Oloye Sir Adeyemo Alakija, KBE (25 May 1884 ā 10 May 1952), was a distinguished Nigerian attorney, politician, and entrepreneur. He was a member of the Nigerian Legislative Council for nine years starting in 1933 and became a member of the Governor’s Executive Council in 1942. Alakija led Egbe Omo Oduduwa from 1948 until his death in 1952.
His collaboration with Herbert Macaulay and Egerton Shyngle early in his political career elevated his status, but after a fallout with Macaulay and due to his moderate political stance, his popularity declined until the early 1950s when he began to regain public favor. Alakija developed strong connections with various organizations and communities, including the Lebanese and Syrian communities in Nigeria. He was honored with a medal of the cedars after visiting Lebanon in 1949.
He held titles such as Lisa of Egbaland and Woje Ileri of Ile-Ife.
Early Life and Education
Born to Marculino (sometimes called Elemeji) and Maxmilliana Assumpcao, Alakija was the youngest of seven siblings. His father was of Egba origin, and his mother was the daughter of Alfa Cyprian Akinosho Tairu of Oyo. His eldest brother, Maxwell Porphyrio Assumpcao-Alakija, was a barrister in Bahia and father-in-law to Sir Olumuyiwa Jibowu. His brother Olayimika Alakija was also a former member of the Nigerian Legislative Council. His elder sister, Tejumade Assumpcao, became Olori Tejumade Alakija Ademola, Lady Ademola, after marrying Sir Ladapo Ademola, the Alake of Egbaland. Alakija attended St Gregory’s Catholic School and CMS Grammar School, Lagos, before studying at Oxford University in the early 1930s. He was a strong advocate for higher education for Nigerians during the colonial era.
After completing his secondary education, Alakija worked in the post office starting in 1900 and served in the civil service for ten years. He then studied law in London, earning his qualification in 1913, and subsequently opened a law practice in Lagos. Despite the success of his law firm, he faced opposition in politics from Herbert Macaulay, a former ally, due to their differing views during the Lagos Eleko crisis. Alakija, who opposed Eshugbayi Eleko, the Oba of Lagos, and his supporters, was a candidate in the 1923 legislative elections but did not win. However, he served as a nominated member representing Egba division in the Legislative Council from 1933 to 1941 and was the first president of the Island Club.
Personal Life
Alakija married Christina Ayodele George in 1907, who passed away in 1938. He later married Lady Ayodele. He sent most of his children from his first marriage to Britain for education. His only daughter was Aduke Alakija, and his son Babatunde was a British Public School High Jump champion and one of the first Africans to train as a pilot. Another son, Oluwole Ayodele Alakija, was the former president of WASU in London and a member of Egbe Omo Oduduwa. Chief Alakija was a founding member and president of the Island Club of Lagos and vice president of the Nigeria Football Association in 1933. His grandson, Kojo Annan, is a Ghanaian businessman and the son of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Career
Sir Adeyemo Alakija was a newspaper pioneer, co-founding the Daily Times of Nigeria with Ernest Ikoli and Richard Barrow, and became chairman of the paper’s publishing arm, the Nigerian Printing and Publishing Company. Despite the paperās pro-government stance, it thrived with the support of advertising from expatriate companies. Alakija was also a member of the Governor’s Executive Council and president of the Nigerian Youth Movement. Influenced by cultural nationalism, he led his family to adopt the native name Alakija in 1913, abandoning their assimilated Portuguese name. He was later elevated to the aristocracy of his tribe, being named Bariyun of the Ake Lineage of Egbaland and Woje Ileri of Ile-Ife. Alakija, originally named Placido, was of Afro-Brazilian descent, like many freed slaves in Lagos, and was part of the prominent Amaros community.
In Nigeria, he embraced traditional Yoruba elements, co-founding the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity and becoming the Olori Oluwo or “Grandmaster” of the brotherhood. He introduced masonic symbols into the organization and was also a high-ranking freemason.
Alakija played a significant role in the development of Egbe Omo Oduduwa and the Action Group, contributing to both organizations.
He passed away on May 10, 1952, shortly after attending a dinner hosted by Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony.
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