The boys that came into Aquinas in the 1984 set seems to have come in batches. Alagbaka boys, Ijapo boys, the St Peter’s demonstration and others like that. There were also people from areas like Idi agba tuntun , ijapo, Osinle, Ala, Oluwatuyi etc. There was a special clan from isikan. These guys were the heart of Akure; they knew everything and nothing passes them. Then you have Olori oko - Tope Parker Fadipe.
Tope, dressed to kill, nice haircuts: including an 18 months of Jerry curls like those of the guy that Eddie Murphy took his girlfriend in Coming to America, polished shoes and a smile that melts most girls heart as he swaggers to school with his friends, he was one of those boys that his mouth and boldness will override what his body can do. Always a jester but with twist of insult in it, he always pushed his limit to find his place amongst his mates by challlenging people that he has a chance with to fights, races and where possible, football. The outcome was irrelevant; he had an excuse or the publicity ready for the loss or win respectively. He had his inner circle and he enjoyed the privilege of being self assured.
One of the highlights with is seeing Tope forcing himself into top league set in 1988 after not been chosen on the second team that was coming in.
Jide Fagbuyi does not normally play football with us as he was royalty and trained with state or the school team but was playing on this blessed day. Tope has watching and been boasting (usual trait😀) that he will mark him out like Stephen Keshi does those days. People like me where looking like 😳! Once he is on, some good close control, passes and very good shielding the ball against the opposition... I was like “he can play a bit o... 😀” ... Then the ball went to Jide. Tope was adamant to show his Yisa Sofoluwe skills and his hard Eboegbe tackles. He runs up to Jide and Jide does a double step over. Tope does not move and keeps his eyes on the ball. I was like “wasere 👏🏽, he has the balls jere”. Suddenly, Jide flips the ball over his head and Tope’s. Tope could not see the ball and was looking into the heaven whilst Jide has gone past another person! Ye😱! My head was like” *Ori iya mi alatarodo! Tope is still reading Psalm 121!*” .
He took nicely by saying it could happen to anyone but everyone was like, *nibo, me jump in to tackle Jide anyhow? Eefun abi edi? We will also go in pairs o; at least Ebenezer Adeyeri taught to double mark skillful players!* But Tope being Tope, nothing is too hard and it shows in his job now.... going to places where a lot of us will not go..
Things Tope get involved in does not lack - boldness, daring people and conviction when he is sure of what he is saying. His initial demeanour is full of bragado but his thoughts - full of compassion and love for others. His memory? Like that of a 20 year old that see everything vividly like yesterday. Tease him at your own peril. You may end end up getting family history laid out before you. If you are in lucky, your escapades as well.
There is only one Parker that left ACA... and he is still standing ... 🙌🏾
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