By Frank Meke
Rotimi Aiyetan was a gangling, handsome, cerebral tourism professional. Unassuming, friendly, and engaging without the usual poisonous air around some government officials who behave like demigods, Aiyetan was disarming and approachable.
He died working for Nigeria tourism, possibly frustrated by the toxic environment, which is the face of the industry. Rotimi Aiyetan was just 59 and left behind his wife , children, and relations who would have to contend with loneliness and a life without him.
Rotimi was a good friend of mine. He was part of the very vibrant planning, Research and Statistics team at Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation when otunba Segun Runsewe held sway at that home of tourism.
It was a thing joy for industry persons to visit ntdc then. The place was made a home, a wazobia enclave by Runsewe, not just for focal industry players but for all Nigerians from all works of life.
Rotimi Aiyetan was part of the experience, and his office and that of irrepressible media guru, Akin Onipede, a former Tribune editor who held forth as media director, became our rendezvous.
Indeed, Akin Onipede became our official and unofficial leader, with Rotimi, who made us the ‘wahala’ bearing tourism journalists comfortable. When egbon Akin Onipede retired from service, it became apparent that he was the soul that kept us together even though Otunba Segun Runsewe doors were open 24/ 7 every day. Even on weekends, the ntdc doors were never shut down as we must converge there together, encouraged by the untiring presence and work ethics of Otunba Segun Runsewe, who was determined to flourish Nigeria tourism.
Rotimi Aiyetan drank from that wisdom and worked hard to make his department part of the success story of ntdc under Runsewe.
When Runsewe left in 2013, Rotimi suffered unbridled attacks from envious colleagues who marked him out to the new ntdc Director General, Sally Mbanefo, as a ” Runsewe mole”. His impeccable records and excellent performance could not save him from a very bitter ravaging new administrator.
He was still very young in the system and thought about leaving or transferring his service out of ntdc because of the toxic environment. I advised him to forebear, and we prayed for divine intervention. Sally Mbanefo posted him to Osun state, a sebaria in a sense as a desk officer of ntdc.
Some of us who were not happy with the gestapo style of administration in ntdc then were galled to stupor. I was also Sally Mbanefo ” enemy,” a development ably fueled by a supposed friend who betrayed our brotherhood for a mere porridge.
Rotimi Aiyetan overcame the vengeful posting through grit and passion, ably using his robust experience and dedication in turning around oshogbo, Osun state as a tourism destination.
He led the restructuring and rebranding of Osun oshogbo festival, campaigned for a ministry of tourism and culture in Osun state. He also chaired the committee on Osun Hotels and Tourism Enterprises Authority Bill 2020 to 2001 and vice chairman of the National Forum of federal government agencies in Osun state and led its strategic investment arm geared towards attracting investors and investment to Osun state.
From his very busy schedules, it was apparent that the agenda to send him to an early grave by his traducers in Abuja failed flat on the ground.
Though Femi Adeshina, the effervescent spokesperson for president Buhari administration, at the instance of Sally Mbanefo, called for a cessation of hostilities between me and Sally Mbanefo, I still could not bring myself to ask for a recall of Aiyetan from Osun state back to Abuja. The truth was that Rotimi Aiyetan has created another tourism enclave and indeed had moved on.
When folarin Coker came in 2015, I discussed Aiyetan case with him, and he indeed promised to look into it. Not soon, folarin Coker, who is a good friend of mine, squared out with me because I refused to applaud his poor leadership qualities.
Rotimi Aiyetan was not happy and tried to persuade me to find amicable solutions to Coker’s overbearing over reach. We shared my concerns, and he let me be since he understood that my differences with Coker were not personal.
A man of immense humility, Rotimi Aiyetan died for the good of Nigerian tourism. We met twice or so in recent times, and there were no signs that death was close to his door. Trying to enquire how he was coping with ntda under Coker, he had good words for his boss. As zonal Cordinator South West for ntda, Rotimi Aiyetan did his best in an apparent frustrating work environment.
On Friday, Rotimi Aiyetan will leave this sinful wicked world. Unfortunately, it is the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria that has taken it upon itself to honour this hardworking tourism advocate.
I pray that the government remembers his family. We know that our agencies and ministry don’t care, but we pray that God, in his infinite mercy, will accept his soul and keep him in peace.
Roti! Good night, my brother and friend.