Bourdillon as the New Garden of Eden

This is a very strategic road in Lagos. It is nestled in Ikoyi and starts from the Falomo Roundabout and terminates at the roundabout that takes you to the famous Lekki Bridge. It is a well-tarred road with a litany of luxury apartments and buildings on it. The famous number 4, which can be said to be the most luxurious and elegant residential building in the country is there, the Lagoon Hospital where my beloved Mena died is there and also the sweet Saint Saviour’s School is at the other end of the road, and the very famous first Minister of Finance, Okotie Eboh, whose long wrapper still tugs at our imaginations, still has his colonial masterpiece perched on that same road.

However, what makes Bourdillon what it is today is the fact that it also houses the current President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Tinubu. Immediately he vacated office as Governor of Lagos State, he took up residence in the building. The building has a brownish hue, it is very ugly compared to the many modern buildings that litter the road, like the aforementioned number 4. It is however very arrogant in its allure, with its wide expanse of grounds, low fence, daring you to jump in and the funny plants that crisscross the top of the fence.

From the other side of the road, you can almost see the front passage. I have had an opportunity to enter the building to meet with Baba when he was just an applicant for this his present job. The furnishing was sparse, old school and not really anything to write home about. It was more of a workhouse than a residence. The rooms were tiny as his aides’ jostled from one tiny cubicle to the other. I didn’t enter much of the house so I cannot really describe it but let’s just say in elegance, I have seen better.

But it’s not its beauty or glamour that has made it the most attractive building to poor and disenfranchised Nigerians. The house has held for the very downtrodden that possibility of a handout and just maybe, a free lunch for the past 20 years. Remember, that was where the bullion van emerged leading to the massive retort- “is it your money?”

Over the years, Lagosians have come to identify the building for what it is worth- their own share of the national cake.  The pittance dropped, not being an issue for them, but the very strong possibility that N1,000 will be thrown at them not only by the occupants but also by his wealthy associates and the rest who throng there for one meeting or the other.

It is no wonder that the place is now a mecca of sorts for not only the displaced but well-meaning Nigerians who have been dislocated by Mr. Tinubu’s economic policies. As I moved in the crowd the other day, I sighted not only the usual suspects – area boys, party stalwarts and all, but I saw in the crowd lecturers, professors, civil servants, sportsmen, musicians, NLC operatives, plain cloth policemen and even some members of Lagos State House of Assembly.

My people, nothing has been more democratic in Nigeria than poverty, just go there and see for yourself. Me, I have joined the crowd o, let me report myself before someone will come and ask me what exactly was I doing there. Mbok, meet me there o.