CARDINAL ODUNMBAKU ‘IS ONE IN A MILLION’: OREOLUWA, FEMI EULOGIZES THEIR FATHER AT 75
By Oki Samson, Trek Africa Newspaper
L-R: Daughter of Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Mrs. Oreoluwa Odunmbaku-Odedina; a Monarch; Chief of Staff to Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Mr. Olaniyan and Son of Cardinal James Odunmbaku during Cardinal James Odunmbaku’s 75th Birthday Celebrations.
The children of Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku have eulogized the spiritual father cum political gladiator for his fatherly roles and notable impact on their lives and on others that he has met over the years.
They made this known during the 75th birthday thanksgiving service and celebration which held over the weekend.
Speaking with Oki Samson of Trek Africa, Mrs. Oreoluwa Odunmbaku-Odedina, one of the daughters of Cardinal James Odunmbaku established that she doesn’t see his father as Baba Eto rather ‘I see him as my dad, my spiritual leader, my no. 1 fan.
You can never go wrong with him, whatever you determine to do, my dad will always support you. He will stand by you. That is the father I know and adore. He is growing gracefully.’
L-R: Cardinal James Odunmbaku and his Son, Mr. Femi Odunmbaku
‘When God calls you and you work in that strength, you will see it. At 75, he lives agile because he takes care of himself, he is ever young, ever radiant, always on his feet. He will start service at 9 am and stand through it all and will still go for meetings. The strength and grace God gave him is unquantifiable, he is one in a million. He is a rare human being. I am lucky, blessed, and privileged to be his daughter.’
On how their father manages with his huge schedule, Mrs. Odedina shared: ‘I don’t feel jealous in spite of the large number of people trooping to him because he has a schedule. He has time for family, politics, church, and his grandchildren. Days ago, he took my children out to get pizza for them, that is the kind of dad I have. He has poise, he will dress up, he will praise God, he will dance, he will encourage you in your challenges that God is able to take care of all your needs. Thank you dad for all you do for me and my family, I appreciate all.’
Cardinal James Odunmbaku at 75
On his part, the second son of the Cardinal, Mr. Femi Odunmbaku described: ‘My father is a man of many faces in a positive way. Growing up, my dad is someone who loves to empower people. It doesn’t matter where you come from, he does it without looking back. Even myself, I use to feel jealous that why is he so concerned about others, he cherishes helping and empowering people.’
‘75 is big. We hope he reaches, 80, 100, he is a fantastic man, he is well, he is able, he is on top of his career – politics, spiritual, etc. – and he does not discriminate. He is a multi-tasking person. I don’t know how he does it but he does. He has set a high pedestal that we will meet and surpass. He is very determined and ambitious. I wish him long life, good health, and peace of mind.’
L-R: Son of Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Michael Odunmbaku; a Guest and Cardinal James Odunmbaku during his 75th Birthday Celebrations.
Mr. Odumbaku added that the name ‘Baba Eto’ has made way for him in the past. ‘He has good deeds going for him. There was a time I had issues with the police and while I was showing them my particulars, they started shouting ‘omo Baba Eto, son of Baba Eto’ and the name made way for me as they recounted how he has helped them. Even LASTMA officials do say things about him also.’
On how he has lived his life as a child of a reputable politician, ‘Growing up, I was a boring guy, very shy person but when I moved to the UK, I gained more confidence and succeeded in my academics. Right now, I have a balanced mindset. I can be an introvert staying alone in the library and I can be an extrovert in a party jumping up and drinking but I am not reckless. My wife, Sandra is an amazing woman.’
Cardinal James Odunmbaku; his Wives and Grandchildren during his 75th Birthday Celebrations.
‘I am not a politician. I am a professional. I am a Management Consultant. I have been consulting for several Lagos state agencies for over a decade. I don’t hold any public office but if it comes in the future, my background will speak for me’, Mr. Femi Odunmbaku revealed to Oki Samson of Trek Africa Newspaper.
Cardinal Odumbaku’s beloved daughter, Oreoluwa advised women ‘I will advise women that we all have one issue or another and we all have one thing or another that we are requesting from God, so let us put our minds at rest and not be depressed. Always go for your dreams, you will get it right. There is no harm in trying.’
Mrs. Oreoluwa Odunmbaku-Odedina
L-R: Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King and Mr Femi Odunmbaku during Cardinal James Odunmbaku’s 75th Birthday Celebrations
L-R: Mr. Femi Odunmbaku and his Wife, Mrs Sandra Odunmbaku
