As part of a challenge series on past great Nigerian soccer personalities, Odolaye Baa Waki Aremu reminisces on the cerebral BABA ELERAN, perhaps the greatest soccer fan ever made in these climes. Enjoy.
They say I am crazy. In a way maybe I am Ibadan-kind crazy. The type of craziness that follows a logic to a point and depart from it when such logic expires midway. The chronic bipolarity of that city lives with me and within me forever and ever. For example I don’t understand how Lagosians could choose to sheepishly follow one Jagaban to the end of time. In Ibadan we are quick to switch positions or allegiance to the growth or development or even to the electrical touch of our brain cells. We act to the notorious pattern of the privileged residents of that fabled, invincible city within the big city, known to outsiders as – LáyÃpo!
More than the attractive aura of the ball club that added an allure to the lore of the city for me, Baba ẸlẹÌran was another Ibadan entity that fully secured my love for the city. There was Lekan Salami and there was Baba Eleran. Their’s was the symbiotic relationship between Lekki and Somolu. One seemingly high and the other seemingly low. But both functioned perfectly to the massive growth of the club they both managed and supported.
The picture of Haji Gani is that of a Legend. He was as legendary as the ball club he devoted his life, business and all to. One of his children reportedly fell sick on one of the Stars outing out of State, he only prayed for the kid and followed his heart. Fortunately the Stars won. Unfortunately the kid died. Baba ẸlẹÌran reportedly sucked up and thank God for taking the child but more for allowing the Stars not disgrace him! That’s Ganiyu Elékuru, Baba Eleran!
He was our Supporters Club President. And at the same time a one-time President of The Ibadan Butchers Association; hence the lifetime moniker: Baba ẸlẹÌran. He was equally one of our unofficial team scouts. By his carrying-on too, he was the man to further reinforced the prevalence of voodoo in our locker room- though treated hush-hush. It was a matter of ‘don’t ask-don’t tell.’ Looking back at it now, I think I doubt its efficacy. Not with the way we lost spectacularly when we were overwhelmingly assured the game was already in the kitty.
The legend was that the man had inputs into every player that ever wore that blue/white uniform in his lifetime. It was said, that Baba Eleran always knew the perfect fit for the team. And he had something profoundly or wickedly funny to say about any of the Stars at all times.
“SẹÌgun tun tà bẹ̀rẹ̀ ègé wèrè ẹ nu’un! Tà wá»n ba e le gba bá»Ìá»Ì€lù un lá»Ìwá»Ì ẹ yaa má» gba’bẹ̀ rè’lú’u yÃn nà o! Ẹsẹ wèrè ẹ ò sì báláà nsì ó!”
He was more than just a non-player, he was the team’s mascot, the two synonymously linked forever – even in death. He never sat still from the start of a match till its end! It was common knowledge that he loved the Stars more than anything. He would have given his life easily if such massive gesture would or could help the Stars win the most insignificant game- even if it were a friendly match. An unrivaled city encyclopedia for the Nigerian soccer league in his lifetime. Imagine that for a man not particularly lettered! His sense of recall was amazing! Being in his presence was like being in the presence of a soccer Gnome. He would forever be remembered for the Balubalu song, not only because he sang it but more for crazily believing the fallacy of an albino and sun-blindness. Bendel Insurance had Papa Bendel. The Flying Antelopes (Rangers) had Madam Rangers. In Ibadan, we lovingly and fondly had Baba ẸlẹÌran! May His Soul Rest In Peace!
“Bà lùbà lù N’tà fÃn Ã’!
Bà lùbà lù Ń’tà fÃn Ã’!
SámálẹÌẹ̀kì Ã’ RÃran Ọ̀sán O
Bà lùbà lù Ń’tà fÃn O!”
EDITOR’S TRANSLATION
“Albinos hardly see clearly!
Albinos hardly see clearly!
Zamalek does not see in daylight
Albinos hardly see clearly!”
