In the bustling heart of Abeokuta, there once stood a humble bean joint that became a culinary landmark, thanks to the vision and business acumen of one remarkable woman – Madam Janet Ewusi Odesola.
Born in 1925, Madam Janet’s journey into the food industry began humbly, as she started by selling dry fish before opening her iconic bean restaurant in 1951. The location of her establishment, strategically positioned at the intersection of Ijaiye, Ago-Oba, Itoku, Lafenwa, Isale Igbein, and Ake roads, earned it the moniker “Sapon,” derived from “Saponloore,” meaning “help the bachelors.”
Madam Janet’s bean stew (ewa pakure) quickly gained a loyal following, attracting a diverse clientele that ranged from kings and government officials to civil servants and students. Her culinary prowess and the prime location of her restaurant made it a popular destination for all, especially the area’s many bachelors.
Despite the high demand, Madam Janet remained steadfast in her approach, cooking a large bag of beans daily to ensure her customers were always satisfied. However, as the years passed, she faced a growing challenge – the mounting debt owed by some of her patrons.
Determined to maintain the integrity of her business, Madam Janet devised a unique solution. She implemented a policy where she would only sell what a customer could afford, advising them with the phrase “sebiotimo” (cut your coat according to your cloth). For instance, if someone had 10 kobo, she would sell them 10 kobo worth of beans, refusing to extend credit when they asked for more.
This innovative approach quickly became a part of Abeokuta’s cultural fabric, as customers grew accustomed to Madam Janet’s “sebiotimo” response. Whenever they requested additional servings, they would preemptively say, “sebiotimo, elewa sapon,” acknowledging her steadfast principles.
Madam Janet’s unwavering commitment to financial responsibility and her refusal to compromise her values earned her the endearing nickname “sebiotimo elewa sapon.” Even when customers asked for more, her resolute response, “mo ti se bi mo se mo” (I have cut my coat according to my cloth), became a testament to her integrity.
Today, Madam Janet’s legacy extends far beyond the walls of her beloved bean joint. Her story has become a proverb in Yoruba culture, teaching the timeless lesson of living within one’s means and not succumbing to the temptation of overconsumption.
As the bustling streets of Abeokuta continue to evolve, the memory of Madam Janet Ewusi Odesola and her “sebiotimo” philosophy endures, reminding everyone of the power of financial prudence and the enduring impact of a single individual’s unwavering principles.
