Last night, we lost one of the Best Talking Drummer in Egba history, Alhaji Adewole Alao Onilu Ola. He was the Leader of Ayinla Omowura Apala Group until the tragic death of Alhaji Ayinla Omowura in 1980.
We celebrated baba Adewole’s 97th Birthday on the 28th November, 2020 and he died on the 30th December 2020.
We thank God for his life!
In 2009, I invited some friends in Nigeria and in Diaspora to let us look out for the Reigning Stars of those days who are now Old and in financial need. His Royal Majesty, The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedodotun Aremu Gbadebo was the one who got a Keesi Chief to take me to the home of Baba Adewole Onilu Ola.
I opened an account for him at Sterling Bank Abeokuta, to receive and account for the donations. My friends in Diaspora and at home responded generously and that was how my Historic relationship with Baba Adewole started.
My dear friend, Prof Ola Adeoye from the USA came with Arewa Folashade Oshun and they joined me in Abeokuta. After greeting Kabiyesi Alake, we went , first to Ayinla Omowura’s house in Itoko where we were received by Akeem Omowura (sadly, he’s dead too) and his siblings, including Haruna Omowura who is now very close to me!
Then we went to Baba Adewole and spent the whole day with him. We asked for his needs and God assisted us to fulfil his dreams! From his leaking roof to his regular medications till he passed!
Notable among the helpers was my dear Aburo who also died few weeks ago, Hakeem Adenekan!… So sad!! I also appreciate some AGSOBAS and other Yoruba people in Diaspora who assisted Baba Adewole.
I appreciate Senator Ibikunle Amosun for helping Baba Adewole during the Drum Festival, when he was Governor of Ogun State.
As fate would have it, an opportunity presented itself in 2015 and Femi Dosumu, husband of Baba Adewole’s last born, Toyosi, became my staff at ANED. Baba was ever grateful when he got to know later.
Baba Adewole would visit me and beat the Talking drum to entertain us. He gave me Two Talking Drums, one was one of the Talking drums he played under Ayinla Omowura Band up till 1980! I cherish these rare gifts!!
Baba Adewole Alao, Please tell Ayinla Omowura that snr AGSOBA, Brother Tunde Kelani (TK) has immortalized both of you in his new film, AYINLA KO KU!
“Adewole onilu Ola, Oga Ayinla Omowura motu, Kaabo se daada lo de!”
Goodbye Year 2020…
2020 the Year of many Deaths!
2021, Please beware of 2020…
2021, Please come alone…
2021, Please don’t talk to 2020…
2021, Please don’t be like 2020…
Year 2020, O nii wa mo o!!!!
Baba Adewole Alao omo oniya o mebi… O DI GBERE O!!!!
