Now, The Leviathan is 80: The Awori Living Legend, Senator Akin Odunsi – Azeem Salako.

A titan of integrity, vision, and service, Senator Odunsi’s life has been a testament to his staunch commitment to the progress and prosperity of his people.

 

I and Mr. Ganiu Lawal (Pepper) were together on 23rd October 2011, when my phone rang, and I picked up; it was the voice of the late Chief Bashiru Oko Osi (Parakoyi). “Azeem, Distinguished Senator Odunsi will be willing to receive you tomorrow morning at his residence in Ota,” he spoke enthusiastically. Only you. He emphasized.

 

Another call came in, not more than 10 minutes later, sharing the same information, more detailed, with a formal tone. Guess who, Mr. Tunde Amusa. Mr. Amusa was the right-hand man of Sen. Odunsi, even to date. The mood lightened up from when I shared the information with Pepper and, later in the day, with my leader, Elder Lamidi Lawal LMD. One snag: there was no way I would be at the senator’s residence without Pepper. His concern was the meeting. At least, I persuaded him to go with me if only to take me to Mayegun’s private castle, which I actually don’t know.

 

Pronto, the meeting of 24th October 2011 with KABO, as he was then referred to, did not only become the first day I met Sen. Akin Odunsi in the flesh. The father-son relationship that endured years, prospered, and created lasting legacies was born on that date. As I write, with a feeling of nostalgia, I remember the meeting was held in his private living room. It was exclusive, brief, straightforward, and yet engaging. After the convo, I became more convinced, having described him [Sen. Odunsi] in my article as “The Leviathan of our time” in Awori land.

 

Let’s take a step back to understand who is a Leviathan. An English philosopher, Thomas Hobbes, in his work “Leviathan,” literally describes the subject as an all-encompassing sovereign that maintains order and stability in society. In operational terms, Leviathan represents a central authority that provides a necessary structure and intervention to keep the society in order. Say, a rallying figure. In relation to Senator Akin Odunsi, the name “The Leviathan” presents a charismatic leader who brings order, stability, and progress to his community, much like Hobbes’ concept of Leviathan in the post-state of nature. “Leviathan” could imply, in the Yoruba context, the prestigious title “Mayegun,” which would later be conferred on Senator Akin Odunsi by the then Olota of Ota, Oba Moshood Alani Oyede.

 

Back to the main point. The late Parakoyi had a copy of the article. Social media had not been revolutionized, and Facebook seemed to be the only new media app. I write my articles on current affairs with a pen on paper. I, alongside Pepper, take them to a computer center, Fumko at Oju Ore, for typing and printing. We will print multiple copies and drop them at the palace, from where people pick, read, and discuss. It was the article titled “Sen. Akin Odunsi: The Leviathan of Our Time” that caught the attention of Parakoyi, who insisted the senator must see it and read it. Sen Odunsi, a man who values and rewards intellectual work, went further and arranged a meeting with the young, exuberant, and critical boy behind the pen.

 

Beyond what I have documented seeing afar, at a closer range is a man of great virtues. Sen. Odunsi throughout the conversation exemplifies unfathomable humility, a deep-seated patriotism for his people, and an unsettling energy toward youth development.

 

Odunsi lamented the historical setback the Awori race suffered under colonialism, particularly the subjugation to smaller kingdoms like the Egba. He decried the deliberate fragmentation of the Aworis, resulting in weakened cultural, economic, and political influence, masterminded by the military dictatorships. Mayegun was perturbed by the legitimation of this historical injustice even under civilian code. The quest for justice for Sen. Odunsi is not a question of his ethnic sentiment but of his profound principle as a thorough humanist.

 

As senator, Baba Odunsi championed the legislative effort to change the hitherto called Egbado ethnic group to Yewa, promoting cultural autonomy of the Yewas. He is bitter that the Awori in Ogun State are sandwiched under two different and separate traditional councils. For him, the Awori Traditional Council is long overdue and the game changer for the Aworis, particularly in Ogun State. Similarly, a governor from Ogun West will mark the turning point in the development of the Ogun West senatorial district. Odunsi is always clear in thought, teleological in vision, and strategic in executing ideas.

 

These virtues must have endeared him to his senate colleagues, who, as a first-timer in the senate, nominated him vice chairman of a critical committee, the Senate Committee on Police Affairs. He came to public service from the private sector with many virtues: a track record, corporate experience, and the consumer-first and customer-is-always-right ideology.

 

I highlighted the following in my February 2015 article titled “SEN. AKIN ODUNSI OGUN GUBER RACE: A Symbol of Democracy.“

 

“Odunsi, as Senator of Ogun West (2011-2015), performed excellently, whether in the area of rural electrification, providing job opportunities, advocating cultural rights, authentication and autonomy, or even building infrastructure. He had remodeled our educational consciousness, rewarded academic excellence, and attracted the presence of a federally owned educational institution.”

 

“Senator Akin Odunsi has demonstrated a combination of people-centric orientation and moral consciousness that is in critical need in Ogun State.”

 

“A successful private sector icon, Mayegun of Ota kingdom, a detribalized figure and true believer in God, is no doubt the man the masses beckon on to steer the wheel of governance in Ogun State come 2015 under the platforms of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).”

 

“I have not defined Senator Akin Odunsi as an ethnic champion or his choice (as governor) based on ethnic terms but on democracy, track record, and the future of our dear state.”

 

As Senator Akin Babalola Odunsi celebrates his 80th birthday today, July 23, 2025, the Awori community comes together to pay tribute to a living legend. A man dedicated to excellence, service, leadership, and mentorship, Senator Odunsi’s life has been a testament to his unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people.

 

May Allah bless him with good health, longevity, and continued guidance to witness the realization of his vision for the Awori land.

 

Azeem Salako is an Awori, a research fellow at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.

  • gistlifetv

    Gistlifetv is all about news, entertainment with latest movies

    Related Posts

    Oyo Govt Seals 15 Veterinary Outlets, Confiscates Goods

    The Oyo State Government has sealed 15 veterinary outlets and confiscated goods worth millions of naira for violating provisions of the Oyo State Private Veterinary Premises and Veterinary Establishment (Regulation)…

    Nurses begin seven-day nationwide strike Tuesday

    Nurses in Nigeria will begin a seven-day nationwide strike on Tuesday, following a notice issued by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM). This notice demands improved welfare,…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *