Chief Mojisola Ladipo,mni, former Registrar, University of Ibadan and Aare Alaasa Iyalode of Ibadan land deserves all the accolades in this world. She has proven to be a mother, role model and a fortress in times of need.
Our path crossed when I was an undergraduate in the University of Ibadan where she was the Registrar. As an activist on campus we had cause to interface with the management on issues affecting the welfare of students on campus. She always appeared elegant, beautiful and graceful.
However, because of the tough stance of the management on issues, we perceived her as wicked, uncaring and high handed.
Our closeness started when I came back from a two semester rustication, where she invited me to her office for a one – on – one talk. We became very close and she started monitoring my academic progress.
She was always assuring me of her support throughout the remaining period of my studentship. She actually lived up to expectation as I was further rusticated in my final year. As at the time of the second rustication, she was at Kuru, Plateau State for an Executive course and when I called her, she assured me that she would do something about it, which she eventually did. I graduated with my colleagues and attended the law school at the same time.
I got married before I completed my program in the University of Ibadan, and Chief Mojisola Ladipo attended the wedding ceremony at Omu- Ijebu, Ogun State to the amazement of all other students that were present at the occasion.
She did not only come, she gave us money in foreign denominations which we used to purchase baby things. The boy now by the special grace of God will also be an undergraduate in the University of Ibadan next session.
Through her benevolence, I was able to go to the Law School with my classmates ( though resumed late) and she followed up on my wellbeing at the Law school.
I remember the day I was posted to Olujinmi & Akeredolu for my chambers attachment and I told her so, she said in her angelic voice, “that’s Rotimi’s office, I will tell him that my Son is in his office and he will take care of you”. The relationship between me and Aketi can better be imagined.
When I was eventually called to the bar, the bond between us grew stronger and there is hardly any event organised by her that I will not be invited. Till date, I see her as my God mother – a woman I can open my heart to anytime.
Today I join hundreds of people you have influenced and inspired to wish you a heartfelt birthday. Thanks for transforming our dreams into realities. Thanks for being a mother and a mentor.
Ibrahim Lawal is the Head of Chamber, Olujinmi & Akeredolu, The Law Hub, 9, Ring Road, Opposite Iyaganku GRA Roundabout, Ibadan
