Kunle Adelabu
Mr Olubode Mac Oserinde, the media aide to the representatives of Ikorodu Federal Constituency and Team Lead, Fanafillit Integrated Concept, has recalled how Late Femi Adinlewa, stood like a “One Man MOPOL” to handle barrage of attacks from members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikorodu and other zones, while he was the spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Late Femi Adinlewa, who slumped and died last Sunday, joined the APC in February 2021. He was 49 years old.
He was the APC Publicity Secretary, Ikorodu Division and the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, until his death.
Olubode Mac Oserinde recalled the period during an “Evening of Tributes”, organised in honour of the late APC spokesperson on the THE IMPACT WhatsApp platform on Wednesday.
”I must confess, my first impression of Adinlewa was completely different from the man I eventually came to know.
”I got to know him through this very IMPACT WhatsApp platform during his days in the PDP. At a time when this forum was overwhelmingly populated by APC members and sympathisers, he stood almost alone – a political “one-man MOPOL.”
”I remember asking myself repeatedly, “Who is this man that never gets tired?” Olubode said.
Recalling how he was thoroughly “battered” politically for many years on THE IMPACT WhatsApp platform and how he stood to defend his then party – PDP, Olubode Mac Oserinde expressed his profound admiration for him.
“The insults came. The mockery came. The banters were relentless. Yet he never responded with bitterness. He never cursed. He never insulted. Instead, he replied with humour, facts, and remarkable civility.
”On the few occasions he felt he had crossed the line, he would readily apologise, retract, and return to doing what he believed in – promoting his party with uncommon conviction.
”I often reached out privately, advising him to take things easy. He would always thank me for the advice, even though it never changed who he was.”
”Then I met him in person.
My pity instantly gave way to profound admiration.”
He described him as a humble, loyal and a genuine personality.
”Behind the political gladiator was one of the most humble, cheerful, loyal, and genuinely lovable souls I have ever met. Our friendship blossomed effortlessly. Even after he crossed over to the APC, rose through the ranks, and eventually became Chief Press Secretary to the new Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, power never changed him.
”He remained the same Adinlewa – warm, accessible, humorous, and always the first to call out, “Oga Mac, where have you been?” whenever we met at events.
Olubode Mac Oserinde furthered:
”And that question never ended there. Almost every time we met, he would quickly remind me, “Oga Mac, you are yet to tell me when I should host you to that drink.” I would laugh and reply, “I go call you soon, my brother.” Sadly, that call never came, and that drink-up we always talked about will now remain one of life’s many unfinished conversations.”
While regretting the missed opportunity to sit for drinks with him and know him better, Olubode took solace in the outpouring of tributes describing late Adinlewa as an exceptional person while alive.
”Perhaps, if that moment had happened, I would have known even more about the remarkable man called Adinlewa and had much more to write in this tribute. But as I read the countless beautiful testimonies pouring in from people across different political divides, professions, and walks of life, I have found great solace.
”They all affirm what I eventually discovered for myself – that beyond the politician was an exceptionally good man whose greatest legacy was the quality of his humanity.
”His life taught me that loyalty does not require bitterness, conviction does not require insults, and disagreement does not require hatred.”
While mourning his untimely death, Olubode stated that his passing is a reminder to those alive that they will not live forever:
”His death at just 49 is a painful reminder that life is but a vapour – we are all merely passing through.
”May Almighty God comfort everyone he left behind, grant his family the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss, and receive his gentle soul into eternal rest.
”Goodnight, my friend. You defended your convictions, lived your truth, and left footprints that time will not easily erase.
”Rest well, Adinlewa!”
