Sir Bode Akindele, Iyalode Amina Abiodun: Farewell True-Blue Culture Icons of Pacesetter State

By Oloye Lekan Alabi/

TRIBUTE:

THE FASHION TIES BETWEEN SIR (CHIEF) BODE AKINDELE, KJW, OFR, PARAKOYI OF IBADANLAND, BABA IJO, METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA, AGBENI, IBADAN, OYO STATE AND CHAIRMAN, MONDANDOLA GROUP (2nd June 1933 to 29th June 2020) AND THE LATE IYALODE AMINA ABIODUN

Sir Bode and the immediate past Iyalode of Ibadanland, the late High Chief (Alhaja) Aminat Abiodun, were two dear peas in a pod.

They were pious, shared time-honoured Yoruba ethos, passion for tradition and culture, business acumen and integrity, little wonder they both reached the zenith of their many businesses, charity, travelling, good music etc.

In sartorial elegance, they were exponents of high quality, undiluted Yoruba robes and gowns.

Sir Bode’s constant, or is it permanent now, cap-style was the Oyo-Ibadan “Ki elenu so enu (Mind your own business), while Iyalode Amina’s gele (headtie) style was “Gbo ti’e“.

Nigeria’s first Lady Senior Advocate, Chief ‘Folake Solanke, another fashion pace-setter, several times requested that I tell Iyalode Amina of her admiration of the “Gbo ti’e” geles and the way she knotted them.

I, as a beloved protègè of Sir Bode and Iyalode Amina, was often praised for my humble tip-toes on their natty, ‘to-match-ni’ fashion and style expressways.

On many occasions, Iyalode Amina complimented me with cash gifts, for my traditional turn-outs, while Sir Bode would often quip, “Oloye Olubadan, mo je dodo awon aso atijo re yi” (I admire your time-honoured fashion styles.)

May the noble and kind souls of the two pace-setters in business, tradition and culture, music, old-time cuisines, among other human endeavours, continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.

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