Alhaji Lateef Bakare, an engineer and the Ajiroba of Ijeshaland, is a close friend of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup. In this exclusive interview, he recounts their shared history, reminisces about their youth, and explains how he predicted Haastrup’s ascension to the throne long before it happened.
What is your relationship with His Imperial Majesty, Oba Haastrup?
My name is Lateef Ladipo Baruwa. I’m from Ilesa. My father’s side is in Ijamon, and my mother is from the royal family of Okesa. I am an engineer who specialises in Electrical and Control Systems.
There are four of us who grew up together—Kabiyesi, myself, Professor Awosika, and Mr. Ayo Arije. We all worked as young men at The National Bank, Marina Branch and headquarters. Later, we all traveled to America and studied at Howard University. Kabiyesi qualified as a pharmacist, and the late Arije also became a pharmacist. In fact, he was the MD of Ganenical Nigeria before he passed on. Professor Awosika worked with the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography, while I remained in the United States, working for about 10 years.
I returned to Nigeria to become a pioneer staff of the University of Ibadan’s Faculty of Technology, Electrical Engineering Division. I was there from January 1983 to August 1984 before receiving a scholarship for a Ph.D. in Power and Control Systems at George Washington University.
I’ve worked globally—in China, France, Amsterdam, and the U.S.—building power plants. I’m currently a consultant for Exelon, the largest utility company in America, specialising in automation, instrumentation, and power.
Kabiyesi and I have been friends for over 55 years. We lived together, studied together, and were even best men at each other’s weddings. When I lost my first wife in 2005, he and others advised me to return to Nigeria—I had married a white woman. I came back, founded Y.E.P. International, and collaborated with Kabiyesi in Abuja on Paradise Inn, a joint development between his company and the Federal Government.
Later, I moved to Lagos after remarrying and recently transitioned into semi-retirement to spend time with my grandchildren. But our bond remains unshaken.
So, apparently since childhood, you knew he would become king?
Yes. I used to call him Oba even before he became king. We were working at the National Bank when I started calling him that. The way he carried himself was royal. Despite living in America, he never let go of his Nigerian culture. Unlike some of us who married outside our culture, he remained deeply rooted in tradition. So when he became king, people said I must have been a soothsayer. I just told them it was always evident in the way he lived. He was destined for the throne.
You must have shared pain and joy together. Can you mention one of those moments?
Absolutely. We’ve experienced both happiness and heartbreak together.
When I lost my first wife in 2005, it devastated me—he was the best man at our wedding. We had all met in college. Then, about two years ago, I also lost my son, who was 39 years old. Kabiyesi was right there with me.
On his end, when he lost his first wife and his oldest daughter—who was almost born in my hands—I felt that pain deeply. We've weathered storms together, but God remains in control.
Then the moment of joy?
When he turned 60, I flew back from America, and we celebrated his birthday at the Civic Centre. It was a fantastic event. Even while we were still in America, he had already gained recognition in the Nigerian community. Whenever Sunny Ade came around, he would always refer to him as Oba. He always carried himself regally. From birth, he had that royal aura. He's also a brilliant businessman—I can testify to that.
Now that he has become an Oba, would you still prostrate for him, since you used to be a friend?
Unfortunately, I must. Publicly, I have no choice. I 'coronated' him in my heart when he was a teenager. We lived and schooled together, and I never called him by his first name. Even though we are friends, tradition must be respected.
Kabiyesi is over 70 years old now. Were you not worried that your prophecy about him becoming king might not come to pass?
No, I was never worried. To me, becoming a king is a function of one's accomplishments. While it's good to give young people opportunities, I personally believe in experience. Take England, for instance—the Queen reigned until old age, and her successor is also aged.
In Nigeria, with multiple royal families taking turns, patience is necessary. When Baba Aromolaran passed, I asked him if he would contest. His response was uncertain. I challenged him to go for it—and he did. I thank God he made it.
Now, my greatest prayer is for him to leave a lasting legacy for the Ijesa people.
What are the things you think the world, especially the Ijesa people, should expect from Kabiyesi?
He's a man of integrity and commitment. Once he believes in a cause, it's nearly impossible to sway him. I have complete faith in his steadfastness. I only wish him long life and good health.
If he gives his word, he rarely goes back on it. I remember when he went into politics in 1983–84 and contested to become a senator representing Ijesa/Ife. I was his campaign manager while teaching at UI. We were even chased out of a polling booth. But he remained focused and didn’t give up. He later became deputy governor under the late Senator Adetunji Olurin.
Eventually, he left politics to focus on business, and he succeeded. When he commits, you can take it to the bank.
People should support him wholeheartedly. At 74, I believe he will restore Ijesa’s lost glory, and we in the diaspora will do our best to support him.
Culled from The Nation Newspaper