Folorunsho Coker in His Father’s Shoes

When folks insist that the apple has not fallen far from the tree in the life of a distinguished personality, they generally mean that such a person has inherited the best characteristics of their forebears. This is just the case with Folorunsho Coker who is just as illustrious as the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) as he is as the son of Chief Nathaniel Folarin Coker, the late Baba Eto of Lagos and Bobagunwa of Igede-Ekiti. Recent events show that Folarin Coker is walking the same path of greatness as his late father.

The death of Chief Nathaniel Folarin Coker, Baba Eto of Lagos, echoed across Lagos and Nigeria like a desolate cry. The man had lived a most prestigious life and left behind legacies that have been identified as difficult to imitate and impossible to surpass. But folks are modifying that assessment, thanks to the achievements of the late Baba Eto’s son, Folorunsho Coker.

As part of the celebration of his first year on the royal seat, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom has bestowed the title of Baba Eto of Ilara Kingdom on Folorunsho Coker. Along with several others, Oba Ogunsanwo raised the status of Coker several degrees up and set him on a path to mirror the accomplishments of his late father or possibly surpass them.

To those who know Folorunsho Coker, it can only be said that his father’s shoes are too big, or he’d be sporting many titles and the encomium of people big and small. Even before he was appointed DG of NTDC (a ministry reportedly created by his father), Coker had made a name for himself as one who laboured after international recognition of Nigeria’s arts, cultures and unique places. For this reason, the man is one of the foremost figures in the promulgation of all things tourism, hospitality, arts and entertainment in Nigeria.
The Baba Eto title fits Folorunsho Coker and evidence the fact that he is a true son of his father.