family and any other incidental expenses( NOTE: If i got torpedoed on the way, you would certainly lose this £100 but you will recover the £208-13s-3d).
At the same time you will remit to a London Bank the sum of £491-6s-9d. It is out of this amount that I shall pay the university fees for LL.B course a, and for special courses in political science and journalism, when I land in England. This is to say, the initial advance will total £800.
At the end of the first year, provided I make satisfactory progress in my studies, you will give instruction to the bank to honour all cheques from me drawn on this account. There will be an arrangement to be signed by me on my return.
On my return, I shall require TWO years within which to establish a solid practice and build a good reputation. After these two years, I should commence to pay at least £200 per annum either in monthly, quarterly or annual payments. So that in seven years after the first two years, I should pay back the whole sum of £1,400. That will be TWELVE YEARS from the time you help me to pay this in April or so this year, then I should be due to pay the whole of £1400 by April 1955.
Now, as you yourself will see, this is the farthest limit within which I can pay the money. It may be possible for me to pay the money within THREE to FIVE years of my return. As a matter of fact, the sooner I pay it off, the better. But it is much better to be on the safe side in a matter like this. It is no making promises now which will be difficult to fulfil in future. On the contrary it is better to mention a period of twelve years and pay within SIX or EIGHT years than to mention FIVE YEARS and fail to pay within TEN years. Personally, I prefer that I should fail to get the loan under theses unattractive but sure conditions, rather than succeed in getting it under attractive but precarious conditions.
Now, this is all I have to say. You have my request before you, and the reason why i make the request. It is left to you to decide whether it is worthwhile to take the risk of helping me in the manner outlined above or not.
If you do me the great favour, not only myself and all that are mine, but also God and Africa will be grateful, I shall have no cause whatsoever to grumble or to blame you, FOR THE RISK IS GREAT.
Since this is a very selfish request, I enclose herewith a stamped addressed envelope for a reply to be sent to me under registered cover.
With very kind regards.
Yours sincerely,
(Sgd) Obafemi Awolowo.
(Culled from the book, Chief Obafemi Awolowo: The Political Moses by Adedara Oduguwa, Page 119-123).
Chief (Dr) Adeola Timothy Odutola
Touching and inspiring? Yes, that is the best way to describe it. Many would be amazed that with all the grammars and accolades such requests was turned down, perhaps probably because Chief Odutola couldn’t affords it? Well, far from it.
At a glance, let me introduce Chief Adeola Odutola. Chief Odutola was born in Ijebu-Ode, seven years before the birth of Awo (1902). He was one of the pioneers of modern Nigerian indigenous entrepreneurship (He reigned in Ijebu after D.S.D. Oduguwa of blessed memory who died in 1939). Odutola started as a Court Clerk in the 30s and entered private industry by establishing Damask Stores and Fish Stalls around Western Nigeria (Wikipedia, 2015). He later entered Cocoa and Palm trading business. Odutola later joined Nigerian Youth Movement, transferred his resources gradually into energy, saw milling, gold mining and became major agent to John Holt Nigeria. By 1967 Odutola was already manufacturing Tyres, became first president of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and later President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (Wikipedia,2015).
However, as at the time Awo requested for £1400 education loan from Chief Odutola, the Chief is already worth millions of naira. Now the question is why then did he refuse the request? Well, let’s say he was not filled with eHBDbnough grace to give or God didn’t want to share his glory with him. Because, Awo would have owed everything he achieved in later years to him.
LESSONS:
There are lots of lessons that could be learned from this letter:
Definiteness of purpose:
Awo knew what he wanted and he shot at it. He wanted to become three things: A lawyer, a journalist and a reputable politician. He was so definite. Many of us don’t know what we want. To be wealthy is not a goal but a feeling. If you worth billions and you don’t stand for anything, then you have achieved nothing. Letter like this is for you.In life-war, the force of determination is greater than that of bullet.
Awo was so determined and focused. He did not allow the Loan request refusal to weighed him down. He had three (3) children already (Segun, Tola and Wole) yet, he was so determined to become a politician, Solicitor and a Journalist. Today, we refer to him as the best President Nigeria never had (politics) Senior Advocate of Nigeria- SAN (Solicitor) and founder of the Nigerian Tribune (Journalist).Destiny cannot be changed nor denied but can only be delayed. Awo was so optimistic of travelling abroad and achieving his goals. He planned it for 1943 but failed since Chief Odutola refused to grant him the request for loan. He was not discouraged! Worked harder for the next one year and travelled by 1944. This also explains why the only person that can fail you is YOURSELF. Never blame the third party for your failure. Take the courage to try again Bode Thomas, Awo and Akintola
Chief Odutola , am sure was ever disappointed for not granting that favour because Awo later installed him as the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu Ode when he was the serving Premier of Western Region. In addition, “in 1956, however, a general election was called. Odutola contested on the platform of the Action Group and recorded an overwhelming victory. This was not surprising. He had fully become a man of the people. In 1955, he had been elected Chairman of the Ijebu Provisional Council. In 1956, a vote of confidence was passed on him, in recognition of his good management of the Council. He was also re-elected Chairman of the Council. In 1957, the same process was repeated. Odutola remained Chairman till 1959 (Abati,1995:78) .”
Are you surprised? Never be, the man who requested for education loan now a Premier (equivalent to some 7 states governor today) while the billionaire became one of his many Local Govt. Chairmen. They became so close that Chief Odutola was with Awo in the Action Group political party. What a life!
Conclusively, Awo did not only end up becoming his dream, he added good name to it. Today he is celebrated and respected around the world. I am a beneficiary of this name. Thus, you can be greater than your greatest admirer if only you have faith in God and determination.
A Book on Awo after 25 years
Remember, for every Chief Odutola in your life, there is also an Awo!
God bless Awo!
God bless Nigeria!
God bless Africa!
