Retired pilot Capt Adeoye Ajibola has detailed his decades-long career in the Nigerian aviation industry, including a 16-year tenure serving in the Presidential Air Fleet. In an interview with Punch, Ajibola recounted flying five Nigerian presidents, a group that included military leaders and civilian heads of state. He emphasized that the oath of secrecy prevents him from sharing personal anecdotes about his interactions with these leaders, stating that maintaining confidentiality is essential to avoid crossing professional lines.
Ajibola’s journey into aviation began after he completed engineering studies at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos. In 1980, he enrolled at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria. Admission was highly competitive and required sponsorship, which Ajibola secured from Nigeria Airways after initial rejections from other airlines. He noted that his training lasted nearly two and a half years, longer than the advertised 18 months, due to weather conditions affecting practical flight modules.
After joining Nigeria Airways, Ajibola rose to the rank of captain on the Boeing 737-200. In 1990, he was seconded to the Presidency to join the Presidential Air Fleet. He resigned from Nigeria Airways in 2006 during Obasanjo’s second term and subsequently joined Virgin Atlantic Airways to gain international operational experience. His career also involved flying various private aircraft, including Gulfstream and Challenger models, for prominent businessmen and religious leaders.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ajibola highlighted his role in mentoring his family. He guided his children to obtain tertiary education before entering aviation, a decision that resulted in five of his six children becoming airline captains. He attributed their success to discipline and the example set by their parents, noting that their mother supported their choices despite the financial sacrifices required. The sixth child, an accountant, works internationally in Spain.
Ajibola, who will turn 70 in January, stated he is currently enjoying retirement and not pursuing new business ventures. He expressed interest in mentoring aspiring pilots but noted that formal simulator instruction is no longer feasible. He concluded with a philosophy centered on self-discipline, humility, and leaving places better than he found them.