Dad is a great friend to his children – Osasu Igbinedion

Daily Trust: How would you describe your father?Osasu Igbinedion: My father is a gentleman, a loving father and grandfather, many don’t know he is a grandfather to three and he is getting old. He is generous and has a kind heart. He is a great man overall. He is a great friend to his children […]

Daily Trust: How would you describe your father?
Osasu Igbinedion: My father is a gentleman, a loving father and grandfather, many don’t know he is a grandfather to three and he is getting old. He is generous and has a kind heart. He is a great man overall. He is a great friend to his children and has given us sterling education which is most important. When I was 14, my father said something very profound to my siblings and I – “The only thing I owe you is education.” And right now that I am running my own business, I totally understand those words. The only thing a parent can give to children is good education because without it, there would be no solid foundation. So if you ask me the greatest gift my father gave me, it is sound education.
DT: Many children from wealthy backgrounds don’t take education and discipline seriously. How was it with your father?
Igbinedion: In our family the philosophy is ‘spare the rod and spoil the child.’ My parents did not give us everything we wanted but they gave us everything we needed. The greatest gift is the education they gave us. We did not grow up living flamboyant lives. My siblings and I know that we have to work hard.
DT: What was your father’s approach to discipline: did he compromise or take charge directly?
Igbinedion: He takes charge and does not compromise.
DT: How was your relationship with him concerning discipline and educational pursuits?
Igbinedion: I relate with my dad differently from my siblings on another level. I actually grew up in the state (Edo) and had my primary, secondary school education there before going on to have my bachelor’s and master’s degrees and a certificate in a New York academy. My dad and I have a cheerful relationship. I can talk to him about different things and as I said, he is very loving and accommodating. In terms of the ‘Osasu Show,’ he has been supportive. Obviously, he paid for my education to study communications and journalism and so he has been very supportive with that. I relate with him like a journalist and also as his daughter.
DT: What did you inherit from him?
Igbinedion: I would say his loving personality. He is very warm, open to people and trusting. Sometimes these have advantages and disadvantages. But growing up, I tried to be more aware of that and tried to project it to people.
DT: You seem to be very independent-minded, how was it relating this to the domineering status/reputation of your father?
Igbinedion: That was a misconception; my father was not domineering at all. He allowed his children pursue what they wanted and their passions as long as it made sense. For instance, I wanted to play basketball and become a professional player, but he kicked against that. Right now I am happy that he didn’t like that, as I look at where I am today. He definitely has a good vision for us and helped us to pursue the right visions too, in as much as it is in the best interest of the society.
DT: Won’t you call that interference?
Igbinedion: I won’t call that interference. I believe every parent should have a set of guidelines for their children. However, you should also allow them to pursue their visions. For me as an example, I wanted to be a basketball player, but he had a different view and he guided me, but did not force me to be a doctor, lawyer or accountant but allowed me to pursue my other passions.
DT: How has being his daughter influenced you and your decisions?
Igbinedion: Being a daughter of Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion has influenced me in the sense that I understand I have to prove myself to people. I have to consciously present myself in every situation that I am. Being his daughter affects the way I interact with people but in a more positive way. Our parents are God-fearing, warm and kind-hearted. I think being his daughter has definitely benefitted me in the way I see the world and people.
DT: Does he have a favourite among you and does he show it?
Igbinedion: You have to ask him that (laughter), but anytime I ask ‘Am I your favourite?’he would say  ‘No’.
DT: Are you saying all of you are equally liked by him?
Igbinedion: Yes, and I think this is how it is supposed to be and this was why our house was lively and peaceful.
DT: Was there a change in his relationship with you before his emergence as governor and during his tenure?
Igbinedion: There was no difference. He was just the same person. I was younger during his tenure but I saw him as the same person all through.
DT: Did he have time for you and your siblings during his governorship?
Igbinedion: He created time for us and it is important for parents to create time for their families.
DT: Has Igbinedion name opened doors of opportunity?
Igbinedion: Having Igbinedion in my name has had advantages and disadvantages. You have people who carry prejudice against you because of who you are or where you are coming from. However, it also has advantages which you cannot take away. Some people would see you and like you just because you are a part of the Igbinedion family.
DT: Did you use his influence in the ‘Osasu Show’?
Igbinedion: On the ‘Osasu Show,’ I source for all the guests independently. I have fund-raising for my show independently and have pursued all activities independently without his interference.   
DT: How did you see him handling the reported loss of over N3 billion to fraudsters?
Igbinedion: (Laughing) you have to ask him when you see him on that. He speaks for himself and I think my father is someone who can speak for himself.
DT: Has he ever appeared on your show?
Igbinedion: Not yet. When his friends ask him when he would appear on ‘Osasu Show,’ he always tells them that I interview him every day at home.
DT: How does he react when angry?
Igbinedion: My father is a quiet gentleman and hardly gets angry. But when he is angry he usually gives you the eye. We call this the ‘Signature Lucky Eye.’ As soon as he gives you the eye, you know you have done something wrong and have to adjus. I think he used that for us when we were growing up and I don’t think he would be using it as we are all adults now.
DT: Has he ever shouted at you?
Igbinedion: My father has always been composed and there was no such instance.