A few days ago, family & friends celebrated Chief Sylvester Enangbale Obeto (SEO) at 80. It was a classy event which was well attended by the creme de la cream of society.
Who is Chief Obeto? We can tell you the story of the life of this great Nigerian who was born in the village of Eror, Uromi in the year 1942, Chief Sylvester Enangbale Obeto was born to Mr Eboigbe and Mrs Obhiebo Obeto. His very early years were spent going to the farm with his parents and siblings even when free education was introduced to the community. He was stopped from taking the opportunity of free education, therefore, hatched a plan with his elder brother John Obeto and a friend of their father to tell their father that parents who refused to let their children go to school will be arrested, this was the only reason Sylvester Obeto’s father agreed to let him go to school. So for years he juggled school on weekdays and farm on weekends with the exception of holidays or masquerade events. He eventually left home finally for Lagos in 1956 where he later finished his schooling.
WORKING YEARS
After school he joined Mandilas as a technician, working on the Carrier Air brand of Air Conditioners. While doing temporal work at construction sites to make ends meet, he was introduced to Kenneth Electricals, where he would later go to spend his free time as an apprentice to officially learn practical construction electrical engineering. Sylvester had taken up a keen interest in sports. He was actively involved in sports for over 6 years. He played football, then went on to boxing and wrestling locally and at the tournament level. In the years 1963 and 1964, Sylvester Obeto was the Lagos State welterweight Champion in Lagos. He did not go further in sports because back then, there was no significant financial benefit in full-time sports.
When Mandilas merged with Intra Motors, Sylvester Obeto was already an expert in the field and was gaining commendations for this work. At Intra Motors, Sylvester Obeto was put in charge of works at The Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). However, by this time, Sylvester Obeto was already setting up his own business. He became a successful owner and was well known for his excellent work, honesty and loyalty.
Sylvester Obeto owned several businesses; Coolers Technical which was his first electrical business, Niger Cooling Services which specialized in Air Conditioners, MintPad Nigeria Limited which specialized in building Construction and S. E. Obeto and Sons (General Contractors). He is also a licensed Auctioneer and owned an auctioneering business. Sylvester Obeto also branched into the hospitality industry, he joined the Frenchies franchise and also co-owns Emperor Chopsticks Chinese Restaurant on Opebi Road, Ikeja Lagos with his partner and long-time friend Mr S.O. Amodu aka Blackie.
Chief Obeto and Mr Amodu also co-owned Cold Spot Engineering which dealt in all things Air-conditioning. Chief Obeto supported his wife, aka Madame Cool Fashion, to pursue her passion for fashion, and she became a popular fashion designer and also a business owner dealing in exotic Intorica brands of George wrappers and various brands of headties. Her business, Cool Fashion House, a hugely successful enterprise has been passed down to her daughter, Mrs Kate Obeto-Kukoyi, now popularly called Madame Cool Fashion “The Second” She is also the founder of Juliet Obeto Foundation.
MORE ABOUT THE MAN
Chief Obeto is an avid swimmer. He is a lover of music. Some of his favourites include the evergreen tunes of the likes of the late great Sir Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, and the late Osayomore Joseph. He also enjoys high-life music of the likes of the late Victor Uwaifo and Chief Osita Osadebe. Chief Obeto is highly credited with bringing electricity to his village of Eror Uromi Edo State.
CHIEFTANCY TITLES
In the year 988 Chief Obeto was crowned with 3 chieftaincy titles: Maye Bale Anaye of Ibadanland on the 25th March 1988
Otun Babalaje of Ikoyiland on the 21st October 1988, Seriki Anaye of Ibadanland on the 26th October 1988. He is sometimes called “Triple Chief” by his closest friends.
FAMILY LIFE
Sylvester Obeto met his future wife “Juliet” lIoegbemenze Obeto back in the day while visiting his elder brother one weekend, romance sparked and marriage happened. Today, Chief Obeto attributes his family’s success and togetherness to God and his wife.
QUOTE: “IF THEY ALLOW PEOPLE TO MARRY IN HEAVEN, I WILL TAKE MY WIFE WITH ME”
After marriage, they had 8 children, Joy, Rhoda, Dana, Dennis, Rita, Gloria, Kate and Cynthia. He is often chided for having just one male child and he would respond with his famous QUOTE: “Supposing I Don’t Have Any Boy At All, I’m Not regretting Anything, It’s Ignorance, It’s Our Native Idea, Boy Boy Something:’ Chief Obeto has 21 Grand Children and 3 Great Grand Children.
FATHER FIGURE
Chief Obeto had someone who helped him through the hard times in life. This person was someone Chief Obeto considered a father, friend, confidant, someone he could go and talk to and get advice from and tell his problems and rely on. This father figure was none other than the late Chief Taiwo Okeowo.
LATER YEARS
Chief Obeto’s life is now occupied by his children, grandchildren, and DIY tinkering around the house. He has always been a Roman Catholic and belongs to the Catholic Men’s Organisation (CMO). He is also a Patron of the Confraternity of Christian Fathers and Sacred Heart of Jesus groups. He is also a Patron of St Augustine’s Choir.
GRATITUDE
Chief Sylvester E. Obeto is extremely grateful to God for everything in his life, for protection over his life (recalling times when he went to work in very remote places in the country) and for God’s Grace.
His gratitude goes to Sir Olu Okeowo, who has become an adopted Son. “My love for him can not be measured. Thank you for your care and love and for being there for me. Gratitude also goes to Mr Olu Adejayan who has been with me for many many years and is also fondly known as “Broda Olu” by Chief Obeto’s children.
Chief’s gratitude also goes to his late parents, his bosom friend of many years, Mr Saliu Obatayo Amodu (a.k.a. Blackie), the late Chief Justice Christopher Olatunde Segun, Mr Jim Akhere (late) and Chief Olufemi Olaifa (late).
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