By Qudus Odugbemi

Today, I want to share the remarkable story of my paternal grandfather, the great Chief Olukotun of Tapaland, Chief Odugbemi Gbadegesin Bilau.

In 1996, Baba was nominated for the revered chieftaincy title of Olukotun of Tapaland. As expected, there was stiff opposition. Some believed he did not deserve the title, and many worked against his emergence. But what they underestimated was the love the people had for him.

Baba was a beacon of hope to the hopeless. He was generous, compassionate, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He embodied the qualities of a true leader and a good man. Those virtues made him stand out, and in the end, he emerged victorious and was installed as the Chief Olukotun of Tapaland. His installation was celebrated far and wide by people from all walks of life.

As a child, I was Baba’s favorite grandchild. He would carry me on his motorcycle and take me along to visit friends and notable personalities. Those moments remain some of my fondest childhood memories. Baba was also among the pioneers who contributed to the development of transportation in Ibarapa—a fact that students of history can verify.

I was always eager to visit him because I loved sitting by his side, listening to the countless stories and wisdom he shared. To me, he was a living encyclopedia.

Then came one of the saddest moments of my childhood.

One morning, our entire extended family woke up to the devastating news that Baba had suffered a severe stroke during the night and had been rushed to Abeokuta for treatment. I was heartbroken. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing my encyclopedia.

Thankfully, after some time, we received encouraging news that he was responding well to treatment and would soon return home. A few months later, he was discharged to continue his recovery at my uncle’s house.

The moment I saw him again, I rushed to prostrate before him.

“I missed you, Grandpa,” I said.

With a warm smile, he replied, “I missed you too, children.”

During his recovery, Baba shared with us his belief that the illness was spiritually orchestrated by some of those who had opposed his installation years earlier. According to him, their intention was to end his life, but they failed because his father had spiritually fortified him against such attacks. Whether one sees this as faith, tradition, or personal conviction, what is undeniable is that he survived and continued to live.

Today, by the grace of God, my grandfather is still alive at well over 120 years of age. He remains the Chief Olukotun of Tapaland. He still eats well, speaks with wisdom, and continues to inspire those around him.

A few months ago, he told me something that has stayed with me ever since. He prayed that he would live long enough to witness me achieve my political dream. Not because of wealth or personal gain, but because he believes public service is the one area where our family is yet to leave a lasting legacy.

That prayer means everything to me.

I pray that God grants him good health and long life to witness that dream become a reality. May I make him proud, and may his prayers over my life be answered.