By Taiwo Fadina

We (Gbenga Ola, Sunday Ola, etc.) called him by his first name, Sunmi and he indulged us,because we didn’t know better. Remember this was around 1964 when we were small boys the primary school. Sunmi Smart Cole lived at 65 Queen’s Street, Yaba, two houses from ours. We always loved him and he taught us how to appreciate beautiful things around our environment.
He wasn’t a womaniser, but women just wouldn’t let him be. Whenever a woman came up to 65 Queens Street, we used to bet that she was Uncle Sunmi’s ”special” visitor.
Many people may not know that Sunmi was extremely neat in those days. It was our pleasure and joy to help scrub his one room apartment with coconut oil. If he was happy with the work we did, he would give us free haircuts.
You have refused to forget we were ”your boys”. We are aware you have dined and wined with the high and mighty, Presidents, Kings and Queens but you have still remained the same Sunmi we knew whilst growing up. You have lived very well and as you turn 78, we can only thank God for your life. I pray for strength for you to manage the little health challenges you have. I thank you for the part you played at my mother’s funeral.
Happy birthday SUNMI SMART COLE, Sir.