Kemi Adeosun Remembers Father In-law
Olaoluwakitan Babatunde
High profile personalities including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, his wife, Bola and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State graced the 25th remembrance anniversary of Chief Christopher Adeosun, the father-in-law of former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun. The calibre of people at the ceremony testifies to the legacy of Pa Adeosun, who was a foremost banker and community leader.
The event which held at Asero in Abeokuta, Ogun State, also had in attendance the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun; Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu; Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, and the Speaker of the Ogun House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo.
The former Managing Director of First Bank, Mr. Bisi Onasanya also joined the Adeosun family, children, grandchildren and descendants at the remembrance of the late banker who was among the first indigenous managers of Barclays Bank. Governor Abiodun, in his remarks at the event, praised the Adeosun family whom, he noted, is associated with finance.
Pa Adeosun was born on May 4, 1922 into the royal family of Adeosun Sotue in Olodo, 30 kilometres from Abeokuta, in modern day Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State. He was the last born of six children, an Idowu, being born after twins.
His education began at Otere Baptist Primary School, Olodo, where he excelled, gaining admission to the famous Baptist Boys High School (BBHS) in Abeokuta. He later transferred to Ibadan Grammar School, where he completed his secondary education.
Pa Adeosun’s career started with his employment in 1947 by Barclays Bank Dominion Colonial Overseas (D.C.O.) Dugbe Branch in Ibadan. His aptitude for numbers and thoroughness saw him rapidly promoted and selected for training in the United Kingdom.
He became one of the first cadre of indigenous management staff of the bank, alongside Mr. Samuel Asabia, Mr. G.O. Nwankwo among others. Such roles had been the traditional preserve of expatriates. Among the junior accountants in the bank was Moshood Kashinmawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola whose talent stood out and whom C.A. Adeosun, encouraged to pursue professional studies overseas. Many years later the two had an emotional reunion in Lagos.
While in Ibadan, the young and always dapper Pa Adeosun, known as ‘Broda Yellow’ was introduced to a Miss Josephine Molake Abatan by the late Mrs. Ogunmuyiwa, wife of Justice Ogunmuyiwa, then a customer of the branch. The match was supported by late Chief Mr. and Mrs. Odunjo of the Alawiye House fame. The then Miss Abatan hailed from the noble family of Ologbowon, her siblings included Mrs. Jibogun, Chief Soji Edun, and Mrs. Oyewole, all of blessed memory.
The young couple married in 1950 and were blessed with six children, three boys and three girls. Their first, Christopher Abiodun was born in 1952, followed by Olajumoke, Abimbola, Adewale, Adeniyi and finally Tolulope.
By 1966, Pa Adeosun had been promoted to Manager to head the newly opened Shomolu Branch in Lagos which meant relocating from Ibadan where he had already built his own house.
After retirement, Pa Adeosun dedicated himself to serving God and watching over his family. At Emmanuel Anglican Church, his dedication and philanthropy saw him conferred with the title of 4th Agba-Akin of Keesi Christians. His community philanthropy had been a constant part of his life, sponsoring many young people to pursue education overseas and within Nigeria. Always modest and reluctant to mention his accomplishments, review of his meticulous records showed that he was the financial support to many Professors, Engineers and other professionals in various fields excelling within and outside Nigeria today.
He also invested in the education of his own children to the exclusion of other opportunities. It is to his credit that those children have excelled in their various fields of endeavour. He and his wife were the nucleus of their respective extended families. Despite his dedication to his work, he had an affable personality
Some of his nicknames included, “Cee Aaa”, and “King of Boys.” The late Pa Adeosun was an avid sportsman and lover of Lawn Tennis. He was a foundation member of many clubs including Ibadan Tennis Club, Yoruba Tennis Club, Lagos, Island Club and Abeokuta Sports Club. He was a highly principled and meticulous personality who practiced critical self-examination at every stage of his journey.
