Growing up, we always called a person who traveled a lot “Ajala the Traveller.” We sing songs about them, but did you know he was a real person?
Moshood Adisa Olabisi Ajala, or simply Ajala the Traveller, deserves a spot of notoriety in Nigeria’s history.
He was born in Ghana in 1934 but moved back to Nigeria, where he studied at the Baptist Academy in Lagos and later at the Ibadan Boys’ High School in Ibadan.
At 18, he left Nigeria and pursued pre-medicine studies at the University of Chicago. Instead of completing his studies, he chose to be an explorer. At 22, he embarked on an epic journey from Chicago to Los Angeles, covering 2,280 miles on a bicycle. He made stops in 11 major cities and educated Americans about Nigerian and African culture.
Ajala’s travels were not merely for adventure; he used his journeys to break cultural barriers and foster understanding. His exploits took him to many countries, where he encountered various cultures and societies, promoting the richness of African heritage.
Ajala’s legacy continues to inspire many, reminding us of the value of curiosity, adventure, and the drive to educate the world about our cultural identity. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one individual can have on global awareness and cultural exchange.
Despite facing deportation back to Nigeria, Ajala staged a daring protest by climbing an 80-foot radio tower, sustaining a back injury in the process. Instead of returning to Nigeria, he was sent to London.
His Journey Around the World
In 1957, he left London to travel the world for six years, visiting 87 countries.
Àjàlá, a journalist, made money by selling travel writing to newspapers and magazines in West Africa. However, his travels were not easy, as he faced encounters with authorities and brushes with the law. He often engaged in fights over women and committed petty crimes like counterfeiting a cheque.
He was also accused of trying to hurt Nikita Khrushchev in the Soviet Union and nearly got shot by Jordanian police in Jerusalem for crossing the border too fast.
He wrote a book about his travels called “An African Abroad” in 1963, detailing his experiences in India, the Soviet Union, the United Arab Republic, Iran, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Poland, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Yugoslavia, Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Turkey, Hong Kong, China, and Australia.
Upon returning to Nigeria, Ajala became a socialite and mingled with celebrities and entertainers like the late Sikiru Ayinde. However, his influence, popularity, and fame dwindled over time. He lived in a rundown rented apartment in Lagos, where he died of paralysis from a stroke in 1999.
Ajala’s life story is a testament to his adventurous spirit and determination. Despite his challenges, he remained an icon of exploration and cultural exchange, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
