MEET PRINCE ADEYEMI ADERIBIGBE: The man who claims to be “the luckiest man in the world”
Prince Adeyemi Aderibigbe, who refers to himself as “the luckiest man in the world,” has lived an extraordinary life spanning 100 years.
Born in 1925 at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, he has experienced various phases of life, from working in the media to being part of the civil service and even engaging in farming.
Early life and education
Prince Adeyemi Aderibigbe was born into a family of 12, with 11 sisters and one brother. His early education began at D Line, D28 in Zaria, and he later moved to Calabar, where he met Sir Samuel Manuwa, the first Nigerian Chief Medical Director. Due to his poor eyesight, which is a family trait, he was taken to the Sudan Interior Mission in Kano for an eye check.
He finished his primary education in Ado Ekiti and his secondary education in the 1930s. His interest in journalism led him to work at the Zik Press, where he was trained by Zik himself. He later attended the School of Journalism in England at Regent Street Polytechnic.
Career and government service
Prince Adeyemi Aderibigbe’s career took him to various sectors, including journalism, civil service, and the oil industry. He worked with several governments, including the military regime of General Gowon and the civilian administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. Notably, he was the managing director of the Morning Post in Lagos and the Daily Service.
In the civil service, he worked in the Ministry of Defence and was involved in a special unit that later became the Department of State Security (DSS). He also had a stint in the oil industry with Gulf Oil, which later became Chevron.
Relationship with Nigeria leaders
Prince Adeyemi Aderibigbe has had a long-standing relationship with President Olusegun Obasanjo, which continued even when Obasanjo became a military head of state and later a civilian president. He offered his services to Obasanjo within his limitations.
He also maintains relationships with other past leaders, such as General Gowon and Ike Nwachukwu. Gowon, for instance, attended his 100th birthday party.
Secrets to long life
Prince Adeyemi Aderibigbe attributes his long life to living a simple life, not drinking, and not smoking. He eats once a day at 5 o’clock in the evening and has a routine that includes mixing with like minds and seeking counsel.
Personal life
He has been married twice, with his second wife being significantly younger than him. He met his second wife when he gave her a lift on campus, and their relationship developed from there.
Legacy and reflections
Prince Adeyemi Aderibigbe reflects on his life with gratitude, considering himself the luckiest man in the world due to his experiences and the people he has met. He has no regrets about not aspiring to be the Ooni of Ife, as he was asked but declined, suggesting his son for the position instead.
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He believes his simple lifestyle, strong family ties, and ability to adapt to different situations have contributed to his longevity and happiness.
