Adeniyi Faleti is a chip off the old block — multitalented and an On-Air Personality (OAP) with Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) where his late father, veteran broadcaster, Alagba Adebayo Faleti was once the General Manager.
He hosts his own programme on Oluyole 98.5 FM every 9:15 to 11 pm.
In an online conversation with Oluwatomisin Amokeoja, Adeniyi who was the closest to him during his last days and also witnessed when he took his last breath recounts the moment and how the family is sustaining his legacy three years after.
You witnessed the last moment of Alagba Faleti, how was it for you?
Well, it is an unforgettable one for me because it was a Sunday morning. Baba was talking perfectly; after the morning devotion, he told me he would like to take pap and my mum quickly prepared it, and after taking the pap, he told me he wanted to take his bath. It was in the course of his shower, I observed that he has given up the ghost, and I summoned courage with our last born, Adesiyan Olamilekansi Faleti, to take him to the hospital where the doctor finally confirmed him dead.
How did your father spend his last days?
The first thing he does is to call all the family members together and have the morning prayer/ devotion. Story-telling begins afterwards. He was a wonderful storyteller.
I really miss those days because anytime he missed me or needed something that he knows I am the only one to do it right or get it for him, he puts a call to me. He would usually call me at those times saying: “Moyosore, please come home now, you need to get something important for me. We were always talking which involved sharing his past experiences in life, what he faced as a civil servant and encouraging me to be bold in any situation in life
READ ALSO: REMEMBERING ADEBAYO FALETI ( BROADCASTER, ACTOR, PRODUCER, WRITER)
He preferred to be alone sometimes writing script. Other days, he made himself available at locations for film shooting.
He is recognized as the first for so many things in the media, are there other things unknown to the public?
My father brought in “phone-in” into radio programmes so that radio will no longer be called ‘asoro ma gb’esi’ ( medium without feedback) ; introduced the programme “E dìde, e mú sààrì je” despite being a Christian; wrote the longest Yoruba prose till date: Omo Olókùn esin; translated the Nigerian National Anthem into Yoruba; translated the word, Father Christmas, into Yoruba as Baba Kéré; introduced mobile Father Christmas so that the children of the masses can benefit what the children of the elites are benefitting.
Do you come under pressure to perform better because of your father’s impact?
Sure. I keep doing my best like my siblings.
What are those things he talked to you about that has stuck with you and kept you going?
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dream. I was urged to believe in anything I lay my hands on and putting the fear of God and humanity first in everything I do.
He would also add: In any situation you find yourself adapt and make an impact; it’s not possible you do everything but do your best.
How has the family been sustaining his legacy?
There are a couple of us in the media profession. We have been doing the right thing and knowing the kind of person we are.
What was most surprising to you about his life?
Everything because he was a special person
How is his annual remembrance done?
Because of COVID-19, not much will be done today, unlike the previous years when we go to Oyo town to celebrate his life and times in a very elaborate way.
What comes to your mind about him today?
He played his part very well and I have to do everything to keep the great/good legacy going.
What do you miss the most about him?
Many things. Is it the love and care I should talk about or our conversations, his wise quotes, goodwill or the great moment we spent together?
We were closer to him because we preferred him to our mothers.
How do you describe his relationship with God?
Number one thing with Baba is that he feared God a lot and doesn’t joke with paying his tithe according to his profit.
He was an elder at Salem Baptist Church, Yemetu, Aladorin, Ibadan, that is where the Alagba title comes from — Alagba Adebayo Faleti OON.JP. JP. D.LITT.
What method did he adopt to discipline his children?
Flogging and challenging words.
What is your favourite quote from him?
Eni bá ní ìkà méjì yio fìkan sera rè (He who has two evils will hurt himself with one).
Is there any particular moment or memory with him that stands out for you?
Yes, my last birthday before his demise; he called me and blessed me with prayers.
Did he socialize?
He sure did. He was a very outgoing person. He listened to juju music a lot and his favourites were King Sunny Ade and Evangelist Ebenezer Obey.