“Alhaji was known and famous in his later years for his ‘Bashorun Rock Series of intellectual interventions’ which attracted some of the best brains in Nigeria to his house at Orita Bashorun, Ibadan members who met regularly. The members of Bashorun Rock “Institute” were the cream of Professors, Doctors, Chiefs, Businessmen and sound public servants.”
I was informed about the demise of Alhaji Adebayo Adetunji very today (24 May 2020) by Technocrat Fisan Bankale, one of the several children of this uncommonly unique Ibadan man.
Prof Tunde Adeniran, also one of followers of Chief Adetunji and I were with Alhaji Adetunji in December last year to brainstorm about current affairs and to eat the famous Sunday rice and stew. This Adetunji Sunday Rice has been routinely served for over 30 years to my knowledge.
Alhaji, as he is simply called, became ill early March 2020, later spent about two weeks in UCH in April and was discharged early May to recuperate at home. He died in the evening yesterday, 23 May 2020 at 88.
Alhaji was known and famous in his later years for his ‘Bashorun Rock Series of intellectual interventions’ which attracted some of the best brains in Nigeria to his house at Orita Bashorun, Ibadan members who met regularly. The members of Bashorun Rock “Institute” were the cream of Professors, Doctors, Chiefs, Businessmen and sound public servants.
As the FRSC Corps Marshal & Chief Executive, I was invited twice to be Guest Speaker at Bashorun Rock. First, to explain the then new Driver’s Licence Scheme in April 1990 and again to talk about the then new Vehicle Number Plate System in November 1992.
Talking about onions, if a Guest faced the Bashorun Rock “Institute” without knowing his onions, he would end up cutting the onions himself and rubbing them on his own face.
The Bashorun Rock Intervention was quite friendly but could be highly engaging. It was as unique and special just as its founder, Alhaji Adebayo Adetunji, also know as “Adetunji Oni-siga”.
Baba Adetunji has gone to rest ni yen o. No more intellectual, social or philanthropic engagements.
May God grant him eternal peace and comfort the families, friends and associates.
Dr Olu Agunloye writes from Ibadan
