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When and where were you born?
I was born on June 21, 1915 at Shalakungba compound, Ijomu, Ikorodu, Lagos State, to the family of the late Pa Ogunwomoju Oduajo and the late Madam Bamikale (Nee Alagbaji).
My mother showed me a paper where my birth date was written the day I was born.How do you
know the date of your birth?
My mother showed me a paper where my birth date was written the day I was born.How do you
know the date of your birth?
You are 100 years old now. How do you feel attaining 100?
I feel great and happy. Words fail me to express myself. I am just grateful to God who has kept me alive. I tell people that the grace of God is upon my life.
Did you ever think you would live this long?
I never thought so. We all pray to live long. But I never thought I would live to see 100 years. I give God the glory. I just feel great. I look forward to seeing Christ when I die.
What is the secret of your longevity?
God is my secret. I do not take alcohol and I also do not have any weakness for women. I have always been focused right from my youth.
Tell us your favourite food.
I enjoy eating oats or ogi. I have not eaten eba for over 50 years. It is a heavy meal and I do not like heavy meals.
What is your favourite drink?
It is lucozade, I call it atura.
Do you exercise?
Yes, I work round my compound every morning and night. I also dress my bed and I brush my teeth after every meal. I still sweep my room. I detest dirt and dirty environment. If I notice sand on the ground, I sweep it off immediately. I always wear socks and shoes throughout the day until I go to bed. I do this to avoid stepping on sand.
How many more years do you hope to live?
It is only God that can determine that. I pray for Him to keep me alive to see more years.
Do you feel fulfilled in life?
Yes, I am fulfilled. I have children, grandchildren and great grandchildren by my side. What more can I ask God for? He has been good to me.
How many siblings do you have?
I had one sibling, a sister. She died a few years ago. We were very close. Her death created a vacuum in my life. We did many things together and visited many places together. Till today, I still miss her.
What were the occupations of your parents?
My father died when I was just six years old. I did not know much about him. I grew up with my mother; she was a trader. She used to makeakara egusi for sale. I still remember she used to have sleepless nights trying to make enough of the product so she could get a reasonable amount of money. She was committed to her source of livelihood. She died on August 28, 1957.
You are very good at remembering dates. What do you think is responsible for this?
It is God’s doing. I have a retentive memory. I remember old things but do not recall new events.
Which schools did you attend?
I attended Methodist Primary School, Ita Elewa, Ikorodu between 1925 and 1933. I was the very first student to pass Class Six government standard examination in Ikorodu. My school was the only school accredited to take the examination (for the first time) in the entire Ikorodu division. Many of my friends who passed out of Class IV and had started teaching came back to take the examination. After passing the examination, I was offered scholarship by the church to study at Wesley College.
Did you accept the offer?
No I did not. My family declined the offer.
What next did you do?
I proceeded to Baptist Academy, then at Broad Street, Lagos. I was to sit for the Junior Cambridge examination but had to stop because of financial constraint. My mother did not have the financial capacity to support my education. I had an aunt and uncle who supported my family financially.
After my secondary school education, I searched for a job. I was fortunate to get a job as a clerk at WB Maciver, Cottons Department of the United Africa Company. I worked there between 1937 and 1939 before joining S.C.O.A in 1940. I was there for seven years before I moved to Haightons West Africa Limited. I was given managerial responsibilities at Haightons.
Was the job challenging?
It was quite challenging and rewarding, but unfortunately, our directors who were British, had to return back to their country. The company folded up, but I was appointed to oversee the company’s residual assets at their departure, and this I did faithfully from 1960-1976. In 1985, I established my own business, SICCO commercial syndicate, a partnership business with a friend. We were into the importation of clothing materials and towels. The business fared well and we later diversified into fishing. We were able to accumulate 50 per cent of an Italian fishing company.
Did you take a loan to start the company?
Yes, we applied for a loan from Barclays bank. We did not have the financial capacity to start and run the business.
Why did you decide to leave your job to start a business?
It’s my belief that one cannot be with a company for ever. Until one breaks out of one’s confines and tests the waters, one many not grow. I personally believe that working with a company is not as good as running one’s business. It may be challenging at first, but it is always the right decision.
Do you still run the company?
We closed it down in the 70s after the Federal Government stopped the importation of textiles. The decision affected our business to a large extent.
What did you do when it folded up?
I ventured into paint making and other building materials. This became my source of livelihood. It was a rough period for me. I had to cater for me family from the little money I made on a daily basis.
When did you retire from business?
It was when I was 75 having ensured that all my children had received sufficient education.
At what age did you marry?
I got married at the age of 29 years. My mother linked me with my wife. We were family friends.
How many wives did you marry?
I married two wives, but it was my mother’s wish that I marry two wives. I had a Muslim background.
Did you face challenges catering for the two wives?
We all lived as one family. My two wives shared one room and they hardly had misunderstanding. However, I advise my children against marrying two wives. I do not support the idea as a Christian.
Do you regret marrying two wives?
Yes I regret marrying two wives now that I’m fully born again. I tell my children not to marry two wives. This is not to say I did not love my wives. I just would not have made that decision if I became a Christian earlier in life.
What is your advice to young couples?
They should be faithful to themselves. I also advise men not to marry more than one wife.
Do you hold any position in any group?
I was the founding member and the current chairman of the Band of Hope, a patriarch of Bolaji Methodist Cathedral, Ita Elewa between 1980 and 1994. In 2005, I was honoured with an Award of Excellence in recognition of my Christian devotion, commitment and consistency. I was installed as Fellow of the Order of Ikorodu Circuit Award in 2008. In 1992, I was appointed the Baba Ijo of Christ Apostolic Church, Igbogbo, Ikorodu. I was a member of Igbalaiye Friendly Society of Ikorodu and served as its secretary for many years.
What makes you happy in life?
Being with my family brings me great joy. I have 12 children.
You seem very committed to your church; do you still sing or dance in church?
Yes, I sing and dance very well. I am a very good dancer. I think I dance better than some youths in my church.
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