A house is never in a dry season when it belongs to a man of the people. It blossoms in every season like a perennial tree, always green and ever welcoming. Even when its owner is not within earshot, the sprawling residence remains a beehive of activity, with people milling around to receive visitors and awaiting their turn to meet the master of the house.
Aremu Adebisi Olopoenia is, indeed, a political juggernaut. Like the title of the 1995 film Man of the House, he is firmly in control of his domain. His residence evokes memories of the famous estate of the late political strategist, Sam Mbakwe, popularly described as the “Palace of the People”—a place where the doors were always open to friends, associates, and political allies.
Anyone whose intention is merely to exchange greetings with Olopoenia should abandon the idea. A visit to him is never a fleeting affair. Like a master craftsman engrossed in his work, he is constantly engaged. As one notable political figure departs, another arrives. His residence is perpetually occupied by men and women of different political persuasions, united in admiration of their leader.
At intervals, songs of praise fill the air:
“Leader daadaa ni leader awa,
Ó ń ṣe wa daadaa,
Ó ń hùwà daadaa sí wa,
Leader daadaa ni leader awa.”
With such heartfelt songs echoing through the compound, no visitor needs to inquire about the relationship between the leader and his followers. The affection is unmistakable.
Calling him “Olopoenia” is more than mentioning a name; it is a statement of identity—a man who keeps a large retinue of loyal supporters under his roof. Having once been schooled in the Adedibu Molete tradition of politics, he continues to extend the legacy of grassroots mobilisation and people-centred leadership associated with that illustrious political school.
As I stood listening, another chorus rang out:
“Tí ó bá bá rìn, a sọ ọ́ di olówó, Bo oade e lona,
A fi owo sápò rẹ̀;
Mo ti rí leader,
Mi ò rí irú ẹlẹ́yìí rí.”
For years, I had heard stories of Olopoenia’s political dexterity. Today, I became a living witness.
I had gone to welcome him back from his trip abroad. Right from the entrance gate, his residence was filled with politicians from different backgrounds. I was fortunate to see him descending the staircase. As I approached him, he politely requested that I exercise a little patience because he was about to receive a group of decampees from the APC into the APM.
The new entrants radiated optimism, convinced they had found a safe political home. They showered encomiums on the leadership of Governor Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde and Aremu Olopoenia, describing both as exemplary and uniquely accommodating.
After what seemed like an hour, another delegation of community leaders arrived in large numbers. They were soon followed by APM stalwarts and other political stakeholders, all patiently waiting for an audience with the political Caesar.
By the time I counted about five different groups, either meeting or waiting to meet the same man, I quietly took my leave. As I walked away, one thought echoed in my mind:
Aremu Adebisi Olopoenia is truly the Man of the House—not because he owns a magnificent residence, but because his house has become the meeting point of the people. In every sense of the word, he is a de facto Olópọ̀ Ẹ̀nìyàn—the man of the people.
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