOOGBE OLOYE ESTHER BISOYE TEJUOSO ni isimi ti ko l’opin Ijo: Ki o si jeki imole Re ainipekun tan si Ilara. Alufa: Emi ti gbe Oluwa ka iwaju mi nigbagbogbo; niton ti 0 wa l’owo otun mi, a ki yoo si mi ni ipo. Ijo: Nitorina ni inu mi se dun, ti Ogo mi si l nyo, ara mi pelu yoo simi ni ireti. 1. MEETINGTHE CORPSE Priest: Lord, grant unto our Mother' CHIEF (MRS.) ESTHER BISOYE TEJUOSO eternal rest. Congregation: And let perpetual light shine upon her. Priest: I have set God always before me for he is on my right hand, therefore I shall not fall. Congregation: Wherefore my heart, was glad, and my glory rejoiced; my flesh also shall rest in hope. 2. PROCESSIONAL HYMN 2. ORINAKOWOLE The Clergy, preceeding the body into Awon Alufa yio siwaju oku Tati wo mu I the Church, the people standing, shall lie Olorun, Ijo yio wa ni iduro, Alufa yio say the following sentences: ma a ka awon oro wonyi: j (Sentences with organ Music) (Awon Asayan oro pelu ohun duru) j I am the resurrection and the life, saith Oluwa wipe, Emi ni ajinde ati iye: eniti the Lord: he that believeth in Me, o ba gba Mi gbo bi 0 tile ku sibeyio ye: though he were dead, yet shall he live: enikeni ti 0 ba si mbe laye, ti o si gba and whosoever liveth and believeth in Migbo, ki yio ku mo lailai Me shall never die. 1. Who are these like stars appearing I These ‘before GOD’s Throne who| stand? Each a golden crown is wearing, Who are all this glorious band? Alleluia, hark! they sing, Praising loud their Heavenly King. know that my Redeemer liveth, and\ that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my death worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh I shall I see God. Whom, I shall see fori myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. 1. Tal’awon wonyi b’irawo? Niwaju ite mimo? Ti won si de ade wura Egbe ogo wo l’eyi Gbo; nwon nko Alleluya, Orin iyin Oba won. Emi mo pe Oludande mi mbe. atipeOno duro tori ile lehin ola. Nipa ti ara mi, bi kokoro tile ba ara yi je, sugbon Ii eran ara’mi //emi 0 ri Olorun, eniti emi On fun ara mi, ti oju mi yio si ri, ki ise til elomiran.

2. Who are these in dazzling brightness 2. Clothed in GOD’s own righteousness; These, whose robes of purest whiteness Shall their lustre still possess Still untouched by time’s rude hand- Whence come all this glorious band? Remember not the sins and offences of my youth: but according to thy mercy think thou upon me, 0 Lord, for thy goodness. 3. These are they who have contended For their SAVIOUR’S honour long. Wrestling on till life was ended, Following not the sinful throng: These, who well the fight sustained, Triumph through the LAMB have gained. Neither death nor lie, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 4. These are they whose heart were riven Sore with woe and anguish tried, Who in prayer full oft have striven With the GOD they glorified; Now, their painful conflict o’er, GOD has bid them weep no more. Whether we live, we live unto God; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord s For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 5. These, the ALMIGHTY contemplating, Did as priests before Him stand, Soul and body always waiting, Day and night at His command; Now in GOD’s most Holy Place Blest they stand before His Face. Amen Tali awon ti nko mana T’awo l’aso ododo? Awon ti aso fun fun won Y’o ma fun fun titi lai. Beni ki y’o gbo lailai; Nibo l’egbe yi ti wa? Mase ranti ese igba-ewe mi, ati irekoja mi: gegebi anu re iwo ranti mi, Oluwa, nitori ore reo 3. Awon wonyi lo ti jagun F’ola Olugbala won; Nwon jijakadi tit’ iku, Nwon kt b’elese kegbe; N wonyi ni ko sa F ogun Nwon segun nipa Kristi. Ki se iku tabi iye, tabi awon Angeli, tabi awon ijoye, tabi awon alagbara, tabi ohun igba isisiyi, tabi ohun igba ti mbo, tabi oke, tabi ogbun tabi eda miran kan, niyio Ie ya wa kuro ninu ife Olorun, ti o wa nipa Kristi Jesu Oluwa wa. 4. Wonyi, l’okan.won ti gbogbe, Ninu1 dan wo kikoro. Wonyi li 0 ti Fadura, Mu Olorun gbo ti-won Nisisiy, won segun Olorun re won l’ekun. Nitori bi aw a ba wa / ’aye, awa wa / ’aye fun Oluwa;bi awa ba si ku, awa ku fun Oluwa, nje awa wa I 'aye ni, tabi awa ku ni, ti Oluwa ni awa ise. S. Awon wonyi lo ti sora, Ti nwon fife won fun Krist': Nwon si y’ara won si miroo; Lad sin nigbagbogbo; Nisisiyi li onrn, Nwon wa y’ayo lodo Re. Asc.

3. HYMN- “I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES” 1. I know that my Redeemer lives: What comfort this sweet sentence gives He lives, He lives, Who once was dead! He lives, my everlasting Head. 2. He lives, triumphant from the grave, He lives, eternally to save, He lives, all glorious in the sky, He lives, exalted there on high. 3. He lives to bless me with His love, And still He pleads forme above; He lives to raise me from the grave, And me eternally to save. 4. He lives within my heart to dwell, And save me from the power of hell; To comfort me whene’er I faint, And soothe my heaviest complaint. 5. He lives my mansion to prepare; And He will bring me safely there; He lies, all glory to His Name! JESUS unchangeably the same. Amen 4. PSALM 90 - (TO BE CHANTED) 1. Lord, Hast been our dwelling place in all generations. 2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, from everlasting thou art God. 3. Thou tumest man back to the dust, and sayest “Turn back, o children of men!” 4. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as watch in the night. 3. ORIN - MO MO P’OLUDANDE MI MBE 1. “Mo mo p ’Oludande mi mbe,” Itunu nla l’eyi fun mi! O mbe, Enit’ o ku lekan; O mbe, Ori iye mi lai. 2. O mbe, lati ma bukun mi, O si mbebe fun mi loke; O mbe, lati ji mi n’iboji, Lati goo mi la titi lai. 3. O mbe, Ore korikosun, Ti y’o pa mi mo de opin; O mbe, emi 0 ma korin; Woli, Alufa, Om mi. 4. O mbe, lati pese aye, Yo si mu mi de ‘be layo, o mbe, ogo V oruko Re; Jesu, okanna titi lai. 5. O mbe, mo bo low’ aniyan; O mbe, mo bo lowo ewu; A! ayol’oroyi funmi “Mo mo p’Oludande mi mbe.”

4. PSALMU - 90 (AKO LORIN) 1. Oluwa, iwo li o ti nse ibujoko wa lati irandiran. 2. Ki a to bi awon oke nla, ati Id iwo ki o to da ile on aiye, ani I ati aiye-raiye, iwoliOlorun. 3. Iwo so enia di ibajc; iwo si wipe, E pada wa, enyin omo enia. 4. Nitoripe igbati egberun odun 00 koja Iiojure, bi ana Ii Ori, atibi igi iso kan li ori. 5. Thou dost sweep men away; they are like a dream, like grass which is renewed in the morning. 6. In the morning it flourishes and is renewed, in the evening it fades and withers. 7. For we are consumed by thy anger; by thy wrath we are overwhelmed. 8. Thou has set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. 9. For all our days pass away under thy wrath, our years come to an end like a sigh. 10. The years of our life are threescore and ten. or even by reasons of strength four score; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we flyaway. 11. Who considers the power of thy anger, and thy wrath acording to the fear of thee? 12. So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. 13. Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on thy servants! 14. Satisfy us in the morning with thy ‘steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 15. Make us glad as many days as thou hast afflicted us, and as many years we have seen evil. 16. Let thy work be manifest to thy servants, and thy glorious power to their children. 17. Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish thou the work of our hands upon us, yea. the work of our hands establish thou it. 5. I wo ko won lo bi enipe ni sisanomi; nwon dabi omn; ni kutukutu nwon dabi koriko ti o dagba soke. 6. Ni kutukutu o li awo lara. o si dagba soke, li asale a ke e lule, o si roo 7. Niton awa di egbe nipa ibinu re, ati nipa ibinu re ara ko ro wa. 8. Iwo ti gbe ese wa ka iwaju re, ohun ikoko wa mbe ninu imoie iwaju reo 9. Niton ojo wa gbogbo nyipolo ninu ibinu re: awa nlo ojo wa bi ala ti a nro. 10. Adorin odun ni iye ojo odun wa; bi o si sepe nipa ti agoara, bi nwon ba to ogorin oaun, agbara won lala on ibinuje ni; nitoripe a ki 0 pe ke e kuro, awa a si fo lo. 11. Tali o mo aqbara ibinu re? gege bi era re, beni ibinu reo 12. Beni ki iwo ki 0 ko wa lati ma ka iye ojo wa, ki awa kiOlefi okan wa sipa ogbon. 13. Pada, Oluwa, yio ti pe to? yi okan pada nitori awon omo-odo reo 14. Fi anu re te wa li oran ni kutukutu; ki awa ki o Ie ma yo, ati ki inu wa ki o le ma dun li ojo wa gbogbo. 15. Mu inu wa dun bi iye ojo ti iwo pon wa loju, ati iye odun ti awa ti nri bubura. 16. Je ki ise re ki o han si awon omo-odo re, ati ogo re si awon omo won. 17. Je ki ewa Oluwa Olorun wa ki o wa lara wa: ki iwo ki 0 si fi idi ise owo wa mule lara wa, beni ise owo wa ni ki iwo ki o fi idi re mule.

5. LESSON-REVElATION 7:9-17 9. After this I beheld and lo, a great mul-titude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10. And cried with a loud voice, saying. Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11. And all the angels stood about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God. 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever, Amen. 13. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me. What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14. And I said unto him Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. 5. EKOKIKA-IFIHAN7:9-17 9. Lehin na, mo ri, si kiyesi i, opolopo enia ti enikeni ko le ka; lati inu orile- ede googoo, ati eya, ati enia, ati lati inu ede goo goo wa, nwon duro niwaju ite, ati niwaju Odo-Agutan na, a wo won li aso funfun, imo-ope si mbe li owo won; 10. Nwon si kigbe li ohun rara, wipe, Igbala ni ti Olorun wa ti 0 joko lori ite, ati ti Odo-Agutan. 11. Gbogbo awon angeli si duro yi ite na ka, ati yi awon aqba ati awon eda alaye merin na ka, nwon wole nwon si dojubole niwaju ite na nwon si sin Olorun. 12 Wipe Amin: lbukun, ati ogo, ati ogbon, ati ope, ati agbara, ati ipa fun Olorun wa lai ati lailai. 13. Okan ninu awon agba na si dahun, o bi mi pe, Tali awon wonyi ti a wo li aso funfun ni? nibo ni nwon si ti wa? 14. Mosiwifunupe,Oluwami,Iwolio le mo. O si wi fun mi pe, Awon wonyi li o jade lati inu iponju nla, nwon si fo aso won, nwon si so won di fun fun ninu eje Odo-Agutan na. 15. Nitorina ni nwon se be niwaju ite Olorun, ti nwon si nsin i li osan ati li oru ninu tempili re: eniti 0 joko lori ite na yio si siji bo won. 16. Ebi ki yio pa won mo, beli ongbe ki yio gbe won mo; beli onin ki yio pa won tabi orukoru. 17. Nitori Odo-Agutan ti mbe Ii ann ite na ni yio ma se oluso-agutan won, ti yio si ma se amona won si ibi orisun omi iye: Olorun yio si nu omije googoo nu kuro li oju won.

6. “BEGONE UNBELIEF MY SAVIOUR IS NEAR” 1. Begone, unbelief, my Saviour is near, And for my relief will surely appear; By prayer let me wrestle, and He will perform; With Christ is the Vessel, I smile at the Storm. 2. Though dark be my way, since He is my Guide, ‘Tis mine to o bey , ’tis His to provide; Though cisterns be broken and creatures all fail, The word He hath spoken shall surely prevail. 3. His love in time past forbids me to think He’ll leave me at last in trouble to sink; While each Ebenezer I have in review Confirms His good pleasure to help me quite through. 4 Why should I complain of want or distress, Temptation or pain? He told me no less; The heirs of Salvation, I know from His word. Through much tribulation must follow their Lord. 5. Since all that I meet shall work for my good, The bitter is sweet, the medicine food; Though painful at present; ‘twill cease before long; And then, O how pleasant the conqueror’s song!

7. SERMON - THE MOST REV. S. O. B. OYAWOYE

8. HYMN-“YE SERVANTS OF THE LORD” C. H. 171 1. Ye servants of the Lord, Each in his office wait, Observant of His heavenly Word, And watchful at His gate. 2. Let all your lamps be bright, And trim the golden flame; Gird up your loins as in His sight. For awful is His Name.

6. ORIN - AIGBAGBO, BILA, TEMI L’OLVWA 1. Aigbagbo, bila, temi l’Oluwa, On o si dide fun igbala mi, KJ nsa ma gbadura, On 0 se ran’wo Gba Krist wa lodo mi, ko s’ewu fun mi. 2. B ’ona mi ba su, On 10 sa nto mi, Ki nsa gboran sa, On 0 si pesej Bi iranlowo eda gbogbo said, Oro t’enu Re so, y’o bori dandan. 3. He to nfihan, ko je l,i nro pe, Y’o fi mi sile, ninu wahala Iranwo ti mo si nri lojojumo, O nki mi laiya pe, emi 0 la ja. 4. Emi 0 se kun tori iponju, T abi irora? 0 ti so tele Mo m’ oro Re p’ awon ajogun gbala Nwon ko Ie saikoja larin wahala. 5. Nje b’ohun gbogbo ti nsise fun ‘re Adun n’ikoro, onje Ii oqun. B’oni tile koro: sa ko ni pe mo, Ghana orin segun yi*o ti dun to. Amin

7. I WAS LITHE MOST REV. S. O. B. OYAWOYE 8. ORIN - IRANSE OLUWA! 1. Iranse Oluwa! E duro nid’ise; E toju oro mimo Re, E maa sona Re sa. 2 Je k'imole nyin tan, E tun fitila se; E daniuregirigiri. 3. Watch! ‘tis your LORD’S 3. command, And while we speak, He’s near, Make the first signal of His Hand, And ready all appear. 4. Oh, happy servant he, In such a posture found! He shall his LORD with rapture see And he with honour crowned. 5. CHRIST shall the banquet spread With His own royal Hand, And raise that faithful servant’s head Amid the Angelic band.

9. PRAYERS I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, right, from henceforth are the dead which die in the Lordj even so saith the Spint, for they rest from their labours. LET US PRAY Minister: Lord, have mercy upon us Response: Christ, have mercy Upon us Ministers . Lord, have mercy Upon us

THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father, which art in heaven hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us. from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever, Amen. Sora! 1’aseJesu, B’atinso,kojina, B’obakuku ti kan ‘lekun, Kiesifunlogan. 4. Iranse ‘re 1 ’eni Tiabanipoyi; Ayo 1’ on 0 fi r’Oluwa, Y’oFolade l’ade. 5. Kristi tikalare Y’otetabili fun, Y’ 0 gb’ ori iranse na ga Larin egbe Angel. Amin. 9. AWONADURA Mo gbo ohun kan lati orun wa ti nwi fun mi pe, kowe re lati isisiyi 10 ibukun ni fun awon oku ti 0 ku ninu Oluwa. Beeni emi nwi, niton won simi kuro ninu laalaa Won. E JE KIA GBADURA Alufaa: Oluwa, saanu fun wa Idahun: Kristi, saanu fun wa Alufaa: Oluwa, saanu fun wa ADURA OLUWA Baba wa tl mbe Ii orun, ki a bowo fun oruko Re. Ki ijoba Re de. He tie ni ki a se li aiye; Bi nwon ti nse Ii orun. Fun wa: Ii onje oojo wa lonl. Dad ese wa ji wa, Bi a ti ndari ese ji awon ti 0 se waa. Ma fawa sinu idewo, sugbon gba wa lowo bilisi, Amin.

Minister: Enter not into judgement I Alufaa: OluwamabaomoReseejo with Thy servant, O Lord | Response: For in Thy sight shall no man Idahun: Niton ko si eniti o wa laaaye, ti living be justified. a da lare niwaju Re. Minister: Grant unto CHIEF MRS. I Alufaa: Fun lya wa yi OLOYE BISOYE ESTHER BISOYE ESTHER TEJUOSO TEJUOSO eternal rest. | niisinmiainipekun. Response: And let perpetual light shine I Idahun: Ki o si je ki imole Re ailopin, upon her. I molesiilara. ■ Minister: We believe verily to see the 1 Alufaa: Awa gbagbo lati ri ire Olmvu goodness of the Lord. Response: In the land of the living Minister: O Lord hear Our prayer \ Idahun: Niilealaaye I Alufaa: Oluwa, gbo adura wa Response: And let our cry come unto I Jdahun: KiosijekiigbewasiodoRc. Thee.

PRAYERS We give praises, blessings and I thanksgiving, unto thy most glorious name for the honourable and serviceable I life of our dear Mother CHIEF (MRS.) I BISOYE ESTHER TEJUOSO who thou hast called unto thy-self from this sinful world. We thank you that she worked while it was yet day time in her life in thy Church in the community and among her family! We pray you Father to accept all thel good works done and pardon “all her I shortcomings. Teach us to apply our hearts unto wisdom so that we may also be acceptable with thee at the end of our time through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. 0 gracious Father from henceforth be a Support to the Children and the Family of Late CHIEF (MRS) BISOYE ESTHER TEJUOSO.

ADURA A fi ope, iyin, ati ibukun fun oruko Re oga-ogo julo, fun igbesi aiye rere ti lya wa OLOYE BISOYE ESTHER [TEJUOSO ti gbe laive; eniti 0 si ti pe lo si odo ara Re, kuro ninu aiye ese yi. Adupe pe o ti se ise re nigbati isc osan ninu Ijo Re, ninu ilu, ati laarin cbi, Jowo Edumare masai tewo gbaa ise rere gbogbo ti o ti se lode aiye, Id o si dari gbogbo aise deedee re jii, Ko wa pelu lati le maa fi okanawa sipa ogbon, ki awa pelu ba le je eni itewogba ni kehin ojo aiye wa nitori Jesu Kristi Olugbala wa. Amin. O Saviour ba unto the children a good father arid a true counsellor for all her mourners in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. The Royal Roots: lyalode Egba 111 - Osile, Oranmiyan Holy Father, the creator of the universe we pray for all sympathisers who have travelled from far and near to pay their last respects and give a befitting honour to our late Mother CHIEF (MRS.) BISOYE ESTHER TEJUOSO. As it has pleased you to bring them safely here grant them we beseech you journey mercies to their respective destinations. Protect them from all dangers confronting travellers and make them arrive their respective homes in peace, hale and hearty. We are also praying that you grant us the opportunity to live to a ripe old age, spend our time in rest, peace and quietness and see our children through the uncertainties of life before we answer your call in our old age. Grant all these for the sake of Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen. O Lord, support us all the day long of this troublous life, until the shades lengthen, and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us safe lodging, a holy rest and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. The grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore, Amen. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS 11. ANTHEMS Baba rere se atilehin fun awon omo, ati awon ebi oloogbe OLOYE BISOYE ESTHER TEJUOSO lati oni 10, Olugmla jowo, se Bam tooto fun awon omo, kiOsi je agoorandun tooto fun googoo awon ti a nse ehin de Won lakoko yi, Ii oruko Jesu Kristi Oluwa wa, Amin. Bam Mimo Eleda orun oun aiye, awa nkepe o fun googoo awon ti 0 ti okeere wa si ilu yi lati wa m wa se isin eye ikehin fun iya wa Oloogee BISOYE ESTHER TEJUOSO. Awa mba 0 pe, bi 0 ti pa alo Won mo de ihin, eeeni ki 0 pa abo Won mo pelu. Yo won kuro ninu googoo ewu ti imaa daamu ewon arinrin aj o, ki 0 si mu de ebute ife won layo ati ni alafia. Adele mre ni ki 0 se irin ajo won, a si wa mbe 0 ki 0 je ki ojo wa dale. Je ki a agoo ki a to, ki ara si de wa la ojo aiye wa ja ki a si Ie sin awon omo wa de ibi ti eru ko ni ba won lode aiye, ki a to je ipe Re lojo ogoo. Se wonyi fun wa nitori Jesu Kristi Olurapada wa, Amin. Duro tiwa, Oluwa ninu rogoodiyan aiye yi, titi oorun wa yio fi wo, ti ale wa yio si fi le, ti hila-hilo aiye yio d’opin, ti jinnijinni aiye yio rekoja, ti ise wa yio pari. Lehinna, Oluwa ninu anu Re, fun wa ni ibugee itura, isimi atata, ati alafia nikehin nipase Jesu Kristi Oluwa wa - Amin. Oore-ofe Jesu Kristi Oluwa wa, ife Mimo Olorun, ati idapo ti Emi Mimo ki 0 maa ba googoo wa gee titi lae-Iae Amin. 10. IFILO 11. ORINADAKO 12. NUNCDIM1TT1S NISIYI Lord, now lettest thou thy Servant depart I in peace; according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen, thy Salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people. To be a light to lighten the gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be; world without end, Amen. 13. HALLELUVA CHORUS (Congregation to remain Standing) Nisiyi li o to jowo omo odo Re lowo lo li fia, Oluwa gege bi oro Re nitori oju mi 'iglr.ala Rena. Ti iwo ti pese sile niwaju eniyan googoo Lati je imole ti yio mole si awon kefen an Israeli awon eniyaan Re. Ogo ni fun Baee, ati fun Omo, ati fun tmi Mimo, bo ti wa la tete ko^, O'mbe lisiyi, beni o si ma ri nigeegoog00 aaiyc ainipekun, Amin. 13. ORIN EMI ALLELUYA I (Ki gbogbo ljo dide dan) The Royal Roots: lyalode Egba III - Osile, Oranmiyan 14. RECESSIONAL HYMN- 114. “FOREVER WITH THE LORD” H.C.247 1. For ever with the Lord Amen, so let it be. Life from the dead is in that word. Tis immortality Here in the body pent, Absent from Him 1 roam, Yet nightly pitch my moving tent A day’s march nearer home. 2. My Father’s house on high, Home of my soul, how near At times to faith’s foreseeing eye Thy golden gates appear Ah, then my spirit faints To reach the land I love, The bright inheritance of saints, Jerusalem above. 3. Yet clouds will intervene, And all my prospect flies; Like Noah’s dove, I flit between Rough seas and stormy skies. Anon the clouds departs The winds and waters cease, While sweedy o’er my gladden'd heart Expands the bow of peace. 4. I hear at mom and even, At noon and midnight hour The choral harmonies of heaven Earth’s babel-tongues o’er power That resurrection word, That shout of victory, Once more, For ever with the Lord; Amen, so let it be. Amen. ORIN AKOJADE - LA1LOOOOLUWA I.O.M. 259 “Lai lodo Oluwa!” Amin, bani ko ri, lye wa ninu ora na Aikunititilai, Nihin ninu ara, Mo sako jina si; Sibe, alale ni mo nfi, Ojo kan sunmole! He Baba loke, lie okan mi ni; Emi nfi oju igbagbo Wo bode wura re ! Okan mi nfa pipo, S’ilenatimo fe, lie didan t'awon mi mo, | Jerusalem t’Orun. Awosanma dide, Gbogbo ero mi pin; Bi adaba Noa, mo nfo Larin iji lile. Sugbon sanma kura, Iji si rekoja, Ayo ati alafia Si goo okan mi kan. 4. Loro ati I'ale, Losan ati lorn, Mo nqbo orin orun, bori Rudurudu aiye, Oro ajinde ni, Hiho isegun ni, Lekan si, “Lai lod* Oluwa’ Amin, beni ko ri. Amin.

AT THE GRAVESIDE 1. SENTENCES MAN that is bom of a woman hath but a short time to live, and is full of misery. He cometh up, and is cut down, like a flower; he fleeth as it were a shadow and never continueth in one stay. In the midst of life we are in death; of whom may we seek of succour, but of thee, O Lord, who for our sins are justly displeased. Yet, 0 Lord God most holy, 0 Lord most mighty, 0 holy and most merciful Saviour, deliver us not into the bitter pains of eternal death. Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts, shut not thy merciful ears to our prayer but spare us, Lord most holy, 0 God most mighty, 0 holy and merciful Saviour, thou most worthy judge eternal, suffer us not, at our last hour, for any pains of death, to all from thee.

COMMITTAL & PRAYERS FORASMUCH as it hath pleased Almighty God of his great mercy to take unto himself the soul of our dear Mother CHIEF (MRS.) B1SOYE ESTHER TEJUOSO here departed, we therefore commit her body to die ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile-body that it may be like unto his glorious body, according to the mighty working, whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself.

IBOJI 1. OROIYANJU ENIA ti a b i ninu obinrin, ojo kikuru sa li o ni igl::e li aiye, 0 si kun fim osi. 0 ndagba soke, a si ke e lule, bi itanna eweko o rekoja la bi ojiji, lai ko si duro nibikan. Li arin iye awa mi le ninu iku lodo tali aWa 0 ha ma Wa iranwo, bikose lodo re, Oluwa eniti 0 ti itori ese wajare lab binu? Sugbon, Oluwa Olorun mimojulo, Oluwa alagtara julo, Olugtala mimo ati alanu julo ma fi Wa sinu irora 'kikoro iku ti ko nipekun. Oluwa, o mo ohun ikoko okan Wa; mase di eti enu re si adura wa; sugb::m Oluwa mimojulo; Olorun alagtara julo, Olugtala mimo ati alanu julo, da Wa si, eniti 0 ye julo Ii Onidajo aiyeraiye, Ii opin wakaii wa, nitori irora-ki-irora iku, ma je ki a subu kuro lodo reo

LEHIN EYIASO OKU KALE SI ISA. Nigbati ao bo bu erupe si oku lori, Alufa yio wipe:- Nje bi o ti wu Olonw Olodumare ninu aanu Re nla lati goo. okan Jya Wa yi owon Oloye ESTHER BISOYE TEJUOSO ti 0 fi ihin ile lo sodo ara re, nitorina aWa fi oku re fim ile, erupe fun erupe, ecru fun eeru, ekuru fun ekuru, ni idaniloju ah aisiyemeji Ajiride ti iye ti ko nipekun nipa Jesu Kristi, eniti yio pa are osi wa da, ki o leribiaraounhkararetioliogo gegebi ise agoora nipa eyi ti oun le fi ten ohun gbogbo ba fim ara Re.

The Priest shall say: I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, from henceforth blessed are the dead which die in the Lord: even so saith the Spirit; for they rest from their labours. LORD, HAVE MERCY UPON US CHRIST, HAVE MERCY UPON US LORD, HAVE MERCY UPON US OUR Father, which art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name; Thy kingdom come Thy will be done; On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses. As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen. ALMIGHTY God, with whom do live the spirits of them that depart hence in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity; We give thee hearty thanks, for that it hath pleased thee to deliver this our Mother, CHIEF (MRS.) ESTHER BISOYE TEJUOSO out of the miseries of this sinful world; beseeching thee, that it may please thee for thy gracious goodness shortly to accomplish the number of thine elect, and to hasten thy kingdom; that we, with all those that are departed in the true faith of thy holy name, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in thy eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. O MERCIFUL God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life; in whom whosoever believeth shall live, though he die; and whosoever liveth, Nigbuna ni Alufaa yio wipe: Mo gbo ohun kan 1 ati orun wa, ti nwi fun mi pe, kowe re, lati isisiyi 10 ibukun ni fun awon oku ti 0 ku ninu Oluwa, beeni Emi nwi nitori n won si mi kuro ninu laala won. OLUWA, SAANU FUN WA KRISTI, SAANU FUN WA OLUWA, SAANU FUN WA BABA Wa ti mbe li orun, ki a bowo fun oruko Re, ki ijoba Re de. Ife tire ni ki a se li aiye, Bi n Won ti nse li orun. Fun wa li onje oojo wa loni. Dari cse Wa ji wa, Bi a ti ndari ese ji a Won ti 0 se wa. Ma fawa sinu idewo, sugbon gba wa lowo bilisi. Amin. OLORUN Olodumare Eniti emi aWon eniti o fi ihin site 10 ninu Oluwambe lodo Re ati lodo Eniti okan aWon onigbagbo mbe ninu ayo oun irora, lehin igbati a yo Won kuro ninu em ara Won: Tokantokan Ii awa fi dupe lowo Re, nitoriti 0 wu 0 lati yo iya Wa OLOYE ESTHER BISOYE TEJUOSO kuro ninu osi aiye ese yi, awa mbebe lodo Re, ki 0 le wu 0 ninu oore Re nla lati tete pari iye aWon ayanfe Re. ati lati mu Ijoba Re yara wa, pelu gbogbo aWon ti 0 fi ihil) sile 10 ni igbagbo otito Oruko Re uno, ki a Ie ni ekun eyo ati irora Wa anidopin, li ara ati Ii okan titi lae ninu ogo Re ti ko nipekun, nipase Jesu Kristi Oluwa wa, Amin. Olorun alaanu, Baba Oluwa wa Jesu Kristi, Eniti iseAjinde ati iYe, Eniti enikeni ti 0 ba gba A gbo yio Wa laaye bi o tile ku ati enikeni ti 0 Wa laaye, ti 0 si gba a gbo ki yio ku titi lae. Eniti 0 si ti CWo Paulu Aposteli Re mimoko wa pe, ki a me banuje bi a Won ti ko ni ircti fun aWon ti o sun and believeth in Him, shall not die eternally; who also hath taught us,I through his holy Apostle Saint Paul, not] to be sorry, as men without hope, for] them that sleep in him: We meekly I beseech thee, O Father, to raise us from the death of sin unto the life oil righteousness; that, when we shall! depart this life, we may rest in him, as] our hope is this our mother doth; and that, at the general resurrection in the last day, we may be found acceptable ini thy sight; and receive that blessing,! which thy well-beloved Son shall then pronounce to all that love and fear thee, saying, come, ye blessed children of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world.l Grant this, we beseech thee, O merciful Father through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer, Amen.

3. HYMN SLEEP ON, BELOVED SLEEP 1. Sleep on, beloved, sleep, and take thy rest; lay down thy head upon thy Saviour's Breast; We love thee well, but Jesus loves] thee best; God night! 2. Calm is thy slumber as an infant’s sleep,! But thou shah make no more to toil] and weep; Thine is a perfect rest, secure and deep: Goodnight! 3. Until the shadows from this earth are cast. Until He gathers in His sheaves at last, Until the twilight gloom is over passed Good night! ninu Re. Awa nfi irele bebe fun awon ti sun lodo Re Baba, ki o ji wa dide kuro ninu iku ese si iye ododo nigbati awa a ba ft aiye y i sile la, ki awa ki a le simi inu Re, bi awa ti ni ireti pe lya wa yi nsimi, ati li Ajinde gbogbo eniyan li ojo kehin, ki a le bawa li eni itewoqba li oju Re; ki a si le ri ibukun naa gm ti omo Re olufe jojo yio so niqbanaa fun gbogbo awon i a fe 0 ti won si beru Re wipe, Ewa enyin alabukun fun omo Bam mi, e gba ioba ti a ti pese sile fun nyin lati ipilese ojo wa. Fi eyi funni. awa mbebe lodo Re, Baba alaanu, nipase Jesu Kristi Onilaja ati Oludande wa, Amin.

ORIN MASUN, OLUFE K’OSIMA SIMI Ma sun, olufe, ki a si raa simi; Gb’ori le aiya Olugbala re; A fe o, sugbon Jesu fe o ju - Sun-re! Sun-re! Sun-re! 2. Orun re dun bi ti omo titun: 0 kio j i mo si lala on ekun: lsimi tire pe, a si daju - Sun-re! Sun-re! Sun-re! 3. Titi oji ji aiye y’o hi la, Titi On v’o fi ko hi wo 'le: Titi okunkun y ’ a fi rekoja - Sun-re! Sun-re! Sun-re! 4. Until the Lord’s new glory floods 4. the skies, Until the loved in Jesus shall arise, And He shall come, but not in lowly guise, Good night! 5. Until, made teautiful by Love Divine, 5. Thou in the likeness of the Lord shall shine, And He shall bring that gold crown of thine, Good night! 6. Only “Good night!” teloved, not 6. “Farewell” A little while and all His saints shall dwell In hallowed union, indivisible: Good night! 7. Until we meet again before His 7^ Throne, Clothed in the spotless rote He gives His own, Until we know even as we are known, Good night! Amen.

4. BENEDICTION Titi ogo ajinde y’o fi tan; Tit’ awon t’o ku n’nu Jesu y’o ri’de TOn y’o tun wa, ki se ni rele - Sun-re! Sun-re! Sun-re! Tit’ ife mimo y’o se 0 lewa, ‘Wo y’o ma dan l’aworan Oluwa On y’o si mu ade wura, re wa- Sun-re! Sun-re! Sun-re! Sun-re, olufe, fun ‘gte. die nit Laipe titi, awon eni Tire Y’o ma gbe po ni ire po mimo - Sun-rei Sun-re! Sun-re! Titi ao fi pade ni ite Re, T’ao si wo wa ni agbada funfun, Titi ao mo gege bi a ti mo wa - Sun-re! sun-re! Sun-re! 4. IBUKUN Go forth upon thy journey from this world, O Christian soul, CHIEF (MRS.) ESTHER BISOYE TEJUOSO. In the name of God the Father Almighty who created thee, Amen. In the name of Jesus Christ who suffered for thee, Amen. In the name of the Holy Spirit, who strenghteneth thee - Amen. In communion with the blessed Saints, and aided by angels and archangels, and all the armies of the heavenly host, Amen. Maa lo iwo omo lehin Kristi Iya wa Oloye ESTHER BISOYE TEJUOSO ninu inn ajo re kuro ninu aye ese yi. Ni oruko Olorun Bate. Olodumare Eniti 0 da o. Amin. Ni oruko Jesu Kristi Enito o jiya nitori re, Amin. Ni oruko Emi Mimo Eniti o fun o ni agbara, Amin. May thy portion this day be in peace,1 Ni idapo pelu awon emvan muno, awoti and thy dwelling in the heavenly! Angeli ati a\Von oloti Angcli ah pelu Jerusalem, Amen. I googOO a\Von ogun orun, Amin Ki ipui re orun jc alaafia, Amin. Ki ibugec re si je ibi ayo nla h orun am ibugee Olorun, Amur. Ki Olorun alaafia, fcniii o mu Oluso agutan, ani Jesu Kristi Wa ti mu iku jade, ki o ji o dide kuro ninu oku, Amin.

THE GRACE The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the] love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, ba with us all evermore,] Amen.

ORE OFE Ki oore-ofe Jesu Kristi Oluwa wa, ati ife Olorun ah idapo ti Exih Mivno ki o maa ba gbogbo Wa gee titi laelae. Amin.

ORDER OF THANKSGIVING 1. Professional Hymn - “JESUS LIVES FOREVER MORE” 2. Opening Prayer 3. Psalm 23 4. Lesson - Ecclesiasticus44:1-10 5. Hymn - “WHO ARE THESE 5.1 LIKE STARS” 6. Prayer 7. Thanksgiving - "O GOD OF BETHEL 8. Announcement - 9. Prayer and Benediction 10. Recessional Hymn - “ON THE RESSURRECTIONj MORNING” SERVICE AT HOME 1. Hymn - “ABIDE AMONGST WITH THYGRACE” 2. Prayer & Benediction

ETO ISIN IJADE OKU 1. Orin Akowole - “JESU YE TITI AIYE” 2. Adura Ibere lain 13. Psalm 23 4. Eko Kika - Ecclesiasticus 44: 10 Orin - “TAL'AWON WONYI B’lRAWO ADURA Idupc - OLORUN BETELEM TO BBo- Adura at Ibukun Agbarcle 10. Orin Akojade - “L'OWURO OJO AJINDE NIILEOLOKU I. Orin - FORE OFE RE BA AWAGBE Adura ati Ore-Ofe

2. ADURAIBEREISIN Lehin orin akowole yi, gbogbo eniyan yoo wa ni iduro, Alufa yoo si wipe:- Ni Oruko Bam, ati ni ti Omo ati niti Emi Mimo Amin. Enyin ara mi ninu Oluwa, bi o ti je ilana ti Ijo Olorun ya si mimo lati ipinlese igmgoo wa, pe, ki a fi emi awon ti 0 ti re iku koja Ie Oluwa Olorun lowo pelu igmgoo ati iberu, awa pejo ni wakati owo yi, lati fi emi Mama wa, Olooqbe Oloye, BISOYE ESTHER TEJUOSO, si aba abo Olonin Olodumare Oba aiyeralye. A tu fi ope fun Olorun fun abo Re lori wa, awon omo, omo-omo ati ebi Re fun aanu, Re lori won fun iku ati ajinde iyebiye Jesu Kristi Oluqbala wa ati idapo awon eniyan mimo, idariji ese ati ajinde ara ni isa oku ati iye ti ko nipekun. Nitorina, e jeki a wole ni dakeje ki a si ranti pe Olorun alaaye, wa larin wa nisisiyi,

E JE KI AGBADURA Aiufa: Oluwa, saanu fun wa, Ijo: Kristi, saanu fun wa, Alufa: Oluwa, saanu fun wa. ADURA OLUWA Bam wa ti moo Ii orun etc. Alufa: Oluwa ma ba omo-odo Re se ejo Ijo: Nitori ko si eniti 0 wa laaye ti ao da lare niwaju Re Alufa: Fun Mama wa Oloogbe Oloye BISOYE ESTHER TEJUOSO ni isimi ailopin Ijo: Ki O si jeki imole Re tan si l’ara Alufa: Awa gragoo lati ri ire Oluwa. Ijo: Ni ile alaaye Alufa: Oluwa goo adura wa Ijo: Ki O si jeki igbe wa ki O wa si odo Re. EJEKIASE ADURA Olorun Baba gbogbo aaye, cniti googoo awon ti 0 fi aye sile lo wa l’abe itoju Re, awa mbebe l’odo Re, nitori emi Mamawa ti a nse iranti re I’oni OLOYE BISOYE ESTHER TEJUOSO ti a feran re suqbon ti a ko ri mo. Jowo fun ni isimiti 0 daju, jeki orun ododo Re tan imole ainipekun si lara, se ise iyanu Re ti 0 fi nso oku daaye soodi mimo ninu eje Odo-Agutan. Awa si nfi ibukun fun Oruko mime Re pelu fun abo Re I’ ori awon omo ati ebi re goo goo ati fun googoo awon eniyan Re, ti 0 ti fi aaye yi sile ni iqbagbo ati ni iberu Re. Awa mbeba lodo Re, jeki a le ma to pa iwa rere awon eniyan Re olooto ati pelu ki a le je alabapin ijoba Re ti ko nipekun, Nitori Jesu Kristi Oluwa wa, Amin.

Alufa: O lu wa j owo la wa li ohun. Ijo: Him wa yoo si ma fi iyin Re han Alufa: Oionrn sise ki o gba wa la Iio: Oluwa yara ki o ran wa Fowo Alufa: Ogo ni fun Baba, ati fun Omo ati fun Emi-Mimo Ijo: Bi 0 ti wa Ii atetekose etc. Alufa: E yin Oluwa Oruko Oluwa ni ki a fi iyin fun.

3. PSALM 23 Oluwa li Oluso-aqutan mi; Emi ki yio se alaini. 0 mu mi dubule ninu papa-oko tutu; 0 mu mi 10 si iha omi didake roro, 0 tu okan mi lara; 0 mu mi 10 nipa ona ododo niton oruko Re. 4. Nitoto, bi mo tile nrin larin afonifoji ojiji iku, emi ki yio bent ibi kan nnomi Iwo pelu mi; Ogo re ati opa re nwon ntu mi ninu. Iwo te tabili onje sile niwaju mi Ii oju awon ota mi; lwo da ororo si mi li on; ago mi si kun akunwosile. Nitoto, ire ati anu ni yio ma to mi lehin H ojo aiye mi gbogbo; Emi 0 si ma gbe ile Oluwa lailai.

4. EKOKIKA ECCLESIASTICUS 44:1-10 Ki e je ki a yin awon olokiki, ati awon baba ti nwon bi wa. Oluwa ti se ise ti o logo nipa won bi agbara nla Re Lati igba kini. Awon ti nwon npase ni imoba won; awon enia ti a ngburo fun agbara won, nwon ngba awon enia niyanju gegebi ogbon won, ti nwon si nso asoteie. Asaju awon enia gegebi ase, ti nwon si npase nipa ogbon ati oro siso. Awon ti nwori wadi bi a ti nkorin, ti nwon si se bi a ti nkowe. Awon ti a bukun, ti nwon si ngbe li alafia ni ibi ihamora won. Gbogbo awon wonyi li a se eye fun ni igba aiye won, a si se woo logo li ojo wo Awon kan wa ti nwon fi oruko sile, ki a le ma yin won logo. Awon elomiran si wa ti nwon ko si ni iranti: ti nwon segbe. bi empe nwon ko si: ti o si dabi enipe a ko bi won ri: ati awon omo won lehin won Sugbon awon wonyi je oninurerc enia, ti a ko le gbagbe ododo won.

5. ORIN- “TAL’AWONWONYI B’lRAWO’ 1. Tal’awon wonyi b1 irawo? Niwajuiteraimo? Ti won si de ade wura Egbe ago wo l’eyi Gbo; nwon nko Alleluya, Orin iyin Ore won. 2. Tali awon ti nko mana T’awo l’aso ododo? Awon ti aso fun fun won Y’o ma fun fun titi lai. Beni ki y’o gbo lailai, Nibo F egbe yi ti wa? 3. Awon wonyi lo ti jagun F’ola Oluqbala won; Nwon jijakadi tit’ iku, Nwon ki b’elese keqbe, Nwonyi ni ko sa f ogun 4. Wonyi, F okan won ti gbogbe, Ninu "danwo kikoro. Wonyi li a ti Fadura, Mu Olorun gbo ti-won Nisisiyi, won segun Olorun re won l’ekun. Nwon segun nipa Kristi. 5. Awon wonyi lo ti sora, Ti nwon fife won fun Krist*;’ Nwon si y’ara won si mime; Lati sin niqbagbogbo: Nisisiyi li orun, Nwon wa l’ayo lodo Re. Ase.

WHO ARE THESE LIKE STARS C.H.674 1. Who are these like stars appearing These before GOD’s Throne who stand? Each a golden crown is wearing, Who are all this glorious band? Alleluia, hark! they sing, Praising loud their Heavenly King. 2. Who are these in dazzling brightness Clothed in GOD’s own righteousness; These, whose robes of purest whiteness Shall their lustre still possess Still untouched by time’s rude hand- Whence come all this glorious band? 3. These are they who have-contended For their SAVIOUR’S honour long. Wrestling on till life was ended, Following not the sinful throng: These, who well the fight sustained, Triumph through the LAMB have gained 4. These are they whose heart were riven Sore with woe and anguish tried, Who in prayer full oft have striven With the GOD they glorified; Now, their painful conflict O' er, GOD has bid them weep no more. 5. These, the ALMIGHTY contemplating, Did as priests before Him stand, Soul and body always waiting. Day and night at His command; Now in GOD’s most Holy Place Blest they stand before His Face. Amen

6. ADURA Olorun emi goo goo eda ti rabe Is oju agbaayc, awa yin o fun atilehin ti o se fun awon omo-omo ati ebi Mama wa Oloogbe OLOYE BISOYE ESTHER TEJUOSO, eniti o ti pari ise tire laiye nisisiyi, A dupe fun ojo aiye re ti 0 dara, awa mbebe lodo Re mase ft awon omo re silc, jeki oju rere Re maa ba won gbe, seri ibukun Re sori ise won, jeki won mo akoko ti won njade oku Mama won yi si rere. Da won si Oluwa rere da awon omo won papa si se idile won ni ti Olokiki ati Olola, ma a roqba yi won ka niqbaqboqbo, mase jeki asiri won tu lojo aiye won, si fi omo rere gbehin Olukuluku wa, nikehin, nitori Jesu Kristi Oluwa wa, Amin. Oluwa Olorun ayeraye, ni ikawo eniti emi lorun ati iaye mbe, awa mbebe l’odo Re, ran itansan imole ati itunu Re Orun sinu googoo ijo Re faiye ati ni Paradise ki o si fi funni, ki awa ti ntopa apere awon eniyan mi mo Re li won fe 0 ti won sin o ti won si wa ninu isimi won, le wa pelu won nikehin ninu aiye ailopin, Nitori Jesu Kristi Oluwa wa, Amin. Oluwa se atilehin fun wa, li ojo googoo ninu aiye wahala ati iyonu yi, tilt ao fi daqba, ti ale yoo fi le, ti iqbokeqbodo aiye yoo tan, ti laala, igoo yoo dopin ti ise wa yoo buse. Nigbana ninu ami Re. fun wa ni ibuqbe iqbala ibi mimo ati alafia ni kehin, nipase Jesu Kristi Oluwa wa, Amin. Alufa ati awon Eniyan Ni idapo pelu awon aposteli mimo, awon woli, ati ajeriku, pelu gbogboawon olooto ti o ti koja lo, awa yin o awa si gte Ogo Re ga fun ekun ayo eyiti o ti fun goo goo awon ti o gteke le O. Nitorina, pelu awon angeii ati Olori angeli, ati goo goo awon egte orun ni awa yin 0 ti a si gte Oruko Re ti o logo ga, Awa si yin O titi lae pe, Mime, Mimo, Mimo, Oluwa Olorun awon omo o gun, Ogo Re kun aaye ati omn, Ogo ni fun 0, Oluwa ti o ga julo logo Amin. Ore-Ofe Jesu Kristi Oluwa wa, ati ife Olorun ati idapo ti Emi - Mimo ki o ma ba gbogbo wa gte titi laelae. Amin.

7. IDUPE “OLORUN BETEL EN1TT 1. Olorun Betel, eniti O mbo awon Tire Enit’o mu baba wa la Ojo aiye won ja. 2. A mu eje, at’ ebe wa Wa iwaju ‘te Re Olorun awon baba wa Maje Olorun wa. 3. Ninu idamu aiye yi Ma se amona wa Fun wa ni onje ojo wa At’ aso t’o ye wa. 4. Na ojiji ‘ye Re bo wa Tit' ajowaOpin Ati n’ibuqba Bam wa Okan wa o simi. 5. Iru ibukun bi eyi L’ a moo re lowo Re Iwo 0 je Olorun wa At’ ipinwalailai. 8. efujo 9. ADURAATI IBUKUN AGBARELE Oluwa, ba wa jade lo bi a ti nlo si inu aiye lojo oni fi Angeli Mimo Re so wa nigbogbo irin ajo wa lode aiye, ma jeki a rin lojo ti ebi npa ona, ma jeki a ba ojo olojo lo, jeki a fi aiye sile niqbati yio ye wa, fi omo rere gbehin olukuluku wa, ma jeki a ku laiye ki a to ku, ma jeki asiri wa tu ki o to bo, ma jeki a pari igmgoo wa satari ofo, ati ibanuje, busi igoogoo wa Oluwa, wa, Id a le ni igmgoo aaye ninu iku sisin ati ajinde Jesu Omo Mimo Re, ati ibukun Olorun Olodumare ti Bam Eleda, ti Omo Olurapada ati ti Emi - Mimo Olutunu ki o ba le yin, Id o si ma ba yin gbe nigbagbogbo - Amin.

THANKSGIVING “O GOD OF BETHEL” 1. O God of Bethel, by Whose Hand Thy people still are fed. Who through this weary pilgrimage, Hast all our fathers led: 2. Our vows, our prayers, we now present, Before Thy Throne of grace; God of our fathers, be the God Of their succeeding race. 3. Through each perplexing path of life Our wandering footsteps guide; Give us each day our daily bread. And raiment fit provide. 4. O Spread Thy covering wings around; Till all our wanderings cease, And at our Father’s loved abode Our souls arrive in peace. 5. Such blessings from Thy gracious Hand Our humble prayers implore; And Thou shalt be our chosen God, And portion evermore. Amen. 8. ANNOUNCEMENT 9. PRAYER AND BENEDICTION 10. OR1N AKOJADE “L’OWURO OJOAJINDE” 1. L’owuro ojo Ajinde Taratokan y’o pade; Ekun, ‘kanu on irora, Y’o dopin. 2. Nihin won ko Ie saipinya Ki ara ba le simi, Ki o si f’idakeroro Sun fonfon. Fun ‘gm die ara are yi L’a g~ sibi ‘simi rei Titi di imole oro Ajinde. 4. Okan to nkanu nisiyi, T’ 0 si ngbadura kikan; Y 0 bu s’ orin ayo lojo Ajinde. Ara at’ okan y’o dapo, Ipinya ko ni si mo; Nwon oji I’ aworan Krist’ ni ‘Telorun. ‘ 6. A! ewa na at’ ayo ria, Y’o ti po to I’Ajinde! Y’o duro b’orun at’ aiye Ba fo lo. Loro ojo Ajinde wa, ‘Boji y’o m’ oku re wa, Bam, iya, omo, ara Y’o pade. 8. Si idapo to dun bayi Jesu, masai ka wa ye; N’nu ‘ku ‘dajo, ka le rom’ Agbalebu. Ase.

10. RECESSIONAL HYMN-C.H. 330 ON THE RESURRECTION MORNING 1. On the Resurrection morning Soul and body meet again; No more sorrow, no more weeping. No more pain! 2. Here awhile they must be parted. And the flesh its sabbath keep. Waiting in a holy stillness. Wrapt in sleep. 3. For a space the tired Body Lies with feet toward the dawn; Till there breaks the last and brightest Easter mom. 4. But the soul in contemplation Utters earnest prayer and strong. Bursting at the Resurrection Intro Song. 5. Soul and body reunited Thenceforth nothing shall divide. Waking up in Christ’s likeness. Satisfied. 6. Oh! the beauty, Oh! the gladness Of that Resurrection day. Which shall not through endless ages Pass away! 7. On that happy Easter morning All the graves their dead restore; Father, sister, child, and mother. Meet once more. 8. To that brightest of all meetings. Bring us, Jesus Christ, at last To Thy Cross, through, death and judgement Holding fast. Amen

SERVICE AT HOME: HYMN 1. Abide among us with thy grace Lord Jesus evermore Nor let us e’er to sin give place Nor grieve we adore. 2. Abide among us with thy word, Redeemer whom we love Thy help and mercy here afford And life with Thee above. 3. Abide among us with thy ray, O Light that lighest all. And let thy truth preserve our way Nor suffer us to fall. 4. Abide with us to bless us still, O bounteous Lord of peace, With grace and power our spirits fill, Our faith and love increase. 5. Abide among us as our shield O captain of thy host, That to the world we may not yield No e'er forsake our post. 6. Abide with us in faithful love. Our God and Saviour be; Thy help in need, 0 let us pro And keep us true to thee. Amen. 2. PRAYERS & BENEDICTION NI ILE OLOKU 1. ORIN 1. Fore-ofe Re ba wa gbe, Jesu Olugbala; Ki eni arekereke, K’o ma Ie kolu wa. 2. Foro mimo Re ba wa gbe, Jesu iyebiye; K’ari iqbala on iye, Lohun, bi nihinyi. 3. Fi ‘bukun Tire be wa gbe, Oluwa Oloro: Fi ebun orun rere Re, Fun wa l’opolopo. 4. Fi ‘pamo Tire ba wa gbe, Iwo Alaqbara: K’awa k’o Ie sa ota ti, K’aiye k’o ma de wa. 5. Fi otito Re ba wa gbe, Olorun Olore: Ninu ‘ponju, wa ba wa re, Mu wa fi ori ti. 6. F alafia Re ba wa gbe, Niqbat' iku bade; N’isaju na, so fun wa, pe, Igbala nyin ti de. Amin. 2. ADL’RA ATI ORE-OFE

BIOGRAPHY THE MOST POWERFUL WOMAN IN EGBALAND CHIEF MRS. BISOYE TEJUOSO (CULLED FROM HEROES MAGAZINE, MAY 1994) It was just a courtesy call on Iyalode Egba, a short but vivid one but we fell in love with her simplicity, Godliness and motherly affection, just as we set eyes on her. For a woman of 78, nature, and indeed God, have been generous to Chief Mrs. Esther Bisoye Tejuoso, the Yeye Oba of Oke-Ona, Egba. It was a Sunday afternoon, well after church service. We arrived at Number 2, Tejuoso Avenue, Surulere. The massive gate shifted under our joint shove and the abyss of DABIS Court, residence of the Tejuosos, greeted our foot steps. To the right hand side of the gate is the gate post, behind which is the expansive estate. “Mama had tarried longer in church as she was not expecting visitors,” the young man at the gate post announced. We had not stayed long at the airy gate post when the intercom buzzed. The charming young gate man whispered to the mouth piece and handed us the receiver. The man at the other end asked who we wanted to see and asked us to come over to the plush sitting room that has all the touch of plutocrats. Moments after, "mama’ arrived from the church, closely trailed by a legion of beautiful creatures; her grand children. She took majestic strides into the parlour. There are powerful people who derive their power from their wealth or position. After a moment with Chief Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso, Nigerian pioneer female industrialist who sat at the head of the Tejuoso’s multi-million business empire, we were convinced that her source of power is reliance on God. Affectionately, she listened to our mission and she delightfully ushered us into an adjoinning room no less tastefully furnished with costly antique. Ebenezer, her Personal Assistant offered us drinks, and re-assured us that rice would be ready befo'Ye we leave. Drinks and food are some of the things one could take for granted in the Tejuosos' haven. Thus, in the quietude of the room, away from the little noises of the little kids, the most powerful woman in Egbaland took us a journey through her memory lane. If a man is not succeeding in an endeavour, it could well be that he was doing what he did not enjoy doing. Show me a man who makes a success out of his vocation and I will tell you that it is because he likes and enjoys his’ engagement The life of Chief Mrs. Tejuoso is a great lesson to mankind. It shows a person can achieve much by believing in himself and in whatever he can do with his own hands. A grand-daughter of Karunwi, the first Osile Oke-Ona, Chief Bisoye was one of the fortunate few exposed to western education early in this century. She attended the Igbein Primary School Abaokuta and later went to Idi-Aba Teacher Teaching College, also in Abeokuta. As a pupil at Iqbain Primary School in 1930, one of the class teachers in the school expressed his love for her, and four years after, the expression ended up in marriage. That class teacher was Late Mr. Joseph Somoye Tejuoso. Though a trained teacher, Mrs. Tejuoso never engaged in teaching. Infact, she never worked for anybody all her life. She veered into trading, and because she like and enjoyed the art of buying and selling, she excelled. She started with little wares. With time, she grew from strength to strength, dealing in Vono forms. As a result of her business acumen and dexterity, she bacame the toast of all in the trade. Sometime in 1962, Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso was in her show room at 131, Broad Street, Lagos, selling her Vono beds and Foam Mattresses to customers when she received an unexpected Norwegian visitor. The Norwegian had brought a business proposal that was later to enlarge the business horizon of this woman with the mi das touch. He wanted to go into foam manufacturing with her. He knew her reputation as the best dealer in foam in the whole of Lagos, as at that time. Though a civilized woman with modest exposure, Mrs. Tejuoso had no idea of how foam mattress was produced or how lucrative the business of making it could be. After much persuasion and enlightenment, she accepted to participate in the business. On the long run, another man, a Nigerian, was brought into the picture as a third subscriber to the business whose registered name was Nigerian Polyurethane Company Limited. The European was to ba the Managing Director, Mr. Eribo, that is the third man, was the Executive Director while Mrs. Tejuoso was the Sales Director. Production commenced late 1964 and in couple of months, COOL FOAM, as their product was known, started competing favourably well with Vono Foam in the Lagos market. At this time, it looked like everything was sailing smoothly. But, trust human beings, after exploiting the goodwill, talents and capital of this hard working woman, Mr. Eribo, an Edo man, took over the entire business to the disadvantages of Mrs. Tejuoso. For her however, it was major blow for which God would more than adequately compensate her. It turned out of the beginning of big business opportunity.

After almost half a decade of planning and organisation which took "mama’, late Papa Somoye Tejuoso and their son to England and Germany to acquire machinery, Tejufoam was given birth to in 1971. From then onward, ably supported by her only surviving son, Dr. Dapo Tejuoso, Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso has devoted most of her time and energy to the industty. Today, in the industrial sector, Tejuosos has been a multiplicity of success. She cannot even believe what has become of her. Sometime, she would sit back, on her own and wonder why God has decided to bless her so much. “Whatever I have become today is the sole making of God.” She said. Chief Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso is one woman whose dependence on God is total. To her natural self, things like chieftaincy titles or grandiose honours have no meaning. Having been bom a princess, it is not in her to crave for honour. But her loving people of Oke-Ona would not allow her to relish long in her indifferent attitude to chieftaincy honours. Having been coffered with a number of tiles which included lyalaje of Oke-Ona and Ekerin of Ago-Oko, in addition to several other titles from the Church, the Alake of Eqbaland. Oba Oyebade Lipede found in her, a worthy woman on whom to bestow the highly contentious title of Iyalode of Egba. As Iyalode Egba, she is regarded as ‘Oba Obinrin'. that is, the number one lady in Egba. If there is anything happening in Egla today, and a lady is to be consulted, that lady is Chief Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso. She also presents any female chief of Eqbaland to the Alake for formal conferment and installation. Like all other things created by God, Chief Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso has been through her own foggy days. The period between 1965 and 1970 was very turbulent for her family. One of her two surviving children (having lost 3) died at the age of 25 on 30“’ December, 1965. Her father, Mr. Josiah Karunwi died on the 27th of November, 1968. Then on 27th of December of the same year, death came calling again. This time, it struck on her loving and supporting husband, Mr. Joseph Somoye Tejuoso. It was pathetic. Ever since, she says ‘God has been our rudder, compass and anchor. He had not left us to sail alone. Chief Mrs. Esther Bisoye Tejuoso, Chairmn, Teju Industries is a very hardworking woman. Not so long ago, she yielded to pressure from relatives and friends by stepping aside from lull involvement in the running of the family businesses. She now has more time to devote to God, to Egba land and to mankind. This was the situation and wishes of many before Mama departed this world on Thursday 19th of September, 1996. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

MURDER OF A MATRIARCH (CULLED FROM THE GUARDIAN, SATURDAY SEPT, 21ST 1996) After 80 years and three months, a silent, peaceful final sleep would have invited royal drums to Dabis Court. A lone blue-blooded child and the grandchildren would have congregated for the final rites for their matriarch. But a journey that started well, full of success, was violently eclipsed. The royal blood was smeared on the spectre and crown with scaring grue. Violent death barged into the royal court, and silent morning and took away the mother of the king. When Chief (Mrs.) Esther Bisoye Tejuoso, Iyalode ofEgbaland was bidding good night to all her aides in the night ofWednesday, little did she know that death was lurking around in the greenish splendour ofher rich Dabis Court estate. And with her brutal assassination, the bandits made yet another statement, confirming the futility of whatever security measure the affluent can afford, No 2, Tejuoso Avenue, residence ofLate Chief Abisoye Tejuoso, mother of Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, Osile of Oke-Ona, boasts of enough security means. The marble-coated two-storey building sits comfortably in a vast, expansive premises, with well-tendered lawn, adorned with an orchard that shields the house from full public glare. Security lights in the compound, is even part of its beauty in the night. All these splendour have themselves secured within an imposing twelve-feet fence that makes privacy a fait accompli. Even, with these, it was an easy passage for the blood-thirsty gang that assassinated the martriarch. And the whole neighbourhood ofTejuoso still wonder from which direction the hoodlums could have arrived at the premises. “How could they have penetrated that compound?,” Akin Ogunsalire, resident, repeatedly asked. The Tejuosos vast compound and the premises of the Nigerian Television Authority Channel 7, Tejuoso have between them, a canal, and on the left hand side stands a storey building whose backyard overlooks the luscious compound of the Tejuosos. From which direction has death stealthily walked in? Around 2.00 a.m., when the hoodlums arrived, the brave duo of Taye Mayegun and Bamidele Ogedengbe, both security guards in the house, engaged the men in some combat. To beat the bravery of the men into submission, bottles were smashed on their heads by hoodlums in manners that indicated they were not interested in any other life than that of their target. At least, in the house for the night were Kehinde Kaninwi and Oyindamola Karunwi, both relations of the late Chief (Mrs.) Abisoye Tejuoso, whom the gang spared in their maraud of the royal house. Indeed, the gang had its mandate and this was also why wealth was not enough to assuage the thirstfor-blood. A cheque of N1 m hurriedly written to appease them was torn and thrown on her face. Highly organised as the murder was, the question on every lip last Thursday as sympathisers poured in, was, what could an octogenarian of Chief Abisoye T ejuoso’s nature have done, to deserve a brutal death in the twilight of her life? And this was the question that planted sorrow on all the faces. Even though the bandits were said to have matcheted the woman-industrialist to death, sounds of gun shorts were said to have rent the air in the- serenity of the night. At Teju Hospital, Ilupeju, Lagos on Thursday, mum was the word, as the doctors, nurses and other employees wore gloomy looks. At the time The Guardian On Saturday called, the wounded security men were said to have been treated and discharged. For the Egbas, the killing of Chief Bisoye Tejuoso casts a mournful expiry on an era in history. Since Egba land was founded one hundred and sixty six years ago, Tejuoso was the third to be installed as lyalode. Perhaps, nothing confers relevance, honour and prestige on this traditional title than the heroic feats the past Iyalodes of Egbaland are known to have performed; remaining significant factors in the overall advancement of the Egba nation. Madam Tinubu, who died on December, 2nd 1887 and Madam Miniya Jojolola were, the Eqbas history known to have exerted great influence and served as sources of inspiration and support. For the Egba men-folk during the internecine wars of the 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1982, when Maf’-'m Tejuoso was installed the third Iyalode, it was another way of ack, wledging her industrious support for the Egba case. According to her only surviving son and life-partner, Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Tejuoso, the mother “was an enterprising woman, wealthy in her own modest form, respectable and living a comfortable life. Above all, she is a widow who has not remarried. By this last but singular credential, it was thought that she would be able to perform the duties assigned to the office without domestic hinderance. Late Madam Tejuosos ascension in 1982, to the exalted traditional eminence was not, without its own hurdles. Apart from the burning desire in the Egba women of subsistence to clinch the traditional office, a strong objection was raised by a high chief, based on the origin of Madam Tejuoso. As her son would recall, “he contended that my mother was from Oke-Ona, My reaction to the charge was that my mother was truly not from Egba Alake but questioned if there was any objection if her mother was from Egba Alake."

For the slain Yeye-Oba, the wealth of royal house, she was bom on enough spring-board and with her own indefatigable effort, has journeyed to the zenith of human achievement. Bom to the royal family of Oba Karunwi, the first Osile Oke-Ona Egba, on June 22 1916, she attended Igbein Primary School Abeokuta. Thereafter, she proceeded to the Teachers’ Training College at Idi-Aba. Abeokuta. After her training, the expectation was that she would teach in one of the schools and thus put her training to use, but that day never came. Instead, she went into trading. Inspite of her success, she was not innured to the trick the fate sisters play in the affairs of man. Between 1965 and 1970, she went through such experiences as would have broken lesser mortals. On the eve of the new year in 1965, December 30 precisely, Mama lost one of her two surviving children, Rolayo Adebimpe, aged 25 years. Rolayo was an Arts student at the University College of Dublin, Southern Ireland. She had lost three children earlier and in 1949, she had a still-birth. As if faith intended to test her will, December 27, 1968 also brought another tragedy: She lost her husband, Joseph Somoye Tejuoso. But inspite of all these tragedies, she was unbowed until death came calling brutally in the early hours of Thursday. If, as has been speculated, the hoodlums had come for the Oba’s life, the Yeye Oba had, in the true motherhood spirit, and in the traditional heroic and lofty feats of past Iyalodes of Egbaland, sacrificed her life so that her son may live.

ORIKI ObaArojojoye Oba Adele tejiteji ObaOliluAyiyitan OmAfiluqbabiogede Omo lara wun Omo Omotankele Omo asogosogo Omo asogba mati Omo obirin dago paje niJe oko re E wi eegun Oko re E wi orisa ale E wi orogun ile siketa Omoolalo Omo ayaba nsa Omo ayaba yi soloro Ko de s’abiyamo Ko ni gba oge re loto Omo arohunmusere Omo alarala, ka wo ma lo Omo owo gleledefu Omo ona o tibi kan woja Omo alapotiti, omo ola ko neku Omo Olaosebikan, omo agara ola dani Omo Olodo kan, odo kan Eyi ti o san wcreke ti o san wereke O d’ehinkule Osile o dabata O wa du bi aro kijikij i Abilake, omo Ajogberu majogbeko, eko ki sin ni yan

Omo eja megun soro Omo eerin mi lasala nigbedu Ora Omo onilu kan babatiriba Eyiti won ko nfi awo ekun se Afi aketcpin eti erin Kabiyesi o.

SOME LETTERS OF CONDOLENCE RECEIVED BEFORE GOING TO PRESS OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF STATE, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA STATE HOUSE, ABUJA C-in-C/51 22— September 1996 His Majesty Oba (Dr) Adedapo Tejuoso The Osile of Oke-Ona IBARA Abeokuta Ogun State LETTER OF CONDOI FNCF It is with grief and deep sense of loss but with total submission to the will of God that I received the sad news of the tragic death of your mother Chief (Mrs.) Esther Bisoye Tejuoso, OON, the lyalode of Egbaland which occurred on Thursday, September 19, 1996 in Lagos, as a result of an attack by armed bandits. The virtues of Late Mama Tejuoso, as a mother, motivator. Counselor and one of the first female Industrialist will linger on for so long in the minds of those who knew her. Her contribution towards the economic and political development of this country cannot be quantified. Her death therefore is not only a loss to you and other members of the family but to the nation as a whole. On this sad occasion, therefore, I, on behalf of my family, the Government and people of this country send to you our heartfelt condolences. May God grant her soul eternal rest and give you and other members of the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, Amen.

SANI ABACHA General Head of State Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria

LETTER OF CONDOLENCE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF VICE-CHAIRMAN PROVISIONAL RULING COUNCIL General Headquarters State House Abuja Nigeria Tel: 09 5232234 GHQ/CGS/DO/1 Date: 25 September, 1996 Oba Adedapo Tejuoso Karunwi III Osile of Oke-Ona Oke-Ona Palace ABEOKUTA LETTER OF CONDOLENCE 1. I was very sad to leam of the death of your dear mother and shocked by the tragic manner in which she lost her life. Our consolation however lies in the fact that as Christians, it is not how one dies that matters, as all human beings must die but now one lived before death. Most of the Apostles died tragically but lived a fulfilled Christian life. 2. Chief Esther Bisoye Tejuosho was, surely, one of the foremost women in Egbaland and Nigeria this century, Decades before women empowerment came into the centre of public discourse, she had demonstrated through sheer determination and industry* that women ire no less endowed to be architects of their own fortune. She invested her boundless energy and resourcefulness in so many areas of enterpreneurship. She was a consumatc merchant industrialist and real estate developer. The resilience and success of her Teju Industries bear lone testimony to the determination and dedication of this great woman. 3. Chief Bisoye Tejuosho’s greatness was acclaimed in her life tune. The conferment on her of the esteemed title of Iyalode of Egbaland, of which she was the third holder in the history of Egbaland, confirmed her legendary status. She carried this title with great dignity and performed her role to the satisfaction of her people and community. There Is no doubt that she would be, difficult to replace. 4. While you mourn her death, please take consolation In the fact that she lived a very creative and rich life, 5. May her soul rest in the boasom of our heavenly father, 6. Please accept and extend my sympathy to all members of the Tejuoso royal family

OLADIPO DIYA Lieutenant General Chief of Defense Staff

LETTER OF CONDOLENCE Office of the Chief of the Naval Staff Naval Headquarters Ministry of Defence 1-3 Moloney Street Lagos Telegrams: NAVHEAO Telephone: 2636273 P.M.B. 12590 Lagos — Nigeria 22 September 1996 Ref: Oba Adedapo Tejuosho The Osile of Oke-ona 214 Tejuosho Avenue Surulere LAGOS I received with shock the gruesome murder of your beloved mother,. ChiefBisoye Tejuosho, the Iyalode of Egbaland in her residence in Lagos. It is rather a sad development that people can degenerate into using violence against innocent and prominent citizen like' Mama. support towards us in the Badminton Association. She was also a pillar in the industrial life of the country. Certainly, her death is a great loss to the nation I urge you in this period ofgrief to take solace in the fact that she led a good life and will surely have a restful place in' heaven. It is our sincere prayer and hope that God in his infinite mercy will grant you the fortitude to bear the loss.

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE Having known her for 26 years, I recollect vividly her tremendous contributions and OKHAIM AKH1GBE Rear Admiral Chief of the Naval Staff

LETTER OF CONDOLENCE OFFICE OF THE MILITARY ADMINISTRATOR Ogun State of Nigeria P.M.B. 2058 Abeokuta, Ogun State “Telephone: 243695, 244188 “Telex: 2466 Our Ref No. GHS.25/VOLI1J/2Q5 Date:26 Sept. 1996 His Royal Highness, Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso JP, Karunwi III, Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Abeokuta.

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE AND SYMPATHY 1. I have received with deep grief and great shock, the sad news of the gruesome murder of your dear mother, late Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso at the age of 80 years which occurred at her residence in Lagos on Thursday, September 19, 1996. 2. The death of Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso is not only tragic but also a monumental loss to our womenfolk, the State and indeed the entire nation. I wish to recall that she was in her life-time the first female citizen, of Egbaland being the third woman to be honoured with the title of Iyalode of Egbaland, a successful industrialist and frontline community leader She held many traditional titles in Lagos and Ogun States. 3. Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso was an embodiment of all that is noble and desirable in womanhood and indeed the quintessence of a mother and a first among equals. She was hardworking, trustworthy, dependable and a great symbol of inspiration and strength to her fellow womenfolk. 4. Her passing away has no doubt deprived you of the continued benefit of her experience, encouragement, wisdom, invaluable advice and guidance. Although she is gone, our consolation lies in the fact that she lived a full and useful life worth of emulation by present and future generations and left her foot prints in the sand of time. 5. On behalf of myself, my family, the Government and people of Ogun State, I wish to express our heartfelt condolences and sympathy on this irreparable loss. It is my prayer that the Almighty God will grant her soul peaceful repose. May her gentle and great soul rest in perfect peace.

SAM EWANG WING COMMANDER MILITARY ADMINISTRATOR OGUN STATE

LETTER OF CONDOLENCE OFFICE OF THE MILITARY ADMINISTRATOR IKEJA, LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA Your Ref. No______Our Ref No______Date: 21 Sep 96 Alayeluwa Oba (Dr) Adedapo Tejuoso, The Osile of Oke-Ona, 2-4, Teju Avenue, TEJUOSO, Yaba, Surulere, Lagos State. OON, the lyalode of Egba Land came to us most unexpectedly, especially in the wake of government's deliberate efforts at fighting crime and violence in Lagos State To her children, natural and spiritual, she was a pillar in the family and in the church to which she belonged as she loved and was surrounded by love among the greatest in the Land. To her credit she had a hand full: Oba Obirin Egba, Iyalode of Egba, lyalode of Oke-Ona, Yeye Oba of Oke-Ona and lyalode of Ago-Oko. But her rise to the top was not accidental having moved, to prime positions in Nigeria’s business and commercial terrains by dint of hard work and patriotism. Nigeria and an eminent player in women empowerment. Her outstanding business acumen earned her many awards traditionally, nationally and Internationally. She was honoured with the first International African Trophy for Industry, Commerce and Tourism. She was also given the Nigerian Senior Citizens Business Award by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce and Industries in 1979. 5. You would no doubt grieve over the loss of such a darling mother whom your good self described as “a great symbol of inspiration and strength”. We want you to take solace in the fact that she lived well, touched the lives of many people and that her brilliant deeds will forever live after her. 6. On behalf of the Government and entire people of Lagos State, I wish to express our sincere condolence to you and the entire Tejuoso & Karunwi families. May the Lord grant the soul of the dear departed eternal rest. Amen.

CONDOLENCE 1. The news of the gruesome murder of your dear mother. Chief Esther Abisoye Tejuoso 2 The Late Iyalode was a loving and God-fearing woman who selflessly devoted her life 3. If titles were the only stuff of greatness, the Late Chief Abisoye Tejuoso would rank 4. The Yeye Oba was a successful industrialist, one of the pioneer business women in M B. MARWA Colonel Military Administrator Lagos State.

LETTER OF CONDOLENCE

Tel: 2390M Fax: MOTNU) Telex No. 73109 Date 21 Sep 1996 GOVERNMENT OF SOKOTO STATE OF NIGERIA OFFICE OF THE MILITARY ADMINISTRATOR GOVERNMENT HOUSE SOKOTO REF: GVH/S/13/VOL. 111/789 His Royal Highness Oba Adcdapo Tejuoso The Osile of Oke-Ona Osile's Palace Abeokuta.

LETTER OF CONDOLENCE I received with severe shock, the very sad news of the gruesome murder ol our beloved mother Madam Esther Tejuoso which very sad and ill-lated event occurred on Thursday 19th September 1996 at her residence in Lagos. 2. The death, of Madam Tejuoso is indeed a grave loss not only to you and the enure members of your family but also to all the people of Ogun State and indeed the enure peace loving people of our great country. Nigeria. It is on record that Madam Tejuoso is a soulful and peace loving woman, a distinguished industrialist and of course an ilhistrous cstuen Whose advise and guidance are greatly needed by this country. The death has actually creeled a vacuum which is very difficult to fill. Therefore, on behalf of myself, members of my family, the Government and peace loving people of Sokoto State, I wish to use this opportunity to send our message of heartfelt condolence to you and the entire members af your family over the irreparable loss. May her gentle and pious soul rest in perfect 'peace 1 pray Almighty God to grant you and the entire family the courage and fortitude to boar the heavy lots. 4. Please accept our heartfelt condolence.

R.A. RAH Captain (NN) Military AdmusMtnuor The Royal Roots: lyalode Egba III - Osile, Oranmiyan

LETTER OF CONDOLENCE THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGUCAN COMMUNION) THE MOST REV J. ABIODUN ADETILOYE. Archbishop, Metropolitan, Primate of ail Nigeria Fax:2636026 Tel: 01 -2635930 Cablegram Telegraphic Address: “Testimony Lagos**

ARCHBISHOP'S PALACE 29. MARINA. P.O. BOX 13, LAGOS, NIGERIA 20th September, 1996 Oba Dapo Tejuosho The Osile of Egba Osile Palace Oke-Ona, Abeokuta. Kabiyesi, LETTER OF CONDOLENCE Christian greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Please accept my heartfelt and deepest condolence on the death of your Dear Mother, Chief Bisoye Tejuosho. The circumstances of her death was very distressing. We all feel, deeply shocked and grieved, but we are comforted by the fact that Jesus in whom she believed, is the Resurrection and the Life and all who believe in Him will have everlasting life. Your Mummy believed in Christ and so life everlasting will be her portion to enjoy in Jesus name. Amen. May God in His infinite mercy console you and the entire family. Amen. Yours sincerely Abiodun, Lagos, abp

LETTER OF CONDOLENCE

31, PARK LANE. APAPA, LAGOS-NIGERIA. TEL. 01 - 876289 6, AJ1NA STREET, IKENNE, OGL'N STATE. TEL. 037 - 630220, 630188, 630077 22nd September, 1996. HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, OBA ADEDAPO TEJUOSHO KARUNWI III, OKE ONA, ABEOKUTA. CONDOLENCES ON THE DEMISE OF YOUR BELOVED MOTHER. VEVEOBA BISOYE TEJUOSHO. I received with shock and disbelief the news of the brutal murder of your beloved mother Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuosho. - A friend Indeed. Your mother was a most markable woman embodying In her person all the attributes of a virtous, compassionate, hardworking and generous woman and mother. By her death, Nigeria has lost someone very precious Indeed. On behalf of myself and the entire Awolowo family, I offer you our condolences la this hour of your grief. We pray that God will give you the courage and fortitude to bear this Irreparable loss. May the noble soul of the departed rest In perfect peace. Yours Very Sincerely,

LETTER OF CONDOLENCE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OFNIGERIA

(FOAM MANUFACTURERS GROUP) Please reply to: 20th September, 1996 The Managing Director Teju Industries Limited 18/22 llupeju Bye-pass llupeju Industrial Estate Lagos. On behalf of the Executive Committee and the entire members of Foam Manufacturers Group of MAN, we hereby convey to you our heart felt sorrow about the untimely death of your mother. Please accept our sincere sympathy and condolence for this great loss. May God grant her eternal rest. Amen. Yours sincerely, for: Foam Manufacturers Group

Dear Sir, LETTER OF SYMPATHY MR. H. WEHBE The Royal Roots: lyalode Egba III - Osile, Oranmivan LETTER OF CONDOLENCE The Daily Times of Nigeria PLC 3, Kakawa Street, Lagos P.0 Box 139. Printer and Pubtohofs of Daily Times. Sunday Times, Sporting Record, Evening Times, Poise Magazine, Home Studies, Times International, Lagos Weekend, Headlines. Who's Who, Nigeria Year Book, Times Trade and industrial Directory, Business Times, Fun Times, Foreign Magazines and Books. Telephone: 2661441, 2661421, 2661431 Telegrams TIMES LAGOS Cables DAILY TIMES LAGOS Telex: 21333 TIMES NG, September 23, 1996 His Majesty Oba Adedapo Tejuoso The Osile of Oke Ona Abeokuta do 2, Tejuoso Street,Surulere, Lagos

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE We received with deepest regret, the news of the death of Mama and lyalode of Egbaland, Chief (Mrs) Esther Bisoye Tejuoso. It is unfortunate that mama's death came at a time when the nation Is in dire need of the wisdom and guidance of senior citizens like lyalode in the ongoing search for an enduring democracy and national stability. We are however consoled by the fact that the lyalodc left an indelible mark as a pioneer woman industrialist, community leader, and a devoted Christian. We also thank God that the Iyalode is survived by one of the nation’s foremost traditional rulers, the Osile Oba Tejuoso whose contributions to the political stability of the nation has been a credit to the deceased. Kabiyesi, kindly convey our condolences to other members of the Tejuoso and the Karunwi families on this irreparable national loss. May the Almighty God give the family the fortitude to bear the loss. For: THEIR DAILY TIMES OF NIGERIA PLC CHIEF INNOCENT OPARADIKE GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR

LETTER OF CONDOLENCE

PRESIDENT SOCIETY OF GYNAECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS OF NIGERIA Prof. V.E.Aimakhu Saint Vincent Medical Centre 34, Arc Avenue, New Bodija P O Box 19677, Ibadan TcL(02)8102695 Fax: (02) 8103476

Date 23/9/96 Ref: SOGON

His Majesty Oba (Dr) Adedapo Adewale Tejuosho Karunwi Osiie Oke-Ona Egba Abeokuta Your Majesty

THE RECENT TRAGIC DEATH OF MAMA A LETTER OF SYMPATHY FROM SOGON At the September 21st meeting of the executive council of SOGON (which was the first of such meetings at the SOGON house you helped us to commission on the 15th June, 1996) a minute silent was observed in memory of our departed mother. I was also mandated to write to you officially expressing the sympathy of SOGON for this tragic loss. My visit to you was also to be a double barell visit being both personal and on behalf of SOGON. At the meeting SOGON also noted with joy the contribution the 3rd Iyalode of Egba made to humanity in various ways particularly medicine. This contribution included the training on His Majesty as a doctor and the commisioning of the Teju Hospital. Her other contributions in other areas of human endeavour have been widely acknowledged by the generality ofNigerians Finally we note with satisfaction that the grace of God in you has made it possible for you to take this loss phylosopical and with fortitude and that grace will continue to remain with you and all o us she left behind We are sure that her soul is resting peacefully with our creator. The Good Lord will continue to Protect & Guide you. Yours Sincerely

SOCIETY OF GYNAECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS OF NIGERIA V.E.AIMAKHU FRCOG FMCO PRESIDENT The Royal Roots: lyalode Egba III - Osile, Oranmiyan ROYAL PLAN FOR A BEFITTING BURIAL

ORANMIYAN OAAT/54/09/44 September 301996 Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa Oba Oyebade Lipede Alake ofEgbaland Kabiyesi,

RE: BURIAL ARRANGEMENT -IYALODEEGBA Further to my telephone discussion with you yesterday, I write to now let you have a copy of the Obituary of my assassinated late mother - Chief (Mrs) Esther Bisoye Tejuoso OON, 3- lyalode Egba and the Yeye Oba Oke-Ona Egba as decided by the Tejuoso and Karunwi families. Please let me know whatever rite(s) the Tejuoso and Karunwi families need to perform further for the Egba so 1 can transmit these to them. There is ample space in the Programme of the Burial Ceremony just in case you have any additions that should be accommodated. Thank you. Yours sincerely .

OSILE OKE ONA EGBA

ROYAL PLAN FOR A BEFITTING BURIAL

Tel: 039-241733 039-241028 Alayeiuwa Oba Dr. Oyebade Lipede CF The Alake of Egbaland AFIN, AKE,ABEOKUTA 1“ October, 1996 Date His Royal Highness, Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, JP Karunwi ID, Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Osile's Palace, Abeokuta.

Re: Burial Arrangements - Ivalode of Egbaland I refer to your letter dated 30th September, 1996 on the above. Traditionally, October 12, 1996 will be declared a ‘public Holiday’ for Egba chiefs, eminent Egbas, market women in Abeokuta and its environs. Shops in Abeokuta will be shut, and there will be no selling/buying in all markets in Abeokuta etc. The opportunity of public Holiday will enable the Egba Chiefs, market women etc to pay their last tributes to the 3rd lyalode Egba for her patriotism, loyalty, kindness, genuine love to make others happy, and her contribution towards the propagation of the gospel in Lagos and in Egbaland. Venue: The late Iyalode of Egbaland will ‘line in state' at the Centinary Hall, Ake, Abeokuta for the Egbas to pay their last tributes to the 3rd Iyalode of Egbaland who has contributed immensely towards the Industrialization of Egbaland. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Kindly confirm the above to enable the Alake of Egbaland make the necessary arrangements for the ‘Lying in state' as mentioned above. OBA (DR) OYEBADE, LIPEDE The Alake of Egbaland

ROYAL PLAN FOR A BEFITTING BURIAL OAAT/54/10/14 October 4 1996 Kabiycsi Alaiyeluwa Oba Oyebade Lipede Alake of Egbaland Kabiyesi, RE: BURIAI ARRANGEMENT - 3RD IYALODE EGBA Thanks for your letter of 1/10/96 in response to my letter of 30/9/96. I appreciate the kind sentiments expressed therein. In accordance with your wish therefore, there will be, by the good grace of God, a “LYING IN STATE" of our dear late mother Chief (Mrs) Esther Bisoye Tejuoso OON, the 3rd lyalode of the Egbas at home and abroad at the CENTENARY HALL, AKE, ABEOKUTA ON FRIDAY THE 1ITH OF OCTOBER, 1996, at 3.00p.m. FOR ONE HOUR. Copies of Obituary enclosed herewith. Thank you and God bless. Yours s incerely OBA DR ADEDAPO ADEWALE TEJUOSO JP KARUNWI III OSILE OKE ONA EGBA 327 RflMHHMi m

CHAPTER 7 Posthumous Awards and Encomiums

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS IYALODE TEJUOSO MALARIA FOUNDATION (ITMF) FORMAL LAUNCHING & LUNCH RECEPTION A foundation with a zealous determination to eradicate Malaria in Africa Monday 15th March 2004, 11.30a.m. The Valley View Auditorium Government House Abeokuta, Ogun State

ORDER OF EVENTS 1. Arrival of Invited Guests/ Exhibition 2. Invited Guests are seated 3. Arrival of the Royal Fathers & Traditional Rulers 4. Arrival of States' Governors & other States' Government Officials 5. Arrival of Members of the National Assembly 6. Arrival of the Speaker, House of Representatives 7. Arrival of the Senate President 8. Arrival of the Vice-President 9. Processional Arrival of Mr. President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo [President, Federal Republic of Nigeria] 10. Presentation of the National Anthem 11. Opening Prayers 12. Welcome Address: Iyalode Tejuoso Malaria Foundation 13. Delivery of Keynote Address 14. Stage Play 15. Opening Remarks by Chief Patron Host, Otunba Gbenga Daniel [Governor, Ogun State] 16. Delivery of Goodwill Messages 17. Comedy Presentation 18. Formal Launching Ceremony o Theme Simulation o Theme Music Presentation o Citation on the Late Chief [Mrs.] Bisoye Tejuoso o Dedication & Launching 19. Cultural Dance/Drama 20. Talking About Malaria & Its Eradication: Closing Remarks 21. Music Presentation 22. Vote of Thanks 23. Closing Prayer 24. Vote of Thanks 25. The National Anthem 26. Departure

National Anthem Arise, O Compatriots Nigeria's call obey To serve our fatherland With love and strength and faith The labour of our heroes past Shall never be in vain To serve with heart and might One nation bound in freedom Peace and unity

O God of creation, Direct our noble cause, Guide our leader's right Help our youths the truth to know In love and honesty to grow And living just and true Great lofty height attain To build the nation where peace and Justice shall reign. The Pledge I pledge to Nigeria my country To be faithful, loyal and honest To serve Nigeria with all my strength To defend our unity And uphold her honour and glory So help me God.

The Grand Patron, Patron & The Foundation Welcome You All To IYALOOE TEiUOSO MALARIA FOUNDATION [nwi FORMAL. LAUNCHING & LUNCH RECEPTION

In Honour Of The Late lyalode of Egbalandd CHIEF | MRS.] BISOYE ESTHER TEJUOSO OON

PRINCE DR LANRE TEJUOSO

Prince (Dr ] Lame Tejuoso, the Grandson of the late Chief (Mo.) Bisoye Tejuoso and son of the Osile Oke Ona Egba Oba Adedapo Tejuoso. Ihe President and Founder of the lyalode Tejuoso Foundation was bom on the 15' day of March f 964 exactly 40 years ago this day A medical doctor by profession and an astute businessman and administrator. Prince (Dr.) lanre Tejuoso decided to take up Ihe chalenge to step up the fight against the deadly disease. Malaria from control and management to eradication as has been achieved in some prats of Asa. I named to his lifetime heartthrob. Mrs. Mother Tejuoso, the daughter of Nigenas leading industrialist, Chief Rasak Okoya and blessed with lovely children. Prince Dr. Lanre Tejuoso made the progressive move to actual show his zealous determination to save lives and offer succour to the people I mostly affected by the deodiy disease This resulted m the founding and I establishment of the lyalode Tejuoso Malaria Foundation. I The commendable feat was achieved with the dedicated support and 1 sincere assistance of his (other. Oba Adedapo Tetuaso and Nigenas 1 leading and mast vibrant State Administrator, His Excellency Otunba 1 Gbenga Daniel The IYALODE TEJUOSO MALARIA FOUNDATION established as a posthumous honour m remembrance of the Late T tydode of Egboknd. I Chief (Mrs.] Bisoye Esther Tejuoso is a Founaation watt a zedous I determination to embark on an aggtesave mission towards erodcatng I Malana in Africa with an initial focus on Nigeha

PRINCE [DR.] LANRE TEJUOSO & IYALODE TEJUOSO MALARIA FOUNDATION The maiden approach the Foundation intends to adopt in commencing its laudable, but tedious journey of mosquito eradication is to apply the effective and environment-friendly insect repellent paint and distribute other vector destruction tools, anti-malaria drugs and insecticide nets in all Public Homes and Institutions, Schools, Hospitals and other identified Public Areas all over the Nation Free Of Charge. The insect repellant paint is a new and innovative method in combating the spread of malaria by blocking the feeding mechanism of mosquitoes thereby making them starve to death. This Vector Destruction Programme called, "ITMF OPERATION GLOBAL MOSQUITO INCAPACITATION PROGRAMME" a first step programme of the Foundation's comprehensive "ITMF MALARIA ERADICATION STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN" has since commenced and is in top gear. The IMF Action Plan is a five year strategic Plan towards the eradication of Malaria in Africa, with an initial focus on Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Namibia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Malaria is a global crisis. One-fifth of the world's population is at risk of malaria. Our nation can be richer, happier and more productive in life without malaria. The application of insect repellent paint and the use of insecticides treated nets give twice as much protection from mosquitoes. Because only 1 % of African children are protected by bed nets while they sleep, nearly 700,000 die from malaria each year.

The Foundation is challenging the Nation and the citizenry to assist it in providing protection for all infected and exposed children and adults in the next five years. We must all work together in combating malaria. The Foundation is counting on your kind support. God bless. "I decided To honour my ever cherished Grandmother, the late Chief (mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso. My Grandmother was my backbone and pillar behind my rewarding encounter with The medical Profession. A Blessed Woman, with An intense passion for healthcare, having personally experience the adverse consequences of sickness from losing four children out of her five children, my Grandmother not only encouraged me to pursue the medical profession, but closely monitored my academic progress and professional career in healthcare. A wonderful Grandmother indeed" - Prince (Dr.) Lanre Tejuoso

“I decided to honour my ever cherished Grandmother, the Late Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso. My Grandmother was my backbone and pillar behind my rewarding encounter with the Medical Profession. A blessed Woman, with an intense passion for healthcare, having personally experience the adverse consequences of sickness from losing four children out of her five children, my Grandmother not only encouraged me to pursue the medical profession, but closely monitored my academic progress and professional career in healthcare.

The MALARIA SURGE IS REAL THE BATTLE AGAINST MALARIA IS INTENSE LETS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IYALODE TEJUOSO MALARIA FOUNDATION Corporate head office Iyalode Medical Hospital 18-20 Ilupeju Bye-Pass Road, Ilupeju, Lagos, Nigeria Tel: 2341 7946801, FAX: 234 1 7946802 Website: www.malariafoundation.org E-Mail: [email protected]

LONDON OFFICE 40, JamesStreet, London WIU 1EU Tel: 0207935 1731, FAX: 0207935943

MIDAS BANK PLC IYALODE TEJUOSO MALARIA FOUNDATION (ITMF) is set to improve the standard of public/private partnership in the struggle against malaria. MIDAS BANK, a bank of repute & credibility has taken up a challenge by exhibiting the zeal a co-operate sector have in supporting civil society organisations. MIDAS BANK, has graciously supported and continue to support the malaria Eradication and life saving programmes of the foundation. MIDAS BANK, a bank with MIDAS touch reaching out to people, touching the lives of masses bringing good health & development to rural community and the less privileged supporting humanitarian programmes. CONGRATULATIONS TO ITMF! CONGRATULATIONS MIDAS BANK! KLIPART LIMITED 08023006010

INTRODUCING IYALODE TEJUOSO MALARIA FOUNDATION Malaria kill at least I million people each year • Malaria kills a child ever 30 seconds Every year the nation loses over N132 billion Naira due to absenteeism from work, school and the farm as a result of malaria.

IYALODE TEJUOSO MALARIA FOUND ATION is Set To Pioneer Progressive and Innovative Approaches to Malaria Eradication in Africa The Application of Effective and Environment-Friendly Insect Repellent Paint in Our Homes, workplaces, Hospitals, Rural Area, Public Areas

A Winning Strategy in Combating Malaria PRESIDENT/FOUNDER'S STATEMENT Prince [Dr.] Lame Tejuoso Malaria is a global crisis. One-fifth of the world's population is at risk of malaria. The proportion increases yearly as a result of climate change, environmental damage, breakdowns in healthcare and war. Reliable statistics on malaria show that there are 400 million cases of malaria illness each year: at least one million people die annually as a result of malaria. The burden and ills of malaria has created adverse and devastating impact on the physical, mental and social well being of our people as well as the development of the nation. Malaria morbidity and mortality affect all age group. It makes the poor poorer. Its effect is felt both in the rural and urban communities. The IYALODE TEJUOSO MALARIA FOUNDATION [ITMF], has taken up the challenge to embark on an aggressive mission of malaria eradication in Africa as a whole, with an initial focus on Nigeria. Malaria is a leading deadly disease in our region today. We must all work together in the spirit of meaningful collaboration and togetherness in rolling back the years of malaria epidemic in our nation. After a deep review of various data and situation analysis, coupled with our in-depth research on malaria generally, the IYALODE TEJUOSO MALARIA FOUNDATION [ITMF] developed the "ITMF MALARIA ERADICATION. STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN"

The aim of the Plan is to put up a five year strategic Plan towards the eradication of Malaria in Africa, with an initial focus on Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Namibia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. An important component of ITMF's Malaria Eradication Strategic Action Plan is its first step action agenda, termed "ITMF OPERATION GLOBAL MOSQUITO INCAPACITATION PROGRAMME". The ITMF Operation Global Mosquito Incapacitation Programme is an aggressive malaria preventive mission that will involve the application of the effective and environment- friendly insect repellent paint and distribution of other vector destruction tools, anti-malaria drugs and insecticide nets in all Public Homes and Institutions, Schools, Hospitals, Rural Areas and other identified Public Areas all over the Nation Free Of Charge. Through this tedious, but progressive strategy, ITMF will offer hope to the urban and rural families, while at the same bring succour to the people mostly affected by the disease, Malaria. PRESIDENT/FOUNDER'S STATEMENT Prince [Dr.] Lanre Tejuoso The IYALODE TEJUOSO MALARIA FOUNDATION [ITMF] established as a posthumous tribute in honour of the 3rd Iyalode of Egbaland, the late Chief [Mrs.] Bisoye Tejuoso [OON] is a pathtlnder into effective eradication of malaria in Africa. In order to carry out its various programme, with an initial emphasis on the Operation Global Mosquito Incapacitation Programme, ITMF needs the support of all. IMF needs the full involvement and participation of all stakeholders to achieve its mission. We reach out to likely SPONSORS and DONORS towards the implementation of the Operation Global Mosquito Incapacitation Programme and our other programmes. I wish to acknowledge the enthusiasm exhibited by all stakeholders, both local and international in the fight against malaria. I specially thank IMF's Grand Patron, His Excellency, Mr. President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for his dedicated and zealous commitment to working with stakeholders in the effective, control, management and eradication of the deadly disease, Malaria. I believe that with effective and meaningful collaboration in the combat against malaria, we will succeed in rolling back the years of malaria epidemic in our nation as reportedly done in some parts of Asia. IRRADIATION PLANT TO ALTER THE STRAIN OF I MOSQUITOES SO THAT MOSQUITOES THAT WILL BE I CHURNED OUT WILL BE HARMLESS MOSQUITOES About the Foundation The IYALODE TEJUOSO MALARIA FOUNDATION [ITMF] I is an emerging non-profit, on-governmental organization I established with the aim of eradicating malaria in Africa with I an initial focus on Nigeria through the adoption of progressive I and innovative measures. The IYALODE TEJUOSO MALARIA FOUNDATION [ITMFj I established as a posthumous tribute in honour of the 3 I Iyalode of Egbaland, the late Chief [Mrs.] Bisoye Tejuoso [OON] is set to taking up the challenge to take the battle against malaria a step further from control and management to effective and strategic eradication. [ITMF] is set to embark on innovative and progressive Measures, Activities, Methodologies and Programmes in eradicating the disease, malaria. [ITMF] founded by Prince [DR.] Lanre Tejuoso, a medical practitioner and businessman, is pathfinder to total malaria eradication in Africa. Key players who have given their unreserved commitment and dedication to the fight against malaria include the Grand Patron of ITMF, His Excellency, Mr. President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Chief Patron, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Govenor Ogun state, the Patrons, Patron north-easth zone his excellency, Mr. Boni Haruna the Governor of Adamawa State, Patron north-west zone His excellency, Ahmed Makafi the Governor of kaduna State, Patron south-east zone His excellency, chief Sam Egwu the Governor of Ebonyi State Patron south-south zone, his exo llency, Dr. Donald Duke the Governor of Cross River State, Patron north-centrel zone his excellency, Dr. Bukola Saraki the Governor of Kwara State ,and Royal Patrons. His Royal Highness Halid Adedayo Olaloko Shobekun 11, Jp. Agura Of Gbagura, Abeokuta. His Royal Highness Oba Adedapo Tejuoso Karuni III Osile Oke-ona Egba. His Royal Highness Alaiyeluwa Oba (Dr.) Oyebade Lipede, The Alake & Paramount Ruler Of Egbaland Other designated positions in the Foundation include:

VICE-PRESIDENT SECRETARY: ASSISTANT SECRETARY TREASURER The Challenge Malaria is highly endemic in Nigeria and poses a major challenge, as it impedes human development. It is both a cause and consequence of under-development. Although malaria is preventive, easily treated and curable, it remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country with a prevalence rate of 919/100,000. The most vulnerable groups are pregnant women, children and the non-immune immigrants. It is estimated that 50% of the population have at least one episode of malaria each year. Given its total population of J J 8,000,000 million, this translates to 59 million people suffering from attacks of malaria yearly. It is also estimated that children under the age of 5 years [about 23.6 million] have 2 to 4 attacks of malaria annually. Malaria ranks among the top three causes of death in the country. It accounts for 30% of all childhood deaths and is associated with 11% of maternal deaths. The economic burden of malaria is rather substantial. Every year the nation loses over N132 billion Naira due to absenteeism from work, school, and the farm as a result of malaria...

Malaria epidemics cause death, reduce productivity of agriculture, inhibit tourism and affect external investment. Each year they spread into areas which had been free of the disease. * Malaria keeps societies poor and undermines development. It reduces the income of families who are already among the poorest in the world. * The cheapest malaria drug chloroquine is rapidly losing its effectiveness in almost all endemic countries. Malaria is a major killer of refugees in Africa Malaria remains one of the most significant health problems in Nigeria and Africa as a whole despite previous control efforts.

Our Vision To Make A Difference With a view to commencing the laudable but tedious journey of Malaria Eradication, the IYALODE TEJUOSO MALARIA FOUNDATION after conducting a study, and in-depth review of data on malaria, its control and management formulated a Five-Year Malaria Eradication Action Plan: "The ITMF MALARIA ERADICATION STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN" The aim of the Plan is the putting together of a five year strategic Plan towards the eradication of Malaria in Africa, with an initial focus on Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Namibia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, adopting mainly the Vector Destruction Methodology.

Step I of the Action Plan is the "ITMF OPERATION GLOBAL I MOSQUITO INCAPACITATION PROGRAMME". The IMF Operation Global Mosquito Incapacitation Programme is an aggressive malaria preventive mission that will involve the application the effective and environment- friendly insect repellent paint and distribution of other vector destruction tools, anti-malaria drugs and insecticide nets in all Public Homes and Institutions, Schools, Hospitals Rural areas, and other identified Public Areas all over the Nation Free Of Charge. The insect repellant paint is a new and innovative method in combating the spread of malaria by blocking the feeding mechanism of mosquitoes thereby making them starve to death. It is also a non-toxic product to human and pets. Under this progressive programme, ITMF is set to comb the entire country armed with this Vector Destruction Tool to offer hope to the urban and rural families, while at the same bring succour to the people mostly affected by the disease, Malaria at no cost to these people. Another significant innovation to be adapted by the foundation, is the use of IRRADIATION PLANTS that will alter the strain of mosquitoes, thereby transforming mosquitoes in our environment from malaria parasite carriers to harmless mosquitoes. A Call For Support ITMF is determined to set new standards for public-private partnership in the struggle against malaria. ITMF is set to develop strategies geared towards fostering effective public/ private sector interaction, collaboration and partnership in searching for and finding innovative methods in combating the deadly disease, malaria. As citizens and institutions duly affected by the adverse effects of malaria both in our business and social lives, we must carry out our civic responsibilities in joining hands with all antimalaria advocates and stakeholders in building a healthy society. ITMF is calling out to individuals, corporate bodies, private and public going concerns to donate generously in Cash or kind towards the implementation of its Step 1 Action Plan "ITMF OPERATION GLOBAL MOSQUITO INCAPACITATION PROGRAMME". To successfully implement this progarmme, ITMF needs the support of all. IMF needs the full involvement and participation of all stakeholders to achieve its mission. The precious lives of children, pregnant women, and men would be saved from your kind DONATIONS and SPONSORSHIP.

OUR TRADE MARK ITMF's concentration is on saving lives, improving attendance at our schools and workplaces. Our zealous determination is making a difference to the lives of people mostly affected by the deadly disease, malaria. Committed and Dedicated Attention To Our Goals, Responsive Problem Solving, Expertise With Experience, High Quality Research, Sincere Focus On Objectives And Purpose And Not On Organisational Identity are some of the trademarks of ITMF "I am delighted to accept the honour of serving as the Grand Patron of the Iyalode Malaria Foundation. As you know, the eradication of the malaria scourge, through the Roll Back Malaria Programme is one of the health care objectives of this administration. I therefore heartily welcome this initiative" President Olusegun Obasanjo, (President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria)

IYALODE TEJUOSO MALARIA FOUNDATION CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE lyalode Medical Hospital 18-20 Ilupeju Bye-Pass Road, Ilupeju, Lagos, Nigeria Tel: 234 1 7946801, FAX: 234 1 7946802 Website: www.Malariafoundation.org E-Mail:

LONDON OFFICE 40, James Street, London W1U1EU Tel:' 0207935 1731, FAX: 0207 935 943

Bill Gates to fund child nutrition programme in Nigeria - Tejuoso TheChairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Lame Tejuoso, in this interview with SUNDAY ABORISADE, explains the outcome of his recent official trip to the United States, the specific challenges confronting his committee, and how to improve the nation's health sector

WHAT do you do in your committee? The Senate Committee on Health is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the health sector in Nigeria is improved to ensure that the vision of the ruling All Progressives Congress government for Nigerians as regards the sector is achieved. We cannot work in isolation of the executive and we thank God that we have a very good working relationship with the two ministers in charge of health in Nigeria. Our first assignment with them is to ensure that we have a practical budget, a professionally produced fiscal document that would satisfy all the visions that the ministry of health have for Nigerians. Although we have a very short time to analyse the budget based on all the constraints associated with the 2016 budget, we were able to overcome the challenges. We thank God because it is now good work in progress as all the anomalies have been positively reviewed and a clean budget as far as the health sector is concerned, has since been presented to President Muhammadu Buhari. There would be no excuse whatsoever for us not to improve the health sector based on this budget. Are you satisfied with the allocation to the health sector in view of the great challenges confronting the sector? First of all, I am not satisfied with the various areas of allocation. For instance, in the area of personnel; the health sector cannot survive without the people who would see the patients and the people that would operate the equipment. If you look at the different sectors of the economy, the health sector comes first in terms of the need for personnel. We need certified personnel to manage the lives of human beings, those who are emotionally okay to partake in the healing process of patients. So, if we have a nurse for example that is having challenges paying the school fees of her children and such a person is saddled with the responsibilities of monitoring a dying patient, you can see that there would be a conflict of service because inasmuch as the nurse would want to put in her best, the psychological problems she is having with her domestic issues may affect even the treatment of that patient. That is why it is very important to get the personnel issues right in the health sector. We cannot afford all these incessant strikes. We should make sure that there is prompt payment of salaries. We should ensure that the budgeting for the personnel in the health sector is not toyed with at all. Secondly, we have some international agreement that Nigeria is party to. For instance, we have the Abuja Declaration that stipulates that 15 per cent of the national budget must go to health. It is called the Abuja Declaration because it is on the Nigeria's capital city that all the African countries converged and they all agreed, many years back, that 15 per cent is what is ideal. It is highly unfortunate that the agreement was named after Abuja and Abuja is not implementing it, whereas other countries that are as not as rich as Nigeria, are already fulfilling that Act. Last year, we have maybe about five per cent of the budget of the previous government allocated to health and out of the five per cent, only about 2.5 per cent was implemented. So, in effect, we can say that we have 2.5 per cent. This year also, I think we have over four per cent but because of the honesty of this government, we will fulfil what is in the budget.

How does your committee plan to resolve situations where health issues meant to be addressed at the primary health level are being attended to at the tertiary health level? After the review and presentation of the national budget, the next work of the committee is to ensure that our oversight functions are perfect. We will ensure that all the promises of the executive as implied in the budget are implemented to the letter. This year, the executive promised to introduce 10,000 functional Primary Health Centres across the country. At the moment, we are still expecting the supplementary budget for that. The Federal Government plans to establish 5,000 PHCs this year and the remaining 5,000 next year. We have nonfunctional PHCs currently in, the country "Which we believe would be reactivated. Where we don't have at all, new ones would be built. In having functional PHCs, we also need to talk of personnel. The well-educated and trained personnel to handle the PHCs are vital to having successful primary health care centres. In the outbreak of any major disease, the first port of call should be the PHCs. It is when adequate care cannot be provided there in the PHCs that patients would go to secondary or to the tertiary health care centres. Since we have a promise now that we will reactivate all our PHCs, as a Senate, we will ensure that we monitor the progress and ensure that whatever that is budgeted for the health sector is used judiciously and we get the answers that we all need to have our health sector working.

What are the challenges of your committee now? Our challenges are similar to the type of challenges confronting everybody in Nigeria today and this is funding: For example, we have close to 130' institutions under the health ministry and if we have to do oversight on every institution, you can imagine making about 130 trips across the country? So, who is going to fund that? But we need to go to the major institutions to ensure that they are doing what they are supposed to do. Oversight functions are very-important to keep them on their toes. Without funding, there is no way we can achieve our oversight functions. What informed your trip to Washington DC where you had a private meeting with Bill Gates in company with the Minister of Health? I was in Washington DC for a World Bank sponsored programme. It was not a Bill Gates sponsored event. But during that week, there was a sideline meeting which we were invited to. The meeting was organised by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and at that meeting, Bill Gates was trying to inform Africans that he was going to change his focus on how he wants to use his funds for Africa because the problem of nutrition is becoming a major one in Africa. He said he would now focus on investment in nutrition for the first 1,000 days of a foetus which starts from the day that the mother gets pregnant up to two years. He has tagged the theme of the intervention, "1,000 Days". They want to be concerned with the nutrition of the pregnant mother the nutrition of the baby, from age zero to two. They want to focus on the quality of the food that the mother takes during pregnancy and the quality of the food of the baby within two years because there are certain ingredients of food that are very important for the child to have a normal growth. They realised that the percentage of children that are having problems with growth is increasing at an alarming rate. We have stunted growth of children. We have children who are malnourished during their growing years which are a very important period to form the various organs of the body. So, Bill Gates, in his wisdom, believes that this is the time for him to refocus on how he spends his money because he is thinking of what Africa will look like in 20,30 or even 40 years' time if these are the kind of children we are giving birth to today. He believes that the brains of malnourished children would not be developed to be able to give the knowledge that we need to impact on the next generation. Based on the meeting, how does he hope to implement the programme? In focusing on African children's nutrition, he wants the beneficiary countries to also participate in the funding. If he wants to give Nigeria $50m, he would expect the country to contribute a counterpart funding of $5m. He has notified us to put counterpart funding in our budget to ensure that we have our counterpart funding ready when he wants to start funding the health sector in Nigeria. How do you hope to ensure the inclusion of the counter part funding in the budget? I have invited him to come and address the National Assembly. I asked him to come to Nigeria and address a joint session of the two chambers of our federal parliament - that is the House of Representatives and the Senate. This would enable him to further emphasise the importance of the minimum percentage that should be in the budget for health and to further emphasise the importance of we honouring all these declarations like the Abuja Declaration and the others. We also have the 2014 Act that was signed by former President Goodluck Jonathan, which stipulates that a minimum one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the country must be dedicated to the health sector. So, we need to start honouring all our laws. So, Bill Gates is coming to Nigeria. He has accepted and has asked me to arrange for him to come to Nigeria to address us officially on this.

Bill Gates plans to invest $7bn annually on this programme. How much is Nigeria negotiating for out of this amount? He owns his money. We cannot negotiate with him. He is the one to decide how much he wants to spend. It depends on how much we are ready to put as counterpart funding. We have not even reached the stage of negotiation or even pleading. How soon are you going to arrange the joint sitting of the National Assembly for Bill Gates to come and address the federal lawmakers? His office is already discussing with us. So, we are still waiting for a convenient time but since we would need to prepare for the 2017 budget, we need him to talk to us before we start planning the budget for 2017 because we want to start preparations early this year to avoid the situation we experienced this year.

The American Biographical Institute Board of International Research has nominated you for 2012 WOMAN OF THE YEAR

YOU have been nominated to be one of the Institute’s 2012 WOMAN OF THE YEAR award recipients. This nomination should not be taken lightly as any annual presentation of a WOMAN OF THE YEAR award exemplifies the importance and validation of deeds well done.

"To reach a great height a person needs to have great depth." The American Biographical Institute has recognized women globally since 1967 tor their extraordinary deeds and selfless dedication toward the betterment of all people.

The American Biographical Institute's 2012 WOMAN OF THE YEAR Please return by FOR PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE.

Since 1967 the Institute has showcased the achievements of women in a variety of professions and has identified award recipients as mentors and role models. This has been done as one of the world's leading reference houses and publishers of material chronicling con temporary achievement for 45 years. Over the span of this rich history, more than 200 separate reference volumes have pooled more than 1 million exceptional biographical records archived in preservation forever. It is through the Institute's vast research efforts that the ABI is known as an authority on outstanding achievements. Only women who have achieved significant distinction in their professions and who have offered contributions to society as a whole have been considered for the ABI WOMAN OF THE YEAR accolade. The requirements for nomination include bold will and initiative, and intense community, cultural and humanitarian foresight. The recipient's achievements have shown vision and impact on the lives of others. The Institute's 2012 WOMAN OF THE YEAR award recognizes women who are leaders in the effort to improve the status and professional environment for all. Congratulations on your nomination as a personification of what the honor stands for.

American Biographical Institute, 5126 Bur Oak Ci www.abiworldwide.com email: June 25, 2012

YES, please send me the WOMAN OF THE YEAR Wall Plaque, 8 x 10 inches In size, featuring a cherrywood piano finish with a black gloss insert and gold lettering. This award has been designed selectively for me. My contribution fee applies toward all crafting processes outlined above, and postage and handling to anywhere in the world. All ABI awards are guaranteed against material defect during shipment Delivery will be approximately 14- 16 weeks (delivery may vary depending on destination, especially outside the USA).

2012 WOMAN OF THE YEAR Wall Plaque US $295.00 CHIEF (MRS) B1SOYE ESTHER TEJUOSO OON Name as you wish it to appear. Profession: INDUSTRAILIST TOTAL REMITTANCES _ PAYMENT OPTIONS Cheque or money order enclosed made payable to the American Biographical institute (US Dollars only). I wish to pay by wire transfer the total amount of my order Direct your wire transfer to: American Biographical Institute, c/o Wells Fargo Bank NA,San Francisco, California, USA, Account 112073089346558, Swift Code #WFB1US6S. I will mail or fax my Acceptance Form separately to the ABI, PO Box'31226, Raleigh, NC 27622 USA (Fax: 919-781-8712), with a notation that the amount will be deposited, directly into the Wells Fargo account. Please be sure to include your name, address, and what- the payment is for on the wire transfer. Card Number:(required) Expiration Date: (required) Ey Signature: Email; id reservation to: P.O. Box 31226, Raleigh, NC, 27622-1226, USA Labilnfoabiworldwide.com

ABI American Biographical Institute, Inc. I Publisher of Biographical Reference Works since 1967 Host of The World Forum, St. Catherine's College, Oxford, England 2012 May 4, 2012.

Mrs. Esther Bisoye Tejuoso Teju Industries Limited PMB 21191 Ikeja Lagos NIGERIA

Reply Requested: WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2012 Dear Mrs. Tejuoso: I am delighted to announce your nomination for the American Biographical Institute's prestigious honor, WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2012, for distinctive accomplishments in your field. The Institute's International Board of Research decided on your nomination after a careful global evaluation of individuals who have excelled in their professions. The nomination conclusions were not only selected from our biographical archives, but also through correspondence with prominent businesses, media resources, universities and organizations around the world. The Institute has 45 years of experience in.collecting and publishing over one million biographies.

Mrs. Tejuoso, the enclosed ocument describes the Awar we have chosen to commemorate the occasion and indicates a reply request by Tune 25, 2012, or as close to this date as possible. The plaque is distinguished in appearance with a cherry wood finish and ebony plate with gold lettering. It signifies your selection as a WOMAN OF THE YEAR for 2012 and will no doubt hold a place of honor in your office or home. You may choose the professional citation you feel best reflects the work you are most proud. It was a difficult decision to determine who would be among our women of the year for 2012. You are our choice for this honor after reviewing hundreds of achievements. I congratulate you on your selection. It will be my distinct privilege to recognize your effectiveness within your profession. Sincerely, C. A. Mitchell Governing Board of Editors P. S. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.abiworldwide.com. 5126 Bur Oak Circle/PO Box 31226/Raleigh, North Carolina 27622 USA /Phone: 919.781.8710/Fax: 919.781.8712/ www.abiworldwide.com

2012 Woman of the year FROM: Carol Mitchell TO: A. A. Teiuoso Message flagged Friday, October 5, 20121:10 PM Dear Dr. Adedapo Adewale Teguoso: Thank you for your message regarding the letter that our Institute sent to your late mother, Chief (Mrs.) Esther Bisoye Tejuoso Oon. We extend our deepest sympathy on her death in 1996 and we also apologize for not being informed of it. We generally send letters of nomination to those who are living but certainly your mother was a most worthy selection as Woman of the Year for all that she achieved during her lifetime. If you wish to accept the Woman of the Year in memory of your mother, you will need to complete the reservation form you received and provide us with payment details for processing the commemorative plaque. The manufacturer who creates the plaque is an independent company and they require the fee to craft, personalize and ship the plaque to you. We await your reply and thank you for contacting our office. Sincerely, Carol A. Mitchell, Editor-in-Chief American Biographical Institute 5126 Bur

Oak Circle Raleigh, NC 27612 Phone: 919-781-8710 Fax: 919-781-8712 website: www.abiworldwide.com The American Biographical Institute will hold its 2013 World Forum in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the United States, at the magnificent Royal Sonesta Hotel, July 28-July 3. Part of the greater Boston area, Cambridge is rich in history, tradition, education, technology, and culture. A Post-Forum Cultural Programme will take place following the Forum proper, Wednesday, July 3 through Saturday, July 6, 2013. For more information, please visit our website at www.abiworldwide.com or contact Linda Kellander, World Forum Director at [email protected].

OAAT/54/10/18 October 4, 2012 WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2012 LATE CHIEF (MRS.) ESTHER BISOYE TETUOSO OON We write to appreciate your research in respect of our dearest mother and matriarch. You are accurate and your recognition award has not been misplaced. She was a Princess of the Royal Household of Karunwi (AYOKAN) of Ago-Oko, Oke-Ona Egba Dynasty. Our dearest mama left us to be with the Lord on Thursday the 19th of September, 1996. Her good deeds, excellent business acumen, generosity to the needy and widows, remind us that death does not end it all. While alive, Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Esther Tejuoso was active in Business and Property Development including large scale farming. She was the first Nigerian Woman Industrialist, manufacturer of foam, beddings, furniture and motor upholstery. She was involved in propagating Christianity and contributed to church building development. In philanthrophy - a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. Mama lyalode Bisoye Tejuoso left behind to carry on her legacy of good deeds - an ICON of a Statesman, Medical Doctor, dignified Iyalode of Esbaland.

Traditional Ruler, HRM Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso CON; D.Sc; Karunwi III; Oranmiyan; The Osile Oke-Ona Egba, who now sits on her mother's grand father's throne. Mama's grandchildren are in government, industry, academics, helping to move Nigeria forward. We have said this much to confirm that your choice is flawless and the Awardee - an excellent choice. We commend you for this honour. All great things in life merited and acknowledged bring a lasting legacy, honour to cherish and emulate. We would like to submit and accept the Award on her behalf as an HONOUR to her memory. An Apt choice of yours would be either: (1) A POST HUMOUS FOR THE YEAR 2012 as you have now done or (2) FOR THE YEAR 1996 while she was still alive. The choice is entirely yours. CITATION: ENTREPRENEURSHIP JANUARY 31 2012 OR JANUARY 31 1996 May God bless you and the good work you do to promote women of DISTINCTION towards the betterment of all people. Yours sincerely, ALAIYELUWA OBA DR. ADEDAPO ADEW ALE TEJUOSO CON M.A.; M.B.; FWACP, D.Sc. (HONORIS CAUSA) KARUNWI III, ORANMIYAN OSILE OKE-ONA EGBA

OSILE OKE-ONA EGBA PALACE 4. AGO-OKO STREET P M B 2005 SAPON, AGO-OKO ABEOKUTA. OGUN STATE NIG ALS014. OBA KARUNWI ROAD. IBARAHOUSING ESTATE. ABEOKUTA PHONE 039*243628244180 (FAX); 240018,242238, 0002 717 9303.00033331110.00056361000 E-mail address otalejuosojSy ahoo com otalejgmiUinks com kanrunwi3@gmail com LONDON PHONE’+44 2079351526;+44 2072241640 MOBILE PHONE;07942590690

ABI American Biographical Institute, Inc. Publisher of Biographical Reference Works since 1967 The 2012 World Forum, Oxford, England Main Office: 5126 Bur Oak Circle/ PO Box 31226, Raleigh, North Carolina 27622 USA’ Established 1967 Fax: 919-781-8712' Telephone: 919-781-8710 Web: August 17,2012 Mrs. Esther Bisoye Tejuoso Teju Industries I .united PMB 21191 Ikeja Lagos NIGERIA You are nominated to receive the GOLD MEDAL FOR NIGERIA in the name of your people and Nigeria. Dear Mrs. Tejuoso: A true champion does not only display dedication in sentiment, but he or she is also forthright in action, with the best of intentions for their society and country. Whether advocating causes social, economic, scientific, educational, or political, any man or woman who makes an effort toward bettering their society may be considered a true champion, and a candidate for the GOLD MEDAL. Such individuals deserve recognition not only within their country of origin, but also worldwide. As such, the American Biographical Institute - a highly esteemed, world leader in the research of upstanding individuals around the globe - has selected you to receive one of its most internationally prominent honors, the GOLD MEDAL FOR NIGERIA.

Your acceptance of the GOLD MEDAL will solidify your achievements into tangible form - an elegant showpiece for any home or office. In a gesture as symbolic as the honor it represents, GOLD MEDAL recipients will be presented with a laser-etched plaque, measuring a substantial 8 by 10 inches. The emblazoned gold medal image, inscription of honor, and personalization with your name will shine through in brilliant gold inscription. On the enclosed leaflet, you will see an illustration of the award in detail.

Every eye that is cast upon the plaque will immediately perceive the profundity of your impression on your country. Mrs. Tejuoso, I cannot emphasize enough the uniqueness of the GOLD MEDAL FOR NIGERIA and the nomination that comes with it. I encourage you to accept today. Sincerely, C. A. Mitchell Governing Board of Editors

P.S. Please make your reservation on the enclosed leaflet. The Institute will hold your nomination open until October 8, 2012. If there is- a slowdown in the transit of international mail, please return your acceptance as soon as possible, even if the date is close to or has expired.

The Royal Roots: lyalode Egba III - Osile, Oranmiyan PLEASE ASSIST IN OUR RESEARCH The American Biographical Institute's vision is to maintain its standing as the premier independent source of biographical information on important men and women. We routinely collaborate with top executives, university leaders, notable public figures and our own Research Board of Advisors, which includes members from over 75 countries. We have the resources and authority to claim our standing amongst international research organizations. These resources help us locate outstanding individuals whose achievements merit documentation. To compile our directories, each candidate receives a biographical questionnaire to complete and return for review by our Editorial Board. Entry into an ABI publication is based purely on individual accomplishment. As a person who doubtlessly interacts with similar men and women of stature, we would like to ask you to assist in our research by providing the names, full addresses and occupations of others you consider accomplished individuals. We will contact them with a biographical questionnaire. The information provided will remain strictly confidential-we never provide information to third parties. You also have the option of revealing yourself as the nominator or remaining confidential. Our research board and department thanks you in advance for your contribution and help.

YOUR NAME (NOMINATOR): Mrs. Esther Bisoye Tejuoso NAME OF ORGANIZATION (if applicable) __ RETURN THIS NOMINATION FORM TO: ABI, 5126 Bur Oak Circle, PO Box 31226, Raleigh, NC 27622-1226 USA OR FAX TO: 919-781-8712 YES or NO you may/may not mention my name as nominator. You may attach separate pages to this form. 1 Mr/ Ms/ Mrs/ Dr _ Occupation ___ 0 Male 0 Female Full Address ______2. Mr/Ms/Mrs/Dr ______Occupation 0 Male 0 Female / Full Address ______3 Mr/Ms/Mrs/Dr ______Occupation 0 Male 0 Female Full Address The Royal Roots: Iyalode Egba III - Osile, Oranmivan 4. Mr/ Ms/ Mrs/ Dr. Full Address Occupation. Male Female 5. Mr/Ms/Mrs/Dr Full Address_ Occupation. 0 Male 0 Female THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION

Represent Your Country as a GOLD MEDIA RECIPIENT One World - DiverseYet Intertwined

Dedication. Passion. Courage. Commitment. Spirit. Ethics. Excellence. These are the qualities that define a Gold Medal recipient The Board of the American Biographical Institute has nominated you to represent your country with this major honor, jbased on over 40 years of biographical research and professional recognition, experience.

The Gold Medal is an honor reflective of championship and the struggles endured to ascend to the top. We have commissioned a symbolic wall plaque, laser- engraved with a gold medal shining through, bearing your name and country. The fine wooden base adds striking depth and contrast to the presentation. The 8 by 10-inch plaque amply radiates the moment. It will surey command the respect deserved by the handsome 8" x 10" wall plaque u hand-craped with a bate of fine wood and inscribed m gold with the name and ® Gold Medal recipient country of the Gold Medal recipient.

Regardless of race, creed, or heritage, we all live under the banner of one world. Your significant contributions and achievements pav tribute to the goat to "think globally and act locally." The Institute and its worldwide network of researchers and editors join in respect and admiration for your deeds, achievements, and talent.

PRIORITY GOLD MEDAL RESERVATION In order to accept this nomination, your response must arrive at the American Biographical Institute by October 8, 2012 D Nominations cannot be guaranteed after this time. YES, I wish to represent my country and accept the Gold Medal. I understand that the Gold Medal plaque, hand-crafted and personalized for me, is being conferred out of respect for my achievements. After I accept, I can expect for the plaque to be shipped within 12 weeks, postage paid, anywhere in the world. I understand that the American Biographical Institute unconditionally guarantees • this award reservation against material defects. US $295.00 (Fees include: crafting, engraving packaging shipping) Name as you wish it to appear on plaque: Name of Country as you wish for it to appear on plaque (e.g. Gold Medal for Switzerland): PAYMENT OPTIONS: My personal check/money order (U.S. dollars) made payable to the

American Biographical Institute is enclosed for the full amount of my reservation. Local banks can advise on obtaining U.S. dollars. I wish to pay by wire transfer the full payment as indicated above. I will send or fax my Acceptance Form separately to the ABI with a notation that the amount will be deposited into the account of: American Biographical Institute, c/o Wells Fargo Bank NA; San Francisco, California, Account #2073089346558, Swift Code #WFBIUS6S. Please make sure to include your name, address, and what payment is for on the wire transfer to .ensure that you are properly credited for this reservation. I wish to pay the full amount of my reservation by credit card. Please provide required information. O American Express O MasterCard O [VISAJ VISA Card Number: (required) ______Expiration Date: (required) Signature: (required) Please complete the mailing address for correspondence. Name: Street Address: _ , _ _ _ City: ______State: Zip or Postal Code: . Country: . Email: Phone: ______Fax: Please return this entire form to the American Biographical Institute 5126 Bur Oak Circle. P.O. Box 31226. Raleigh, NC 27622-1226 USA www.abiworldwide.com e email: [email protected]. Telephone 919-781- 8710. Fax 919-781-8712

WE FONDLY REMEMBER OUR DEAREST MAMA, GRANDMOTHER AND GREAT-GRANDMOTHER WITH GRATITUDE AND LOVE TODAY AND ALWAYS CHIEF (MRS.) BISOYE ESTHER TEJUOSO Late lyalode ofEgbaland Yeye Oba Oke-Ona Egba

His Majesty Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, CON, DSc. karunwi III, Oranmiyan, Osile Oke-Ona Egba, the Oloris, the Royal Household, Karunwi and Tejuoso extended families at home and abroad. We remember our mo t cherished mama - the matriarch of our dynasty, this day the 19th of September 2015 has been a day notednoted in our lives when you left this mortal body for the immortal one. 19 years ago without giving us a good bye mile. As to your memory, we hohononourur it diligently with passion every single day passing of our lives, becausebecause we now that through Christ our Saviour that death doe not end tthehe life of peop le of Faith. We honour your memory, we rejoice in your achievementachievements;s; while vou were with us we take inspiration in your Legacy, We cherishcherish your faith in Christ which encourages us to love our neighbours more/ anandd hopehope eternal through Jesus Christ. You gave us Nobility in regal deportment, you were a princess of Karunwi Ayokan family. Yeye Oba Oke-Ona Egba, the 3rd Iyalode in succession of Egbaland; the First Woman Industrialist in Nigeria, recognized and honoured with National Award (OON) by President Shehu Shagari (1981). Your bequest of trusting and praising God always in all conditions of life, your heritage of hard work to achieve a goal, your lesson on ambition: to reach high for stars that lie hidden in the soul; to dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal - it work for us. Part of the Birthright you imparted to us, which re core values of Chief Princess (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso that we guide jealously being: hard work - fortitude-courage-tolerance-flexibility-patience-and firmness, equity- fairness, justice and every other brave aspect of the human soul. Mama, we count the Inheritance you left for us, they are immeasurable, they are mind enriching: patriotism, selfless service in community and thing of God, Humanness, generosity, charity, perseverance, persistence - the never- die-spirit, focus, gratitude; goodwill to all and malice to none, noble ideas- they live on in us. As you would smilingly say, life should be measured by its breadth, not in length. Your radiant light, your own very special candle of love and service was snuffed out, while it was yet day and shining on Thursday the 19th September 1996. What could we say or do, but to thank our heavenly Father for having sent you into our live to bless us. Thank you most cherished loving mother of mothers. Your legacy of enduring kindness passed on to your son, the torch bearer, Kabiyesi Oba Adedapo Tejuoso. Osile Oke-Ona Egba - Karunwi III, Oranmiyan; who was like a man in the dark has trustingly abandoned his hand to that Man of Galilee - Jesus Christ who is the light of tile world to lead his path, praise God. To us, one of Legacies of Mama: that Pain nourished courage. You cannot be brave, if you have only had wonderful things happen to you. To God he the glory, honour and praise. We are held safe in the palm of His loving hand. Hallelujah. Adieu Mama, until we meet in paradise to pan no more. The Directors OKE-ONA EGBA DYNASTY TRUST FOUNDATION

100 MOST OUTSTANDING WOMEN OF THE CENTURY DAME INTERNATIONAL 0803 337 0722, 0808 327 5444 Tuesday, 18 June 2013 Late Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso Dear Ma'am, NIGERIA WOMEN AWARDS: 100 MOST OUTSTANDING WOMEN OF THE CENTURY: NOTIFICATION OF NOMINATION The woman is central to the overall development of a people nay a nation. Nigeria Women Awards (NWA) is the first prestigious Award system designed solely for the celebration of integrity, essence and achievement of the woman in Nigeria. The inaugural awards in May 1998 and the subsequent editions thereafter demonstrated overwhelmingly that modem society appreciate the invaluable contributions the woman has made in evolving a fair, just and progressive environment The 15th annual Nigeria Women Awards events to Honour 100 Most Outstanding Nigerian Women of the Century is scheduled to take place on Thursday 26 September, 2013 at the Africa Half, international Conference Centre, Abuja, amid pomp and pageantry. In attendance \vm be the Rolls Royce of the creme de la creme of the Society, a diverse and select group of current and former heads of state, business leaders, noteworthy academicians, and key NGO representatives. His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan will grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour Your outstanding achievement, hard work, and excellent contribution to the development of the woman, family life, the Nigerian child, and the nation in general, is highly commendable and has singled you out amongst the generality of African Women. It is noteworthy to mention here that the board of Nigeria Women Awards (NWA), has nominated you, as the recipient of the CENTENARY AWARD

In consideration of the foregoing, kindly forward to the NWA secretariat a brief citation about your person and a digitally stored full size photograph of your good self to be printed in the Award's Official Magazine. Note that these should reach us not rater than 31- of July 2013. We shall appreciate your presence in person and your encouragement at the occasion. For logistic and administrative purposes, kindly torward the names of those you may wish to accompany you to the grand award reception. Family members, friends and associates can place congratulatory messages in your honour in the Awards official maga e. Please find enclosed the financial implications in respect of it. Our deadline ior receiving the goodwill/congratulatory messages is Wednesday 31-July 2013.

Nigeria Women Awards is generally considered the most important honours for women and a hallowed event amongst the elite. It is indeed an honour to be a part of this recognition event that you so well deserve. For further and or additional information / clarification you may wish to contact the undersigned on Tel No 08033370722 or 08095030762 and the official website of the awards. www.nigeriawomenawards.com Please acknowledge this letter

Congratulations!

Yours faithfully. Femi Eyitayo. Esq. President \CEO

SECRETARIAT 2nd Floor, Bayelsa State Guest, House Plot 1036, Shehu Shagari Way, Maitama Abuja url: wwwnigenawomenawards.com email: nigeriawomenawardst2gmail.com. [email protected]

About Nigeria Woman Awards. Nigeria Women Awards (NWA) is the first Nigeria Award system designed solely for the celebration of integrity, essence and achievement of the woman in Nigeria. It is a decent tribute to celebrate Leading Women Achievers from various fields, women who have made a difference in the Nigerian society for taking the road less travelled. The award is presented to celebrate and honour their valuable contribution for setting good precedent for aspiring youngsters by encouraging them to follow their dreams and believe in their inner strength. Nigeria Women awards does not just celebrate achievement but fulfillment also. The inaugural awards in May 1998 and the subsequent editions thereafter demonstrated overwhelmingly that modem society appreciate the invaluable contributions the woman has made in evolving a fair, just and progressive environment. Nigeria Women Awards is generally considered the most important honours for women and a hallowed event amongst the elite. Mission The Nigeria Women Awards (NWA) aims to recognise and reward the exemplary contributions of women in both business, public, professional and all human endeavours in the country. The Award has generated strong response from business, professional and all women. Since 1998, dame International publishers of dame Magazine and organisers of the Nigeria Women Awards has saluted resolutely courageous, fearless and bold women from a variety of fields at the annual Nigeria Women Awards Gala. NWA is open to nationals and expatriates and is in different categories.

Objectives To inspire women to achieve their potential. To honour the contribution of those who have excelled in their various field To recognise the role and contribution of women to the development of the Nigerian nation and its future growth

RATE CARD (VALID ONLY FOR NIGERIA WOMEN AWARDS 2013) GOODWILL/CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES FULL PAGE COLOUR N375/000.00 ALL GOODWILL/CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES AND PAYMENTS SHOULD REACH THE AWARDS SECRETARIAT NOT LATER THAN WEDNESDAY 31 JULY, 2013. All Cheques to be written in favour of DAME INTERN ATION AL IThe Royal Roots: lyalode Egba 111 - Osile, Oranmiyan 19 year Exit of Mama celebration A citation and tribute from Chief Olalekan Ogundimu Akingbotun Oke-Ona Egba. Appreciating Mama Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Esther Tejuoso OON, 3rd Iyalode of Egbaland 1982 - September 19 1996 Yeye Oba Oke-Ona Egba 1989 -1996 Iya Oba Ekeja Lagos State 1st Woman Industrialist in Nigeria - 1981 National Award OON Paul Harris Fellow (1986) - Rotary International Philanthropist extra ordinary.

Many recognized awards in the church, civic and community life Endowed with the milk of human kindness Genius and a unique entrepreneur

Charming, courteous and regal, a woman of integrity with a disarming smile, divinely favoured.

Words may be inadequate to capture the essence of her life in totality; suffice it to say, we shall attempt to paint the portrait of the legacy of a unique lady in her earthly existence. Her Legacy: Of cordial relationship; Humility Faith, prayer, work and love; they found ready place in her heart Courage and Fortitude Family life, the Christian way Foundational capacity of Building blocks of godly - God loving children and their connections Works ethics - a 5.5 manager. She had adequate knowledge of men, machine, materials and money. An engineer friend of mine had observed that Mama would guess accurately the bags of cement that would finish any particular building, the blocks and if you were to argue a little more with her; she would give an estimate of total costs of the enterprise, i know this gentleman to be sincere; other family employees confirmed this to me. It was her genius, enterprise and skill. She was blessed; she was ready to pay a good wage, for a work well done. She enjoyed the confidence of truthful persons around her. She learnt from King Solomon that whatever your hand findest to do, do it well. - Mama made moinmoin - 'bean pudding' to sell with pure water; it was not below her dignity as a princess, a wife ofa goodman, Pa Somoye Tejuoso gainfully employed as Administration officer at Nigerian Railways while they were residing at Adekunle street, house of her brother-in-law, Pa Lawyer Akitoye Tejuoso of blessed memory. - She got promoted in her vision of entrepreneurship, when they went to Zaria. Papa was still an employee of Nigeria Railway with their two children, Adedapo and Morolayo. She was now a trader of repute and trading between North and South. She prospered, they owned their home and sent their children back home to Abeokuta in 1948 in order for them to know their roots and be educated. - Papa her husband after some years in the Northern region, got transferred back to Nigeria Railway Corporation Yaba. Mama's vision did not dim, her matcn m entrepreneurship grew, while she traded in building materials, household goods and Vono-bed products, right there on Broad street where her reputation grew as an honest trader linking North and South, surrounded by her siblings working for her - she prospered even more.

She had good dreams, good hope, faith in something greater - why not? To be a manufacturer of Foam products. In the meantime, she had developed a good taste for Property and land development for she knew that land, and properties had fast appreciable value. An Industrialist was introduced to the family but also it was a 'booby trap', a pit fall for the Tejuoso's. This investor duped them. It took courage and the grace of God to save them. The family trust in God vindicated them, for out of the blues a Norweijean visitor 'to Mama at her Broad Street office - changed the story "Teju Foam" was bom. Her legacy of fortitude - her daughter, very much loved, the baby of the family Miss Morolayo Adebimpe Olubunmi - suffered an illness in Dublin where she was studying at University of Dublin (in 1965). She was flown home. The diagnosis was hopeless but the family and friends held on to faith and hope for a miracle to change the situation, Mama and papa spared no expenses or emotion. They were on the verge of taking Morolayo to the Grotto at Lourdes in France, for heeding - a demonstration of their faith in God intervention. Her doctor brother bore the situation with stoic disposition. He comforted them, with deep empathy for her sister. In this travail Mama Dr. Taylor Mama's immediate sister and I, became 1 came down from England to be with the family because inseparable 24/7 around Rolayo - in Ijebu, Abeokuta. Morolayo died aged 25 years (December 1965). May God bless her memory. At no time did they blame the All Knowing Father.

Her Courage: - Mama forbearance, another tragedy struck; her confidant, teacher, friend, partner and husband had a home call for higher service so also was her father Pa Josiah Karunwi that was in 1980. They had both travelled to the United Kigdom, Russia, United State of America and Germany to source for machines for their Foam industry. - With courage, faith in God, her doctor son accepted full responsibility to be part of Mama's journey in life and to learn how, the legacy be continued. - Mama's legacy of seeking God's face in all her undertakings was legendary, no wonder her only surviving son the Osile glories in things of Christ. Mama's death on 19/9/96 did not stop the new in- house Fellowship inauguration from holding, pastured by Apostle Abiodun Ademuyiwa of the Church of Reconciliation, ably assisted by Evangelist Olori Duro Karunwi. - There is so much to be said and written about Mama, her love for the family, extended families, her community, her church activities, kindness, concern for her workers, associates, advisers are truly commendable. Above all, she was a workaholic, prayer warrior, civil and extremely humble. - I dare say, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso will in his biographical essay about the life and times of a loving, caring courageous mother, mentor and soul-mate will unfold more to us. The foundation has been solid the legacy of good deeds will not die in Jesus name. Thank you.

Forever in our Hearts

You slept in the Lord 15 years ago, yet we remember you for your Icwe, humility, simplicity, kindness and boldness.

The world would certainly be a better place with more people like you. Though we miss your physical presence, we continue to feel you in our lives each day by the legacy you left behind so keep on walking tall amongst the Angels and the Saints in Heaven. IYALODE BISOYE TEJUOSO (OON) YEYE OBA OKE-ONA EGBA, fYA-IJO OF THE AFRICAN CHURCH IDI-APE, ABEOKUTA 3RD IYALODE OF EGBALAND 1916-1996 lyalode Egba-Osile. Thank you for all that you taught us

CHIEF (MRS) ABIOYE ESTHER TEJUOSO: CELEBRATING THE 100 YEARS POSTHUMOUS BIRTHDAY OF THE MOST POWERFUL WOMAN IN EGBA'S HISTORY BY AKINROLABU AKINDURO If she were to be alive today, Chief (Mrs) Abisoye Esther Tejuoso, the mother of Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, the current Osile of Oke-ona Egba, would have clocked one hundred years. To this, drums would have been rolled out by her, family and well-wishers to celebrate the milestone age. But dearth, in the inevitable nemesis of mankind took her on the day she clocked eighty years and three months on earth in September, 1996; thereby denying her the landmark opportunity of celebrating a centenary birthday, which' would have taken place today.

However, even in death, the late Iyalode of Egba kingdom continues to be remembered and celebrated by all because of her tremendous contributions to the development of humanity. As a matter of fact, history and posterity, as long as the world njay endure, would continue to be on her side because of the exemplary and impactful life she lived while on this side of divide. Now, twenty years after, she went to rest in the bossom of the Lord. Her beautiful memories and good works are still receiving showers of encomium from people from all walks of life. Of course, late madam Tejuoso while alive meant different things to diverse people because she was a woman of many parts. To some people, she was a great entrepreneurial Amazon who pioneered women entrepreneurship in Nigeria, while other saw her as a community leader per excellence because of how she devoted her entire life to the service of her community, an action which consequently earned her different traditional titles in her community, most prominent among which was the most respected and most powerful title reserved for the' womenfolk in Egba kingdom, the lyalode of Egba. Yet to another set of people, late chief (Mrs) Tejuoso was a philanthropist of note whose acts of philanthropy to help the cause of humanity were unrivalled. Again, some people saw her as a dutiful wife, caring and loving mother to her only surviving child, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso and perfect role model as well as' a classical example of what womanhood should be. In some quarters also, she was seep. As a devout Christian leader who served God wholeheartedly with all her strength and resources it has pleased God to bless her with. All these views and descriptions about chief (Mrs) Tejuoso, who some people in Egba kingdom described as the most powerful woman in the history of the kingdom, aptly and suitably capture the exemplary and quality life she lived. Though, her assailants succeeded in bringing her down in a very wicked manner at the twilight of her life as an octogenarian, they failed woefully in their satanic deed as thev could not kill her lofty legacies or wipe ant her foot print from the sand of time, because years after her death, her good works and legacies are still speaking for her and keeping her beautiful memories on the minds of her loved Ones and people generally. It is on this premise therefore, that, we owe the late revered Yeyeoba of die Oke-ona Egba, a sense of duty to honor her posthumously on the occasion of her centenary birthday today. Instructively, the virtues of late madam Tejuoso, as a mother, motivator, counselor and, one of the first female industrialists in Nigeria will linger on for long in the minds of those who knew her. Her contributions, towards the economic, social and political development of Nigeria cannot in anyway be quantified or wished away. In her lifetime, she was the first female citizen of Egba land being the third woman to be honored with the title of Iyalode of Egba land she was a successful industrialist and frontline community leader who held so many traditional titles in Lagos and Ogun states. Infact, if titles were the only stuffs of greatness, the late Chief Abisoye, according to Colonel now Brigadier-General (rtd) Buba Marwa, the then military administrator of Lagos state, would rank among the greatest in Nigeria: To her, credit alone, she had a hand full of titles. She was Oba Obirin of Egba, Iyaolode of Egba, Iyalode of Oke-ona Egba, Yeyeoba of Oke- Ona, Iyalode of Ago Oko, Yeye-Oba of Ikeja and Iya Ijo of St. James' African Church, Idi Ape Abeokuta. Apart-from this, her outstanding business acumen earned her many awards nationally and internationally. She was honored with first international African Trophy for industry, Commerce and Tourism. She was also given the Nigerian Senior Citizens Business Award by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce and Industries in 1971 and in recognition of her immerse contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria, the Nigerian government, conferred on her, the prestigious national honor of the officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). By all these accolades it shows clearly that, late chief (Mrs) Abisoye Tejuoso lived a much fulfilled life worthy of emulation by all. She came, she saw and she conquered; leaving behind a good name and a beautiful legacy to keep her memory alive.

Continue to sleep on Yeyeoba, even as we celebrate your 100 years posthumous birthday today. Culled from: Nigerian Tribune Wednesday June 22, 2016

Author: Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa - Osile I made an attempt in the year 2008 until a couple of journalists requested to know my private inspired thoughts on the characteristics that make up our revered amiabe king - Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, Karunwi III, Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oranmiyan, CON, DSc. An appreciation; a study of a genial amiable personality is summed up charac-teristically by his very names; howbeit by his fruits, ye shall know him. O - Obedient to the word of God, and His anointed servants B - Brave and blessed A - Astute (an achiever in his undertakings) D - Doctor of Medicine-a noble profession R - Resourceful, resolute, reliable, resilient A - Atobatele, ko to joba. Accumulator (one who reserves a part of the supply) D - Defender of fundamental human rights Elegant in gait, speech and deportment BP Discerning A - Adept logical thinker (intuitive) Polite, courteous, friendly, civil Orderly and methodical (everything has its place) A - Able to transform one's fear into a motivation for action and change (courage). Diligent and painstaking in search of truth Eager to listen, but slow to answer

Wise and well disposed Able to empathize and to love people Lively leader of men and a role model Energetic, enthusiastic, a workaholic Truthful (sincere in action, character and speech) Extraordinary personality Just, fair minded Unassuming Out of his hopes/dreams, great opportunities flow Service above self (he renders service to give others hope) Omoluabi (lovable) Kingly and regal Able and willing to fight a just cause Resourceful, responsive, responsible Unyielding, unbending, uncompromising, purposeful and focused Never says "NO” - Spirit of creative competitiveness Wisdom of choice Inspired and Innovative Triumphant in his struggles Oba of distinction, eminence and honour Strategic thinker, ability to plan than panic Intellectually stimulating with inspirational power Listens with rapt attention during conversations Eager to get things done, and the drive to finish an assignment

Old established government Knowledgeable in administration Empire of repute of Nigeria, situated in Abeokuta, North LG A, Egba Oke-Ona Outspoken (with candour) Radical, rare Aristocratic, amiable, a one type monarch Needing and seeking the renewed spirit of Jesus amongst believers (Evangelism) Motivated in pursuit of excellence Influential, inspiring others by action and vision " Yiyo tekun tojo ko" (He does not throw caution to the wind) Animated and charismatic Never gives up in the pursuit of progress Commander of the Order of Niger Dsc - Doctor of Science and Commander of the Faith. It is our true assessment of this dear friend and king of noble birth and pleasant demeanour. In this, we believe; and his Majesty once said that, he loves to correct any misunderstanding about him, therefore, if we are not absolutely accurate, he is strong and courageous enough to strive for perfection - "a saint" was a sinner who made it at the end of corrective trials under God's mercy and grace. "The wise are not perplexed, the humane do not worry, and the courageous do not feel fear" Confucius.

Every man has the innate potency to achieve great heights - our exceptional Kabiyesi "touches nothing that he does not adorn" The rich culture and solid foundation divinely laid by God through his esteemed royal parents and upbringing continue to grow by leaps and bounds. Thank God for his infinite mercies. 1 Chief Lekan Ogundimu Akingbotun Oke-Ona Egba The Project Editor

INDEX 100 Years Posthumous Birthday, 370 19-Man Burial Committee, 213 2012 Woman of the Year, 345 380 SEL Mercedes Benz, 216 40th Birthday Anniversary, 72 507 Paul Harris Fellows, 72 80® Birthday of Iyalode Egba, 214,248 80-year old industrialist and community leader, 256 Abacha, Sani General (Head of State), 83,249 Abeokuta Descendant Union of Nigeria (ADUN) 64 Abeokuta Divisional Council, 65 Abeokuta Girls Grammer School, 69 GRA residence, 263 Grammar School, 8,134 Abeokuta, 1,86 Abeokuta, Ogun State, 201,221 Abeokuta-based educationist, 129 Abiola, Kudirat Chief (Mrs), 180 Abiola, M.K.O. Chief, 80,144 Abuja experience (Marathon Praise), 95 Abuja High Court, 85 Accomplished industrialist, 193 Accountant quizzed, 227 ACOTRON Praise Altar, 95 , Action Group, 11 4 Action Group, Zaria, 64 : Adebayo, Moshood. 208 Adebiyi family, 26 Adebiyi, Titi Mrs, 259 Adebo, S.O. Chief, xix, 159 ' Adeboye. Baba Akanbi, 72 Adedamola, Ladapo Sir, 143 Adedapo Adewale, 59 Adegbite, Lateef Dr (Seriki ofEgbaland), 147,182 Adejumo, Adeoba, PDG Rotary International, 101 Adekunle Street; O Id Yaba Road, Ebule- Metta, 70 Adeleke, Tutu, Chief (Mrs,), 53 Adelusi-Adeluyi Prince (OFR) PDG Rotary International District 9110,101,232 Ademefun, Yemi Chief, 263 Ademuyiwa, Abiodun Apostle, 89 Adeniran, Y cmi Alhaji, 72 Adeniyi, J.S. (Rev), 8,68 Adeolu, Funso, Oba Alaye of Ode-Remo, 197 Adeosun, Oluwole Chief, 216 Aderanti, Moyosomo (1994), 76 Adetiloye, Abiodun Archbishop, 46,251 Adetoun (nee Adebiyi), 74 Adeyemi, Lamidi Olayiwola III, Alafin of Oyo, 99,218 Adeyemo, Joseph Professor, 89 Administrator, Ogun State), 250 Aduwo, Akin Vice-Admiral (Rid), 251 African Badminton Federanon (ABF), 73 African Church Idi-Ape, Abeokuta, 44,65 African church Primate, 256 Agbo, Robinson Mr, Assistant Commissioner of Police, 173 Ago-Oko, 1,44 Agura of Gbagura, 1 Aina Sina, Abeokuta (Repotter), 210,240 Ajanaku, Titi Chief (Mrs), 48,132 Ajasin, Adekunle Chief. 202 Ake Girls School, 68 Ake Palace, 229 ji Akhigbe. MtkcrRear Admiral, 232 Akinola, Wale (Reporter, Abeokuta), 262 379 Akintomide Daniel Lt Col., 133,147,254 Akinyele, Alex Chief (ChairmaD NARECOM), 262 Akitoye of Lagos King, 36 Akoni, Oluyombo Chiefs 60,87 AlakeAdemola 11,44,141 Alake and Paramount Ruler ofEgbaland, 99 Alake Gbadebo 1,44,141 Alake Oba Adedamola II, 76 Alake of Abeokuta, 1,140 Alake ofEgbaland, 222,234 Alake Okukenu (1854), 141 Alake Palace, 248 Alake stool, 237 Alake, Paramount Ruler ofEgbaland, 94 Alcohol Must Go, 91 Alexandra, Princess, 47 Ali, Chris Major-General, 85 All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), 238 All Saints* Church Yaba, 45 Almighty God, 245 Altar of Praise, 93 Amona-Oba ofEgbaland, 213 Amosun, Ibikunle Senator, Governor Ogun State, 101 Ancestral home, Karunwi Compound, 261 Anglican Church, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, 90 Anglican Diocese of Lagos, 45 Anifowose, Abiola Mrs., 48 Annulled election, 85 Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), 186 Apartheid Regime, South Africa, 74 Arijaje, Jude, 199 Arrest Oba Tejuoso-Egba Chief, 266 Art of buying and selling, 130 As an Author, 96 Ashby Report, 159 Atta, Mohammed Alhaji, 84 Autopsy, 216 Avis Petroleum Company Limited, 18, 131,184 Awe, Bolanle Mrs., 35 Awolowo, Hannah Idowu Chief Mrs, 49 Awolowo, Obafemi Chie£ 49,64,67,84,171 Awonaike Crescent, Surulere, 2 Awonaike Street, Surulere, 70,226 Ayokan Ruling House, 57 Azikiwe, Nnamdi Dr., 64 Baale Orile-Oko Chieftaincy Tussle, 88 Babalawo, 44 Babalola Olusakin, 188 Babalola, Afe Chief, 90 Babalola, Kemi, 193 Babangida Ibrahim General, 84 Babatunde-Sorunke, Emmanuel Chiefs 213 Bada, Alfa, 36,44 Badminton Court, 25 Bamaiyi, Musa Major General (NDLEA) boss, 163,211 Baptist Church, 44 Bassey, Etim Chief (Mrs.), 53 Bed of roses, 52 Bendel area, 20 Benin Republic, 93 Benson, T.O.S. Chief, 216 Bereaved family, 208,228 Best Oba, South West, Nigeria, 2005,103 Bible Society of Nigeria, 94 Bill Gates and Child Nutrition Programme in Nigeria, 339-344 Bimpe, 12 Biobaku, Folashade Alhaja, 50 Biobaku, Saburi, Professor, 1,234 Biography, 297 Bishop’s Court, Onikolobo, Abeokuta, 93 Bisibed, 16 Bisoye Tejuoso killed, 81 Bisoye Tejuoso’s last minutes, 223 Bisoye Tejuoso’s murder, 199 Blue blood Royal Mother, 169 Born-again follower of Christ, 98 Boys* and Girls* Brigade, 45 Buckswood School, 88 Burial Pragramme of Madam (Mrs) Esther Bisoye Tejuoso, 269-318 Burial responsibilities, 218 Burial: Mama Tejuoso for Abeokuta, 221 Business Hall of Fame, 54 Business tycoon and industrialist, 129 Busy Bee Society, 45 Candle in the wind, 169 Cathedral of St James African Church, ldi-Ape, Abeokuta, 63 Cathedral of St Jude’s Bethany House, 90 | Celebrated Industrialist, 241 : Celestial Church of Christ, Olajuwon/ Tejuoso Parish, 199 I Centenary Hall, Ake-Abeokuta, 255 ■' Chapel of Reconciliation Mission International, 89 Chapel Saint Joseph Surulere, 46 | Childhood days, 1 Christain Kings (Obas, Emirs and Obis), 93 Christain and Moslem religions, 44 Christian traditional rulers, 99 Church Missionary Society (CMS), 4,44 ft Civil Service, 159 \ Coker Toye Chief, Apena ofEgbaland, 147,258 h Cold-blooded assassinations, 171 Colony of Lagos, 140 |L Commander Ebenezer Obey, Chief, 27 Commendation service, 251,252 Commital and Prayers, 282 ^ Condolence register, 262 Condolence visit, 206 Conference delegates, 85 Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC),78 Contract killing, 190 Cool Foam, 131,189 Coomassie, Ibrahim Alhaji (Inspector- General of Police), 218 Coronation Anniversary, 94 Councilor, Egba Native Authority, 63 Cross she bore heavily, 153 Crowther, Samuel Ajayi, 4 Crusades and Revivals, 93 Dabis Court, 25,30,74 Daily Champion, 191-192,214,238,241 Daily Sketch, 189,222,239,250 MDaUy Times, 193,227,249 Daisi, Kola Chief, 229 Danbasa, James, Former Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, 175 Daniel, Olugbenga Justus Chief, 98 Dastardly Murder of Mama Tejuoso, Bisoye Chief, 173- Death and King’s mother, 244 Deep calls to the Deep, 155 Delano, Olutoyin Justice, Chief Judge, Ogun State, 255 Devolution of power, 78 Diamond Plastics Industries Limited, 53 Distinguished AGSOB A, 103 Distributions of established custom, 147 District Governor, Rotary International, District911(1986-87), 72 Diya, Oladipo Lt Gen. (Rtd), 102,147, 218,254 Doctorate Degree of Science (D.Sc) Honoris Causa 2010,103 Dosunnmu, Adegboyega Olusanya, Amororo lLOlowu ofOwu Kingdom. 100 Draft Constitution and Report, 77 Eastern area, 20 Education, 93 Edun,Nolla, Chief, 147 Efunnuga, Wole (Reporter, Abeokuta), Efunsetan, 35 Egba Alake Community, 146,148 Egba Alake high Chief, 260 Alake people, 138 Alake Section, 141 Alake, 98 Chiefs keep mum, 247 Chiefs jittery, 204 Chiefs react, 188 Federated Kingdom, 143 federation, 148 High Chiefs, 247 Nation, 140 Egba titled Chiefs, 233 Egba Traditional Council of Chiefs, 20T Egba Traditional Council, 147,229 Egba traditional set-up, 198 Egba United Government (EUG), 59,98,257 Egba-Alake, 1 Egba-Gbagura, 1 Egba-Owu, 1 Egungun worshippers, 44 Eko Hotel Banquet Hall, 26 Ekwueme, Alex Chief Dr., 77 Elegbede, Bababtunde Vice Admiral, 180 Elewodalu, Austen (Reporter, Abeokuta), 199,247,259 Embodiment of an ideal woman, 235 Embodiment of everything good and righteous, 264 Emergency National Government, 80,84 Emilajulo Society, 45 Eminent industrialist, 195 Emir, 83 Empire Day (May 24*), 6 Encomium at 25* Coronation Anniversary, 99 PBWBMi Epitaph for a Noble Mother, 154,169 Eribo, Mr., 17 Esquire Men’s Shop Allen Avenue, 223 Esther Bisoye Tejuoso Memorial Chapel, Ago-Oko, 90 Esther Furniture, 31 Etete, Dan Chief (Petroleum Minister), 216 Etiebet, Dan Obot Chief (Former Minister ofPetroleum), 220 Evangelism (Church Building-Growth), 90 Evil Spirit, 91 Ewang condoles Oba Tejuoso, 250 Ewang, Sam Wing Commander, 163,211 Ewang, Sam, Wing commander, (Military Administrator, Ogun State), 250 Executive members ofNACCIMA, 229 Fabiyi, Obey Evangelist (Dr.), 93 Faithful Companion, 49 FAME Weekly, 223 Family first reaction, 223 Family life, 7 Famuyibo, Reuben Otunba, 238 Federal Character Commission, 78 Federal Government delegation, 249 Female Egba Chiefs, 132 FG condoles Tejuoso, 249 First Baba Ijo, African Church, Idi-Ape Ago-Oko, Abeokuta, 63 First Class Status, 98 First female citizen in Egba, 43,250 Iyalode ofEgbaland, 44 Osile, Oba Karunwi 1,57 First woman industrialist, 70,169 Foam manufacturing, 93 Folarin, Pa (Baba Olonade), 66 For Professional Excellence, 346 Foremost female industrialist, 227 Foremost industrialist and businesswoman, 175 Foresight, 52 Four titled Egba Chiefs quizzed, 240 Funeral service, 251 G.B. Ollivant, 16 Ganganojuda Ruling House, 58 Gardening, 31 Gateway Hotel, Kuto, Abeokuta, 93 Gbadebo, Adedotun HRM Oba, Okukenu iv, 99 Gbadewole, Kehinde Oba Olugbenle (MFR), 99 Gbagura, 98 Ghezo, King of Dahomey, 36 Gold-plated white casket, 251 Good public relations, 53 Government College, Ibadan, 158 Grand Patron of, 91 Grandchildren, 32 Granddaughter of the first Osile, Oke- Ona, 183 Grandmother of the day, 26 Grandson rejects Abeokuta’s soil, 259 Grandson’s (Lanre’s) Wedding, 27 Grizi Nigeria Limited, 20 Guineaworm Eradication Campaign, 160 Guobadia, Anofi, Chief, 72 Handling Victory or Defeat in Election, 95 Harley Street, 71 Hausa people, 12 Healthy competition, 52 Her History, 183 Her multimillion naira investments, 224 Her religious and social life, 44 Heroes Magazine, 297 Hired killers, 185 Holy Spirit, 91 Homicide Department, 229 Homicide detectives, 197,236 Honesty, 51 House Fellowship, 89 How she was killed, 226 HRM, King Orukue, Bokuma ofBsyeln State, 93 Human history, 157 Ibadan Boys High School. Ibadan, 238 (bars Housing Estate, Abeokuta, 201 Ibara private residence, 176 Ibru, Alex (Publisher of Guardian newspaper), 180 Idi-Aba Baptist Girts High School, 5 Idi-Aba Teachers’ Training College, Abeokuta, 129,183 Ifa High Priest, 56 Ifa Oracle, 60,140 Igbehin Primary School, 129,183 Ijebu Division, 140 Imarsel Chemicals Company Limited, S3 Imodu, Michael, 64 Indefatigable woman, 264 Indigene of Ogun State, 250 Industrial Clinic and Hospital, Uupeju, 68 Interim National Government, 232 International Badminton Federation (1BF), 73 lpebi, 89 lwuye Ceremonies, 39,48 Iya Olobi (grandmother). 66 fyaPupa, 71 lya-Ijo, Cathedral of St. James'Afiican Church, Idi-Ape, Abeokuta, 166,213 lyalaje of Egba, 38 lyalode Bisoye Tejuoso Hospital, Ilupeju, 69 lyalode Egba Christians, 268 lyalode 111 of Egbaland. 129 lyalode laid to rest, 262 lyalode of Egbaland. 236 Iyalode of Egbaland, 35 Iyalode Tejuoso Malaria Foundation (TIMF). 319-378 Iyalode, 34 Jakande, Lateef Alhaji, 232 Jesus Christ, 160, 208 Jiboku, Samson Olumuyiwa Dr., 87 Jinadu, Gabi, 18 Jojolola Chief (Mrs) (Second Iyalode of Egbaland), 218 Jojolola, Miniya Madam, Second Iyalode of Egba, 44 Jolaoso, Moloko Olaitan Mrs., 71 June 12,81,83 June 22,1916,129 Justice and Equity in Egbaland, 330 Kabiyesi, 245 Kale Oladele Professor Kaninwi family house, 44,214 Karunwi Ruling House, 224 Kanmwi, Ademuyiwa Chiefs Aghaakin of Ago-Oko, Abeokuta, 214 Karunwi, Dipeolu Prince, 2 Karunwi, Duro Olori, 89 Kanmwi, JosiahAjayi Chief, 1,57,129,170 Karunwi, Omodele, xxiii Karunwi, Victoria Aina, (nee Osoba), 1 Kay ode, 12 Kebiodu Ruling House, 58 Killer broke security network, 225 King Edward vii, England, 142 Kings Day of Praise, 93 Kosoko, Mr., 67 Kufbriji-Olubi, Bola Chief (Mrs), 257 Kunle, 12 Kuti, Abdel Fatayi Demola Justice (Rtd), 154,169 Kuti, Anikulapo Fela, 158 Kuti, Ransome Bekolari Dr., 158 Kyari, Abba Brigadier - General Rtd, 77 Ladies Workers Union, 45 Lagos Island Market Association, 228 Lagos Island Market Women’s Association, 206 Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), 18 Lagos State Family Support Programme (FSP), 228 Lagos State Government, 209 Lagos State Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (SIIB), 236 Lagos University launching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, 7,174,186 Lagos, 72 Lagso bids Iyalode Egba Farewell, 251 Laloko, Halidu Oba, 147 Lambo, Adeoye Professor, 264 Lanre, 12 Late Madam Tejuoso, 228,231 Latex products, 20 Lawn Tennis court, 25 Lawson, Alaba Chief (Mrs) Asiwaju lyalode of Egbaland), 48,133,220 Leader of all Egba women, 43 Leading female industrialist, 183 League of octogenarians. 129 Letters of Condolence, 304-317 Liberal Northern delegates, 82 Life at Dabis Court, 25 Life in restropect, 51 Lifetime Achievement Award - This Day, 2013,100,103 Lika Oloja Obinnn of Ago-Oko, 38,175 Lincoln, Abraham, 157 Lipede, Oyebade Oba, Alike of Egbaland, 143,184,197,201,204 Lisabi Club, Zaria, 64 Loving mother, 184 Lying-in-state of Madam Tejuoso’s body, 260 M.I.C. undertakers, 252 Macaulay, Hubert, 64 Madam Tejuoso assassinated, 195 Madam Tejuoso buried, 256 Madam Tejuoso for burial, 252 Madam Tejuoso only son, 251 Madam Tejuoso, 80, killed in Lagos, 195 Madam Tejuoso’s Schoolmates, 257 Madame Tinubu-Merchant and King Maker, 44 Madueke, Allison Vice Admiral, 85 Mama's ideal and philanthropic legacies, 265 Mama’s life time, 189 Manufacturing industry, 52 Marginalisation and Justice, 79 Marketing, 93 Marriage life, 7 Marwa, Mohamed Colonel, Lagos State Administrator, 208,254,227 Marwa, Munirat Mrs, 227 Marwa, Zainab Chief, 227 Maternal grandparents, 57 Mbakwe, Sam Chief, 82 McCullum, Governor, 56 Meeting the Coprse, 272 Member of the Order ofNiger (O.O.N.), 19,54,132,171 Merit Award ofOgun State, 54 Meritorious Service Award, 72 Midas Bank Pic, 328 Midwest Digest, 246 Mohammed, Yakubu Mr., Deputy Commissioner Operations, 205 Morning Star Society, 45 Mother’s 80th Birthday, 233 Mothers' Union, 45 Mrs Kuti Class (1949-1950), 68 Muhammed, Aliu (Reporter), 252 Murder of a Matriarch, 300 Musa, Abdulkadir Alhaji (DCP), 241 Musa, Shehu Alhaji, 77 Nas, Wada Alhaji (Minister of Special Duties), 249 Nasir, Mamman Justice (Rtd.), 83 National Concord, 182,184,217,232 National Constitutional Conference (1994-95), 76,162,195 National Democratic Alliance (NADECO), 197 National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), 182 National reconciliation, 84 Nelson and Winnie MandellaDr. & Mrs., 74 New Constitution, 78 Nigeria Army, 76 Nigeria Railway Corporation, 8,64 Nigeria Women doctors, 53 Nigeria Women Mobilized, 42 Nigeria, 76 Nigeria: Path to Unity and Stability, 77 Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (N.I.D.B.), 17,53 Nigerian National Award, 19,54 Nigerian Polyrethane Company Limited, 17,131 Nigerian Railways, Yaba, 67 Nigerian Senior Citizen in Business Award, 19,131 Nigerian Tribune, 180,220,235,248 Nigerian womanhood, 239 Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, 19,131,184 No comment posture, 247 Northern area, 20 Northern traditional rulers, 83 Norway-Nigeria Limited Company, 224 Norwegian businessman, 131 Nwachuku, Ogunike Lagos (Reporter), 240 Nwala, Uzodinma Dr., 76 Nwobodo, Jim Chief, 249 Oba Adedamola n, 38,58 Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, 208,257 Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, Osile Oke-Ona, Egba, 241 Oba Dapo Tejuoso, 225 Oba Jamolu, First Agura Gbagu (1870), 1 Oba Karunwi I, (1897), 99,142 Oba Karunwi III Evangelical Movement (OKTEM), 89 Oba Kawu, First 01owu(1855), 1 ObaLipede, 198,205 Oba Okukebu, First Alake (1854), 1 Oba Oyebade Lipede, 38 Oba Sokunbi, David, Karunwi II, Oba Tejuoso feels happy, 239 Oba Tejuoso thanks God, 210 Oba Tejuoso, 140,197,202,211,229 Oba Tejuoso’s mother killed, 190 Oba Tejuoso’s version of history, 147 Obadina Mosque, 44 Obafemi-Owode Local Government, 88 Obasanjo, Olusegun General (Rtd), 74,86,157 Obasanjo, Stella Mrs, 202 Obatala Idol, 44,91 Obede, Modupe Mrs., 48 Obey Ebenezer, Commander Chief, 49 Odedina, Bosun, Assistant Editor, Lagos, 177 Odegbami, Segun Chief, 102 Odeleye,AdisaOba,OIowuofOwu, 148, 247 Odu, Johnson Oladipo Deputy Inspector-General (Rtd), 255 Office of Iyalode in Yorubaland, 32 Ofonagoro, Walter Dr (Minister of Internal Affairs), 249 Ogah, David Staff Reporter, 251 Ogboni Council of Iwarefa Chiefs, 35 Ogere toll plaza, 260 Oginni, Funso, 20 Ogun South Council ofObas,Abeokuta, 162 Ogun State Administrator, 147 Ogun State Government delegation, 206 Ogun State SUB, 212 Ogundimu, Lekan Chief, 73,87,156,378 Ogunlade, Ayo Chief (Minister of Planning) 249 Ogunsan, Olakunle Mrs., 30 Ohuabnuwa, Christie, Lagos, 173,199 Oke-Ona Egba Dynasty Trust Foundation, 86,160 Oke-Ona Egba, 1,98 Oke-Ona people, 143,224 Okoroafor /Emman Divisional Police Officer (DPO), 175 Okoya, Razak Chief, 251 Okoya-Thomas, Molade Chief, 197 Okunrounmu, Femi Chief) 147 Olabanji, Sola, 221 Olabisi, Ikeja/London Connection, 74 01abiwonnu,Ajoke, 153 Oladeinde, Abdufatah, 183 Olakunrin, Toyin Chief (Mrs.), 53 Old Egba Forest (the Orile), 139 Old friends, 51 OlokoofOko. 140 Olomodosi, Femi, Very Rev’d, 68 Olori Omolara (Mrs), 232,239 Oloris-Omolara, Yetunde and Olabisi, 98 OlowuofOwu, 1 Olumo Rock, 56 Olusanya, Gabriel Dr (NILA), 197 Oluwo of Ago Oko, 58 The Royal Roots: Iyalode Egba in - Osile, Oranmlyun Oluwo of Oke-Ona Egba, 61 Oluwole, Sunday T. Chief, 87 Omolara, Yaba Polytechnic, 74 Omolata, Yetunde and Olabisi (Oloris), 231 Omolehinwa, Olugbenga Rear-Admiral, 180 Onabolu’s family, 134 Onanuga Bisi/Olatunji, Segun, 185 Onatolu, Bishop and Mrs, 68 Ondo High Chief, 262 Only surviving child, 244 Only surviving son, 204,221 Ooni oflfe, 140 Operation Sweep, 257 Order of Funeral Service, 271 Order of Thanksgiving, 288 Order ofthe Niger, OON-NationalAward, 103 Origin of Egbaland, 234 Oro worshippers, 44 Osho-Eleku, Tunde Chief, 155 Osijo-Obikanye, Mrs., 22 Osile of Oke-Ona, 1 Osile Oke-Ona Egba, 8,233 Osile Stool, 61 Osile, Oba Adedamola II, 60 Osile’s controversial monograph, 138 Osokoya, Babatunde Prince, 207 Osugbo secret cult, 35 Outrage over Tejuoso’s death, 197 Owu, 98 Oyawoye, Solomon Olawole Rev. (Dr), 254 Oyelese, Wale Elder, 249 Oyewole twins-Femi and Dotun, 63,129 Oyewole, Dotun Chief (Dr), 67 Oyewole, Femi Chief (Dr), 67 Oyomesi, Prince and Princess of Oyo, 99 Pacesetters ofNigeria’s qualitative education, 170 Palace of the Alake, 48 Palatial Dabis Court, 225 Panti Street, Yaba-Lagos, 212 Papa Dapo Karunwi’s residence, 69 Paramount ruler of Egbaland, 234 Paramountcy of Oba Alake, 139 Party Politics, 49 Paternal grandfather, 1 Patron of Rotary, 73 Patron, South West, (CAN) 2010,103 Peace-loving mother, 234 Peggy Chemicals Limited, 53 People’s Party ofNigeria (PPN), 238 Peoples Progressive Part (PPP), 263 Peter, Sina Sir, 26 Philosopher in the king, 245 Pioneer Woman Industrialist in Nigeria, 179 Poems: Our late Mother, 152 Police to quiz son, 212 Politics-Nigeria Project, 75 Postgraduate Studies, 65 Post-humous Award and Encomiums, 319-378 Presidency of Egbaland, 142 President of United States, 157 President Shehu Shagari’s regime, 171 Presidential Service Award, 72 Primus inter pares, 142 Prison Rehabilitation Mission International (PREMI), 90 Private Business Life, 92 Procrastination, 51 Proverbial midas touch, 245 Queen Victoria of England, 56 Raji, Rasheed Commander (Sokoto State Administrator), 250 Ransome-Kuti, Funmilayo Mrs., 64 Ransome-kuti, I.O. Rev., 8,68 Ratational Presidency, 78 Ray Power FM, 196 Real estate, 93 Recessional Hymn - Forever with the Lord (RC. 247), 282 Reconciliation Committee, 234 Regent Hotel, Lagos, 20,131 Reigning monarch, 129 Reincarnation of Oba Karunwi 1,59 Release ofMKO Abiola, 84 Religion, 88 Religious beliefs, 44 Remains of slain Iyalode of Egbaland, 259 Remo North Local Government, 88 Republic of Ireland (EIRE), 65 Requiem in Peace, 153 Retail outlets, 93 Rewane, Ogbeyewa Alfred Chief, 180 Re-writing the history of Egbaland, 268 Ribfoam and Carpet manufacturing, 70 Richmond Fellowship, 47 Rigid foam products, 20 Rolayo Adebimpe, 7,130,225 Romans 8:28,92 Rosiji, Ayo Chief, 216 Rotary - Community service, 72 Rotary brings Hope, 72 Rotary International Foundation, 72 Rotational of stool of Alake ofEgbaland, 234 Rotational Presidency, 234 Royal Father of the Day, 79 Saint John’s Anglican School, Igbehin, 67 Salvation Army school, 44 Sapon Palace, Abeokuta, 176 Saraki, Olusola Dr., 82 Saturday Champion, 198 Saturday Punch, 203 School days, 1 Second lya Ijo of St. James African Church, idi-Ape, 46 Second Republic Executive President, 166 Second to none, 184 Senator Ogun Central Senatorial District, 94 Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), 266 Senior Prefect, 68 Service Above Self, 72 Service of mankind, 251 Shagari, Mukhtar Sheu Alhaji, 250 Sheraton Hotel, 84 Shobekun II Adedayo Olaloko, Agura of Gbagura, 100 Shodeinde, Olufemi Chief (Jaguna of Owu), 188 Shonekan, Ernest Chief (Head of Interim Government), 144,220 Shonekan-led Interim Government, 257 Sierra Leone, 140 Sijuwade, Olubuse n, CFR, Ooni oflfe, 102 Slain industrialist and Iyalode of Egbaland, 251 Slain Matriarch, 254 So far. So Memorable, 234 Sodeke, 140 Sokoto Government delegation, 241 Sokoto, 30 Soleye, Onaolapo Dr., 264 Solid Rock Microfinance Bank, 88 Soluade, Sesan Chief, 264 Sonekan, Adio Chief, 147 Songs of Praises, 239 Sonponna worshippers, 44 Soretire Chief, 87 Sorunke, B. Chief (Amono-Oba of Egbaland), 183,247 South West of Nigeria, 86 Southern delegates, 82 Southern Solidarity Forum (SSF), 79 Southern traditional rulers, 83 Sovereign Kings, 93 Soyinka, Wole Professor, 158 Sprawling Surulere, Lagos residence, 1 ^9 St George’s Anglican Church, Zaria, 44,67 St. Jame’s African Church, 44 St James’ Church, Idi-Ape, Abeokuta, 218 St. John Primary School, 129 St Johns African Church, Olorunsogo, Idi-Aba Abeokuta, 90 St. Joseph’s Chapel Surulere, Lagos, 90 St Judes Church Ebute-Metta, 26,45,251 State Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (SIIB), 212 Sunday Champion, 211 Sunday Concord, 209 Sunday Punch, 207,261,268 Sunday Times, 255 Supremacy row, 147 Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria (SCIA), 197 Surulere Lagos home, 241 Taiwo, M.K.O. Mrs., 53 Talbot P. Armoury, 44 Tate Industries Pic, 53 Taylor, Abayomi Dr., 30 Teju Foam Industry, 15 Teju Industrial Clinic, 18 Teju industrial Clinics Limited, 131 Teju Industries Limited, 8,20,131,169 Teju Industries, 25 Teju Investment and Property Com Limited, 20 Tejufarms Limited, 20 Tejufoam Industries Limited, 70 Tejufoam Industry, 8, 52 Tejuoso and Karunwi families, 251 Tejuoso Avenue Residence, 181 Tejuoso buried in Egbaland, 218 Tejuoso family, 26,246 Tejuoso Market 178,199 Tejuoso Predicts trouble, 236 Tejuoso Royal Family, 95 Tejuoso, Adedapo Oba Dr., 53,83 Tejuoso, Adedapo Oba, Osile Oke-Ont Egba, 204,271 Tejuoso, Akin, 223 Tejuoso, Akitoye, Chief, 58 Tejuoso, Bisola (1981), 7S Tejuoso, Bisoye Esther, Chief (Mrs), l, 20,31,50,55,129.197,199,215 Tejuoso, Bisoye, Third lyalode Egba, 35 Tejuoso, Dapo Dr., 8 Tejuoso, Esther Bisoye (nee Karunwi), 56 Tejuoso, Femi, 223 Tejuoso, Joseph Somoye Mr., 46,58,170 Tejuoso, Joseph Somoye Papa, 7,56,63 Tejuoso, Kanyisola (First Great Grandchild), 95 Tejuoso, Lanre Dr., 47,94,216 Tejuoso, Moses Chief, 58,70 Tejuoso, Moses Chief) Oluwo, Ago-Oko, 63 Tejuoso, Olanrewaju Dr. Senator, 65 Tejuoso, RolayoAdebimpe, 65 Tejuoso, Yaba residence, 251 Tejuoso’s burial next week, 215 Tejuoso’s murder, 204 Tejuoso’s Surulere Lagos residence, 227 Thailand Prisons, 96 Thailand, 89 The 19-man burial committee, 242 The American Biographical Institute Board of International Research, 345 The Guardian, 146,251,258 The Guardian, Tuesday June 25,1996,172 TheNigerian Senior Citizen in Business, 184 The Post Express, 195 The Punch, 176 The Service Above Self Award, 73 The Ultimate Honour, 7 Third Iyalode of Egba, 20,46,229,169 Throne of Oke-Ona Egba, 86 TinubuMadam(Mrs),2l8 Tinubu Square, Lagos, 190 Tinubu, Efunroye Madam, 190 Titilola, 12 Tlt-La-Tej Company, 131 TNT, 265 Townsend, 4 Traditional ruler, 197 Trinity College, Dublin, 8 Trouble in Egbaland, 233 True Mother’s Love, 156 Tsav, Abubakar Alhaji, State Commissioner of Police, 175 Twist in Tejuoso’s burial, 229 UAC hardwares and enamelwares, 224 Udofia, Josiah, Primate, African Church, Nigeria, 101 Ultimate honour, 30 Uncle Eagle Photo, 223 Unending flow of encomiums, 262 United Africa Company (UAC), 10,131 United Kingdom, 65 University College, Dublin, 65 University of Bowen, Iwo, 76 University of Lagos Staff School, 13 University of Lids, England, 76 Unknown assailants, 181,195,236 Unresolved and cowardly murders, 171 Ups and downs, 52 Usman, Hamed Col. (Oyo), 254 UTC Department Stories, 169 Uwaifo, Victor Sir, 152 Violent intra-Egba Struggle, 147 Vono Products Limited, 16,130 Waves of mysterious murders, 195 Weekend Concord, 254 Weep not for me - Oba Tejuoso, 208 Western area, 20 Western Education, 37,170 WestemNigeria Chieftaincy Act of1958,58 Western Nigeria style, 159 White traditional Aso-Oke, 251 Will of God, 251 Williams, Kayode Bishop, 90 Williams, Rotimi (Reporter), 266 Woman Industrialist, xviii Women’s Guild, 45 Worldwide Business Media Limited, 54 Worldwide Service Organisation, 72 Yar’adua, Shehu General, 82 Yemitan, Oladipo, 44 Yetunde, National Oil, 74 Yeye Oba, 174,207,245 Yeyeloja, 34 Yeye-ObaofOke-OnaEgba, 129,175, 183,221 Yoruba Delegates, 76,82 Yoruba nationalism, 84 Yoruba people, 203 Yoruba tradition, 251 Zaria textile, 224 Zaria»30 Zoning, 78 Zonta International Club of Lagos, 49