By Jubril Arowolo
He is Pa Samson Olayiwola Lankorodoro, JP.
Born on January 7,1912 to traditional worshiper parents, Pa Babalola Lankorodoro and Madam Ifaranti Lankorodoro of Ile Otun, Oje in Ibadan North East Local Government with their village at Saago Idiiya, Ido Local Government.
Schooled at Oke Are Theological Seminary, Ibadan and St Finbarr, Lagos.
He taught briefly as a teacher before he joined the colonial army in 1939 for the 2nd World War which took him to Scotland, India, Trimia etc alongside the late Olubadan of Ibadan land also then an Officer!
Lost his first set of children in 1943/44 during the cholera out break, while he was on the war fronts.
Right now only surviving members of Nigeria Footballers, named UK Tourists who travelled to Britain and played with bare foot. His squad name was Lai Baba.
He lured the late Teslim Balogun to football from Abeokuta and discovered among others the likes of Niyi Akande, Layi Olagbenro while handling a local club in the suburb of Oniyanrin, Ibadan.
Foundation members of WNDC-Shooting Stars in 1963.
Rejoined the Nigerian Army in 1967 to fight the civil war alongside Benjamin Adekunle Scorpion.
First organizing Secretary of the Action Group
First Private Secretary of the late Pa Alfred Rewane.
Built first and only personal house at 103
Appointed as Chairman, Shooting Stars Sports Club, 2014.
Made pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 2012 alongside close friend, Pa Adebayo Faleti.
Sworn-in as J P in 2013.
His words:
I never knew I would be this old on the surface of the earth. It is just a grace and I give all glory and adoration to the Almighty for His mercy! I taught I would die before today for my an illness which kept me in bed for three months. I thank God and the generality of my family who spent so much on me to be alive! That’s why I opted for low keyed event. I appreciate my friends too, Old and Young, their love and prayers kept me on. Thank you all.
Happiest moment :
I have many memorable moments but Shooting Stars victory in Cameroon in 1976 was my best moment. Handling the first continental trophy made me a fulfilled supporter of the club. I rode in the same car from Yaounde with Gov Jemibewon, Chief Lekan Salami, Gani Elekuru ‘Baba Eleran’, and Alhaji Abiodun Ajagbe who used to come from Oshogbo then.
Saddest moment :
My saddest day was March 30,1958 when the mob killed my father, Pa Babalola Lankorodoro, (175 years) following the crisis which trailed the death of Hon Adelabu Adegoke ‘Penkelemesi. He was a strong foundation member of Action Group. 175 years? I asked! Yes, my father was one of the civil servants that laid P&T underground cable from Ibadan to Maiduguri!
