Former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has described the autobiography of elder statesman and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Oba Olu Falae, as a compelling narrative that mirrors Nigeria’s political, economic and democratic journey.
Mimiko made the remarks on Thursday while reviewing the book titled “The Triumph of Grace,” noting that Falae’s life story is deeply intertwined with the evolution of modern Nigeria.
According to him, the 501-page autobiography goes beyond personal recollection, offering critical insights into the forces that have shaped the country over the past five decades.
“It is not merely a memoir, but a window into some of the defining political, economic and ideological currents that have shaped modern Nigeria,” Mimiko said, adding that Nigeria’s history cannot be fully told without reference to Falae’s contributions.
Published in 2025 by Liwat Creations, Ibadan, the book comprises 22 chapters and chronicles Falae’s journey from his early life in Akure through his career in the civil service, banking, politics, pro-democracy struggle, business and traditional leadership.
Mimiko noted that Falae’s extensive public service record elevates the book into a document of national significance, as it captures key moments from Nigeria’s development planning era to the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) and contemporary debates on restructuring and federalism.
He highlighted the early chapters of the book, which detail the values and discipline that shaped Falae’s character, including his time at Igbobi College, where strict adherence to rules was upheld irrespective of status.
Recounting an anecdote from the book, Mimiko said the late Ooni of Ife, Sir Adesoji Aderemi, was once denied access to his son because it was not an official visiting day, reflecting an era of strong institutional discipline.
On Falae’s career, Mimiko described him as a brilliant technocrat whose rise in public service was driven by competence and diligence, citing his role in drafting the Mid-West Regional Development Programme and his appointment as a Federal Permanent Secretary before the age of 39.
The former governor also said the autobiography provides important clarification on economic policy debates, particularly the SAP, noting that Falae did not originate the programme but later became one of its most prominent public advocates.
“For those interested in understanding when and how the nation’s economic challenges began, his account is highly instructive,” Mimiko stated.
He further described the political sections of the book as a chronicle of Nigeria’s democratic struggles, covering the Babangida transition, the annulled June 12, 1993 election, the activities of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), and Falae’s detention during the Abacha regime.
Mimiko said the account reveals Falae’s steadfast commitment to democracy, including his support for the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and his refusal to abandon the pro-democracy struggle despite incarceration.
He also referenced Falae’s role at the 2014 National Conference, where he led the South-West delegation and co-chaired the political committee, describing him as a man of unwavering dedication.
The book also captures Falae’s later life, including his business ventures, his 2015 abduction, and his emergence as the traditional ruler of Ilu-Abo in Ondo State.
Mimiko identified integrity, discipline and ethical conduct as central themes in the autobiography, stressing that the book offers valuable lessons, particularly for younger Nigerians seeking examples of principled leadership.
“For younger readers, it provides lessons in discipline, courage and public service, while for scholars, it offers first-hand insight into key moments in Nigeria’s history,” he said.
While commending the work, Mimiko noted that, like many autobiographies, it reflects the author’s perspective and could have included more introspection on personal shortcomings.
He, however, maintained that “The Triumph of Grace” remains a significant contribution to Nigeria’s political literature and historical documentation.
“In the final analysis, it is not just the story of one man, but a narrative interwoven with the history of modern Nigeria,” Mimiko said.
