Why I don’t believe in Yoruba nation agitation – 90-year-old Ondo high chief

High Chief, Simeon Oguntimehin is the second-in-command to the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom and a former president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. As he turns 90, the iconic accountant speaks to VICTORIA EDEME about his life, career, and achievements

At 90, what makes you feel most fulfilled?

First is that I have the grace and mercy of God. He has kept me throughout these 90 years. I thank God for the family He has blessed me with. I celebrated my diamond jubilee of marriage about two years ago, and my children are doing well.

Please provide us with a brief background of your childhood and education.

I was born on September 12, 1934, in Ondo town. My parents were Pa Abraham and Madam Esther Oguntimehin. My father died at the age of 36 on May 19, 1943, but my mother lived up to the age of 71 before passing away in March 1981.

I started schooling just before I turned five. At the age of four, I was already eager to go to school. I was enrolled in an infant school in Ondo in December 1940. I moved to the primary section in 1943.

However, disaster struck in May 1943 when I lost my father, and many thought that would be the end of my education.

However, by the grace of God and with my mother’s support, I completed primary school in December 1949.

After that, I applied for the Ondo Native Administration scholarship. The competition was high, with almost 800 candidates, but I passed and was awarded the scholarship, which funded my secondary education until 1954.

I then took the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination and left school at 20 in December 1955, departing from Ondo.

After leaving Ondo, how did you further your education?

After leaving Ondo in December 1954, I was employed by the Federal Government of Nigeria in the Federal Survey Department. At the time, there were no ministries, and we were recruited from various departments and enrolled in the Computer Training Section. Our job was to compute the figures provided by the field surveyors.

However, I had a desire to pursue a career in accountancy. In August 1955, I left the Federal Survey Department and joined the Accountant General’s Department in Lagos.

I worked there for over two years before going to the United Kingdom for training as an accountant.

In 1957, I became the first black person to be articled by any accountancy firm in Oxford.

Though it was a five-year training programme, I completed the exams within four years and qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in June 1961.

What were the highlights of your career?

In September 1961, I returned to Nigeria and joined a firm of chartered accountants in Ibadan.

The agreement was that if I performed well in the firm for two years, I would be admitted into the partnership. After two years, I was adjudged to have done well and was admitted to the partnership on October 1, 1963.

I worked at the firm for 33 years, from 1961 to September 1994, retiring at 60. After retirement, I started my own financial consultancy firm and was invited to serve on several boards.

I served on the council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria from 1981 to 1998. For the first 10 years, I represented Western Nigeria, and during that time, I was the treasurer of the Institute.

In 1995, I became the president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

Could you tell us about your experience as a former treasurer and president of ICAN?

Every year, we held an annual general meeting where the president and treasurer were appointed, forming the upper arm of the council. The president held office for one year, and you typically served as vice president before reaching that position. After my election, I was re-elected every three years before becoming president. The council governed the institute, and I was a founding member.

What other activities have you been engaged in since retirement?

Ten years ago, I relocated from Ibadan in Oyo State, to Ondo State, when I was appointed Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, which is the second-in-command to the kabiyesi.

Due to the responsibilities of this role, I had to return to Ondo. Now, I handle traditional chieftaincy matters and still assist financially, in line with my profession.

I was also the chairman of the first Public Accounts Committee of Ondo State when it was created in 1976.

From 2007 to 2011, I served as the first chartered accountant member of the Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offences Commission.

I published a book in 2011, titled, ‘My Destined Career’, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of my accountancy journey.

As the second-in-command to the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, how have you assisted the monarch in the running of the kingdom?

We have the Osemawe-in-Council, chaired by the Osemawe and assisted by six high chiefs, of which I am one. As High Chief Lisa, am next in line.

Together with the five other high chiefs, we manage the affairs of the community. We hold periodic meetings to address the welfare and progress of the community. In recent years, we’ve made significant progress.

For instance, we now have three universities in Ondo – Wesley University, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, and the University of Medical Sciences. Our kingdom plays a role in coordinating the people, providing land, and fostering development.

You were decorated with the Officer of the Order of Niger by the Federal Government. What other honorary recognitions have you received?

I received the OON title in 2001. In 1988, I was honoured as Gbogi Ondo, a district head title.

In 1993, I was inducted into the Knighthood of St Christopher in Christendom. In my profession, I’ve been privileged to hold the highest position as ICAN president. I’ve also received recognition from my community.

I was fortunate to work closely with Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Jimoh Odutola, and they greatly influenced my career.

What do you think about the agitation for Yoruba Nation?

I don’t believe in such movements. What we need is a strong federation, as handed to us in 1960. The Western region developed rapidly and was the first to introduce primary school education in 1955, with other regions following in 1967. We were progressing at a fast pace.

I don’t believe in breaking Nigeria into pieces. Sudan did it, and what is the outcome today? It won’t work. I believe in one Nigeria with a strong federation.

How would you rate the current administration amid the hike in fuel prices and economic hardship?

The administration is about a year old, and I believe they are doing what they can. They need time, but they should prioritise fixing the refineries or constructing a new one if necessary.

If Dangote’s refinery is fully supported, it can meet Nigeria’s needs. The availability of fuel affects everything. Additionally, electricity must be addressed. The current administration is on the right track, and I believe they will succeed, especially if we return to agriculture.