The passing of Alhaji Abdul Kareem Babajide Agbalaya yesterday has once again plunged Nigeria’s social and religious circles into deep mourning.
From the 1980s onward, Agbalaya was a highly celebrated figure among the Nigerian diaspora in London, leaving an indelible mark on the city's vibrant social scene.
He was a prominent member of the Allied Club of London as well as the Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister Organisation, fondly known as ASABO. This elite circle, which included notable figures like the late Alhaji Monsuru Olumẹgbọn, Alhaji Joko Awomokun, Bayo Kosoko King, Alhaji Latty Raymond, Alhaji Afeez Oluwa, Afolabi Savage, Bolaji Jaji (whom Barrister dubbed "my type of figure"), and Tunde Yinusa ("Double Chief"), among others, truly ruled the London social landscape back in the day. The legendary Barrister served as their Baba Ẹgbẹ́ (patron), while Alhaji Mojidi Mayabikan guided them as the club adviser.
Agbalaya was a devoted fan and close confidant of the Fuji music pioneer, Ayinde Barrister. During one of Barrister’s London tours in the early 1990s, Agbalaya and his inner circle treated the music maestro to dinner. Agbalaya suggested that Barrister try Teriyaki Chicken, a dish Barrister enjoyed so immensely that he immortalised the culinary experience in a live performance, singing:
"Mo jẹran kan ni London, Teriyaki lo ńjẹ́, e e e, Teriyaki lo ńjẹ́..."
It was during this unforgettable era that Agbalaya permanently earned the nickname "Jide Teriyaki." (I stand to be corrected)
Years later, Fuji superstar K1 De Ultimate would also pay tribute to him on his iconic Fuji Connection album, singing:
"Gbogbo àṣà tí mo dá yẹn lo ńjẹ́ Fuji connection, torí Jide ọ̀rẹ́ mi, Jide Tariya, Teriyaki, Jide Teriyaki..."
Beyond his status as a high-society icon, Agbalaya was widely regarded as a gentle giant.
