Fifty-year-old male identical twins, Taiwo and Kehinde Oluwafunso, married to identical twins, tell GBENGA ADENIJI and TOLUWANI ENIOLA the story of their lives.
Tell us about yourselves.
Taiwo: I am Taiwo
Johnson Oluwafunso, born at Papa Ajao, Mushin with my twin brother in
the mid-sixties by an Ibadan man and a wonderful woman, Mrs. Celinah
Oyafunso; an indigene of Ekiti State. She was a trained secretary but
our birth compelled her to be a full-time housewife.
Johnson Oluwafunso, born at Papa Ajao, Mushin with my twin brother in
the mid-sixties by an Ibadan man and a wonderful woman, Mrs. Celinah
Oyafunso; an indigene of Ekiti State. She was a trained secretary but
our birth compelled her to be a full-time housewife.
My brother and I attended Mushin Primary
School in 1972. We later went to Oduabore Primary School in Mushin and
proceeded to Oyo State for our post-primary school. We separated for the
first time when I attended the Lagos State College of Education,
Ijanikin and my twin brother attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan. We thank
God that we divinely came together and attended the Lagos State
University. We are both pan-Africanists as Panafest representatives in
Nigeria. We are saddled with the responsibilities of propagating the
rich culture, values and ethos of Africa.
School in 1972. We later went to Oduabore Primary School in Mushin and
proceeded to Oyo State for our post-primary school. We separated for the
first time when I attended the Lagos State College of Education,
Ijanikin and my twin brother attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan. We thank
God that we divinely came together and attended the Lagos State
University. We are both pan-Africanists as Panafest representatives in
Nigeria. We are saddled with the responsibilities of propagating the
rich culture, values and ethos of Africa.
Kehinde: I am Kehinde
William Oluwafunso, born 50 years ago, precisely on November, 1966. At
the Lagos State University, the then Vice Chancellor, the late Prof.
Fatiu Akesode, treated us as his biological children.
William Oluwafunso, born 50 years ago, precisely on November, 1966. At
the Lagos State University, the then Vice Chancellor, the late Prof.
Fatiu Akesode, treated us as his biological children.
We were introduced to him by Chiefs
Dotun and Femi Oyewole of Abeokuta, Ogun State. Our parents taught us
contentment, hard work, honesty and the essence of prayer.
Dotun and Femi Oyewole of Abeokuta, Ogun State. Our parents taught us
contentment, hard work, honesty and the essence of prayer.
How was your upbringing like?
Kehinde: Our parents
told us that we were given tags of two different colours in the hospital
because we are identical. The tags were meant to identify us so that
one was not given a double dose of medication or baby food. On our
christening day, our parents wore colourful wrist bands for us so that
the officiating pastor would not christen a child twice.
told us that we were given tags of two different colours in the hospital
because we are identical. The tags were meant to identify us so that
one was not given a double dose of medication or baby food. On our
christening day, our parents wore colourful wrist bands for us so that
the officiating pastor would not christen a child twice.
At birth, an herbalist told our mother
to bring us to his shrine in her best attire and bring faded clothes she
would put on while leaving the place with us. Their early acceptance of
Christ changed the way we were raised. We wore colourful dresses from
childhood, ate, slept and did homework together.
to bring us to his shrine in her best attire and bring faded clothes she
would put on while leaving the place with us. Their early acceptance of
Christ changed the way we were raised. We wore colourful dresses from
childhood, ate, slept and did homework together.
Was there any time your resemblance put any of you in trouble?
Taiwo: There were many
instances but let me share this. I suffered for an offence that my
brother committed and he ran away. I innocently walked into the trap.
Kehinde beat up a girl and I was made to pay for his sin. I went home
crying and my mother was angry seeing her son beaten for no reason. She
followed me to the place, spoiling for showdown but the poor girl could
not identify who beat her between the two of us. The whole scene became
interesting and confusing. The people that beat me became sober. The
girl’s mother, who is also a twin, had to give me gifts which I took
home. Many times, I have had to pay for my brother’s wrongdoing.
instances but let me share this. I suffered for an offence that my
brother committed and he ran away. I innocently walked into the trap.
Kehinde beat up a girl and I was made to pay for his sin. I went home
crying and my mother was angry seeing her son beaten for no reason. She
followed me to the place, spoiling for showdown but the poor girl could
not identify who beat her between the two of us. The whole scene became
interesting and confusing. The people that beat me became sober. The
girl’s mother, who is also a twin, had to give me gifts which I took
home. Many times, I have had to pay for my brother’s wrongdoing.
Kehinde: There was a
time Taiwo offended a prefect while we were in secondary school. The
project vowed to punish him. How Taiwo escaped from the scene remains a
mystery till date. Anytime the prefect saw Taiwo, he would deny
knowledge of the incident, calling himself Kehinde.
time Taiwo offended a prefect while we were in secondary school. The
project vowed to punish him. How Taiwo escaped from the scene remains a
mystery till date. Anytime the prefect saw Taiwo, he would deny
knowledge of the incident, calling himself Kehinde.
One day, I ran into the prefect and he
asked if I was Taiwo and I said, ‘No, I am Kehinde.’ Instantly, a cane
landed on me and I cried profusely.
asked if I was Taiwo and I said, ‘No, I am Kehinde.’ Instantly, a cane
landed on me and I cried profusely.
I prayed that Taiwo should be seen so I
could prove my innocence. The prefect later ordered me to follow him to a
forest near the school to uproot some trees as punishment. I was afraid
as he left me alone in the place.
could prove my innocence. The prefect later ordered me to follow him to a
forest near the school to uproot some trees as punishment. I was afraid
as he left me alone in the place.
Not long after he left, I heard a noise
in the forest and ran away as fast as my leg could carry me to meet the
prefect. I panted like a dog as I faced him to tell him I saw a tiger.
He and his friends started laughing as I described the animal I saw. It
was at that point that Taiwo arrived, looking worried and crying. He had
been searching for me all over the place and when the seniors saw our
resemblance, they forgave us and asked us to go.
in the forest and ran away as fast as my leg could carry me to meet the
prefect. I panted like a dog as I faced him to tell him I saw a tiger.
He and his friends started laughing as I described the animal I saw. It
was at that point that Taiwo arrived, looking worried and crying. He had
been searching for me all over the place and when the seniors saw our
resemblance, they forgave us and asked us to go.
What position are you in your nuclear family?
Taiwo: We are second set of children. We came after a male child, Toyin Solomon Oyafunso.
Have you ever experienced any case of mistaken identity?
Taiwo: This question
brings back fond memories. In 1999, we travelled abroad to attend the
African-American Summit. The convener was the late American civil rights
leader, Dr. Leon Sullivan. I did my registration and left and my
brother had done his earlier. We did not know that an American lady
reported my brother to the police that a particular African man did
double registration. As they were going round looking for the ‘African’,
they stumbled on us in a restaurant where we were drinking tea with
some participants from the US. The lady was shocked when she saw us and
quickly explained something to the policemen who insisted on calling us.
By the time they came to our table and explained our offence, the whole
place was thrown into laughter and news went round about this
“wonderful twin brothers from Nigeria.”
brings back fond memories. In 1999, we travelled abroad to attend the
African-American Summit. The convener was the late American civil rights
leader, Dr. Leon Sullivan. I did my registration and left and my
brother had done his earlier. We did not know that an American lady
reported my brother to the police that a particular African man did
double registration. As they were going round looking for the ‘African’,
they stumbled on us in a restaurant where we were drinking tea with
some participants from the US. The lady was shocked when she saw us and
quickly explained something to the policemen who insisted on calling us.
By the time they came to our table and explained our offence, the whole
place was thrown into laughter and news went round about this
“wonderful twin brothers from Nigeria.”
Kehinde: There was a
time I went to visit Taiwo at the College of Education in Ijanikin. I
took his room key where he always kept it and slept on his bed, awaiting
his arrival. Not long after, a lady came into the room and joined me on
the bed. I tried to restrain her as she started to hold me. But she
insisted. It was then I realised that Taiwo did not tell her he is a
twin. As she stood up to lock the door, Taiwo came in. She looked at him
and then back at me, shouting ‘ghost’ and fled the room. The two of us
immediately burst into laughter.
time I went to visit Taiwo at the College of Education in Ijanikin. I
took his room key where he always kept it and slept on his bed, awaiting
his arrival. Not long after, a lady came into the room and joined me on
the bed. I tried to restrain her as she started to hold me. But she
insisted. It was then I realised that Taiwo did not tell her he is a
twin. As she stood up to lock the door, Taiwo came in. She looked at him
and then back at me, shouting ‘ghost’ and fled the room. The two of us
immediately burst into laughter.
Who between the two of you tries to resolve disagreements before they fester?
Taiwo: We both ensure
that women and money do not cause any disaffection between us. These are
the two tools use by the devil to separate twins. The issue of money
and women are slippery terrain for male twins and men generally. It
requires the grace of God and Solomonic wisdom to pass the test.
that women and money do not cause any disaffection between us. These are
the two tools use by the devil to separate twins. The issue of money
and women are slippery terrain for male twins and men generally. It
requires the grace of God and Solomonic wisdom to pass the test.
Kehinde: I have always been doing that. If Taiwo would be honest, he would agree with this because I am the older.
You married twins. Did you plan it?
Taiwo: No. We are proud
husbands to Taiwo and Kehinde Oluwafunso (nee Oyawoye); a wonderful set
of twins. We are lucky to have met these great ladies. We never planned
it. It was divinely inspired. We did not set out to marry twins. It
must have been for a purpose because, at times, it amazes us too. To
some people, it is a like a fairy tale.
husbands to Taiwo and Kehinde Oluwafunso (nee Oyawoye); a wonderful set
of twins. We are lucky to have met these great ladies. We never planned
it. It was divinely inspired. We did not set out to marry twins. It
must have been for a purpose because, at times, it amazes us too. To
some people, it is a like a fairy tale.
Kehinde: We never
planned it. We met them during our annual twins’ festival. They were
part of the participants who came from Kwara State. Their humility and
quiet nature impressed us so much that day and we asked them out. I made
the first move to Kehinde and Taiwo later spoke with Taiwo.
planned it. We met them during our annual twins’ festival. They were
part of the participants who came from Kwara State. Their humility and
quiet nature impressed us so much that day and we asked them out. I made
the first move to Kehinde and Taiwo later spoke with Taiwo.
Before then, we had failed
relationships. My girlfriend then accused me of loving my twin brother
more than her while his girlfriend accused him of divulging her secrets
to me. The trouble was much and we had to run to God. We got a leading
to marry twins. Our wives are good to us. They are sweet and homely.
relationships. My girlfriend then accused me of loving my twin brother
more than her while his girlfriend accused him of divulging her secrets
to me. The trouble was much and we had to run to God. We got a leading
to marry twins. Our wives are good to us. They are sweet and homely.
For how long have you been married?
Taiwo: We got married about 10 years ago in Emmanuel Baptist Church, Sabo Oke, Ilorin, Kwara State.
Are your wives identical or dissimilar?
Taiwo: Our wives are identical but they are not fanatical like us. They do not always wear the same attire like we do.
How have they been able to interrupt your closeness?
Taiwo: (Smiles).Our
wives never attempted to disrupt our closeness. They only strengthen our
closeness which would not have been possible if we didn’t marry twins.
We married twins to avoid trouble. Like we earlier explained, we had
troubles from ladies who were not twins. One even told me that after our
marriage, Kehinde’s visit to my place would be minimised.
wives never attempted to disrupt our closeness. They only strengthen our
closeness which would not have been possible if we didn’t marry twins.
We married twins to avoid trouble. Like we earlier explained, we had
troubles from ladies who were not twins. One even told me that after our
marriage, Kehinde’s visit to my place would be minimised.
How old are you and your wives?
Taiwo: We just celebrated our 50th birthday anniversary.
Kehinde: Our lovely wives are in their 30s.
What pranks did you play on people with your semblance while growing up?
Taiwo: (Smiles). Our
resemblance has always been a blessing to us. At times, we play pranks
to save ourselves from embarrassing situations or to confuse people. We
deliberately played pranks while growing up at times on our parents to
escape punishment and mostly in school. We played pranks too on girls
who may prove stubborn, especially to me. I used to employ the services
of my twin brother who is a great ‘toaster’ and smooth-talker. Whenever
my brother talks to any lady with a heart of steel, she will yield. Most
times, these girls won’t know that my twin brother spoke with them to
win them over for me. Immediately he achieved this, we exchanged
position and I continue from where he stopped.
resemblance has always been a blessing to us. At times, we play pranks
to save ourselves from embarrassing situations or to confuse people. We
deliberately played pranks while growing up at times on our parents to
escape punishment and mostly in school. We played pranks too on girls
who may prove stubborn, especially to me. I used to employ the services
of my twin brother who is a great ‘toaster’ and smooth-talker. Whenever
my brother talks to any lady with a heart of steel, she will yield. Most
times, these girls won’t know that my twin brother spoke with them to
win them over for me. Immediately he achieved this, we exchanged
position and I continue from where he stopped.
Do you have twins as children?
Taiwo: No. None of us
has twins for now but we are working very hard on it. We pray that very
soon you will be invited to celebrate with us.
has twins for now but we are working very hard on it. We pray that very
soon you will be invited to celebrate with us.
Kehinde: I know I will have twin girls.
What are the things you have in common?
Kehinde: We love travelling, writing and dancing. I can dance very well but Taiwo cannot dance. We love good music, blues, classical, apala, gospel and Ebenezer Obey’s old songs. We love meeting people and have read over 5000 books together.
How can you describe yourself?
Taiwo: We are humble, prayerful, respectful, innovative, dynamic and fearless to take up gargantuan tasks.
What is your favourite food?
Taiwo: I like pounded yam and egusi soup with chilled bottle of coke or juice.
Kehinde: Rice and chicken with a good stew. I also love black amala, gbegiri, ewedu and goat meat.
How do people react whenever they see you both?
Taiwo: There are always
different kinds of reaction from people when they see us together. Some
will see us and start smiling while others will run after us,
requesting prayers from us. Some see us and ask, “Are you married? If
you are not, we have daughters to give to you.’’ Others demand to meet
our mother for labouring to bring us up successfully. At times,
expectant women solicit prayers from us so that they would bear
children. We are often touched by these feelings. We had prayed for many
and have five cases of answered prayers in that regard.
different kinds of reaction from people when they see us together. Some
will see us and start smiling while others will run after us,
requesting prayers from us. Some see us and ask, “Are you married? If
you are not, we have daughters to give to you.’’ Others demand to meet
our mother for labouring to bring us up successfully. At times,
expectant women solicit prayers from us so that they would bear
children. We are often touched by these feelings. We had prayed for many
and have five cases of answered prayers in that regard.
Kehinde: Some ladies
had confronted us many times, asking us who would marry them between the
two of us. Most times, we have to show our wedding bands.
had confronted us many times, asking us who would marry them between the
two of us. Most times, we have to show our wedding bands.
Do you stay together?
Taiwo: Yes, but we do not live in the same room.
Our identical husbands are too close — wives
Can you briefly introduce yourselves?
Taiwo: I am Mrs. Taiwo Oluwafunso. I work as an accountant in the office of the Lagos State Auditor General.
Kehinde: I am Mrs. Kehinde Oluwafunso. I am also an accountant with the Treasury Office of the Lagos State Government.
How did you respond to your husbands’ proposals?
Taiwo: At first, I
wasn’t interested (in his proposal). Along the line, we got to know more
about each other. I realised he is an interesting man. I didn’t know I
would marry a twin. His behaviour and attitude to life made me develop
interest in him.
wasn’t interested (in his proposal). Along the line, we got to know more
about each other. I realised he is an interesting man. I didn’t know I
would marry a twin. His behaviour and attitude to life made me develop
interest in him.
Kehinde: I accepted his
proposal immediately. I was thinking that when I get to Ilorin, Kwara
State, he won’t be able to follow me there. I didn’t know he would come
all the way from Lagos to Ilorin to visit me. When he came again, I told
him yes. Initially, I didn’t know his twin brother proposed to my twin
sister too. I knew he has a twin brother but I didn’t know there was any
discussion about marriage between them. It was in Ilorin that I got to
know that he proposed to her. I see them as visionaries and we decided
to accept their proposals.
proposal immediately. I was thinking that when I get to Ilorin, Kwara
State, he won’t be able to follow me there. I didn’t know he would come
all the way from Lagos to Ilorin to visit me. When he came again, I told
him yes. Initially, I didn’t know his twin brother proposed to my twin
sister too. I knew he has a twin brother but I didn’t know there was any
discussion about marriage between them. It was in Ilorin that I got to
know that he proposed to her. I see them as visionaries and we decided
to accept their proposals.
What are the challenges you face living together?
Taiwo: The major
challenge is getting my husband’s attention. Sometimes, I want him to be
with me but he may prefer to be with his twin brother. That is the only
challenge. I have called his attention to this, to complain that he is
too close to his brother (laughs).
challenge is getting my husband’s attention. Sometimes, I want him to be
with me but he may prefer to be with his twin brother. That is the only
challenge. I have called his attention to this, to complain that he is
too close to his brother (laughs).
Kehinde: There is
really not much challenge except that they put on same clothes. I want
my husband and I to wear matching attire when we go out but he prefers
doing that with his twin brother. Another challenge is that they both go
out together all the time.
really not much challenge except that they put on same clothes. I want
my husband and I to wear matching attire when we go out but he prefers
doing that with his twin brother. Another challenge is that they both go
out together all the time.
How do you identify your husbands?
Taiwo: One of them has a big tummy, the other does not have. My husband does not have a big tummy (laughs).
Kehinde: The first time
I met them, I knew the difference. My husband looks a little bit bigger
than Taiwo and facially, I can tell the difference.
I met them, I knew the difference. My husband looks a little bit bigger
than Taiwo and facially, I can tell the difference.
How has it been living together?
Taiwo: It has been
interesting. But I sometimes wish we live separately. Intimacy with his
twin brother is strong. Sometimes, I don’t get close to my husband as
much as I want to.
interesting. But I sometimes wish we live separately. Intimacy with his
twin brother is strong. Sometimes, I don’t get close to my husband as
much as I want to.
Kehinde: It has been
tough because sometimes, I would want my husband and I to be alone.
Although we live in the same building, our apartments are adjacent to
the living room. We share the same living room. Sometimes, when my
husband and I are discussing, his twin brother could just barge in and
interrupt the discussion. I may consider that we live separately in the
future. For now, I am still enjoying it.
tough because sometimes, I would want my husband and I to be alone.
Although we live in the same building, our apartments are adjacent to
the living room. We share the same living room. Sometimes, when my
husband and I are discussing, his twin brother could just barge in and
interrupt the discussion. I may consider that we live separately in the
future. For now, I am still enjoying it.
How do you settle quarrels?
Taiwo: We hardly quarrel and when we do, we talk about it and settle it.
Kehinde: Sometimes, my
husband tries to defend his twin brother when we have a disagreement.
For instance, if my husband’s twin brother offends me, I express my
grievance. My husband will try to protect his brother rather than side
with me (laughs).
husband tries to defend his twin brother when we have a disagreement.
For instance, if my husband’s twin brother offends me, I express my
grievance. My husband will try to protect his brother rather than side
with me (laughs).
Do you wish to have twins as children?
Taiwo: I wish to but it is late now. I already have two children.
Kehinde: I love to. But
I am okay with the two children I have. I know that twins can’t give
birth to twins. I don’t bother myself about the wish again.
I am okay with the two children I have. I know that twins can’t give
birth to twins. I don’t bother myself about the wish again.
Can you share any memorable experience living together?
Taiwo: Till now, people
can’t identify us because we look so much alike. Even our father can’t
tell us apart. While growing up, our father would say, “Kehinde, go and
do this for me.” I would say, “Daddy, I am Taiwo, not Kehinde.” He will
then say, “You go and do it then.” People are always surprised when
they see us. Marrying a twin was not my plan but I am enjoying it and
there is no problem.
can’t identify us because we look so much alike. Even our father can’t
tell us apart. While growing up, our father would say, “Kehinde, go and
do this for me.” I would say, “Daddy, I am Taiwo, not Kehinde.” He will
then say, “You go and do it then.” People are always surprised when
they see us. Marrying a twin was not my plan but I am enjoying it and
there is no problem.
Kehinde: I experience
funny moments when my twin sister and I visit my children’s school. My
children’s friends in the school would tell my child, “Toluwani, how
come you have two mummies and two daddies?” It is usually very funny. It
has been positive though because most times, when I see twins who marry
non-twins, it is not that easy. Even if they are not living together,
there are always difficulties.
funny moments when my twin sister and I visit my children’s school. My
children’s friends in the school would tell my child, “Toluwani, how
come you have two mummies and two daddies?” It is usually very funny. It
has been positive though because most times, when I see twins who marry
non-twins, it is not that easy. Even if they are not living together,
there are always difficulties.