Otunba Adisa Osiefa Abolore recently opened up about his roots, family history, and the early milestones that shaped his life. Let me do it this way. Kindly follow me!
Interviewer: Sir, let’s start from your family background. Who was your father, and what can you tell us about him?
Otunba Osiefa: My father was popularly known as Alhaji Ditto Akorede. “Ditto” came from his habit of repeating that word during meetings. Anytime he agreed with a point, he would simply say “Ditto,” and over time, it became his identity.
Interviewer: That’s quite interesting. What about the name “Akorede”? Does it have a special meaning or story?
Otunba Osiefa: He was called Akorede because he was the second person to perform Hajj in Epe. In those days, that was a big achievement, so people identified him with it.
Interviewer: So, would it be right to say his religious journey influenced your own life?
Otunba Osiefa: Of course. In fact, after my father returned from Hajj, I was the first child he had. That’s why I was named Abolore.
Interviewer: Interesting. So, your name—Abolore—also has a connection to that journey?
Otunba Osiefa: Yes, it does.
Interviewer: Looking at your life, there seems to be a pattern of early accomplishments. Would you agree?
Otunba Abolore: (nods) Yes, you can say that. Many things came quite early for me. I got my first job at 21, and by 23, I had travelled to the United Kingdom. Later on, I built my first house at 39. I also performed Hajj at 39, went again at 41, and observed Umrah at 45.
Interviewer: That suggests a life that moved with structure and timing. Would you say things fell into place naturally for you?
Otunba Osiefa: (smiles) I would say things worked out in a steady and orderly way. Of course, life has its moments, but I have always tried to move forward without allowing challenges to weigh me down.
Interviewer: That’s quite remarkable. Would you say your upbringing contributed to these early achievements?
Otunba Osiefa: Yes, in many ways. My father was a popular cow seller, well known in our area. Growing up under him exposed me to discipline and hard work.
Interviewer: You lost him quite early, right?
Otunba Osiefa: Yes, I lost my father in 1960 while I was still in secondary school.
Interviewer: That must have been a difficult experience at that stage of your life.
Otunba Osiefa: It was a significant moment, no doubt. But it also made me more focused. I had to grow up quickly and take life more seriously.
Closing Reflection
There is a quiet consistency in Otunba Abolore’s story—one shaped by early exposure, discipline, and a mindset that refuses to dwell on hardship. His journey reflects not the absence of challenges, but the ability to move through life with steadiness and purpose.
Watch out for the next edition, where he shares deeper insights into his marital life.
***Published on April 11, 2026
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