By Raji Bomodeoku

Nigeria, often regarded as a blessed nation, is home to many exemplary individuals who embody the nation’s potential for greatness. One of such figure is Senator Olabode Olajumoke, LLB, LLM, a man whose life story is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, integrity and the story of a true Nigerian.

Born in Lagos on 1st July 1944, Senator Olajumoke hails from Imeri in Ose LGA of OndoState. He attended Fiditi Grammar School from 1957-1962.  His father was late Chief Nathaniel Olajumoke of Imeri in Ose LGA and his mother was late Mrs Elizabeth Olajumoke whose mother in turn hailed from Idoani and father from Agbado-Ekiti.

After completing his WASC Exams, he joined the Nigerian Ports Authority in Lagos and later the Daily Times of Nigeria as a Reporter-in-Training.

His career took a significant turn when he covered the famous treasonable felony case of the FGN vs Dr. Tunji Otegbeye. This experience influenced his decision to study law and introduced him to one of Nigeria’s foremost revolutionaries, late Dr. Tunji Otegbeye. Senator Olajumoke joined the Nigerian Youth Congress of Dr. Otegbeye, where he was exposed to Marxist-Leninist thoughts. He has read the thoughts of Mao Tse Tung, Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Frantz Fannon, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Leopold Senghor, Mwalimu Nyerere and many other, from where he has built his strong Marxist  belief.

When the 1st People’s Party – the Socialist Workers and Farmers Party of Nigeria (SWAFP) was formed, he was there, and became the 1st Secretary of SWAFP in Abeokuta.

He furthered his education with a Soviet Union government scholarship to study law at the Friendship University in Moscow. He excelled, earning an LL.M degree, and later pursued a doctoral degree in International Law at the University of Edinburgh, U.K.

Returning to Nigeria in 1974, Senator Olajumoke joined the Federal Civil Service before attending the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, as a mature student in 1980. He obtained his certificate as a solicitor and barrister of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

In 1987, he left the Federal Civil Service to establish his legal practice, Popoola and Olajumoke, as a Principal Partner at Tafa Balewa Square, Lagos. His commitment to public service led him to venture into politics in the early nineties, convening the Imeri Unity Group (IUG), a pseudo-political movement aimed at galvanizing Yoruba-speaking people of the six Southwest states and the two states of Kogi and Kwara to play central politics. It worked as the movement attracted followers of Governor Jakande and his deputy Jafojo, Chief J.S Olawoyin of Offa, Chief Yomi Akintola and Chief OluwoleAwolowo both from the prominent families of late S.L.A. Akintola’s family of Ogbomoso and late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s of Ikenneetc, and many other prominent Yorubasto play a central role in national politics.

In 2007, Senator Olajumoke successfully ran for the Senatorial seat of Ondo North, winning one of the largest votes nationwide. In the Senate, he sponsored numerous bills and motions aimed at improving the welfare of his constituents.

Senator Olajumoke’s life exemplifies the values of hard work, discipline, and integrity. As a visionary entrepreneur, he has not only built successful businesses but has also created opportunities for others through employment and economic growth.

His commitment to business integrity, genuine philanthropy, and true statesmanship has earned him a place as a notable history maker in Nigeria. One of his most significant achievements was the Disability Bill 2011, which focused on making all public buildings accessible to disabled persons, a cause he championed both as a Senator and as Pro-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.This landmark bill indeed had been tested and actualized some years earlier when Dr Bode Olajumoke was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of AdekunleAjasin University, Akungba-Akoko. As the Pro-Chancellor, he ensured good road networks sprawled the university landscapes, modern lecture theatres were constructed. 

He insisted that all these emerging structures – roads, buildings, lecture theatres were all disabled compliant.

He did not limit this disability care campaign to AdekunleAjasin University. 

As a prominent member of the national conference of Pro-Chancellors, he persuaded his colleagues to adopt the policy of making their campuses disabled friendly. Some Pro-Chancellors visited his University to learn the concept. Such was his passion for the disabled and less privileged that at the earliest opportunity he had as a senator, his major bill on disability in the one term he was privileged to serve was passed by the Senate into law.

Despite the challenges faced by Nigeria, Senator Olajumoke stands as a beacon of hope and 

Inspiration for our country

Today, Sen Olajumoke’s legacy extends beyond politics. His humanitarian pursuits in rehabilitative care, orphanages and scholarship has restored hope for thousands of Nigerians who have been impacted  directly or indirectly  by his generosity among others. His philanthropic efforts have also touched the lives of many, transcending religious and ethnic divides.

Senator Olajumoke’s life is a reminder that success is not measured by wealth alone but by the impact one has on others. His humility, generosity, and commitment to serving humanity are qualities that all Nigerians can emulate.

As he celebrates his 80th birthday, let us celebrate this true symbol of the Nigerian dream and wish him many more years of health, happiness, and success.

•Bomodeoku is Olajumoke’s Mentee