Adeyemo Alakija

Adeyemo Alakija Biography / Profile

Oloye Sir Adeyemo Alakija (born Placido Adeyemo Assumpcao) was born on May 12th, 1884 in Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria, to Marculino (sometimes called Elemeji) from Egba in Ogun state and Maxmilliana Assumpcao from Oyo state. He was a businessman, lawyer and politician.

Adeyemo Alakija Age

Adeyemo Alakija would have been 139 years old, if he were alive today. May his soul rest in peace.

Adeyemo Alakija Early Life

Alakija was a descendant of freed Brazilian slaves who had returned to Nigeria. He would keep the name Assumpçao until 1913 when he and his family were swept up in the tidal wave of nationalism in Nigeria at the time. This led the family to adopt the traditional African name of Alakija instead of the Portuguese name of Assumpçao. He attended St. Gregory's Catholic school before transferring to CMS Grammar School, Lagos. He studied law at the Oxford University in the United Kingdom.

Adeyemo Alakija Career

Alakija worked for the British Colonial Government from 1900 to 1910. In 1910, he traveled to England to study law and in 1913 was admitted to the bar. He returned to Nigeria during this period and began his legal practice. After a period of time, he became a close colleague of the great Herbert Macaulay. The two however, experienced a fall out after their political views began to diverge. On the Oba of Lagos, the traditional and ceremonial leader of Lagos. Alakija felt that Eleko, the Oba, was a weak leader and was unsuited to deal with the complexities of running Lagos. He also felt that Eleko was being led astray by his counselors, including Macaulay.

Alakija contested twice for parliament in 1923 and 1926, but lost on both occasions. In 1926, he founded the Daily Times which for many decades was Nigeria's leading newspaper. He embraced some traditional elements of Yoruba socio-political and religious history when he co-founded the reformed Ogboni society and became the Olori Oluwo, or Lord of the Lords, of the brotherhood. As a member of the Ogboni confraternity, he introduced the use of masonic symbols inside the organization, including the all Seeing Eye.

Alakija was the first Grand Master of the District Grand Lodge of Nigeria, which falls under the Grand Lodge of Scotland. He also a member of Star of Nigeria Chapter No. 255, Royal Arch Masons. He was appointed superintendent over Royal Arch in the district over both English and Scottish constitutions.

Adeyemo Alakija Personal Life

Alakija married Christina Ayodele George in 1907. After her death in 1938, he got married to Lady Ayodele. He had children including Aduke Alakija, Babatunde Alakija, and Oluwole Ayodele Alakija. One of his daughters, Titi Alakija, was a wife to former UN Secretary-General and Ghanaian, Kofi Annan. Alakija passed away on May 10th, 1952.

Adeyemo Alakija Awards

Alakija held the chieftaincy titles of the Lisa of Egbaland and the Woje Ileri of Ile-Ife
He was also honoured with the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE)