Despite the tensions with the worshippers of Oluwaiye, Shopolu was given a dignified burial by his relatives and well-wishers. The ceremony was a testament to the respect and affection that Shopolu had earned from his community.
Following the burial, Obafemi's grandmother arrived in Ikenne from Abeokuta. Obafemi was overjoyed to see her, and his eyes sparkled with hope. Perhaps, he thought, the good old days were about to return, and his grandmother would live with them again.
However, as the days passed, Obafemi noticed that their home was filled with an unusual number of visitors. His father's brother, Jacob Awolowo, and other relatives whom he had never met before came to their home. But instead of the usual warmth and laughter, everyone wore somber expressions. The atmosphere was heavy with grief, and Obafemi sensed that something was amiss.
As the days went by, Obafemi began to sense that something was terribly wrong. It wasn't until later, however, that the devastating news of his father's passing finally reached him. Overwhelmed with emotion, Obafemi confronted his mother, demanding to know why she had kept the truth from him.
"Why didn't you tell me that my father had died?" he asked, his voice trembling with a mix of grief and confusion.
His mother's expression was somber, and her voice was laced with a deep concern. "My son, nobody must weep when a person dies of smallpox," she explained. "It is not only forbidden; it is an anathema. We know you won't be able to restrain yourself, and that you would weep. This will create more problems for us. We have enough to cope with."
In that moment, Obafemi began to understand the gravity of the situation. The cultural taboo surrounding smallpox deaths was strict, and any display of grief could have severe consequences. His mother's decision to keep the truth from him had been motivated by a desire to protect him and their family from further hardship.
Obafemi's voice cracked with emotion as he spoke, "I will miss Father a lot." Tears began to well up in his eyes, and he struggled to hold them back. The weight of his loss was crushing, and he felt a deep sense of emptiness.
In that moment, Obafemi realized that he had to face the harsh realities of life, with all its ups and downs. He would have to rely on the words of advice and encouragement his father had given him, and use them to guide him through the challenges ahead.
Despite his grief, Obafemi felt a sense of determination rising up within him. He was resolved to do his best to succeed in life, no matter the obstacles he might face. He knew he could count on the love and support of his grandmother, his mother, and others who might be willing to lend a helping hand to a young boy who had just lost his father.
As he looked to the future, Obafemi felt a sense of hope and resilience. He knew that he would face many challenges, but he was determined to overcome them, and make his father proud.
When Shopolu passed away, he left behind a significant amount of property that could have provided for Obafemi and his siblings, particularly in terms of Obafemi's education. There was a large quantity of unsold planks, debts owed to him by others, and farmlands with crops yet to be harvested.
However, despite this potential source of support, Obafemi, his sisters, and their mother were left to fend for themselves. It seemed that the family's well-being and security were not being prioritized, and Obafemi's future, including his education, hung in the balance.
The contrast between the potential resources available and the reality of the family's struggles raised questions about who was managing Shopolu's estate and why the family was not benefiting from his legacy.
The family tradition and native law and custom played a significant role in the disposal of Shopolu's estate, and unfortunately, it did not favor Obafemi and his mother. According to the custom, the priority in inheriting the deceased's property went to the brothers and sisters of the deceased and their children, rather than the deceased's own wife and children.
This meant that Shopolu's siblings and their children would have the first claim to his inheritance, leaving Obafemi, his sisters, and their mother to face an uncertain future. The native law and custom, which was meant to provide a sense of continuity and stability, seemed to be working against the well-being of Shopolu's immediate family.
After Shopolu's passing, a gathering of close relatives and friends took place on his estate. The meeting was likely a somber occasion, as they discussed the distribution of Shopolu's belongings. Young Obafemi, still reeling from the loss of his father, was given a single item from his father's wardrobe - a big gown. The gesture was meant as a token, but Obafemi received it with a heavy heart, feeling that it was a meager inheritance.
In the aftermath of Shopolu's death, Obafemi's mother temporarily left for her parents' home, seeking solace and support. However, she eventually returned to Shopolu's house. Meanwhile, the family persuaded Obafemi that the best arrangement for him would be to stay with his uncle. This decision would likely have a significant impact on Obafemi's life, as he would be leaving the only home he had known with his father.
Obafemi reluctantly went to live with his uncle, but he soon discovered that his new living arrangement was far from ideal. He was forced to work on his uncle's farm, a task he did not enjoy. The experience was grueling, and Obafemi felt mistreated by his uncle.
As time passed, Obafemi's dissatisfaction grew, and he eventually decided to leave his uncle's household. He returned to live with his mother, seeking comfort and solace in her presence.
As Obafemi reflected on his experiences, he began to grasp the full implications of his father's passing. He realized that his father's death had not only left him without a loving parent but also without a protector and provider. The harsh treatment he received from his uncle made him understand that he was now vulnerable and had to rely on himself and his mother to navigate the challenges of life.
Despite the challenges he faced, Obafemi was resolute in his determination to continue his education. However, his uncle was unwilling to pay his school fees, which posed a significant obstacle to his academic pursuits.
Obafemi knew that the longer he remained out of school, working on the farm, the dimmer his prospects for a better future would become. So, he decided to take a stand and returned to school, hoping against hope that somehow, his fees would be paid.
Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain, and he was sent back home due to non-payment of fees. The harsh reality of his situation hit him hard, and he couldn't help but wonder where all the people were who had benefited from his father's kindness and generosity.
He asked himself poignant questions: "Where are all those who enjoyed the generosity of my father? Where are the relations and friends who benefited from him and made his house a regular port of call?" The painful truth was that they were all indifferent to his plight, and even those who had inherited his father's properties seemed not to care about the well-being of the deceased's children.
Uncle James, who had inherited some of Shopolu's properties, including farmland and planks, relocated to Abeokuta in 1920. He paid a visit to Efunyela, Obafemi's mother, and informed her that he had moved to Abeokuta. During their conversation, Uncle James mentioned that Efunyela's mother, who was already living in Abeokuta, would like to have Obafemi live with her.
Obafemi was immediately drawn to the idea of moving to Abeokuta. He had always been eager to continue his education, and he saw this as an opportunity to do so. However, his mother, Efunyela, was not as enthusiastic about the prospect of her son leaving. She was hesitant, and her concerns were likely driven by the uncertainty of what the future held for Obafemi in Abeokuta.
As Obafemi contemplated the possibility of moving to Abeokuta, he couldn't shake off the nagging questions in his mind. Would he be able to attend school in Abeokuta, or would he be relegated to another life of labor? The uncertainty was unsettling.
However, Uncle James was optimistic, assuring Obafemi that he would be able to attend school in Abeokuta. Obafemi's mother, on the other hand, was skeptical, worrying that the school fees might not be forthcoming.
Despite the doubts, Obafemi and Uncle James struck a deal. Obafemi agreed to follow Uncle James to Abeokuta, and the journey began. They traveled on foot, a grueling ten-hour trek that left Obafemi exhausted.
But as they arrived in Abeokuta, Obafemi's fatigue was quickly forgotten. He was captivated by the town's beauty, its houses making a profound impression on his young mind. Having previously visited Sagamu, Obafemi was struck by the unique charm of Abeokuta, another high town he had never explored.
The highlight of his arrival, however, was the reunion with his grandmother. Obafemi was overjoyed to see her, and the warmth of their reunion was a comforting balm after the long and arduous journey.
The grandmother's warm smile and gentle voice enveloped Obafemi as she welcomed him with open arms. "Welcome, Obafemi, my precious child. I am very happy you are here," she said, her eyes shining with love and concern.
Obafemi's face lit up as he hugged his grandmother tightly. "They are all doing fine, grandma," he replied, answering her questions about his mother and the rest of the family.
As they sat down, Uncle James began to narrate the story of their journey from Ikenne to Abeokuta. Obafemi watched with great interest as Uncle James told the story with enthusiasm, recounting every detail of their trip.
After Uncle James finished speaking, Obafemi looked at his grandmother and Uncle James with excitement, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. He was eager to start his new life in Abeokuta, and he knew that he had his grandmother's love and support to guide him.
Obafemi's eyes sparkled with hope as he asked the question that had been on his mind since his arrival in Abeokuta: "Will I go to school here?" He looked at his grandmother with anticipation, eager to hear her response.
The grandmother's face broke into a warm smile as she replied, "You will go, my son." Uncle James nodded in agreement, reminding Obafemi of their earlier discussion about his education.
Obafemi's heart swelled with joy and relief. He was going to school again! His dream of getting an education, which had seemed uncertain just a short while ago, was now within reach.
With a sense of excitement and curiosity, Obafemi set out to explore his new environment. As he walked around Abeokuta, he marveled at the sights and sounds of the bustling town. He noticed the numerous roads, the few cars that drove by, and the electric poles that lined some of the streets. He was also impressed by the presence of pipe-borne water, a luxury he had not experienced before.
Obafemi's exploration of Abeokuta filled him with wonder and awe, and he couldn't wait to start his new life in this vibrant town.
As Obafemi continued to explore Abeokuta, he was struck by the modernity and sophistication of the town. Coming from a remote village, he was amazed by the sights and sounds of the bustling streets. The well-dressed people he saw were a particular source of fascination for him.
He watched in awe as some of them rode bicycles and motorcycles, symbols of status and prosperity. As he learned more about the town and its people, Obafemi discovered that these well-dressed individuals were clerks, successful traders, cashiers, bookkeepers, and other professionals who had benefited from a good education.
Obafemi's eyes were opened to the possibilities that education could bring. He realized that the people he admired were not just well-dressed, but also well-educated, and that their education had empowered them to secure good jobs and improve their socio-economic status.
This realization further fueled Obafemi's desire to pursue his education and create a better future for himself. He felt a sense of determination and purpose, knowing that education was the key to unlocking the opportunities and privileges he had witnessed in Abeokuta.
As Obafemi continued to explore his new surroundings, he visited some of the popular sites in Abeokuta, including the famous Olumo Rock, which was a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. He was fascinated by the rock's unique shape and the stunning views it offered.
Obafemi also visited the Oyan River in Lafenwa, where he marveled at the river's gentle flow and the surrounding landscape. Another place of interest he visited was the railway station, which was a hub of activity and a symbol of modernity.
As he explored these sites, Obafemi had a curious thought - he wondered if he would catch a glimpse of white babies, and observe their skin color up close. However, during his "know-the-town" trip, he didn't encounter any white babies, and his curiosity remained unsatisfied. Despite this, Obafemi was thrilled to be discovering his new home and all its wonders.
Obafemi initially stayed with his grandmother, enjoying her love and care. However, he eventually moved to live with Uncle James, who had promised to support his education. But as time passed, Obafemi began to realize that his uncle's promise was nothing more than a mirage.
Despite Uncle James's comfortable financial situation, which was evident from his diverse business ventures, including farming, selling firewood, contract work, and palm wine selling, he showed no intention of sending Obafemi to school. Obafemi, however, was deeply involved in all these activities, working hard alongside his uncle.
Obafemi's optimism and strong work ethic led him to believe that if he continued to do his best and prove himself, his uncle would eventually fulfill his promise and send him to school. He held onto this hope, driving him to work even harder, despite the uncertainty of his educational future.
As time passed, Obafemi's frustration grew. He had been working hard, hoping that his uncle would eventually send him to school, but it seemed like that day might never come. Feeling increasingly impatient and worried that his dreams of education might slip away, Obafemi began to think of alternative solutions.
An idea struck him - he had observed that some young boys in the community would live with masters, performing household duties in exchange for the master's support with their education. The master would pay the school fees, allowing the boys to pursue their studies.
Obafemi decided to share this idea with his uncle and grandmother, hoping they would approve. To his relief, they both agreed that it was a viable option. They gave him their blessing to find a master who would be willing to support his education in exchange for his help with household chores. With renewed hope, Obafemi set out to find a master who could help him achieve his educational ambitions.
Between 1922 and 1923, Obafemi's determination to pursue his education led him to work for four different masters, all while continuing to assist Uncle James. However, his experience with the first master was far from ideal.
The master, a driver for the Resident of Abeokuta Province, seemed like a promising option at first. But Obafemi's stay with him was short-lived. One day, while performing his duties, Obafemi accidentally broke a plate. The master's wife, already predisposed to being harsh, spoke to him in a condescending tone.
But what really infuriated Obafemi was when she made a derogatory comment about his parents and tribe. The hurtful words cut deep, and Obafemi found himself in a heated exchange with the master's wife. Unfortunately, the master returned home just as the argument was escalating, and he found Obafemi standing up for himself against his wife's verbal abuse.
The master's anger was misdirected, and he unfairly blamed Obafemi for the altercation. "How could you do this to my wife?" he demanded, his voice filled with annoyance.
The master's anger escalated, and he grabbed a stick, chasing Obafemi. But Obafemi was young, agile, and quick. He easily outran his master, fleeing the scene to escape further confrontation.
Breathless and shaken, Obafemi returned to his grandmother's home, seeking refuge and comfort. He was relieved to be safe, but the experience had left him feeling upset and vulnerable.
The grandmother's concerned expression prompted Obafemi to explain why he had left his master's household. "Why did you leave your master?" she asked gently.
Obafemi took a deep breath, recounting the events that had led to his departure. "The wife of my master made uncomplimentary statements about my parents and tribe," he explained, his voice still tinged with emotion. "I couldn't stomach such a thing. I talked harshly to her too," he admitted, looking down, aware that he might have overreacted.
Obafemi's grandmother listened attentively as he recounted the final straw that led to his departure from his master's household. "What led to your final exit?" she asked, her expression concerned.
"My master chased me about with a stick," Obafemi replied, his voice firm. "Grandmother, I am not going there any longer, I have had enough," he concluded, his determination clear.
The grandmother nodded understandingly and took matters into her own hands. She went to the master's house to collect Obafemi's personal belongings, ensuring that he was free from the toxic situation.
However, Obafemi's next placement was not much of an improvement. His new master was not only irresponsible but also a drunkard. He worked as a public letter writer, earning a living by writing letters for those who couldn't read or write. But instead of using his income wisely, he would spend it on drinking in the evenings, leaving Obafemi to fend for himself.
Obafemi's experience with the drunkard master was short-lived. The man's constant state of intoxication, especially in the latter part of the day, made it impossible for Obafemi to continue living with him. The grandmother, once again, had to intervene, collecting Obafemi's belongings from the master's house.
Uncle James, determined to find a better situation for Obafemi, searched for another master. This time, he found a photographer who was willing to take Obafemi in. The photographer, enthusiastic about his profession, tried to persuade Obafemi to join him in the world of photography. He saw potential in the young boy and hoped to mentor him in the art of capturing images.
Obafemi's stay with the photographer lasted only two months. Initially, he had been fascinated by the camera and had even carried it with him to various work sites. However, as time passed, Obafemi began to feel suffocated by the photographer's expectations.
The photographer had hoped to groom Obafemi as his apprentice, teaching him the intricacies of photography. But Obafemi's heart wasn't in it. He had other aspirations, and photography wasn't one of them.
Feeling trapped and unhappy, Obafemi made the decision to leave the photographer's household. His grandmother, now familiar with the routine, went to collect his personal belongings from the photographer's house, supporting Obafemi's desire for a change.
Obafemi's final master was a man named Gladstone Coker, a surveyor from Lagos. Coker had given Obafemi some work to do for Uncle James, and while observing the young boy's diligence, he couldn't help but notice that Obafemi was doing laborers' work instead of being in school.
With kindness and concern, Coker approached Obafemi and asked, "Why are you not in school?" Obafemi's response was heartfelt: "My father has died, and there is no one to pay my fees."
Moved by Obafemi's words, Coker's expression turned sympathetic. "Ah, poor intelligent boy," he said, shaking his head. Then, with a warm smile, he made a promise that would change Obafemi's life: "I promise to take you in my care and send you to school, if your uncle will not object."
Obafemi's eyes locked onto Uncle James' face, eagerly awaiting his response. Uncle James looked at Obafemi, then at Mr. Coker, before finally speaking. "I don't object to his stay with you, so that you can send him to school," he said, his words music to Obafemi's ears.
Overjoyed, Obafemi felt a weight lift off his shoulders. After so many false starts and disappointments, he had finally found a kind and generous master who would help him achieve his dream of attending school.
With Uncle James' blessing, Obafemi moved into Mr. Coker's household, where he was warmly welcomed by Mrs. Coker and their two children. Mr. Coker treated Obafemi like an adopted son, showering him with kindness and care.
Soon, Obafemi found himself walking through the gates of the Roman Catholic School in Itesi. He was given a test to assess his academic level and was placed in Standard Three. A new chapter in Obafemi's life had begun, and he was eager to learn and make the most of this opportunity.
Mr. Coker's kindness and generosity knew no bounds. He provided Obafemi with all the necessary textbooks and clothes for school, ensuring that he had everything he needed to succeed.
As he was labeling Obafemi's books, Mr. Coker added his own surname, Coker, to Obafemi's name, making it Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo Coker. This was a common practice among the elite at the time, where individuals would adopt English names as a symbol of sophistication and modernity.
However, Obafemi was particular about his name, and he carefully examined the writing on his book. Noticing that Mr. Coker had misspelled his surname as "Owolowo" instead of "Awolowo", Obafemi politely corrected him. "My name is Awolowo, sir, not Owolowo," he said, ensuring that his identity was accurately represented.
Mr. Coker, a devout Catholic, looked at Obafemi with a mix of concern and conviction. "Owolowo is good," he said, implying that the modified name would be a better fit for a Christian. He then expressed his reservations about Obafemi's original surname, Awolowo, suggesting that it was associated with cult practices.
Mr. Coker's intentions were clear: he wanted to guide Obafemi towards Christianity, specifically Catholicism. "You know I am a devout Catholic," he said, "and I would want to convert you to that denomination." Obafemi listened intently, aware that his new guardian's influence would likely shape his spiritual path.
Obafemi's response to Mr. Coker's suggestion was gracious and pragmatic. "I won't mind, sir," he said. "My education is the most important thing to me." He was willing to adapt to his new master's beliefs in order to pursue his academic goals.
Obafemi was deeply grateful to have found such a kind and generous master after his previous experiences. He felt blessed to have Mr. Coker in his life, and he thanked God for this positive turn of events.
However, not everyone in the household shared Mr. Coker's warmth and kindness. His wife had a very different attitude towards Obafemi. Whenever Mr. Coker was at home, Obafemi was treated with love and care, like one of their own children. But the moment Mr. Coker left the house, Obafemi's demeanor changed, and he was subjected to harsh treatment.
The wife seemed determined to put Obafemi "in his place," reminding him of his position as a ward and not a biological child. This dichotomy in treatment would prove to be a challenge for Obafemi as he navigated his new life.
Despite Mr. Coker's kindness and support, a series of events unfolded that led Obafemi to make the difficult decision to leave the household. His ambition for education, which had seemed within reach, now appeared to be compromised.
Once again, Obafemi's grandmother stepped in to collect his personal belongings from Mr. Coker's house. This marked the end of Obafemi's stay with the Cokers.
Reflecting on his educational journey so far, Obafemi had attended several schools in Abeokuta, including Ibarra Anglican School, Ogbe Wesleyan, Itesi, and Itesi Roman Catholic School. Despite the challenges he faced, Obafemi remained committed to his goal of acquiring an education.
During this period, Obafemi's living situation was truly pitiful. His clothes were worn out and tattered, and he had barely enough to cover himself. At one point, he was down to just a single pair of shirts and a short. Despite his struggles, Obafemi refused to let his circumstances define him. He continued to play and laugh with his friends, engaging in activities like wrestling and football.
However, after much contemplation, Obafemi came to a realization that prompted him to make another life-changing decision. With a sense of determination, he shared his new plan with his grandmother, who had been a constant source of support and guidance throughout his journey.
Obafemi stood before his grandmother, his eyes shining with determination. "Granny, I have taken a decision about my life," he announced. "I will work and go to school." He watched anxiously for her reaction, hoping for her support.
The grandmother's face broke into a warm smile. "That is quite good, my son," she said, her voice filled with encouragement. "I will feed you and buy dresses for you." Obafemi's heart swelled with gratitude, knowing that he had his grandmother's backing.
Emboldened by her support, Obafemi visited Uncle James to share his plans. Uncle James welcomed him warmly and listened intently as Obafemi declared, "Uncle, I want to go back to school."
Uncle James' expression turned thoughtful. "How will you pay your school fees?" he asked, his tone practical. Obafemi stood tall, his resolve unwavering. "I will do odd jobs to survive," he replied.
Uncle James nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "Good luck to you," he said, his words conveying a sense of admiration for Obafemi's determination.
Obafemi's meeting with Uncle James didn't quite yield the enthusiasm he had hoped for. Despite his uncle's lukewarm response, Obafemi remained undeterred in his pursuit of education.
As he continued on his way, he encountered a blind man named Mr. G. O. Mould. Despite his physical disability, Mr. Mould was remarkably literate in English and had developed a unique skillset. He worked as a public letter writer, dictating his thoughts to someone who would transcribe them into beautiful handwriting.
Obafemi was struck by Mr. Mould's remarkable abilities and his determination to succeed despite his challenges. He felt drawn to the blind man's resilience and resourcefulness, and a conversation began to unfold between them.
Mr. Mould was a beloved figure among the local school children, who admired his kindness, patience, and dedication to their education. He took a genuine interest in their progress, teaching them English and Arithmetic, and regularly testing them to ensure they were on the right track.
Obafemi was thrilled to have stumbled upon Mr. Mould, and he quickly realized that their acquaintance could be a game-changer for his educational aspirations. He was determined to make the most of this newfound relationship, eager to soak up the knowledge and guidance that Mr. Mould could offer.
As Obafemi spent more time with Mr. Mould, he found himself inspired by the blind man's passion for learning and his commitment to helping others succeed. Mr. Mould's influence was exactly what Obafemi needed to stay motivated and focused on his goals.