Tribute To Ogbeni Oja Olor’ogun ( Dr) Sonny Folorunsho Kuku
Today, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Alaiyeluwa Oba ( Dr,) Sikiru Kayode Adetona will confer the coveted chieftaincy title of Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu Ode on foremost global medical expert, Olorogun Dr. Sonny Folorunso Kuku, at a ceremony scheduled to commence at 10.00am at the Oba S. K. Adetona Royal Pavilion, Ijebu Ode. Kuku, the Chairman of Eko Hospitals PLC., who holds the national honour of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic ( OFR), is the current Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of University of Benin, and former President Worldwide of the University of Lagos Alumni Association, among many other accomplishments. The holder of Ogbeni Oja chieftaincy title enjoys precedence over any other chief in the palace of the Awujale, and the title is the highest that a freeborn Ijebu male can aspire to hold. The Ogbeni Oja acts for the Awujale during interregna and holds the title at the pleasure of the Awujale. In recent history, the late Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola, and the late Chief Bayo Kuku were the holders of the title in succession.
AT the interview that preceded our admission to King’s College, Lagos, Sonny and I struck up a friendship that spilled over to January 2, 1957 when we found ourselves in the same class at the age of 13 years. Hence, it was a privilege to witness firsthand his prodigious intellect, which was consistently on display until we left in 1963. Ironically, he was eager to establish his credentials as a ‘ rascal’. In this endeavour he found ready allies in late Robert Olabode Johnson ( ROI) and myself.
Some of the escapades provided ample ammunition that would have earned us the severest punishment ( not excluding suspension or expulsion). Fortunately, our guardian angel ensured that matters did not escalate beyond narrow escapes.
Sunny was in Hyde- Johnson House where he kept his fellow boarders on edge on account of his regular accumulation of ‘ imposition’ points ( punishment by Prefects or Teachers for infractions / bad behavior) which severely compromised any prospects of “Hyde- J” emerging as the best in the rankings amongst all four houses – Hyde- Johnson; Mackee- Wrights; Paynes; and Harman’s at the end of each term. Points were awarded for academic excellence, proficiency in sports and good conduct.
From King’s College, Sonny proceeded to University of Lagos where his haul of academic distinctions at the graduation ceremony from Medical School in 1971 is yet to be equalled.
As confirmation that this was not a fluke, his record at post- graduate courses in UK ( Hammersmith, London) and United States of America ( Chicago) bear testimony that his superlative achievements have deservedly earned him all the accolades showered on him for his enduring scholarship and energetic commitment to excellence.
I was a witness to the pleadings of his professor in Chicago that without a doubt, Sonny was firmly on the pathway and trajectory for the highest and rarest awards in the medical profession. Here we are in IjebuOde to celebrate Ogbeni Oja in recognition of his pedigree and his dazzling accomplishments in numerous areas of human endeavour – business ( banking and finance); “hospitality” ( as in Eko Hospital PLC); education ( University of Lagos; University of Benin) etc.
At the age of 80, he is now entitled to a reprieve, pardon or waiver that would wipe all those ‘ impositions’, which over the years have left us in awe and admiration. Be rest assured that the best is yet to come as he majestically glides into the next phase of his eventful life surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Kalu Idaka Kalu ( KIK), who eventually became Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, was a huge restraining influence on Sonny at King’s College. Sonny was KIK’S fag and now that the eagle has landed, the least we can do is to recognise ‘ KIK’ as the ‘ Baba Ogbeni Oja’ of Ijebu Land. History is always impartial. Alas, whatever ‘ K. I. K” did or failed to do cannot now be undone.
While celebrating Sonny, we must acknowledge the immense sacrifice, support and love showered on him as an only child of his late mother. She lost six preg
nancies before he came along – hence, the name ‘ Folorunsho’ ( which translates as “left in the care of God”) our fear and apprehension that he too would go the way of the others.
He was fortunate to have two adoring uncles – late Architect Afolabi Kuku and Chief Bayo Kuku, the last Ogbeni Oja.
It was while we were in the Fourth Form at King’s College that ( perhaps) due to a surge of testosterone, Sonny and I decided that the dances and picnics were too boring for us. We decided to launch a club: ‘ TINNAZ’, which would hold picnics at the pristine Ikoyi Park, Lagos ( now known as Park View Estate, Ikoyi) and parties at the Chief J. K. Randle Memorial Hall, Onikan, which has been demolished by government. During vacation and at Easter as well as Christmas/ New Year. We had no difficulty in recruiting the likes of Olusegun Osoba ( from Methodist Boy’s High School); George Amu; Benjamin Ohaeri; Chris Okunriboye; Shobo Hughes; Vera- Cruz; Muyiwa Dasilva and his brother ( from St Gregory’s College) as well as Patrick Sebo and Sedewe Koshoni ( from St. Finbarr’s College). We had great fun. We were hot!! We had swagger and the girls from Queen’s College, Yabam, Methodist Girls School, Yaba; Holy Child College, Obalende etc. Our classmate at King’s College – Tunde Cole- Onitiri; Kayode Adeniyi- Jones; Robert Olabode Johnson; Olufemi Robinson; and Bola Osinbowale would not stop bragging about being members of Tinnaz Club. It provoked the emergence of a rival – “The Shadows Club” led by
Niran Adeniyi and Cameron Cole.
The achievements of Dr. Sonny Kuku flourished in an environment dominated by geniuses at King’s College. Many of them proceeded to reach amazing heights and perform exceptional feats in medicine; engineering law; judiciary; architecture; civil service; chartered accountancy; military; police; banking; clergy; security services; diplomacy; politics; journalism; academia; literature; and commerce and industry. Perhaps I should add Royalty and Public Intellectual to the intimidating list. Ironically, many of them were active “Rascals” before transforming into superachievers. In any case, most of the impositions they incurred were for “breaking bounds” ( sneaking out of the college without permission to watch a film show or visit some of the nightspots what were all over Lagos – Ambassador Hotel; Kakadu; Cuban Bamboo; Maharani etc..).
Long before Sonny entered medical school, he had developed his own “bedside manner”.
However, I am not at liberty to disclose further details. It is sufficient to share with you the data, statistics and Artificial Intelligence ( AI) which have established beyond reasonable doubt that ladies have been wildly enthusiastic about securing his services for ailments – both real and imaginary in order to benefit from his legendary bedside manner, especially what he mischievously describes as
“Intensive Care” ( not Intensive Care Unit) and TLC ( Tender Loving care). POKA!!
( King’s College Slang)
My own experiences with him and his medical skills are somewhat different. When I visited him at Eko Hospital where he was the Chief Medical Officer, I complained that I had spondylosis, which is a condition in which there is abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck.
He listened carefully and assured me that I was very lucky he had just completed a course in the United States of America. A cure had been found for spondylosis. It would involve cutting off my neck and diligently repairing the damaged nerves and faulty valves. It was at that point that I informed him that I had left a very important document in my car, and I needed to retrieve it. I assured him I would be back shortly. That I am alive to tell the story because as soon as I got into my car, I instructed my driver to drive as fast as he could out of the premises of Eko Hospital. I never went back.
I must not fail to place on record the unique achievements of Eko Hospital PLC founded by doctors Eneli; Kuku and Obiora. It was a trailblazer and the first hospital to be quoted on the Nigerian stock Exchange. Its success was phenomenal. Alas both Dr Eneli and Professor Obiora have passed on – leaving Dr. Sonny Kuku a huge legacy of an institution that was the pearl in the delivery of healthcare and a world class medical training centre.
Time and space would not permit me to dwell on the challenges Sonny Kuku has faced on his path to greatness. However, I am obliged to recall the resistance he faced when he completed his post- graduate studies in the United States of America in record time. His Alma Mater, the college of Medicine did not want him. A case of jealousy combined with envy. It took the personal intervention of the Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed to clear the obstacles and resistance to accord him his rightful place. He has since bagged several Phds and international awards, which are too numerous to list here. You are free to Google: “J. K. Randle Extols Dr. Sunny Kuku”.
You may well discover that the only task at which Ogbeni Oja has failed is fluency in French Language. Alas, nobody is perfect. Also, regardless of his often repeated boast that he is a “Babalawo” ( native doctor) and “Anjonu” ( supernatural/ ethereal being), he has never fathered twins. He now has plenty of time to make amends and graduate to “Baba Ibeji”.
I am sure, Olori Susan his charming wife is up to the task. As for golf, game for “Holey” ( holy) men, Sonny’s handicap is woeful ( almost non- existent).
When next I visit King’s College, I must check out the special extra space in the wall surrounding the college. Amidst the columns and chessmen, that hole for those who wish to break bounds has been known only to the rascals from generation to generation. In order to go through, you must have the courage to go head first. It is a closely guarded secret. If it still exists, there is hope for Nigeria.