Nathan Oguche Emmanuel, PhD
Amidst the transient and ephemeral nature of life, certain individuals ascend beyond the ordinary, leaving an indelible mark on the richness of our shared history. Chief Gabriel Yakubu Aduku, OON epitomized such a persona – an architect of unparalleled vision and a builder of humanity in every sense of the word. As we bid farewell to this remarkable soul who transitioned to the world beyond on 10th March 2024, we pause to reflect on the legacy he leaves behind, a legacy etched in the hearts of countless individuals whose lives he touched.
I first encountered Chief Aduku approximately two decades ago, and since then, our journey together had been akin to a rollercoaster ride until his sudden departure. It was in July 2011, during a visit to Abuja from Zaria, where I was undergoing my Masters program. As a young and passionate journalist, I had embarked on a routine trip to the nation’s capital to gather materials for the 4th edition of ARISE IGALA, a socio-cultural publication. Previously, I had made an effort to interview Chief at his residence in Kaduna, but the effort failed. Chief, therefore, advised me to contact him upon my next visit to Abuja. Prior to this, my closest encounter with this highly venerated elder statesman was at the 2010 Igala Education Summit.
On July 19, I reached out to Chief Aduku, coinciding with my attendance at an event organized by Dr. (Mrs.) Rekiya Abaji, then a Director at the National Productivity Centre and Chairperson of the Society for Self-Support Development (SSS&D). Dr. Rekiya Abaji-Abdulkadir had graciously invited me to a dinner she hosted for Kogi East Parliamentarians at Transcorp, Abuja. Upon Chief’s answer to my call, I promptly informed him I was in Abuja and expressed my desire to interview him regarding developmental issues concerning Igalaland. With a soft and composed voice, he regretted his unavailability for an interview but proposed that I accompanied him to the office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice the following day, where I might find a story. Although unaware of the purpose of the meeting, as a journalist, I knew that where two or more prominent people are gathered, there must be news.
Chief later forwarded a reminder message and the meeting’s venue, demonstrating his punctuality and meticulousness in handling issues; a virtue I later discovered he embodied. On July 20th, 2011, we convened at the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Hon. Muhammed Bello Adoke, alongside Mr. Unekwu Aduku (Chief’s firstborn), Chief Yahaya Atanu, former Minister of Agriculture, Chief Isa Salami, an elder statesman then at the Board of Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), Mr. Anibe Achimugu, the Managing Director of Arewa Cotton, Mr. Joel Attah (JP).
The narrative gleaned from the meeting found its place on page 42 of ARISE IGALA Issue 4, titled “Arc. Gabriel Aduku Deserves FG Apology – Minister of Justice.” As I penned down the story, Chief Aduku’s recounting of his tribulations resonated in what the Attorney General labeled as “intellectually orchestrated lies.” I recalled witnessing Hon. Adoke’s testimony on June 30, 2011, during his Ministerial screening at the Senate Chamber of the National Assembly, where he referenced Arc. Gabriel Aduku’s arrest, trial, subsequent exoneration by the Supreme Court, and emphasized the government’s obligation to apologize and offer compensation. Until Chief GY Aduku’s death, there was neither an apology nor compensation from the Federal Government.
In a country like ours, striving for development and prosperity, treating the just unjustly breeds an unending circle of injustice, erodes trust in the government, and, above all, elevates people of depraved morality above morally robust and upright personalities like Chief Aduku. In such society, development and strive towards social justice remain only a wishful expedition.
Politically, Chief G.Y Aduku could be likened to a proverbial cat with many lives. He endured setbacks, tribulations, and humiliation, but the more his transducers tried to push him, the more he rose and the more relevant he became, as he remained relevant till he breathed his last. Given the humiliation and undeserved inhumane treatments he endured from the government and political figures during various phases of his political trajectory, it is remarkable that only a man of such grace could have lived to the age of 80.
As a prominent figure of impeccable reputation, Chief Aduku was accessible and approachable to all. His phone number, a simple Airtel line, resided in the contact lists of many, as he erected no walls or barricades around himself. On numerous occasions, I witnessed him fielding calls, many from acquaintances as well as from people he did not know; he extended his assistance, addressing their challenges, embodying a beacon of hope.
Chief Aduku did not only rise to the apex architectural practice by emerging the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), he also designed masterpieces now ingrained in our architectural heritage. However, Chief’s legacy transcended bricks and walls; he constructed not only buildings but also dreams, nurturing them to fruition.
Throughout my seventeen years of working closely with Chief Aduku, I served in various capacities, both official and unofficial, sometimes as his personal assistant, at other times as his media aide, but most often as his son.
In 2010, when the late Prof. Francis Idachaba appointed me Chairman of the Communication Committee for the Igala Education Foundation, coinciding with Chief’s appointment as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, he promptly co-opted me into the Strategic Committee. This Committee comprised distinguished personalities like Prof. J.I Omada, the then Executive Director of Igala Education Foundation, Prof. S.S Usman, Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of Igala Education Summit, Mrs. Omachonu Ejamaka, as Secretary of the LOC, a position I later assumed throughout the period of Chief Aduku’s tenure, thereby bringing me intimately close to him.
As the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Igala Education Foundation, Chief Aduku dedicated himself fully to ensuring the preservation of the founder’s vision with sanctity and sincerity. He not only upheld the founder’s vision but also expanded upon it by inviting more individuals to join the Board. During his tenure, esteemed figures such as Prof. Sunday E. Atawodi, the late Professor Seidu Onailo Mohammed, Dr. Mrs. Jummai Amodu, and Barrister Jimoh Umoru Sharubutu joined the ranks.
One of Chief Aduku’s remarkable achievements as the Chairman of BoT of Igala Education Foundation was the expansion he brought by reaching out to all stakeholders because, according to him, “education is too important to be in the hands of the government alone.” As a result, Chief Aduku’s tenure saw significant financial support for awardees, with Chief David Edward Onoja, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Kogi State, and his friends, generously contributing a sum of thirteen million naira to the 26 awardees in 2020 and 20 million naira to 40 recipients of the prestigious award of excellence in 2021.
Despite being a politician, Chief Aduku maintained an apolitical stance when it came to matters concerning Kogi State or the Igala Kingdom. Although he was a founding member of the PDP and remained steadfast in his commitment to the party, even at the times when others abandoned it, his circle of friends and associates transcended political affiliations, religion, age, gender, and social class.
Chief GY Aduku was more than just a successful professional whose architectural masterpieces adorned the major cities of Nigeria. Beyond the steel and concrete of his structures, it was his profound empathy and compassion that truly distinguished him. Therefore, he was not only a successful architect but also someone whose impact on humanity surpassed even his stellar contributions to the architectural profession.
Once, I asked, “Daddy, do you ever rest?” and he quickly responded, “Is there rest under the sun, with its countless challenges and difficulties? If the challenge is not about you, it is about others. Only the dead truly rest.” The bitter reality of his passing now makes this statement resonate deeply within my soul.
As we mourn the passing of Chief GY Aduku, we also celebrate a life lived with purpose and passion. His departure leaves a void in our world, but his spirit will continue to inspire generations to come. Let us honor his memory by carrying forward his legacy of compassion, innovation, and service to humanity. Though he may have exited this world, the architecture of his legacy will endure, and the impact of his exploits will stand like a monument on the sands of time.
