So many people are familiar with the nickname, ‘Ajala Travel’. In recent times, it has become an apt name given to anyone who hits the road frequently; anyone who loves travelling or their work frequently demands travelling.
However, not many people know the history behind the popular nickname that has now become a metaphor for frequent travellers. In this retro series, Legit.ng presents to you a scintillating history of the man whose nickname, Ajala Travel, has become associated with globetrotting; Ajala Olabisi.
Biography of Ajala Travel
Ajala Travel’s real name is Moshood Adisa Olabisi Ajala. He was born in Ghana in a polygamous household. His father had four wives and 25 children. Ajala wrote about his background in his book 'An African Abroad': “I was born in Ghana, of Nigerian parents, and brought up in Nigeria, where I had my schooling at the Baptist Academy, Lagos, and Ibadan Boys’ High School. At the age of eighteen, I went to America to further my studies.”
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Moshood Adisa Olabisi Ajala |
| Date of Birth | Not specified |
| Place of Birth | Ghana |
| Education | De Paul University, Chicago |
| Known For | Travelling and globetrotting |
Educational Pursuits
Ajala later proceeded to De Paul University in Chicago in America to study medicine. While in America, he became the first black student to be pledged by the Delta Upsilon Pi ‘fraternity, a co-educational Greek-letter organization at De Paul University.
Travelling Adventures
Ajala's travelling adventures started in 1952 when he decided to embark on a cross-country tour of America with just his bicycle and agbada. Aged 22, Ajala set out on the 12th of June 1952 from Chicago on a bicycle tour covering an incredible 2,280 miles. He would cover 2,280 miles in 28 days, starting from Chicago and ending in Los Angeles.
He arrived at the Los Angeles City Hall on 10th of July, two days ahead of his 30-day schedule. Upon arrival, Ajala was received by the city mayor, Fletcher Bowron. His cross-country journey in America not only made him famous in America but also back home in Nigeria.
Global Travels and Objectives
Throughout his lifetime, Ajala the Traveller visited countries such as India, USSR, Jordan, Iran, Israel, and Australia. Remarkably, he did this on a Vespa and met many world dignitaries during his travels. Ajala's goal for the tour was reportedly to educate the American public on the progress made by his native West African country of Nigeria.
Challenges and Deportation
In March 1953, Ajala was arrested in Beverly Hills, California, on felony charges, including forgery and grand theft. He was eventually found guilty of these charges and deported from the United States when he was just 24 years old. Despite the challenges and setbacks he faced, Ajala's adventurous spirit never left him.
Legacy of Ajala Travel
Ajala Travel was said to be in love with ladies too, reportedly having several wives and children in some of the countries he visited. Until his last years on earth, he was planning another round of global voyage. Unfortunately, on the 2nd of February, 1999, Ajala Travel died in abject poverty and scalding penury.
Despite his fame, he passed away unsung and unrecognized. The legacy of Ajala Travel continues to inspire many who dream of exploring the world.
Source: Legit.ng
