Remembering construction giant, Theophilus Oni

By Funsho Arogundade

Before the advent of Cappa and D’Alberto, Julius Berger and Arab Contractors, to mention a few, there’s arguably a clear leader in Nigeria’s construction industry named T.A Oni & Sons.

The company —the first indigenous construction giant— was owned by a wealthy businessman, Theophilus Adediran Oni. For the construction magnate, a Prince of the Fadumila-Oni Royal household of Oke Imesi Ekiti, he started his journey as a staff of the Public Works Department (PWD), now the Ministry of Works in the 1930s where he oversaw the construction of the first set of six Trunk A Roads in Nigeria.

In 1946, the late Oni floated his own company, T.A Oni & Sons. He later played a significant role in transforming the country’s infrastructure landscape with the construction of several bridges, iconic buildings and over 1,000 kilometres of roads nationwide, including the first dualised road in Nigeria — the popular Queen Elizabeth Road, Ibadan. Till he breathed his last in February 1975, Oni broke several grounds constantly.

Last week marked 50 years that this great man died. To celebrate the golden jubilee remembrance of his passing and honour his life, legacy and contributions to the society, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and associates organised a special three-day event between February 13 and February 15 in his homestead of Oke-Imesi, Ekiti State and Ibadan, the city where the renowned builder was born, lived and thrived.

The golden jubilee celebration started on Thursday with a thanksgiving service at the African Church, Oke-Imesi, followed by the unveiling of his renovated tombstone. Thereafter, there was a celebration at the Market Square in Oke-Imesi. On the second day of the celebration, a book of remembrance was launched along with a photo exhibition at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State while on the third day, the family made donations to the Oni Memorial Children’s Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan. The celebration climaxed with a lavish remembrance party held at Jogor Centre.

While alive, Oni lived his life to the fullest as his sprawling Goodwill House – a 65-room mansion built on 15 acres of land in Ring Road – witnessed many lavish parties and celebrations with top musicians performing over the years. As a committed philanthropist, Oni later willed the mansion for public use as a paediatrician hospital with stewardship entrusted to the Oyo State Government by his Estate in 1985. Even 50 years later, his impact is still visible — from the roads he built to the lives he touched through his generosity. His achievements as a renowned businessman and philanthropist were recognised with both an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II, and an MFR from the Federal Government of Nigeria.