Deplorable road. Decaying government infrastructure. With over 100,000 books on African politics, economy, health, trade, arts and crafts, and military, the need to protect, preserve, and conserve the treasure troves domiciled inside Adeyipo, a Village that lies 5km of Olorunda in Lagelu local government has never been more urgent.
Despite being an outlier, that village has struggled to live up to its potential. As the only African Village to rival Washington in the US and London in the UK in terms of collection of black race literature, Adeyipo Village continues to stand as a testament to African enduring cultural heritage. In a way, when they say Oyo is a pace-setter state, it is because of places like Adeyipo where the African Heritage Research Library and Cultural Center (AHRLC), a strategic, quiet, and tranquil intellectual hotbed that is in dire need of government’s attention sits.
Established in 1987 by one of Nigeria’s literary icons, Professor Bayo Adebowale, AHRLC offers a tantalizing welcome to the world of African literature and culture. In essence, the place boosts huge and breathtaking collections. And has become a Mecca of sorts where research has been conducted, moves acted and intensive intellectual exploration embarked upon. It is a place that in other words should be a sanctuary of erudition for a passionate book lover like Governor Seyi Makinde except the road that links the community is in tatter.
In the early days of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, ace broadcaster, Edmund Obilo once paid a visit to his private residence. The purpose of that visitation as the news report shows was to congratulate the Governor and present powerful books that may shape some of his ideas about politics and governance – going forward. Surprisingly, the visit worked like magic. Over the course of his first term, and despite his busy schedule, Governor Makinde ensured he stayed consistent and connected to his books. As subscribers to his newsletter will attest, Governor Makinde’s passion for books has only grown in leaps and bounds.
That we have a Governor who is passionate about knowledge means appealing to him concerning the pains and plights of Adeyipo Village will not fall on deaf ears. Interestingly, no Governor has created such an assemblage of reading lists like him in the state. Simply, Governor Makinde not only reads, he also shares his thoughts on the contents of the books he has read. I think it is an honor to bring the plights of the people of Adeyipo and its surroundings to the Governor’s attention. In previous columns, I have commended Governor Makinde’s incredible and impressive efforts in road infrastructure across the state. I noted that lots of townsfolks now regarded him as a messiah, a savior who had come to relieve them of their pains. I am optimistic these infrastructural gestures would be extended to the people who overwhelmingly and massively voted for him in the last election.
Despite a series of failed promises, the people have remained undaunted. Roads are bad but they keep walking and working. Life is hard but they keep living and striving. They are simply some of the dogged and resilient in the country. Unfortunately, they have had to contend with the gradual descent of their community from a melting point of knowledge to one of symbolic interaction. In addition, they have also witnessed the rise of their community as a bride of highly placed people to one of abandonment.
The place that used to be a jackpot of gold and a land of intellectual opportunity has only been left to wither into obscurity. As at the last count, five former Governors have visited the place each making efforts that lifted the plights of the people in different ways. But the people contented that it was former Osun state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who has made a significant leap in the place. Still, they have faith and hope in Governor Seyi Makinde because the last Governor of Oyo state to visit that place was also from the People’s Democratic Party!
For instance, in the last election, the people of Lagelu local government of which Adeyipo Village is a part voted massively for Governor Seyi Makinde. With 19, 104 to 7, 432 votes to his closest rival Senator Teslim Folarin, the people made it clear who they admired, supported, and endorsed. Consequently, the overwhelming support and goodwill extended to the Governor are a testament to their love for him and reflections of his achievements and commitment to good governance. Many Villagers believe the Governor has shown remarkable concern for the people’s plights. They noted that the ways he has consistently paid workers salaries, constructed roads, invested in the health care system, and prioritized agriculture are quite inspiring. Now they want him to look at their direction and change their story for good.
The founder of the African Heritage Research Library and Cultural Center (AHRLC), Adeyipo Village Professor Bayo Adebowale told me he founded that place to demystify the negative construct around rural areas in Africa. He said his decision could be termed as a sort of deviance to the uppity mentality of people in the West and those that have swallowed their culture hook, line, and sinker in Urban centers. He said the Governor is the guardian angel the people have been waiting for.
And that mere grading of the road in addition to the construction of drainage will go a long way in ameliorating. By grading that road, the Governor will not only open that place for intellectual exploration but will pave the way for the socio-economic growth and development of the area. Fixing the road will fixed lots of challenges confronting the people of that area and its surroundings.
OYO101 is Muftau Gbadegesin’s opinion about issues affecting Oyo state and is published every Saturday. He can be reached via @muftaugbade on X, muftaugbadegesin@gmail.com and 09065176850.
