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His Children Also Open Up
On Saturday 3rd February, 2024, The Olorogun Dr. Sonny Folorunso Kuku (OFR) was installed as The Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu by His Majesty, Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa, Oba (Dr.) S.K. Adetona (CFR), the Awujale & Paramount Ruler of Ijebu at the Awujale’s Palace, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
What sort of a man is he? His wife, Suzan Erefa Kuku and 2 of his kids reveal the man called Olorogun Sonny Kuku.
“From my earliest memories, I always knew my father was different, set apart from everyone else. Some may say, it was the hero worship common place between boys and their fathers, being the first male figure in their lives, averitable giant incomparison to the infantsized child, able to leap great distances in a single bound, pick you up with a single hand, swim endless laps without fatigue and magical pain away, with nothing more than a hug and kiss on the forehead.
However, as one became more aware, the same question became more and more prevelent, “Which Kuku are you?” It was from this stage that one got an idea of who one was and where one was from. Understanding the prominence of one’s heritage, its relevance and status, being known by people the length and breadth of Nigeria”.
“But it was never enough just to know that one was from a prominent family in a prominent part of the country. It was important to know why. Why was Ijebu such a prominent place? Why were the Kukus such a prominent family? Why does daddy have so many letters before and after his name? Why do we have to drive in the car for hours on end to a place on the others ide ofthe world, to stay in a really old house, with cousins we have never met?
From this point the original question of which Kuku are you was then followed by, “Oh, Dr. Kuku, he is your daddy? He was my father’s doctor, he was our company doctor, he helped deliver all my siblings, such a brilliant man, such a kind man, what a character”. From all of this, the picture starts to develop of the man. The man who taught me how to swim, so I too could join him in the pool for endless laps. The man who took me with him for his first riding lesson, when he was Olorogun designate, sparking a life long passion for horses, polo and the Ojude Oba. The man who helped me practice my reading in the back of the car on the way to work. The man who would let me set up my make shift drumset, up turned buckets, and roughly cut branches for drumsticks, by the side of the stage, perfectly complimenting the live band, set to play for a lavish parties thrown at the house. Surrounded by his friends and colleagues, greatly dressed sipping bubbly drinks, I was never allowed to have. However, daddy, ever the rebel, would always drink this weird red drink. This, I always thought was daddy’s Ribena, but to my surprise, as I got older, I got to understand, the sparkling drink was champagne, and daddy’s Ribena was actually Campari. Till date he is only man I have ever met who drinks Campari. I still believe to this day, that he has shares in that drinks company.
As I grew up, my understanding of the world matured and expanded, as my world expanded beyond the perimeters of home and school. I began to understand that Daddy, wasn’t a super hero, but he was very close to one. He was actually a doctor, a physician, more specifically an endocrinologist, He specialised in hormones, which meant nothing to me at the time, however, it was not till I was in my 20’s that I began to fully grasp the man I knew as daddy. He had a story, he came from somewhere, he had achievements, accomplishments, was a member of honoured bodies and groups, a champion in his field. Too many to list and far too many to fully understand. The world knows him as the Superstar Doctor, Chairman of West African College of Physicians, Honorary Member of the Royal College of Physicians… The list goes on. To me he is Daddy.
Being a man of fantastic intellect, he has grown well beyond his field, entering Business and Philanthropy. Sometimes its hard to really comprehend what this man has really achieved in his life thus far. However, in all of these, this great man, this Titan, known the world over has always been Daddy. He has set himself as at alisman for us to follow, a bench mark to achieve. He often uses Yoruba proverbs in the past, I found this infuriating, but as I have got older and now have my own son, I find myself remembering some of them. The 2 main lessons my father has taught me is Love and Patience. A Yoruba proverb says, “with love and patience, nothing is impossible”. It is with Love that I think of daddy, it is with Patience that I hope to make him as proud of me, as I am of him.
–Folarin Kuku (Son)
CELEBRATING THE UNFORGETTABLE LEGACY OF MY DAD
“As I reflect on the incredible journey of life, I find myself drawn to the towering figure who has been my unwavering support, my confidant, and my greatest inspiration-my dad. His steadfast love and enduring wisdom have shaped the person I am today, filling my world with warmth and compassion”.
“My dad, a beacon of strength and kindness, has effortlessly woven a tapestry of memories that I hold close to my heart. From the simple joys of childhood to the complex challenges of adulthood, he has been my guiding light, offering sage advice and encouragement at every turn. His boundless patience and understanding have been a source of comfort, providing solace in times of uncertainty”.
“What sets my dad apart is not just the title of “father” but the genuine, selfless love he pours into every role he plays-mentor, friend, and, most recently, the proud grandfather. His ability to create laughter in the mundane, to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories, is a testament to the richness of his spirit. As my dad embarks on this new chapter, I fmd myself filled with gratitude for the countless lessons he has imparted. His legacy is not only one oflove and support but also of resilience, determination, and a boundless capacity for kindness. So here’s to my dad, the architect of my dreams, the quiet hero in the story of my life, and the forever cherished grandfather to a new generation”.
–Dr Doyinsola Kuku-Gill
MY DARLING HUSBAND, BESTIE, CONFIDANT, MY JAMES BROWN HIGH STEPPER!!!
“When Garri Ijebu meets with efo egusi a romance ….. begins with beans and fresh fish stew laced with Garri Ijebu, with a side chic called dodo, leads to being in love with ikokore with all the condiments popping with the ever loyal Ijebu garri and ice, then you would you have met the charming, amiable, highly intelligent but humble gentleman, The Olorogun Dr Sonny Kuku, who said to me at the National Theater over 2 decades ago “since we are going to be presenting an award together “I might as well introduce myself”. A smooth talker, we held hands, went on stage and the rest as it is said is history. My jewel is the one man who loves and takes care of his family and extended family members, too”.
“A man who goes out of his way to make sure that he helps others in the best possible way to be in a position where they’ll be useful to themselves, family, and the society at large. His motto- “Education is key.” A man whose research fmdings in diabetes was classified as one of the best hundreds of the century.
Your passion for excellence is highly commendable, researching new ideas to help improve Medicine not just in Nigeria but globally. The man that brought out the business side of medicine, investing, time, money, and putting his intellectual property to good use, to the benefit of so many, I inclusive. Your passion for handwork is unrivaled. A man skilled at what he does dines with nobles, a gift from God in deed! For God blesses hard work”.
“You keep updating yourself, learning and passing on knowledge, and that mon arnor makes you unique! Despite your multitasking gift and busy schedule, you make sure family comes first and you always eat at home, and this brings joy to all at home.
Thank you for teaching all our children to value education, to never give up, to be the best at what they do, and to respect others, young and old alike. For teaching me the hard lessons of life and that necessity is the mother of invention”!
“I love the way you love me There are no perfect mates, but you are my perfect mate. Dr. Extraordinaire, I salute you. May you keep waxing stronger as you get younger. I love you olowo Ori mi. May Jehovah continue to bless you. If I may borrow your word, “I bang”
–Suzan Erefa Kuku
Your Loving Wife
