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T. M. Aluko: The Nigerian Engineer–Novelist Who Bridged Tradition and Modernity

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Timothy Mofolorunso Aluko (July 14, 1918 – May 1, 2010) stands out as one of Nigeria’s rare figures who excelled in both technical and literary worlds. A civil engineer, public servant and acclaimed novelist, Aluko spent more than nine decades exploring how a nation can modernise without losing its cultural soul. His life and work continue to illuminate the tension—and the possibilities—between tradition and change.

Early Life and Education

Born in Ilesa, present-day Osun State, Aluko grew up in a Yoruba family that valued both learning and cultural heritage. He attended the prestigious Government College, Ibadan, where the disciplined environment of colonial-era schooling shaped his love for knowledge. After earning a scholarship to Britain, he trained as a civil engineer, gaining a professional foundation that would later guide Nigeria’s early infrastructure projects.

Career in Public Service and Academia

Returning home at the dawn of Nigeria’s political awakening, Aluko joined the Western Region’s Public Works Department, eventually becoming Director of Public Works in the 1950s and 1960s. His leadership helped lay the roads, water systems and municipal structures that supported the region’s post-colonial growth.

Aluko later moved into academia, earning a doctorate in municipal engineering and mentoring a generation of young engineers. His rare combination of field experience and scholarly depth made him a respected voice in both government and university circles.

Novelist of a Changing Nigeria

Alongside his technical career, Aluko emerged as one of the pioneers of modern Nigerian fiction in English. His novels marry gentle satire with keen social observation, capturing the friction between Yoruba traditions and the modern forces reshaping society.

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One Man, One Wife (1959): A humorous yet piercing look at polygamy and the shifting expectations of family life in a society balancing custom and Christianity.

One Man, One Matchet (1964): A critique of colonial bureaucracy and an exploration of the early nationalist spirit.

With accessible prose and memorable characters, Aluko’s fiction highlighted how communities wrestle with the promises and pitfalls of modernization.

Memoirs and Reflections

In later years, Aluko chronicled his professional and personal journey in works such as My Years of Service and The Story of My Life. These memoirs offer not only a personal narrative but also a valuable record of Nigeria’s transformation from colony to independent nation.

Family and Personal Life

Aluko was married and raised a family while maintaining close ties to his native Ilesa. He was known for humility and a quiet dedication to public service. He passed away in Lagos on May 1, 2010, at the age of 91, surrounded by the respect of both literary and engineering communities.

Enduring Legacy

More than a decade after his death, Aluko’s novels remain staples of African literature courses in Nigeria and abroad. His life’s work demonstrates that technical achievement and creative expression can reinforce one another. By building both physical infrastructure and enduring stories, T. M. Aluko showed how a society can embrace modernity without losing sight of its roots—a lesson as relevant today as it was in his lifetime.

Sources

Aluko, T. M. One Man, One Wife (1959); One Man, One Matchet (1964).

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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17 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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