Have you ever dreamed of traveling around the world and seeing different places, cultures, and people? If so, you might be inspired by the story of Moshood Adisa Olabisi Ajala, also known as Ajala The Traveller, a Nigerian journalist, travel writer, actor, and socialite who toured the world on a Vespa scooter in the 1950s and 1960s.
Early Life and Education
Ajala was born in Ghana in 1934 to a Nigerian polygamous family of thirty children and four wives. He was the twenty-fifth child of his father, who was a traditionalist. As a child, his family moved to Nigeria, where he attended Baptist Academy in Lagos and Ibadan Boys' High School in Ibadan.
At the age of 18, he moved to the United States to study pre-medicine at the University of Chicago, with the ambition of becoming a medical doctor and debunking the superstitions and voodoo practices in his country. However, he later switched to psychology at Roosevelt University, where he became the first black student in a co-educational fraternity called Delta Upsilon Pi.
Travel Adventures
Ajala's passion for travel and adventure began in 1952 when he made a cross-country trip from Chicago to Los Angeles on a bicycle, covering 2,280 miles in 28 days. He wore traditional Nigerian attire and gave lectures along the way to educate Americans about the progress and development of his country and continent and to dispel the stereotypes and myths that Africans were primitive and uncivilized. He received much media attention and accolades for his feat and was welcomed by the mayor of Los Angeles, Fletcher Bowron.
Ajala then ventured into acting and landed a role in the film White Witch Doctor, starring Robert Mitchum and Susan Hayward. He also signed a contract with Eagle Lion Studios to make movies with European and African backgrounds. However, his Hollywood career was cut short by his legal troubles, as he was accused of issuing false checks and violating immigration laws.
He was sentenced to a suspended jail term and ordered to be deported to Nigeria. He protested the deportation order by climbing on an 80-foot radio tower and threatening to kill himself, and then by going on a hunger strike. He claimed that his father would execute him if he returned to Nigeria. He eventually agreed to be deported to London instead.
In London, Ajala resumed his studies at the London School of Economics but soon dropped out to pursue his travel dreams. He bought a Vespa scooter and embarked on a journey across 40 countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa, starting on April 27, 1957. He visited places like Israel, Egypt, Palestine, India, China, Japan, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, and many more.
He met with various leaders, celebrities, and dignitaries, such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Gamal Abdel Nasser, David Ben-Gurion, Haile Selassie, Mao Zedong, Chiang Kai-shek, Sukarno, Queen Elizabeth II, Marilyn Monroe, and Muhammad Ali. He also witnessed historical events, such as the Suez Crisis, the Algerian War, the Tibetan Uprising, and the Vietnam War. He documented his experiences and observations in his book, An African Abroad, published in 1963.
Ajala continued to travel around the world until the late 1960s, visiting more than 80 countries. He also wrote articles for various newspapers and magazines, such as the Daily Times, the New York Times, the Chicago Defender, and Ebony.
He became a household name in Nigeria and abroad and was celebrated as a courageous, adventurous, and charismatic personality. He inspired many songs and sayings, such as "Ajala travels all over the world," "Ajala the wonder boy," and "Ajala, the great traveler."
Later Life and Legacy
Ajala settled in Nigeria in the 1970s, becoming a prominent socialite and businessman in Lagos. He was involved in politics and supported Chief Obafemi Awolowo's presidential campaign in 1979. He also married several wives and had many children. He died on February 2, 1999, at the age of 64, in a health facility in Lagos after a brief illness.
Ajala The Traveller remains a legend, an icon of Nigerian and African culture, and a source of inspiration and pride for many who aspire to explore the world and broaden their horizons. His life story is a testament to the power of curiosity, courage, determination, and the beauty of diversity and humanity.
Ajala The Traveller FAQs
Here are some possible FAQs about Ajala The Traveller:
Who was Ajala The Traveller?
Ajala The Traveller was a Nigerian journalist, travel writer, actor, and socialite who toured the world on a Vespa scooter in the 1950s and 1960s. He visited over 80 countries and met with leaders, celebrities, and dignitaries. He wrote a book about his experiences called An African Abroad.
What Inspired Ajala The Traveller To Travel?
Ajala The Traveller had a passion for travel and adventure since he was young. He wanted to see different places, cultures, and people and educate others about Africa's progress and development. He also wanted to challenge himself and overcome the obstacles and dangers that he faced along the way.
How did Ajala The Traveller fund his travels?
Ajala The Traveller funded his travels mainly through his writing and journalism. He wrote articles for various newspapers and magazines, such as the Daily Times, the New York Times, the Chicago Defender, and Ebony. He also received sponsorship and support from some people he met, such as the Shah of Iran, the Prime Minister of Israel, and the President of Egypt.
What were some of the highlights of Ajala The Traveller's journeys?
Some of the highlights of Ajala The Traveller's journeys include:
Crossing the Israeli-Arab border during the Suez Crisis and the Algerian War, and being arrested and interrogated by the Lebanese security forces.
Witnessing the Tibetan Uprising and the Vietnam War, and interviewing Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-shek.
Visiting the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Giza, and the Eiffel Tower.
Meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali, and other famous personalities.
What challenges and difficulties did Ajala The Traveller face?
Ajala The Traveller faced many challenges and difficulties during his travels, such as:
Language barriers, cultural differences, and racial discrimination.
Visa issues, immigration problems, and legal troubles.
Health risks, accidents, and injuries.
Political conflicts, wars, and violence.
Theft, robbery, and fraud.
How did Ajala The Traveller influence Nigerian and African culture?
Ajala The Traveller influenced Nigerian and African culture by:
Inspiring many people to explore the world and broaden their horizons.
Promoting a positive image of Africa and its people to the international community.
Celebrating the diversity and richness of African culture and heritage.
Becoming a legend and an icon of Nigerian and African history and folklore.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this blog post on Ajala, The Traveller's biography. I hope you found it interesting and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you.
