Dad and Tinubu are friends – Ogunlewe’s son Tells

Moyo, son of a former Minister of Works, Adeseye Ogunlewe, talks about his father’s political career in this interview with MOTUNRAYO JOEL

Please, tell us about yourself.

My name is Moyo Ogunlewe. I have three brothers and two sisters. I attended Chrisland International School, Lagos and then I moved to Eton International School, Lagos. I also attended Lagos State Model College, Igbogbo, Ikorodu. After my secondary education, I enrolled for A Levels before
obtaining two Diplomas in Accounting and Business Administration from the University of Lagos. I felt Business Administration isn’t a top discipline, so I travelled abroad to obtain a degree. I enrolled at the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom, to study Law. I later obtained a master’s in Trade and Maritime Law in oil and gas. I returned home to attend the Nigerian Law School.

How was your childhood?

I wasn’t born with a silver spoon. The honest truth is that I was born in Igbogbo in Lagos State. My childhood was a bit rough because my father was a civil servant while my mother was into business. We can only thank God for how far He has brought us. Everyone thinks we had a flamboyant lifestyle; no; we started from the scratch. We had to make things happen for ourselves.

What challenges did your family face?

We faced a lot of challenges. When I was growing up, we lived at Ebute Meta and later moved to Ikeja. We were always moving around. My family didn’t start off at Victoria Island or Lekki. Those are people born with a silver spoon. I still know my roots which is why I’m close to the people.

How did he climb up the ladder to become a minister?

My father was a permanent secretary for four times. He got into the employment of Lagos State government as a clerk. He worked very hard to reach the top of his career. If I must say, he sacrificed a lot; he sleeps at 4am and wakes up at 6am. Diligence and hard work made him who he is today.

People would have expected your father to retire and get a house on the Island, why did he choose to live here (Ojodu)?

I can challenge anybody today that says my father has houses all over Lagos. He only has three houses – this house (in Ojodu), the second one which is at Ikorodu his hometown and the last one is the house given to him when he was a permanent secretary. He doesn’t have a house in Abuja. The records to prove this are available. People pass remarks, claiming he has a house in London. We don’t even have a toilet there. Nigerians may find this hard to believe, but that is the truth.

Did he influence your decision to go into politics?

No, he never wanted me to go into politics. We are still not on the same page regarding my decision to go into politics. He never supported my ambition to contest for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Everything I did was through the support I got from friends and neighbours who believed in me. My father has never been in the frontline of my political career.

How did he feel when you lost?

I didn’t lose the election. I won the election but I was rigged out with 84 votes which I am challenging at the Tribunal. The other party claims I was defeated but I have facts to prove my point.

Since your father didn’t want you to go into politics, what would he have wanted you to become?

He got me a job at one of the top law firms in the country, but I didn’t want that. I’m still young which is why I gave politics a try and I enjoyed it. I believe Nigeria needs youths like me.

Describe your father at home?

He is a wonderful man, someone I cherish. He has been there for me. If I need anything, he always provides it. My father makes sacrifices. He starved himself of so many things so his children could get quality education. He is an excellent father. He returns home at 6pm every day no matter where he is. This is a good virtue I want to emulate.

Is he sociable?

He doesn’t go out often though he goes to parties once in a while. He loves to read. He has so many books and he only drinks coke.

What do you like about your father and vice versa?

He is a father that will fight for his children any day, any time. At the same time, he doesn’t believe in going through the back door to get something. The only thing I don’t like about him is that whenever I tell him we should do things this way, he always says no. He wants things done his way. Sometime ago, I told him I wanted to work at any of the top oil and gas firms in the country but he said no. Most of the time, he wins whenever we have arguments.

What special privileges have you enjoyed being his child?

I have enjoyed so many privileges being his son. My father has built a name for himself. I am grateful to him.

There are so many reports about his relationship with Mr. Misiliu Obanikoro, what is your view on that?

They are like brothers but people may think differently. Siblings are bound to have disagreements. If they have a disagreement, it is minor. We are all very close. My father still calls Obanikoro.

Who would he have wanted to become governor of Lagos State?

He is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party. He supported Jimi Agbabje

What does he like about Agbaje?

His charisma I guess. Agbaje is a likeable person. I personally respect him so much. He is one of those who fought for my political career.

What does he say about the new governor of Lagos State Akinwunmi Ambode?

My father was part of the Lagos State government, I’m sure he knows a lot about him. The most important thing is for him to govern Lagos the proper way.

Over time, who has been your father’s favourite governor?

It would be (Lateef) Jakande. He did so much for Lagos which I personally enjoyed. For example, he constructed what we now call the Jakande classrooms. Now, what are being constructed by governors are bridges.

Does he read what people write about him in the newspapers?

He buys three newspapers every morning. He also goes online to read. He just laughs when he reads articles written about him which aren’t true.

What does he do when he wakes up and before he sleeps?

He sleeps at 4 am and wakes at 6pm. When he wakes up, he jogs. He then takes his bath, eats and attends meetings. Before he sleeps he watches the Cable News Network, reads and writes his books. He is writing about four books at the moment, I’m so excited.

What is his favourite food?

Garri and sawa (herring).

What is his favourite drink?

Coke.

How does he handle misunderstandings with your mother?

I don’t get involved in their marriage, but he is cool in nature. He doesn’t have any problem.

What challenges did he face in his political career?

He faced a few challenges, but he worked so hard to make an impact. Nigerians easily forget. When he was removed from office, they found nothing against him. My father is a simple man.

Would he have preferred to stay longer in office?

Man proposes but God disposes. At that particular time, he had a lot of remarkable ideas. For the two and a half years he was minister, he made a tremendous impact, so many changes in our road networks. He is still celebrated till today.

What does he say about ex-President Goodluck Jonathan?

My father is very reserved. He was part of the system and he tried to contribute his own quota but his contributions were always side-lined. Some other people had an agenda to be in the good books of Jonathan. He tried his best, it is sad that he was always neglected for the truth. I know he did well. I am proud of him. Nigeria is a country where the closer you move to someone, the better for you. But my father is not someone that will knock on someone else’s door for a favour.

What does he say about President Muhammadu Buhari?

They are still close, but political party has divided them. I’m sure if President Buhari needs his advice, he would be glad to offer it.

Did he advise you on the type of woman to marry?

No, he didn’t do that.

What special moments do you remember while growing up with your father?

I remember the time I failed Mathematics in J.S.S 2. He was on his way to a political meeting when he stopped at my school to collect my academic results. I expected him to beat me after seeing that I failed Mathematics, but he didn’t. Instead, he advised me to read ahead of my school work and told me to put in more effort. He also got me a lesson teacher. Every night, he and my mother would coach me. What he did really touched me. Sometimes, beating a child is not the solution.

How does he discipline any child who erred?

He disciplines us by talking to us. He sits with us and talks some sense into our heads. He makes one reflect on one’s mistakes.

How does he relax?

He sits under the tent outside his house and interacts with either his security men or anyone around. He doesn’t go out often.

What is it that Nigerians don’t know about him?

There are so many things — he is a Manchester United fan, he likes to watch boxing at night. Whenever Mayweather is fighting, he wakes up to watch the match. He even wakes up before me. He likes to drink garri and eat shawa (herring) with his family. He inspires every young man that comes to him. He likes to listen to Celine Dion and Fela. He also he loves children.

What romantic thing has he done for your mother?

They both had a great time when they travelled to the United States.

Who is his best friend?

His best friend is the late, Funsho Williams. He misses him so much. He still talks about him.

Who are his role models?

The late Nelson Mandela and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He has about 100 books on Awolowo which he (Awolowo) personally signed.

Why did he join politics?

He has a flair for politics, he loves to help people. He doesn’t believe in godfatherism. He plays good politics.

If he were made President, what would he do?

The whole issue of free education would return. His passion for education is seen in his children. He values education.

What are his dreams and aspiration?

For Nigeria to be a better place and for us to live in unity no matter our different tribes.

How does he like to dress?

He wears native attire a lot; he doesn’t wear his cap in a particular way. He is extremely simple in his dressing.

Does your family sometimes fear for his life?

No, because he always says the truth. We live in a country where there is freedom of speech. The majority of Nigerians hide from the truth because they don’t want to step on toes, but we live in an era of democracy. We shouldn’t be scared of telling the truth. In fact, my father is writing a controversial book, I can’t wait for the book to be out. The book is about how elections are rigged in Nigeria. Now, he wants to tell the world the truth. I’m going to be part of the book. We need to speak the truth.

When will the book be out?

We are waiting for the right time to publish it. We need to say the truth or else there will be problem for our nation.

When did he experience his saddest moment?

The time his best friend was killed and when his elder brother died.

What does your father splash money on?

He can go all out for his children education. He makes a lot of sacrifices and he has only one car.

Describe your father in four words.

Loving, caring, simple and attentive.

How is his relationship with Bola Tinubu?

Tinubu is a friend of the family, they are very close friends. He is a father to me. They are brothers in different political parties. We are close families.

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