By Agbonmagbe Kazeem
“The present generation and generations yet unborn have lost the opportunity to benefit from the numerous experiences and stories of Shelk Sherrifdeen Agbonmagbe”
Finally, the day is here. The day I had feared all along and always prayed that should never come, though I knew it would ultimately come.
It’s the day that with teary eyes, I would have to write a memorial tribute to someone who I have been closely related with my entire life.
As a younger man, I grew up to know Shelk, as we fondly called him within the family circle, as my uncle who, over the years, metamorphosed into a father, teacher, mentor, confidant, adviser and, above all, my pillar of support.
Before his return to his creator on April 7, 2026. Baba Agbonmagbe meant different things to different people, but for me he meant one thing – my backbone, which makes it difficult for me to, in one breath, describe him or relate my experiences with him. His major impact on my life as an adult was in changing the course of my carrier to the profession of an Historian through cajoling and persistent advices.
However, with the guidance and support of Shelk Sherrifdeen Agbonmagbe, I started writing articles on politics and other national issues, and later “graduated” to writing news stories, an endeavour that made the late Shelk Agbonmagbe to sustain his efforts in convincing me to make more research.
My close relationship with him taught me several life lessons, such as the virtue of loyalty and honesty in every dealing, particularly in way of life.
The day I told him that my EVC, offered me an appointment, his admonishment was: “Alfa Kazeem, she (Rosula) gave you this job based on trust, therefore hold it in trust too. Never betray her for whatever reason, be honest with her and maintain absolute loyalty to her, no matter the circumstances.”
Baba taught me a lesson for life. He calmly and in an uncharacteristically low voice said, “Alfa kazeem, you are right to be angry a times, but as a father, I strongly advise you never to repay evil with evil. Always strive to do good to those who did bad to you, as that is the only way you will express your appreciation to Allah for elevating you above your detractors.”
Baba’s legacy within the family is legendary, as in spite of his status, influence and affluence, he remained accessible to all and sundry, always lending a listening ear and a helping hand to each and every one of us, thus becoming our rallying point. Baba, we will be eternally grateful for that.
The present generation and generations yet unborn have lost the opportunity to benefit from the numerous experiences and stories of political intrigues and calculations, issues of life and nation’s power game for many decades. He was an encyclopedia on the nation’s political journey and history.
Now the reality has dawned on me, that Baba, like all mortals, has answered the call of his creator as we will all do, I know the few coming days and months will not be easy as I have already started missing those interaction with him twice every month.
My only consolation is that at 92, Baba not only lived long but lived well in every aspect, particularly in positively impacting the lives of many people, some of who he did not even know. Allah ya jikan, Baba Agbonmagbe.
BABA SUN RE OOO
“THE HISTORIAN”
AGBONMAGBE REMILEKUN KAZEEM
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