The Apena of Egbaland and Oluwo of Iporo-Ake, Chief Suarau Olayiwola Alani Bankole, has recounted his remarkable journey from working as a petrol attendant to becoming a successful businessman and National Chairman of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
Bankole, who spoke during a media interaction to mark his 85th birthday, said financial difficulties forced him to interrupt his education after elementary school, leading him to take up work at a petrol station through a family connection.
He, however, continued his education while working and gradually rose through the ranks, acquiring practical experience in business management.
According to the octogenarian, by the age of about 18, he had progressed from being a petrol attendant to managing two filling stations.
He said his responsibilities at the time included travelling to Lagos to place orders, receiving petroleum products and supervising the operations of the stations.
Bankole later moved to Lagos, where he worked with the Federal Office of Statistics before joining the banking sector.
He said his experience in the foreign exchange department of the bank exposed him to international business and further strengthened his entrepreneurial ambition.
Bankole eventually resigned from the banking sector after he was asked to relocate to Port Harcourt during the Nigerian Civil War.
He explained that he declined the transfer because of security concerns and his responsibility as the eldest son of his family.
Reflecting on his life journey, the traditional chief attributed his achievements to hard work, experience and, above all, divine grace.
“Whatever I am today and whatever I have been able to do is by the special grace of God,” he said.
Bankole also recalled his long involvement in Nigerian politics, which began when he was about 35 years old and eventually led to his emergence as National Chairman of the defunct ANPP.
He said his experiences in business and politics had reinforced his belief that Nigeria needed stronger institutions, capable leadership and greater emphasis on competence and performance.
The elder statesman said he was now less concerned about political office and more interested in seeing institutions developed to deliver better outcomes for citizens.
Bankole is the father of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, who served as Speaker between 2007 and 2011.
