The Olubadan-designate, Chief Saliu Adetunji, has opened up on how he was a cut-and-sew tailor in Lagos before his journey to stardom started in 1957.
Luck, he said, smiled on him when he met one Samuel Badejo, who introduced him to music promotion, and he founded three foremost music marketing companies: Omo Aje Sound Studio, Adetunji Label and Babalaje Records.
He was said to have, through the companies, promoted to limelight music artistes such as Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde (K1); Alhaji Sule Alao (Malaika), the late Dauda Akanmu (Epo Akara), Alhaji Tatalo Alamu and many more.
Adetunji, who is the Balogun of Ibadaland, disclosed this at the weekend when he received members of Oluyole Social Elite to his Alusekere Compound, Popoyemoja, Ibadan residence.
He mentioned Okusanya and the late Balogun of Ibadanland, Chief Suleiman Omiyale, as people who mentored him in life, adding that without their contributions to his life, he would still be a cut-and-sew tailor at Ita Agarau in Oya Compound on Lagos Island.
“One of my mentors, who did something remarkable in my business life was late Okusanya. I was a cut-and-sew tailor when late Badejo introduced me to the music industry in 1957 where I rose to become a star.
“Another person who influenced my life positively was Sule Omiyale, the late Balogun of Ibadanland. He was the one who prevailed upon me to apply for and become Mogaji of Adetunji family house. It took the late Sule Omiyale three years to convince me to become the Mogaji (compound head).
“And, if you don’t take the first step by becoming the Mogaji, how can you become the Jagun and begin to climb the step to the Olubadan? So, what they have done in my life remains unforgettable, even after their exit.” (Daily Sun)