Tribute from Bisi Fakayode to Late Alhaji Oba Bolanta

Tribute from Bisi Fakayode to Late Alhaji Oba Bolanta

*Alhaji Suleiman Oba Bolanta; The beautiful ones are leaving*

The news of Alhaji Bolanta's death reached me as a rude shock. Though, Baba lived an exemplary and fulfilled life, somebody like me who benefitted immensely from Baba's benevolent selfless service to humanity will still want him very much around.

No doubt, Late Bolanta will be fondly be remembered by all those he helped during his remarkable life time.

*His amazing responsible politics in Labour*

I had my first political and personal experience with late Bolanta, between 1993 to 1998 when I was the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress under a military rule.  In 1994 to be precise, Alhaji Bolanta  contested for State NURTW chairmanship alongside my bossom friend , Alhaji Ikalumen who's also of blessed memory today. Despite my supports and goodwill for Ikalumen, my late friend, Alhaji Oba Bolanta triumphed  and was elected chairman for the state NURTW.

Not quite long from that period, precisely in 1995, I ran into gridlock with the then military Administrator of Kwara State; Major Baba Iyam who dismissed me from civil Service over my involvement in labour struggles .

The dismissal which was expected to deny me access to any entitlement, bar me from holding public offices and also disqualify me from continuing as NLC & NCSU chairman. Then  I thought that was the end of the road for me.

Lo and behold , the man I had worked against his electoral victory at the instance of my friend put behind him all that happened between us. At the point of my need, Oba Bolanta was there for me, not minding our Political differences.

As a member of State Executive Council of NLC who was part of the tink tank committee that engineered the industrial action which led to my dismissal, he quickly  deviced a short cut to assist me hold on to NLC Chairman.

Alhaji Bolanta registered me as a member of NURTW, after which he  worked along side with Aiyeoribe and others unionists. They mobilised the 33 industrial unions in the state to pass a vote of confidence on me and by this permutation, I was able to retain my position as state NLC Chairman at the dismay of the military dictator who fired me unjustly.

Since 1998 when I started my political journey until I got the news of his death, Alhaji Oba Bolanta had served as a strong pillar, a political confidant, a solicitor, a mediator and bridge builder to me and many others who were close to him.

My interactions with him did not only offer me the opportunity to listen to his inspirational advice and prayers, but also availed me the chance to learn and follow his selfless nature.  Oh death! You have taken the life of a man so rich with people, wisdom and faith. Indeed, the  beautiful ones are leaving  bit by bit .

I condole the bereaved family, all NURTW Kwara State, Kwara State chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress, may Allah be pleased with Baba and give you all the fortitude to bear the loss

*Rest in perfect peace Baba Suleiman Oba Bolanta*

*Comrade Bisi Fakayode.*

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