The Grandson Stepping into Bola Ige’s Shoes
Deliberate in approach and shrewd in action, Kayode Adegbola is a newera Nigerian politician and the grandson on of one of Nigeria’s political grandmasters. Adegbola – 27 years old – who is gunning for the Ogun State House of Assembly to represent Yewa North is a by-product of an illustrious name – the late Chief Bola Ige ge (SAN), one of Nigeria’s most dynamic democrats of his era, whose sophistication ophistication and oratory negated the sophistry of many pedestrian politicians cians of his time. Adegbola, Ige’s grandson, has begun to show that no one ne ever says never in the Ige political dynasty. Brimming with ideas s and passion, Adegbola, in an interview, spoke about his life in the shadow adow of his grandfather and his political ambitions. Funke Olaode captured ptured the moments in this piece
Once upon a time, there lived a Cicero of Esa Oke – if you did not know, that was Chief Bola Ige (SAN). He was a brilliant lawyer, an enchanting orator, a charming politician and an indefatigable administrator. He was a true leader of men. Yet, he was a mortal and so he was murdered. Though the man died, his legacy and ideals live on. Not only his children, ardent followers and supporters have continued to propagate his essence, even his grandchildren have an insight on the pedigree the late sage, Ige, left behind. The enduring characteristic of a true leader is found in his ability – alive or dead – to produce other leaders. It is not certain whether if alive, the late patriarch of the Iges would have wanted one of his most beloved grandsons to take a plunge into the deep blue sea of Nigeria’s politics which is often infested with political sharks.
If Ige dared to be a politician and man of the people, Kayode Adegbola’s desire will not be different.
His grandfather, a one-time attorney general of the federation and minister of justice was an enigma with unflinching faith in quality education. The late Ige once held sway as the governor of the old Oyo. Since Ige died almost 17 years ago, none of his offspring has shown keen interest in politics. Although his surviving eldest son, Muyiwa Ige, an architect became a commissioner during Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s gbesola’s first term in office. Muyiwa had also attempted to be the governor of Osun State.
Today, not a few believe e that the Ige political dynasty is about to o witness a resurrection as his grandson, on, Adegbola – a lawyer – appears to be following owing in his grandpa’s footstep by vying ng to represent his constituency, Yewa North in n the Ogun State House of Assembly.
Young and insightful, his passion for leadership and service is unique; nique; well grounded both in academic c and humanity, he exudes confidence dence and humility. Adegbola, an n alumnus of The Vale College, Ibadan, also attended Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, where he studied law. Thereafter, he was back in his fatherland to attend the Nigerian gerian Law School.
Nevertheless, his insatiable iable quest for knowledge has moved him to attend more prestigious institutions across the globe: London School chool of Economics and Political Science; ience; Management, Entrepreneurship urship and Global Leadership, Harvard arvard University, John F. Kennedy y School of Government, Executive ecutive Education; among others.