Remembering Alaba Alakija and His Endearing Stories
For over three decades, Alaba Alakija has shared a cherished memory with me: a humorous anecdote involving a well-known Irish racehorse named Sheger. Sheger was the reigning champion of the British mile, yet he struggled with anything beyond that distance. Just prior to a major race, the horse was kidnapped, prompting a frantic search throughout England and Ireland. As panic spread, a sizeable reward was offered for information leading to Sheger’s recovery. It was then that a clever Irish vagrant suggested that the search be narrowed to the area within a mile radius of where the horse was last seen, knowing Sheger would never wander further. Tragically, the search ended in loss, with only the horse’s head being found.
Anecdotes from Equestrian Life
Another light-hearted story we enjoyed revolved around the Duke of Devonshire, who was caught indulging in the questionable practice of doping his own horses at the prestigious Ascot Races. Just before the race began, the Duke implored his trainer to sample the concoction himself before administering it to the horse. Remarkably, the horse made a swift recovery. As a result, the trainer jested to his jockey, “If anything is going to surpass this horse, it has to be the Duke of Devonshire.”
The Legacy of the Alakija Family
The rich history of the Alakija family is intricately woven with the life of Sir Adeyemo, who was born in 1884 and had a poignant connection with my grandfather, Dr. JK Randle, a prominent figure who established Nigeria’s first political party, the People’s Union, in 1908. Upon Sir Adeyemo’s passing in 1952, my father, Chief JK Randle, took over as Chairman of both the Lagos Island Club and the Lagos Racing Club, continuing the family legacy.
Alaba’s Journey in the World of Horses
During his lifetime, Alaba successfully operated a construction company named Alcide, but due to the volatile nature of the Nigerian economy, the business eventually succumbed. With his newfound free time, he immersed himself in his passion for horses, often found at the prestigious Lagos Polo Club. Unfortunately, horse racing in Lagos came to an abrupt end when a military government repurposed the racecourse as a training ground. Alaba found refuge at racing venues in Ibadan and Accra, Ghana, continuing to indulge in his love for the sport.
Cherished Memories and Grief
Throughout his life, Alaba maintained close friendships with jockeys who had once worked for his father, including Adam and Hassan. I fondly recall the names of horses from Sir Adeyemo Alakija’s stable, such as “Thirty One” and “Wild Hope.” Sadly, the decline in traditional English proficiency among Nigerians has been notable, particularly highlighted when King Charles recently hosted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who communicated in Pidgin English at a state dinner at Windsor Castle.
Alaba’s Passing and Shared Humor
Alaba passed away after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of stories that undoubtedly brought joy in both life and beyond. One memorable tale he shared involved a Nigerian businessman in a Rolls-Royce who, after losing his way in the English countryside, collided with a horse. Enraged, the farmer took drastic measures to end the horse’s suffering, all while the businessman humorously insisted he was fine despite his own injuries due to the crash.
Even in Hardship, Humor Emerges
Another amusing story spoke of a centuries-old circus that faced financial ruin and resulted in the division of animals among the owners’ siblings. One brother devised a contest, allowing anyone who could make a horse nod or shake its head to win a prize. His clever scheme attracted many, yet no one succeeded until a Nigerian man showed up. Utilizing a past encounter with the horse, he manipulated the situation to his advantage, ultimately winning the contest and the horse’s rightful place in history.
