The three subjects in which I scored above average had inspired me to start getting serious with my studies. Another inspiration came from my Yoruba teacher, Mr Isiaka Olaoye whose subject was among the three that I passed. He monitored my activities with the noble intention to check my excesses and rascality. Another inspiration was our firstborn, “Broda mi Sehinde”. …

This time around, I didn’t go far. I was very close to them. I couldn’t hear their conversation but I could guess from their gestures that it was all about me. Their meeting didn’t last 3 to 4 minutes. “Broda” Lincoln was a man of ubiquitous itinerary. His movements were unpredictable. He came into the street from Western Avenue end …

The driver came back two minutes later to know if I was ready for business. I said yes, I was ready. He took me to his bus and told me to start calling passengers into the bus. By this time, other conductors had started arriving looking for work. I thought he was going to replace me but he didn’t even …

Baba Offa walked into the sitting room and the atmosphere changed. He apologized to his brother for arriving late. His mother, Iyá Ibadan never knew he was coming to Lagos. They didn’t normally tell her about their visits. According to him, he had been in the neighborhood for some time greeting some of the neighbours that he was familiar with. …

Immediately Iya Ibadan opened the door, my brother wanted to bring out the perfume from his pocket. For what? I didn’t know. It was a reflex action by a child that was dazed by the truncation of his routine plan- smoke the cigarette, finish up and spray your location with a perfume whose fragrance would mask the odour of your …

Mr. Olaoye was a new teacher in my school. His swagger was too much. A young man with a puritanical savvy. He was neat and clean. He was what the Gen Z will call “fine boy no pimples”. Oh God, where did you hide this kind of person that you decided to give us people like Mr. Cane and co.? …

OI had two elder brothers that I never knew so well until I was about 10 years old. It’s possible we had met or seen when we were toddlers, but we never knew we were brothers because we never lived together for one day to really bond like siblings. My first two brothers were shuttling between Lagos Island, Ajegunle and …

Everybody was proud of my brother, Mark Owhin. Almost six months in the same school, Salvation Army Primary school, there was no negative report or complaint about him. As for me, I had not spent a month in school when I became popular. I was accused of punching a boy who called me “Olori Gbeske”( a physiognomic abuse). I guess …

Finally, Alfa Ligali admitted that my problems transcended gbere (incisions). That was the most sensible decision to take. Having designed my head and face with all manner of lacerations and nothing seemed to be working, it was time to concur. He therefore opted for preachment. He was still scolding and preaching to me over the indefinite suspension when I heard another knock …

Kolawole Aladetoun was a brilliant boy. His father was the first Vicar of the famous Bishop Adelakun Howells Memorial Church, Hogan Bassey Crescent, Surulere. Kolawole was my classmate and he was my personal friend. (Please note the arrogance in my emphasis). What a metaphorical fraternity!! We were very good friends in school as well as in the neighbourhood. He was …