The story goes thus; BODE THOMAS, a lawyer
by profession, yes, the same Bode Thomas, whom the
Surulere Street was named after, died on Nov 23, 1953
in a most mysterious manner.Bode Thomas was born to
a wealthy trader, John Thomas in 1918. He, FRA Williams, Remi Fani-Kayode (Father of Femi Fani-
Kayode) attended Law School in London, and they
established the first law firm in Nigeria, called "Thomas,
Williams and Kayode".Bode Thomas was an excellent
lawyer, but he was also very arrogant because of his
education, he was made chairman of the Oyo Divisional Council at one time, while the King of Oyo, Alaafin
Adeyemi, (the father of the current Alaafin) was a mere
member!On Bode Thomas' first appearance in council
after being appointed chairman, all council members
stood up for him in reference, to welcome him, except
Oba Adeyemi, who for cultural reasons should not show reference to anyone in public, not even his mother!Bode
Thomas rudely shouted at the King "...WHY WERE YOU
SITTING WHEN I WALKED IN? YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO
SHOW RESPECT?" At that time, Bode Thomas was 34
years, while the Alaafin was in his 60's. The Alaafin felt
very insulted. He said "SE EMI LO NGBO MO BAUN?" (Is it me that you are barking at like that?)Bode Thomas
responded by shouting some English sentences which
the Alaafin didn't understand, so the Alaafin just told
him... "MAA GBO LO" (continue barking). The
confrontation happened on November 22, 1953.Bode
Thomas got home and started barking! He barked, and barked and barked like a dog all night until he died in
the early morning of November 23, 1953.Bode Thomas
was the Balogun of Oyo. So, when next you drive on
Bode Thomas street in Surulere, Lagos. remember that
man, who cut short his own life because of his
arrogance and being haughty. Be Humble!
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