This title of Michael Mann movie (released in 1992) and an earlier novel of the same name (released in 1826) is most apposite for our celebrant. As the title suggests, Chief Ayo Adebanjo is a member of the fast dwindling tribe of heroes. One of the very few last men standing. Yes, of a fast-depleting breed of nationalistsand ideologues, committed and principled politicianswho refuse to compromise or bend in tune with the latest fad – or the dictates of personal, parochial, ethnic or self-interest.
His likes are, indeed, very hard to find in today’s Nigeria – a country of never ending oddities. Little wonder the encomiums which have been poured (and continue to be showered) on him on the occasion of his 96th birthday a few days ago – on the 10th of April, to be precise. That makes him a nonagenarian. Accordingly, this is as good an occasion as any to take stock and reflect on a life less ordinary: the remarkable times of a man of the world, who both defined and was defined by it. Here is a man who stood up to be counted. Here is a man of rare courage – a man of principle. A man for all seasons.
Given all of these, does the man, Chief Ayo Adebanjoreally need any introduction? What can be said about him that has not already been said – or, has he not said of himself in his biography “Tell It As It Is”?. What? Little, if anything, to be honest. Accordingly, I willonly dwell briefly on Chief’s glittering past and illustrious antecedents. Chief Ayo Adebanjo made his earthly debut on the 10th of April, 1928, in Ijebu-Igbo, in the South-West of Nigeria. His early life showed the promise of what was to come when he slapped a British colonial officer reportedly for lacking in manners, retorting audaciously: “Is that how you say ‘good morning’ in your country?”. That singular act of courage (some might call it foolhardiness) and his refusal to apologize cost Chief his job in the colonial civil service; and this has defined him ever since.
Chief Adebanjo started life as a journalist with aregional newspaper before the lure of…
