Bisi Onabanjo

Early Life and Background

Victor Olabisi Onabanjo was born on February 27, 1927, in Ago-Iwoye, a vibrant town located within the Ijebu North Local Government Area of present-day Ogun State, Nigeria. He hailed from a modest background, a characteristic that would profoundly shape his understanding of public service and his later commitment to the welfare of the common person. His father was a cocoa farmer and trader, deeply embedded in the agrarian economy of the region, while his mother contributed to the family's sustenance as a petty trader. Growing up in Ago-Iwoye exposed young Bisi to the realities of rural life and the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians, fostering in him an early sense of social justice and community responsibility. The period of his youth coincided with the burgeoning nationalist movement in Nigeria, a time of intense political awakening and agitation against colonial rule. This environment undoubtedly influenced his worldview and instilled in him a desire for self-determination and good governance. His formative years were marked by a keen intellect and an inquisitive mind, setting the stage for his distinguished academic and professional journey.

Education

Bisi Onabanjo's educational journey began in his hometown before he proceeded to the esteemed Baptist Academy in Lagos, one of Nigeria's premier educational institutions at the time. At Baptist Academy, he completed both his primary and secondary education, demonstrating exceptional academic prowess and developing a strong foundation in liberal arts. His intellectual curiosity led him to pursue higher education abroad. In the early 1950s, he traveled to the United Kingdom, where he enrolled at the Regent Street Polytechnic in London, which is now known as the University of Westminster. There, he specialized in journalism, a field that would become his initial professional calling and a powerful platform for expressing his views and engaging with the public. His training in London provided him with a sophisticated understanding of media, communication, and the role of the press in a democratic society, skills he would later deploy with great effect in his career as a journalist and political commentator.

Career

Bisi Onabanjo's professional life commenced as a journalist, a path he embraced with passion and integrity. Upon his return to Nigeria, he joined the Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBS), the precursor to the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), where he honed his skills as a broadcaster and news analyst. However, it was his impactful career in print journalism that truly propelled him into the national consciousness. He became a prominent figure at the Nigerian Tribune, a newspaper renowned for its nationalist stance and progressive editorial line, founded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Under the pen name "Aiyekooto" (Yoruba for "The Straight Talker" or "The one who tells the truth"), Onabanjo wrote a hugely popular and influential column that fearlessly critiqued government policies, exposed corruption, and articulated the aspirations of the Nigerian people. His incisive commentary and courageous voice made "Aiyekooto" a must-read for many, shaping public opinion and challenging the status quo. He eventually rose to become the editor of the Nigerian Tribune, further cementing his reputation as a leading intellectual and media personality. His journalistic career was not limited to the Tribune; he also contributed to and worked with other media houses, consistently advocating for justice, accountability, and good governance.

His transition into politics was a natural progression for a man deeply committed to public service and social reform. In the First Republic, he became a dedicated member of the Action Group (AG), a progressive political party predominantly based in the Western Region and led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He was elected as a member of the Western House of Assembly, where he actively participated in legislative debates and contributed to policy-making for the region. Following the political upheavals and military coups that characterized Nigeria's post-independence era, Onabanjo continued to play a significant, albeit often behind-the-scenes, role in political discourse. During the military administration of Brigadier Oluwole Rotimi in the Western State, he served with distinction as a Commissioner for Education, an experience that further solidified his belief in the transformative power of education.

With the return to civilian rule in 1979, Bisi Onabanjo became a founding member of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), again under the leadership of his long-time political mentor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The UPN's platform was anchored on four cardinal programs: free education at all levels, free health services, integrated rural development, and full employment. These programs resonated deeply with Onabanjo's personal philosophy. In 1979, he successfully contested and was elected as the first civilian Governor of the newly created Ogun State, a significant milestone in Nigeria's democratic journey. He was overwhelmingly re-elected for a second term in 1983, a testament to his popularity and the perceived success of his administration. His tenure as governor, however, was abruptly cut short by the military coup of December 31, 1983, led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari, which brought an end to Nigeria's Second Republic.

Major Achievements

As the first civilian Governor of Ogun State, Bisi Onabanjo's administration was characterized by ambitious and people-oriented policies, largely driven by the UPN's progressive agenda. His most profound and lasting achievement was the zealous implementation of free education at all levels – primary, secondary, and tertiary – within Ogun State. This policy opened doors of opportunity for countless indigenes who previously faced financial barriers to schooling, significantly boosting literacy rates and human capital development in the state. To facilitate this, his government invested heavily in the construction of new schools, recruitment of teachers, and provision of educational materials.

A monumental achievement under his leadership was the establishment of Ogun State University (OSU) in Ago-Iwoye in 1982. This institution, later renamed Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in his honor, was a testament to his vision for advanced learning and local capacity building. The university was conceived not just as an academic center but as a hub for research and community development, designed to address the specific needs of the state and the nation.

Beyond education, Onabanjo's administration made significant strides in media development. He established the Ogun State Television (OGTV) and the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC), providing the state with its own independent media platforms for information dissemination, education, and entertainment. These institutions played a crucial role in promoting local culture, informing citizens about government policies, and fostering a sense of state identity.

His government also prioritized integrated rural development, initiating various projects aimed at improving the living conditions in rural areas. This included the construction and rehabilitation of rural roads, provision of potable water, and electrification schemes, all designed to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities and stimulate economic activities in hitherto neglected areas. Furthermore, his administration made notable improvements in the healthcare sector, expanding access to medical facilities and services across the state, in line with the UPN's free health services program. Onabanjo was widely praised for his fiscal discipline and prudent management of state resources, ensuring that public funds were utilized efficiently for the benefit of the populace, a stark contrast to the perceived profligacy of some other administrations of the era.

Personal Life

Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo was a devoted family man. He was happily married to Chief (Mrs.) Lucy Onabanjo, who stood by him through the various phases of his illustrious career and challenging political life. Together, they raised a family, though specific details about the number and names of his children are not widely publicized in the public domain, reflecting a preference for privacy regarding his immediate family. Despite his demanding public roles, he was known to cherish his family, finding solace and support within his home. His wife, Chief (Mrs.) Lucy Onabanjo, often played a supportive role, embodying the grace and resilience expected of a public figure's spouse in Nigeria. Onabanjo was also known for his amiable personality, his intellectual rigor, and his unwavering commitment to principles, traits that endeared him to many and earned him respect across the political spectrum. His personal integrity was a hallmark of his public service, a quality he upheld even in the face of political persecution.

Legacy

Bisi Onabanjo's legacy is multifaceted and enduring, primarily etched in the annals of Nigerian journalism and democratic governance. He is fondly remembered as "Aiyekooto," the fearless journalist whose pen was a powerful instrument for truth and accountability. His journalistic contributions continue to inspire generations of media practitioners to uphold ethical standards and speak truth to power.

As the first civilian Governor of Ogun State, his impact was transformative. The most tangible and enduring aspect of his legacy is the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), which bears his name as a permanent tribute to his vision and unwavering commitment to education. The university stands as a beacon of learning, continuing to produce skilled professionals and contributing to national development, directly fulfilling his dream of accessible higher education for the people of Ogun State.

His administration's pioneering work in establishing Ogun State Television (OGTV) and Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) laid the foundation for a robust state-owned media infrastructure, which continues to serve the communication needs of the state. Onabanjo is celebrated for his probity, fiscal responsibility, and principled leadership. He demonstrated that public office could be used as a tool for genuine public service rather than personal enrichment, setting a high standard for governance.

He remains an iconic figure in the progressive political movement of Nigeria, particularly within the Yoruba socio-political landscape. His unwavering loyalty to Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his steadfast adherence to the UPN's welfarist ideology cemented his place as a true disciple of Awoism. His unjust detention and imprisonment after the 1983 coup, largely perceived as politically motivated, further solidified his image as a political martyr who suffered for his convictions. Bisi Onabanjo's life exemplifies a dedication to intellectual pursuit, journalistic integrity, and selfless public service, making him an enduring symbol of principled leadership in Nigeria. His contributions continue to resonate, inspiring current and future generations to strive for a better, more equitable society.