
21/07/2025
OUR SUPPOSED IROKO TREE
I grew up to meet a certain tree standing tall in front of my grandpa’s house — so huge, I often thought it was an Iroko tree, though it wasn’t. I was very close to my grandpa, but as a child, my thoughts weren’t mature enough to ask him the story behind that tree before he passed. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace.
One quiet Wednesday night, while chatting with my dad after he returned from work, the memory of the tree flashed through my mind. I asked, “Dad, what’s the story behind the tree in front of Grandpa’s house?”
He smiled, then told me how Grandpa had once travelled to another town and returned with a small seedling. That seedling eventually grew into the mighty tree we all know. A friend had once advised Grandpa to cut it down, warning that reptiles could find shelter there. But Grandpa refused. He loved the cool shade it provided — a place of comfort for him and his friends. And truly, the tree stood beautifully, almost like it was guarding the house.
Years later, after a church service, I decided to visit Grandpa’s house. As I approached, I noticed something alarming — one of the tree’s massive roots had crept into the building’s foundation. Knowing how dangerous this could be, I immediately called my dad. He came without delay.
Upon inspection, we discovered that the roots had severely damaged the structure beneath, threatening the safety of the entire building. Without hesitation, my dad ordered the tree to be brought down.
We began the process. To our shock, as the tree came down, numerous reptiles — snakes, lizards, and more — emerged. Some were killed, others escaped. But finally, the tree — our supposed Iroko — was no more.
My dad worked day and night, spending time, energy, and money to repair the damage. Gradually, the house regained its dignity. Passersby, surprised by the transformation, even asked if we had just built the house — for many had only seen the tree, never the home it had hidden.
If Grandpa were still here, I would say to him, “Grandpa, come and see the damage your little seedling has caused!” But I believe he’s watching us from the great beyond.
Today, fresh air flows freely around the house. Light has returned. Good things now find their way to the place once shadowed by that tree.
Our supposed Iroko tree is gone — and in its place, peace has returned.
– Mayor Sijuade Olalekan
CEO, Ijebu Rewa