By Taju Tijani

For the last six months, Ayo Alakija had been restless. He was tired of the cold, his job, his environment and the daily racism of the Western world. Every night was filled with hope, positivity and the start of a new life in Nigeria. Nightly, he wrestled with sleeplessness. His mind was no longer in the consultancy work he was doing with his employer. He pictured Nigeria as a new Eldorado of happiness, orderliness, endless sunshine, organic food, absence of discrimination and a place of renewal. He dreamed of reactivating his dormant spiritual life through future sorties to the mountains around his house.

One Saturday morning, AA went to his high street and bought some Ghana-must-go bags. He loaded up all his clothes, shoes and other essentials for his final exit from the UK. He called Lateef, the shipping guy, and handed over 6 Ghana-must-go bags for transit to Nigeria. He filled the bags with edibles, bedclothes, duvet, books, cooking utensils, curtains, medicines, shoes, sound systems, kitchen spices and Basmati rice. His younger brother Seun came over to persuade him to stay back in the UK. They nearly exchanged blows. He was enraged and warned his brother to stay out of his life.

Seven years ago, Ayo Alakija separated from his wife.  They had been together for twenty-eight years before the separation happened. He was devastated. He knew nowhere to turn to. He was confused, worried and fearful. Over time he got over the separation pangs and the emotional upheaval of the estrangement. His wife Yinka was a no-nonsense lady. She is an Egba woman to the core. She rejected all entreaties to forgive AA. She chucked him out of his matrimonial home and moved on.  Ayo rented a smart flat nearby because of easy access to his three children. 

Today, that was history. Seven years after leaving home AA has toughened up and made a decisive decision to japada and face the music of his decision. He had no outstanding debts that could keep him rooted any longer in the UK. He became a pensioner last year. He believed his pension payment will make him live comfortably in Nigeria. He prayed that interest rate will continue to be higher to sustain him for a long haul. He called his first son and debated his decision to relocate.  The son knew his dad to be adventurous, determined and would make a success out of his japada plan.

He made a spare key and gave him a copy. He instructed him to check for his letters and keep him posted. His children have never been to Nigeria. Kunle, the first son, is a plumbing contractor in the UK. He has three children. He is dreaming of visiting Nigeria someday. He is delighted that he will visit his dad someday soon. Kunle embraced his dad emotionally and wished him well in Nigeria. Ayo Alakija could not hide his teary face. Nigeria could either turn into an Eldorado or living hell. He was at a turning point.

On 4th of January 2024, AA joined a Virgin night flight to Nigeria. He buried his head and read out Psalm 23 silently. The economy class was packed. He sat beside an elderly man who dressed like a traditional chief. The chief was interested in AA. He wanted a conversation. AA was not interested in chatting up a stranger who had traditional beads on his neck and wrists. Four hours into the flight, the chief brought out a brochure of a real estate development project in Ogun State.  

“Are you into real estate sir?”

“Oh yes, that is what I do in Nigeria,” the chief answered. 

“I see”.

“I used to live in the UK. I lived there for 38 years before I returned to Nigeria fourteen years ago to start this business,” the chief continued.

“Sir, how’s the business environment in Nigeria now for a new investor,” AA asked curiously.

The chief had a long pause. He wiped his face and took off his reading glasses.

“So, tell me do you live in Nigeria or abroad,” the chief inquired.

The air hostess interrupted their discussion. AA requested for a bottle of wine to go with his inflight meal.

“Chief, it’s a long story. I have been living abroad for the last thirty-four years sir. I got tired. I got separated. I got fed up. I could not cope any more with the cold. I am now retired and a free agent. My dream is to settle in Nigeria and find opportunities for what to do. I have friends who have been on same journey, and they came up with mixed feelings. I have my fears about Nigeria – the dead infrastructure, kidnappings, high inflation, mad drivers on the road, police harassment and bureaucracy across government departments,” AA explained.

The chief was fascinated by his life story. He was nodding his head and showing deep interest in AA. He gave a copy of the real estate brochure to AA. 

“This is my business card. Where are you based? I will share my experiences with you as a guide. You are lucky we met,” the chief said as the plane made a final landing announcement at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. AA made a dash for the toilet. 

“I’m heading for Alaka Estate in Iponri. Are you going to that area too? My driver is at the car park for my pickup,” the chief offered a favour.

“No sir. I’m heading for Maryland sir.” It was early morning in Lagos. AA was bleary-eyed from lack of proper sleep. He gave the chief a thumbs up and promised to call in the week.

…to be continued.