Born in the heart of Hackney, London, Adetokunbo Oduyoye, affectionately known as ‘Toks’, remembers a childhood filled with warmth and simplicity. In his words, Hackney was “quite delightful,” a haven of council flats, community spirit, and carefree walks home from school without fear. Life was marked by fond traditions—like the Saturdays his mother would return home from work at the post office with a box of still-warm doughnuts, a treat eagerly savoured by the family. Mischievous adventures also shaped his early years: tossing catalogue pages from the sixth-floor window or daringly clambering between rooms via the building's exterior—all under the watchful, loving care of parents who nurtured his curiosity and character.
Adetokunbo paints his parents as pillars of strength and guidance. His father, an engineer, embodied practicality and discipline, while his mother, described as “a kindred spirit,” excelled at explaining life’s ways with remarkable patience. He recalls her gentle persistence in teaching him to read the clock, guiding him step-by-step until, at the age of six, he could proudly announce the time to the minute. Their influence instilled responsibility early on; as the eldest child, Toks took on household errands and chores, an experience that not only built his independence but also a deep sense of gratitude for his parents' sacrifices.
When Toks was seven, the family embarked on a monumental chapter: a move to Nigeria. Despite warnings from schoolmates about life in “trees” and harsh conditions, young Adetokunbo felt an undeniable pull toward his ancestral home. Upon arrival, he was enchanted by the beauty of Lagos and the cultural richness surrounding him, declaring to his mother, “What were we doing in London when we could have been here?” Yet, the transition wasn’t without its challenges. Struggling with language barriers and a stricter education system, he faced moments of defiance—standing against unjust punishments and insisting on fairness, even when it earned him extra smacks from teachers! This resilience helped him navigate bullying and emerge stronger, holding onto his sense of justice and pride.
His parents’ contrasting experiences shaped their paths in life. While his father found comfort in the structured environment of Germany and thrived in his engineering career, his mother cherished the familial ties and community spirit of London. Together, they created a harmonious family life in Nigeria, raising chickens, enjoying road trips, and savouring special moments like feasts of pounded yam and bush meat.
Adetokunbo later returned to London for higher education, driven by a fascination with technology and its potential to transform the world. Though he once dreamt of becoming an actor—aspiring to be the “Michael Jackson of Africa”—his path shifted toward computing and business systems. Yet, his creativity never waned, as he poured his innovative energy into crafting solutions that improved lives, embracing the collaborative spirit akin to filmmaking.
Today, as a devoted husband and father of three, Adetokunbo treasures the values of happiness, good health, and love—a legacy passed down from his parents. Whether reminiscing about his mother’s delicious sandwiches or nurturing community connections in Chelmsford, he carries forward the ethos of kindness, responsibility, and faith that defined his upbringing.
