“Oga agba, e s’omo jeje,
eniyan l’obolusegun t’o joba laye,
eniyan l’obi Ikpeme t’o j’oba l’ondo o”.
Above was one of the first lines of songs my ears picked as a child when I was registered for primary school in the 70s. Olusegun Obasanjo had just emerged as the Head of State of Nigeria and David Ikpeme was the military administrator of the newly created Ondo State in 1976. That was my introduction to the name David Ikpeme.
I was too young a child to join the team that was coming to Akure for march past on special state events before Ikpeme left office in 1978 as a Wing Commamder. That would have been my opportunity to see the golden Ikpeme. I thought I had lost the opportunity of meeting a hero. Indeed, it appeared so.
I became the State Chief of Protocol in February 2009, 31 years after Ikpeme left Ondo, and one of my first assignments was to contact all the former leaders of the state, both military and civilian. By that time, the name of Ikpeme had become legendary as testimonies have it that he laid the foundation for a good Ondo State. Stories of his uprightness and discipline permeated the realms. I was looking forward to meeting him.
I met all the former administrators/governors of the State, and truly, Ikpeme stood out. His calm demeanour and sense of history were top-notch. He was very friendly, even with a young man like me. Of all of them, Ikpeme and the late Col. Ahmed Usman became my instant friends. Olukoya, Opaleye and Torey later became my regular callers too. Baba Ikpeme would call me regularly to check how I was fairing, how the state was doing and sometimes offered suggestions which I took to my boss, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.
A year into the Olusegun Mimiko administration, he gifted Ikpeme a brand new Toyota Prado jeep to replace the old car he was using. Mimiko ensured a monthly allowance was given to him to take care of himself. The other former administrators didn’t enjoy those privileges. The government only occasionally reached out to them. (Let me put on record that the Mimiko government supported the widows of late governors Adekunle Ajasin and Adebayo Adefarati as well as Chief Mrs HID Awolowo, with monthly allowances for upkeep. Mrs N.F Aina, wife of the Deputy Governor to Ajasin in his second term was also a beneficiary). Their monthly upkeep was never missed till we left office. I know this much because my office was at the centre of it all.
“Abeg make dem hear say Daddy dey hospital, fighting his battles to stay alive. The money we are struggling to pay is not easy. Please try help us inform the Governor . . .”. Those were the exact words of David Ikpeme Junior, the first son of Baba Ikpeme, to me on Tuesday 19th November, 2024. Immediately, I linked him with a reliable officer of the Governor. I am happy that Governor Ayedatiwa came through for the family to save the life of the first Governor of the State. His son told me that much. Unfortunately, no one can cheat old age. Pa Ikpeme died at a good old age of 89yrs, two weeks after his son reached out.
I commiserate with the Ikpemes and the people of his home state of Cross Rivers and his adopted State of Ondo, on the passage of a good man. On a personal note, I have lost a father and a friend. Ikpeme was that man who checked on me even years after I had left office. His love for Ondo State was visible in all he did and said. The legacies of Ikpeme in Ondo State will remain indelible. The State has promised to support the family to give him a befitting burial. Indeed a legend has gone to rest.
Adieu great soldier,
Adieu peoples administrator,
Adieu my friend.
Dayo Awude writes from Akure.
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