Dateline: October 14, 2022. The innovational literary actor and producer moved away from his regular stage (the desk) from which his props (pen and computer) have created many interesting characters in colorful costumes, worthy of viewing over the years.
He then moved temporarily to a larger and more open stage where a 'Stage Manager' paid homage to him on the stage by prostrating in greetings; an agelong way of respecting elders by the Yoruba people of Southwest Nigeria.
Even if the 'golden fish' literary high-flier actor had thought he could hide from such performance, the stage manager proved him wrong as he was sought-after and brought to the centre stage before a large joyful audience.
The cool elderly prolific writer, Adetola Adeniyi known to all and sundry as Tola Adeniyi has been found out again! Though he prefers to lead a quiet life, devoid of 'notice me' drama, those who appreciate rare creativity laced with a penchant for way-forward journalism like Yinka Farinde would never leave him alone. His being a literary live-wire always saw to that.
Adeniyi has been honoured again! This time, with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Chairman/CEO of ABEDORC, Farinde, a Canada-based major producer and promoter of music and Creative Arts. Farinde pulled the crowd to the National Events Centre, Toronto, Ontario where he celebrated creativity and ingenuity at the yearly ABEDORC recognitions recently.
The Ago-Iwoye-born Akogun Oodua of Yorubaland, Adeniyi shone like a million stars at the event attended by cream de-la-cream of the society from Canada and the United States of America. The hall was filled to the brim, with several renowned artistes, singers, rappers, stand-up comedians, poets, dancers and musicians.
Founder of the Canada-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Adeniyi, though used to the paparazzi of such events, was amazed at the calibre of attendees in the star-studded hall.
Dressed in a regal navy blue flowing attire known as babariga or agbada back home in Nigeria, with his wife and regular companion of several decades, Olubunmi Adeniyi, the Yeyesorun of Ile-Ife, closely by his side, he greeted known faces and settled down for the business of the day.
The literary giant's active worklife traversed various print media and government appointments over five decades; at Sketch Newspapers, Nigerian Tribune, Daily Times of Nigeria, and many others, where he held top editorial positions as Editor-in-Chief/Chief Executive Officer.
Though not loud or attention-seeking, Adeniyi's works make the screaming; extremely loud noise that could not be ignored by lovers of literary perfection. No wonder the ABEDORC boss found him worthy of honour.
Adeniyi of the Aba Saheed (one of the regular columns that endeared him to readers) fame was the Founder/Chairman of Canada University Press and Canada College of Business and Technology.
His 'Till Death Do Us Part' column in the Nigerian Tribune back in the day attracted many greenhorns like yours truly, to his writings. The weekly newness and freshness of the column always appealed to my fantasy, making me think, 'one day, I hope to write like this guru!'
Somehow, fate landed me on his path in 1983 when he gave me the opportunity of writing a regular column for his newspapers; The Naked World, and the Sunday Stamp. I indeed learnt a lot from him.
Adeniyi's Richmond Hill home has always been a warm haven in a cold-climate part of the world for Nigerian purposeful visitors. His cheerful and hospitable wife, Olubunmi, is ever ready to welcome visitors, amid glances, eye contacts and banters with her husband. Did you say love that stood the test of time? (Smiles)... you're right, but do not tell Mummy Adeniyi I said that oooo.
May I join other respecters of sound brains in congratulating you on this latest honour, sir? I believe more are in the offing for the pen that never gets weary.
