Meet Moshood Adisa Olabisi Ajala, popularly known as Ajala the Traveller, a Nigerian journalist, travel writer, actor, and socialite who left an indelible mark on the world. Born on April 3, 1934, in Ghana to Nigerian parents, Ajala’s life was a testament to adventure, resilience, and wanderlust.
Ajala was the 25th child in a polygamous family with four wives and approximately thirty children. He attended Baptist Academy in Lagos and Ibadan Boys’ High School in Ibadan. At 18, he moved to the United States to study pre-medicine at the University of Chicago, later transferring to Roosevelt
University to study Psychology.
Ajala’s travels took him to over 87 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Some notable highlights include:
– In 1952, he embarked on a 2,280-mile bicycle journey from Chicago to Los Angeles in 28 days, wearing traditional Yoruba attire to challenge stereotypes about Africans.
– In 1957, he commenced a world tour on a Vespa scooter, meeting global leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru (India), Golda Meir (Israel), Nikita Khrushchev (USSR), Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt), and
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Ajala’s charisma and adventures earned him a spot in the media. He:
– Appeared in the 1953 film White Witch Doctor
– Authored the memoir “An African Abroad” in 1963, detailing his global experiences
Ajala’s personal life was marked by multiple relationships and marriages across different countries, resulting in children in Nigeria, Australia, and London.
Despite his fame, Ajala faced financial difficulties later in life and suffered a debilitating stroke that left him paralyzed. Sadly, he passed away on February 2, 1999, at the age of 65, in relative obscurity and poverty.
Cultural Impact
Ajala’s legacy lives on:
– He is immortalized in Nigerian pop culture, with the phrase “Ajala the Traveller” becoming synonymous with frequent travelers.
– He is celebrated in music, notably by Ebenezer Obey in the 1972 song “Board Members.”
– His life story remains a testament to adventure and resilience, inspiring generations to explore beyond boundaries.
Ajala’s life serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of fame and the importance of prudent financial planning.
His story continues to captivate audiences, and his legacy as a legendary traveller remains unrivaled.
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