Bode Thomas

Olabode Thomas was born into the household of Andrew Thomas, a prosperous merchant and auctioneer of Oyo heritage, who had relocated to Lagos. He was a great-grandson of Alaafin Abiodun of Oyo. His academic journey began at C.M.S. Grammar School, an institution established by Thomas Babington Macaulay and James Pinson Labulo Davies. After completing his studies, he worked as a junior clerk at the Nigerian Railway Corporation but later resigned and traveled to London to pursue legal studies.

Career in Law and Politics
In 1948, alongside Chief Frederick Rotimi Williams and Chief Remilekun Fani-Kayode, he co-founded one of Nigeria’s pioneering law firms, Thomas, Williams & Kayode.

Before his involvement with the Action Group, Thomas had already built a reputation as a renowned Lagos-based lawyer and was an active participant in the Nigerian Youth Movement. He is regarded as one of the earliest prominent Nigerian political figures during the colonial era who strongly advocated for regional-based political parties. He believed such parties would possess the insight and cultural awareness needed for regional progress while still collaborating at the national level.

Traditional Leadership and Political Influence
A strong proponent of integrating traditional rulers into modern governance, Thomas played a key role in persuading tribal chiefs and monarchs to align with the Action Group’s vision. His influence in traditional politics was further solidified when he was honored as the Balogun of Oyo in 1949. This strategic approach proved instrumental in mass mobilization across various towns.

Despite his close alliance with Obafemi Awolowo, Thomas and Awolowo occasionally held differing political ideologies, many of which remained unresolved. His vision of regional governance—which later shaped Nigeria’s early self-rule framework—was not entirely in harmony with Awolowo’s federalist ideals.

Personal Life and Untimely Passing
Bode Thomas was married to Lucretia Shobola Odunsi, and among their children were Eniola and Dapo.

On November 22, 1953, shortly after his return from Oyo, he fell seriously ill at his residence in Lagos. Seeking medical attention, he was taken to Ijebu-Igbo, where he ultimately passed away on November 23, 1953—coinciding with his daughter’s second birthday.

Source: History Lovers

For Advert, Event Coverage/Press Conference Invite, Story/Article & Other Media Services
Contact Us On WhatsApp
Send Email To: citizennewsng@gmail.com
Visit Citizen NewsNG To Read More Latest And Interesting News Across Nigeria And The World