By Sola Adeyegbe
About 37 years ago, in my twenties, I worked at a law firm on Towry Street in Lagos. Under the stern supervision of my no-nonsense principal, whom we’ll call Lady Boss Bukky, my journey through the legal profession was anything but dull. Lady Boss Bukky had a reputation for being tough—a real force to be reckoned with. In my reckoning (though I never quite understood her reasons), she seemed to think I was just a guy who took things too easy and needed some good lessons to straighten up.
One day, as I was engrossed in my work, she bellowed across the office: “Mr. Charm Looker!” Now, imagine my predicament. She used those words instead of my name to summon me, and I was caught in a dilemma. If I acknowledged the call, she could see it as evidence of my vanity in considering myself charming. If I refused to respond, she might take offense, as I was the only person in her vicinity at the time. And let me tell you, I dreaded her anger!
All these thoughts raced through my mind in a fraction of a second. I decided to answer the call. You guessed right—as I appeared before her, she said, “Yes, so indeed you think you are charming!” I was left speechless, and all I could do was smile awkwardly. This was classic Lady Boss Bukky, always keeping me on my toes.
Despite the challenges and her seemingly harsh demeanor, Lady Boss Bukky played a significant role in my professional grooming. At the time, I saw her as an impossible and mean boss, but in hindsight, I now realize how much I learned under her supervision. Her rigorous standards and unyielding attitude are among the experiences that have shaped me into the professional I am today.
Interestingly, we are still in contact to this day and often have a good laugh about the past. Her tough love and relentless pursuit of excellence are now fond memories that we both cherish. Maybe one day, I will be bold enough to ask her why she was so hard on me while I worked under her supervision. But for now, I am grateful for the lessons learned and the growth experienced during those formative years on Towry Street.
So, here’s to Lady Boss Bukky—my stern mentor, my tough cookie principal, and now, a cherished friend who played a crucial role in my journey. Who knew that “Mr. Charm Looker” would one day look back and smile at those challenging yet invaluable days?
My hard experiences with Lady Boss Bukky were such that they followed me even into my personal life. One Sunday, during an ongoing church service, an elderly friend of our family called me outside. With concern etched on her face, she asked what was wrong with me as I looked worried and she said she had noticed this for several Sundays. The truth was, I dreaded Mondays and another week with my formidable boss!
Of course, I didn’t share the full story with the elderly lady, yet her concerns served as a wake-up call. That night, I decided it was time to seek help and poured my heart out to my dad. As usual, he offered counsel and words of comfort. His wisdom and support were invaluable, and I learned to navigate my challenges more thoughtfully.
It was a tough period in my career, especially for someone in his early twenties. This was my first salaried job, earning N500 per month. Before this, I had worked with Mr. O., my dad’s lawyer friend at Post Office Road Mushin. There, I had a different arrangement—no salary but a workspace in his beautiful chambers where I could bring my legal briefs. Mr. O. would help negotiate fees with clients, driving bargains I couldn’t muster, yet ensuring I received 100% of the fees paid. Looking back, it was a sweet deal, but I was impatient, and bringing in clients wasn’t easy.
A good lawyer friend eventually led me to Lady Boss Bukky. Upon meeting me, she remarked openly, “You have a beautiful world around you!” and employed me on the spot. Thus began my journey with Lady Boss Bukky—six to seven months of receiving tough love and rigorous professional grooming.
The experience was demanding, and I often found myself overwhelmed. Lady Boss Bukky’s exacting standards and relentless drive for perfection pushed me to my limits. Her tough exterior masked a deep commitment to excellence, which I didn’t fully appreciate at the time. Every Monday, I braced myself for another week of her intense scrutiny and high expectations.
Despite the challenges, those months were crucial in shaping my career. Lady Boss Bukky’s tough love taught me resilience, attention to detail, and the importance of maintaining high standards. It wasn’t easy, but I emerged stronger and more capable.
After those months, I moved on to another job on Lewis Street, Lagos—a tale for another day. However, my time with Lady Boss Bukky remains a pivotal chapter in my professional journey, filled with lessons learned through perseverance and the guidance of supportive mentors.
So, I salute Lady Boss Bukky and remain grateful for the stormy yet transformative journey that molded a young lawyer into a seasoned professional. And I fondly remember my dad, whose wisdom helped me navigate the rough waters with grace and determination.
