By Ajibade Alabi
Many people and even faithful watchers of the Nigeria movie industry, especially the Yoruba genre hardly knows the state where Odunlade Adekola comes from. In fact, a popular Nigeria newspaper in an intro to an interview stated that the current most popular Yoruba movie actor, Odunlade Adekola comes from Abeokuta, Ogun State.
For obvious reasons the reporter could be forgiven given the fact that the handsome actor is well-known and established in Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State
“You don’t need to blame anyone or any publishing firm that associates my background with Abeokuta; don’t forget that I have been in Abeokuta for many years and not only that, I speak the Egba language fluently such that most people believe I am from the state” Odunlade stated in a recent encounter with this reporter.
But that is not all; Adekola also has a challenge convincing many people that he is from Ekiti state. “Whenever I tell people I am a proud Ekiti man, many still think I am not been sincere or that I am just trying to escape or hide from my identity. But the fact remains I am proud Ekiti man from Ekiti State”
When asked if he visits his state frequently to at least have a feeling of his home town, he resorted, “Why not? Home is home; there is no way I don’t do that even though I am always busy due to the nature of my profession where we move from one location to another. That notwithstanding, I still use my spare time to do the needful by visiting my state”
Though he acknowledged the fact that he has more investments in Abeokuta, Ogun State than his home state does not mean he does not have the intention of similar desires in his home state.
“Of course I knew I haven’t done much for my state” says Adekola in his baritone voice which stands him among his peers, “ but you need to understand that most of my time are spent here in Abeokuta; I had my primary and secondary school education here in Abeokuta. Remember also that I had my breakthrough as an actor here in Abeokuta where I usually participated in my church (Christ Apostolic Church, Lafenwa, Abeokuta) during our yearly anniversary events. I have the apple opportunity to invest here, since I am more known in this place. Having said that, I need to let people know I have a lot up my sleeves for the development of my state. I don’t want to pre-empty anything now. Yoruba will say “Ile labo sinmi oko” which literally means West or North, home is the final destination”
“Ekiti State is one of the best in Nigeria and it will continue to be so; we have many of our people who are doing well in their respective professions, not only in the entertainment world”
Adekola completed his degree in Business Studies at the University of Lagos, after obtaining a National Diploma from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State.
