By Oluwole Leigh
As an African and a father, I have been at a crossroads of sort. I am of the opinion that it is necessary for kids to have superheroes. I had the likes of Fadeyi Olooro, Abija and Roger Ramjet, Voltron while growing up. I have been scouting around for Superheroes for the little one. I have bought all of D.O Fagunwa books so that he will read of the exploits of Seven valiant men in ‘Igbo Irunmole’.
It took me a while to realise that was I was looking for in Sokoto state was right in my ‘Sokoto’. I was in deep contemplation when I stumbled on the name ‘Ade Abolurin’. After reading his life story, I named him Captain Ade. Fellow Nigerians, look no further for your Superhero. The powers and wisdom of the ancient rest in the bosom of Captain Ade. We are indeed lucky to inhabit the same planet as this mighty man of valor. Captain Ade’s super powers were made manifest when he was serving Nigeria as the Commandant of NSCDC (Yes, the same organization- ‘Oga at the Top’). As we all know, every hero has his/her superpowers and these are called into action when danger appears.
Superpower 1 – Aeroplane engine repairs – 2003
In Captain Ade’s words ‘God saved him from a Belleview plane crash when the pilot announced that he had lost control, saying that when he prayed to God, all the occupants of the plane were saved because of him’. (Cue in Action Movie Soundtrack). Captain Ade chose to be modest in his speech. This is probably what happened. As the plane was going down and people were crying, Captain flew from his seat to the Engine room, opened the doors, changed some valves and the lights came on. Captain Ade saved the day.
Superpower 2- End of Asuu strike – 2013
Captain Ade discovered that University lecturers were on strike and many young ones were sitting at home. In the midst of the imbroglio, Captain Ade declared ‘The CG has declared seven days fasting and prayer nationwide to seek an ultimate solution to the problem ‘. Supernaturally, ASUU called off their strike action a few months after Captain Ade’s intervention.
Superpower 3 – Pipeline Inspection – Aug 2014
Captain Ade went on an inspection of Pipelines and some stupid earthlings tried to shoot at him. According to the news report – ‘Abolurin, who is the Chairman of a committee on pipeline vandalism constituted by the AG, was with others inspecting items seized from some vandals when a police team led by an unidentified inspector threatened to gun them down.’ The story does not tell us what happened to the ‘Unidentified Inspector’ but I am very sure he looked into Captain Ade’s eyes as he raised up his gun and then became paralyzed.
Fire Incident – Nov. 2014
Like all Superheroes, Captain Ade went through a bad patch and the movie took a sad turn (cue in Sad sound track). Captain Ade was involved in a ‘domestic fire incident’ and had to go to the hospital. According to the spokesman- ‘He is on medical leave, following a domestic accident. We thank God he is responding to the treatment’ Captain Ade had to be out of his office for a while in order to recover his powers. In his own words – ‘‘It feels so good to be alive. The dead cannot talk. Very soon, by God’s grace, I will be back in office to continue to discharge my duty to Nigerians’
Superpower 4 – Assassination Attempt
‘None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.’ – 1 Cor 2:8.
Captain Ade’s enemies did not understand how he had survived all the danger thrown at him so they decided to launch a full scale assault. The baddest of men were asked to go on this mission. Captain’s account- ‘When they discovered that they were indeed wasting their bullets, they started beating me with wheel spanners, sticks and various kinds of metals. I told them that they would be tired. They beat me until they started beating themselves. At that point, I prayed and told God to make them run the race of their lives. They all started running and left me on the floor.’ According to Captain Ade – ‘ 57 cartridges were found inside my car, 105 were found on the floor where the car was packed while 1,250 unused bullets were also recovered from the attackers. The power of 57/105/1250 could not harm Captain Ade. As long as ‘actors don’t die’, Captain Ade will live forever.
Actor’s Triumph
Every valiant man in the stories of old receives his ultimate commendation from the King. Captain Ade’s commendation came from the Ebora of Owu himself – Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo. Obj said – ‘You, Ade Abolurin, you did your best, no human being is perfect and if there is any imperfection that I noted, is probably your enthusiasm to want to get things right. You’ve gone, you’ve seen, and I think you have conquered and you’re welcome home’.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you Captain Ade. Tell your kids and your grandkids. Share the story, far and wide. A hero lives among us.
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