“Flamingo!!!” he shouted and rushed out of the class. We were in Form Four. Mr. Apata from Ishan Ekiti was teaching us Commerce. We nicknamed him ‘Del credere’ in the manner of the forms of agent he taught us. He was a man nobody could predict. His mood swings were suspect. We both loved and feared him. So, when he dropped the chalk, shouted and ran out of the class, we could only exchange glances.
Almost by the entrance to the class, the two friends embraced. The one hailed ‘Flamingo’ was tall and wore an afro hairstyle. We peeped from the windows. I saw him and recognition instantly leapt into my face. Yes, Ògá Ayò, Omo Bàbá Àlùfáà lèhí (This is Brother Ayo, the son of Baba Reverend), I said in my mind. I knew him to be an elderly townsman who lives across the road.
It wasn’t until years later that I got to know that Flamingo is a cousin. His paternal grandmother, Yeye Bia (Beatrice), was a first cousin to my father. I also got close to his younger brother, the last of their three siblings, Brother Biodun Olatunji, popularly known as Oba India. Flamingo’s immediate younger brother, Olu Olatunji, was the quietest of the trio. I dare not say that Oba India was in a class of his own in terms of ‘rascality!’
The Yoruba ethos of Omoluabi does not allow the younger one to call his elder names. But Oba India was a handful. As a son of an Anglican clergy, Oba India was never absent at masquerade grooves and he entered not a few Ìgbàlès (sacred enclaves)! The good news, however, about the three siblings is that today, they are all professors! Three children born of the same parents all took to academics and rose to the pinnacles of their chosen careers in Estate Management, Psychology and Geography and Urban Planning!
Flamingo, who, in the academic world is known as Professor Isaac Ayodele Olatunji, will turn 70 years on Thursday, May 27, 2026. The beauty of the septuagenarian’s birthday is that in a rare occurrence in the academics, Flamingo will on Tuesday deliver the Federal University of Oye, FUOYE’s 24th Inaugural Lecture on the topic: “Housing Care and Support for Nigerians –The Optimality Dimension to a Critical Real Estate Decision.” What a complimentary way to end one’s career!
My interactions with Brother Ayo over the years have been very illuminating. He was one of the few elderly fellows who opened up and accepted me into their folds. The night I spent in his home in Minna, Niger state, in 1995, where I had gone on an errand for his friend and professional mate, the late Brother Olalere Ayegbusi, was one of the most unforgettable periods as we debated virtually all issues we could remember.
Brilliant, confident, a great listener, and a good conversationalist, Brother Ayo is a delight any day! Behind his gentle disposition is a rich mind full of ideas. His soft-spoken nature is one of his greatest natural assets, and I have no doubt that his students, both at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and at FUOYE, must have been extremely lucky to have come across a rich mind and great teacher in our dear Flamingo.
As you join the most eminent group of Àgbà Ùlú (leaders of the town) at 70, I pray that you will occupy your seat among the wise of our land for a long time.
Congratulations and happy 70th birthday and retirement, Brother Ayo, the real Omo Alapoporo; Omo Olosan yinyun!
