Dr Freaks Journal - The "Greenhorn" And His 'Apėja' "Fisherman's" Suit

No condition is permanent....

2006:


...I think I was a few months old at the Bar at the time, fresh from the Nigerian Law School and I had just co-founded a law firm with 3 (three) friends, full of zeal and zest, but bereft of the requisite experience. Long and short, we elected to disband our "P Partners" partnership in the most peaceful manner.

Our office was located around Catholic Mission street, Lagos Island and for those who are familiar with that terrain, almost all the houses situate (do not attempt to correct my spelling here as the omission of "d" is deliberate and only the lawyers reading this piece can relate) thereat accommodated one "Bukateria" or a "Bar".

 There was this particular one very close to Freedom Park popularly known as "Mama A Buka" where I used to eat "Amala" at the time under reference. Mama A was like a mother to me. She would always reserve "fresh fish" and give me some pep talks over lunch. The topics ranged from marriage to career, to mention but a few. There and then, I met this big Uncle who worked (in fact, still works) in one of the multinational companies. From day one, he took an immediate liking to me.

 He would join me at Mama A's during lunch break and would encourage me the way a big brother would encourage a mentee. We exchanged telephone numbers but I can't remember ever calling or receiving any telephone call from him in 2 (two) years. Then things got better, I got a job in a much better law firm and I could for once afford to get decent suits. Hallelujah!


2008:


Fast forward,


Two years down the line, my phone rang and behold it was my big Uncle from Mama A's Joint on the other end of the phone and an ecstatic me at this end. We exchanged pleasantries, without much ado he hinted me that he had an emergency situation at hand, asked me where I was, I informed him that I was in my then office at Victoria Island and mentioned the name of the firm. 

Under 15 minutes, I was in his office at Marina. When he saw me, the first words that came out of his mouth stuck till this moment. Uncle was wowed by the "little" transformation and in a comical but serious manner stated thus: "...now that you can afford a decent pair of suit, I can introduce you to my friends as my lawyer, not those early days when you were wearing an 'apęja' fisherman's suit."

 Was I angry? Hell no! I was grateful to God. Since then, he has referred clients to me and they are still on my clientele list.


2021:


What lessons have I learnt from this encounter? No condition is permanent. Wherever you find yourself today is just for a moment, this too shall pass. Those who laughed at you will laugh with you. I am not "There" yet, but I'm no longer where I used to be and to God be the glory.

Its Kunle