Olatunji Thomas shares his tumultuous journey in this interview with AYOOLA OLASUPO, from being chosen as one of the musicians for the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, to enduring a challenging four-year trek to America in search of a better life, only to be arrested and deported back to Nigeria.
In the interview, He shared the story of how he became the official musician for the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade.
Abiodun began his musical career over 30 years ago as a choirmaster at his local church, where his talent for singing was quickly recognized. His dedication to his craft led to his appointment as a choirmaster by the late Reverend Yomi Akinfala, taking over from his brother, Pastor Olatunji Lawrence, a musician and close associate of the cleric.
In this new role, He was tasked with selecting four other choristers, and together, they performed for the royal father. After a year of performances, his talent did not go unnoticed, and he was appointed the choir coordinator for the entire palace. Additionally, he became the choirmaster for the youth camp in Ile-Ife.
As time passed, Oba Sijuwade developed a deep appreciation for the music, leading Abiodun to form a band, which he named the Royal Band. The band began performing exclusively for the king, as Oba Sijuwade insisted on only listening to their music. Alongside the Royal Band, Abiodun also led a personal band, performing in cities such as Ekiti, Abuja, and Jos.
Following the passing of Oba Sijuwade, Prince Remi Abiodun decided to continue his musical journey, determined to carry on his career and legacy in music.
He recounted his initial attempt to travel to America, where he was deceived by a fraudulent travel scheme. Unable to obtain an American visa, he was approached by someone who claimed to have a link to Oyotunji Village in South Carolina. Several people, including Abiodun, paid for the trip, only to later discover that it was a scam. The case went to court, where they learned they had been duped.
Despite the setback, Abiodun was persuaded by the scammers to consider another offer, this time for Brazil. Initially hesitant, he was convinced by the promises that many people were succeeding in Brazil. After discussing it with his younger brother, who was traveling with him, He decided to go ahead with the trip. Eventually, they received their visas.The cost of the package was N200,000, which he paid between 2017 and 2018.
Abiodun explained that his primary motivation for leaving Nigeria was his belief that his music would be better appreciated in the United States, offering him a chance for a better life. Having never worked outside of music since finishing school, he was determined to pursue a future where his passion could thrive. To finance the trip, He also sold two plots of land in hopes of securing a brighter future abroad.
Musician Shares Struggles and Harrowing Journey Across South America
Despite securing a job at a logistics company producing frozen foods, Abiodun struggled to meet the financial needs of his family back in Nigeria. His monthly earnings of 1,300 Reais (approximately N90,000 to N100,000) were insufficient to support his wife, three children, and elderly mother, especially with the added costs of rent, school fees, and daily expenses.
While working in Brazil, he also pursued his passion for music. In 2018, he gained recognition in São Paulo after performing during the annual Oodua Day celebrations. However, despite his popularity in the Yoruba community, opportunities to perform were scarce, and he found that shows were infrequent compared to Nigeria. In an attempt to gain financial stability, he organized a concert, but the low turnout and lack of financial success left him frustrated.
The situation in Brazil became increasingly difficult, leading he and fellow migrants to consider relocating. They were advised to try French Guiana, a small country bordering Brazil. The journey to French Guiana was perilous; instead of a three-hour road trip, they had to cross the sea in a small canoe, paying 100 Euros for the nine-hour journey. Upon arrival, the group faced dire living conditions, spending two weeks sleeping on the riverbank before securing a small apartment for 300 Euros a month. Life in French Guiana was fraught with danger, as they lived in an area controlled by mafia groups, constantly fearing for their safety.
After a year in French Guiana, Abiodun and his companions decided to embark on a dangerous journey toward the United States. With limited funds—around 3,000 Euros each—they traveled through multiple countries, including Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. The group faced extreme conditions, trekking through the wilderness for seven days, walking from early morning until nightfall, and surviving on minimal food and water. During this time, Abiodun assisted a fellow traveler whose wife was pregnant and who had a young child, slowing the pace of the group.
After reaching Panama, where they were given medical treatment, the group continued their journey through Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala, often hiding from immigration authorities and evading checkpoints. In Guatemala, they had to crouch in the bus to avoid detection, eventually making their way to Mexico, where they paid local guides to help them navigate the borders. After obtaining a one-year permit in Mexico, they continued their journey, with Abiodun reflecting on the immense challenges and hardships faced during this dangerous and costly trek toward a new life.
