BY BOLAJI AFOLABI
Christened Oladapo Oyekunle Olorunyomi at birth by his late parents; Samuel Akinbayo and Mary Olorunyomi, but largely known as Dapo Olorunyomi, he means different things to different people. Described as an open-hearted and open-handed person by some people, “Uncle Dapsy” or “Dapsy” is known as a professional imbued with boundless courage, inimitable spirit, unmistakable vision, and enviable resilience in the pursuit of any idea that is right, just, and selfless. In many ways, he is an unusual person whose character, conduct, approach, and perception about life and living differs from the norm. On every discourse, he makes his points with grace, candour, and conviction without being obstructive. Despite being endowed with intellect, eloquence, and intuition, he believes in looking at other people’s positions on issues. He does not only hide from the klieglight but avoids self adulation, and anything that will make him the centre of attraction.
Though the writer cannot claim to know Olorunyomi, but listening and reading various testaments about him, it is imperative to celebrate him; even if he will protest. Many people, some of whom are his friends, associates, and proteges describe him as a thorough professional whose activities and actions are driven by excellence, transparency, and selflessness. For others, Olorunyomi lives a life of dedication, distinction, and devotion to his profession and humanity. Some others see him as heaven’s gift to humanity whose day-to-day activities are driven by the strong desire to emplace initiatives that will propel realistic development, and general well-being of people. Overtime, he has lived a life of inspiration and impacted positively on the career paths, and personal growth of many people; within and outside Nigeria. On the writer’s only interaction with him, Olorunyomi’s fertile mind, creative instincts, power of recall, and quest for information came to the fore. Disarmed by his humility and friendly disposition, he related as though we have known each other for years. 
A few days ago, November 8th precisely, Uncle Dapo was a year older. A widely recognized journalist, author, publisher, and media entrepreneur, whose commitment towards the deepening of professional ethos has remained unwavering. Arguably, the most celebrated journalist in contemporary Nigeria, he is a strong advocate for investigative journalism, media freedom, and good governance. Born in the core North, schooled in the North Central, and Southern region of Nigeria, Olorunyomi is completely detribalized, and a natural bridge-builder whose commitment to friendship, and relationships are unequivocal. His immense contributions to the elevation of journalism as a resourceful vehicle towards pushing the frontiers of meaningful development are well documented. Within spans and space, he has exhibited uncommon courage, unusual audacity, and unflinching determination in ensuring that the media takes its rightful place in any, every discourse of national interest.
Unknown to some people, particularly the “Gen Z” and others, Olorunyomi contributed immensely to the democratic freedom in Nigeria, today, which sadly, has been destroyed by some beneficiaries. Moreso, it is disheartening that those who did not invest any drop of sweat are toying with the democratic victory that Uncle Dapsy (and a few others) fought for with their tears, sorrows, and blood. Amid intimidation, harassment, and brutalization by the military rulership of Late General Sani Abacha, he stood his ground by vigorously advocating for a return to democracy. Through his writings, stories, reports, and other engagements, Olorunyomi spoke truth to power, and consistently took firm positions against the military. Despite a series of attacks and clampdown, he was resolute, and never wandered in his belief, disposition, and focus. For many years, he became a “troubling bone” in the neck of the military junta, who were bent on arresting him.
With the military deploying desperate measures to arrest him, a reluctant Olorunyomi was forced into exile in the United States of America, (USA). Like a goldfish with no hiding place, he re-connected with some other like-minded people and continued with the struggle for democratic governance in Nigeria. Leveraging on advocacy and journalism as a worthy vehicle for nation building, he spoke against the military incursions, media crackdown, and discriminatory arrests of Nigerians. He was very active in the advocacy drives of the National Democratic Coalition, (NADECO). In addition, he was visibly active as a Speaker in some advocacy initiatives and platforms including RoundTable, and the April Committee to Protect Journalists. Fact, the story of the golden era of journalism; where it effectively checked the excesses of the military will not be complete without the mention of Olorunyomi.
As a journalist, and media entrepreneur, Olorunyomi is a worthy inspiration to many people in the profession. His seniors (not many now) acknowledge his industry and passion. His colleagues always recognize his boldness, vigour, persistency, and forthrightness. His large, and increasing number of mentees describe him as a prodigious father on whose shoulders they fly at will. Happily, many have conquered territories; broke (and still breathing) new grounds; and recording milestones. One of his mentees who pleaded anonymity disclosed that, “Uncle Dapo is a truly generous and kind leader, who gives his resources, time, experiences, and more to anybody without looking back. He is a good natured, humorous, and simple person.”
Olorunyomi previously worked as an Editor at Radio Nigeria; Editor at African Guardian, and African Concord; Founding Editor at The News, and Tempo magazines. He was also the Enterprise Editor, and Head of Investigative Reporting at 234Next; Project Director at Freedom House, USA; and Chief of Staff, and Policy Director at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC). Thereafter, he founded, and became Publisher, Premium Times; an influential, and trailblazing online newspaper. As a mark of his brilliance, he excelled everywhere he worked, both in Nigeria, and across different nations.
His cabinets, at home and office are overflowing with awards and recognitions from various organizations and bodies at home and abroad. Aside from these, he sits on the Board of some local and international institutions whose vision is geared towards the elevation of journalism, and the pursuit of realistic development. Ever driven by the desire to advocate for investigative journalism, press freedom, and good governance, he founded several initiatives including the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, (WSCIJ), and the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism, (PTCIJ).
Indeed, further analysis of Olorunyomi’s personality can be described as humility, humanity, and altruism rolled into one. His entire life is anchored on each of these rare, and enviable qualities. Through this, he has motivated, influenced, stimulated, and impacted the creativity, actions, and career paths of many people. On this occasion of his birthday, I join numerous others to celebrate Uncle Dapo; the media colossus with amazing excellent spirit.
* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja
