Unpleasant childhood polygamous experience made me marry one wife – 80-year-old retiree
80-year-old Liasu Akindele is a retired accountant from a lineage of kingmakers in Oyo State. In this interview, he speaks to VICTORIA EDEME about his life, career, and secrets to his 54-year marriage, among other issues.
How does it feel to be 80?
I turned 80 on March 9, 2024. I am from Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State. I was born into the Afoge family, which is part of the seven kingmakers in the Oyo kingdom. I am the Iba Laguna of Oyo Town. My father was polygamous and married seven wives and my mother was the fifth. My mother had four boys, and I am the only surviving one.
What was it like growing up in a polygamous home?
It was not very pleasant. My father enrolled all his children in the same school and we were many. If a child from one wife performed better than those from another, it became a problem. The rivalry caused a lot of disagreements and we always fought in the house.
I was unhappy with what my mother was going through and became determined to ensure that she wouldn’t continue to face endless conflicts. This motivation made me focus on my studies. I chose to be diligent in my studies to take care of my mother.
Kindly share your educational background.
I began my early education in 1951 at St. Andrews Demonstration School in Oyo. It was a Christian school. I started in the infant class and moved to infant two in 1952. In 1953, I began standard one.
All the while, my father funded my education but when Obafemi Awolowo introduced free primary education in 1955, I became a beneficiary. I completed my primary education in 1959. For my secondary education, I attended L. A. Secondary Commercial School, where I mastered typing and shorthand and graduated in 1963.
Where was the first place you worked?
My first job was at the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan, where I worked as a clerical assistant at the Ministry of Land and Housing in 1964.
Where did you work next?
I moved to Lagos in 1964 and worked at the Ministry of Information. Someone from my constituency helped me secure a position at the Conference Visitors Unit, which attended to visitors from abroad, who wanted to interact with governors and the president.
During the 1964 elections, I was not yet a staff of the ministry; so, I decided to further my education in London and obtained a certificate from the Association of International Accountants, London, which was affiliated with the Association of National Accountants in Nigeria.
Although I was not a member of ICAN, I was part of the association linked to ANA. I used this certificate to apply for jobs and eventually secured a position at UAC, Lagos, and got married in 1970.
I returned to Ibadan in 1971 after the birth of my first child and had the rest of my children at University College Hospital, Ibadan.
In 1980, I became an accountant at Lister Motors and left in 1983 to become an auditor and senior accountant at Odukoya & Co. Chartered Accountants.
Later, my colleagues and I established an accounting consultancy firm.
Tell us about your experience as an accounting consultant
As consultants, we examined financial issues in the banking industry. I get contacted by companies to review their accounts. The payment was usually a percentage of the contract amount. For instance, if a client secures a job worth N73 million, we are entitled to 10 per cent of the amount. Consultancy involves working on something before payment is made. We sometimes act as witnesses in court cases.
What year was the consultancy firm established?
It started in 1993 and operated till 2010 when I retired. Since then, I have been managing my affairs privately.
What have you been actively involved in since you retired?
I have a poultry business and rear livestock like sheep and goats. I primarily live off allowances from my children and participate in training and workshops. I also enjoy fishing.
What was the highest point of your career?
The pinnacle of my career was becoming a consultant. I have worked as an accountant, auditor, and consultant.
What was your experience during the Civil War?
During the civil war in 1966, I was living in Agege but later moved to Mushin. I lived quite close to the Ikeja cantonment and saw soldiers being trained and sent to the front lines.
One of my friends, Olaniyi, died in the war. People enlisted voluntarily at that time, unlike in Biafra where conscription was forced. The Yoruba people were enthusiastic about joining the forces, and those interested went to the camp in Ikeja.
Tell us briefly about your wife and children
I got married in 1970 and have four children. My wife is from Ifetedo in Osun State and we met in Mushin, Lagos. She was living with her aunt and was undergoing teacher training at the time.
We got married traditionally and our relationship has remained strong. My children are doing well.
Having been married for over 50 years, what would you say is the secret to a long-lasting marriage?
I draw from my experience growing up in a polygamous home where my father had many wives. I didn’t want to repeat the experiences I went through. I trained my children in school and provided all they needed to encourage them to serve the country.
Now, I am a great-grandfather, and I am content with my family life. I have only one wife and no children from other women. My family is settled, and I live peacefully.
What habits from childhood do you find difficult to stop?
I still enjoy walking and can trek long to find transport, whether by motorcycle or tricycle. Adaptation was a habit I developed early on. I can adjust to different weather conditions and situations.
At 80, what gives you the most sense of fulfilment?
I am very happy with my life and feel a great sense of fulfilment.
