Val. Obienyem
Prof.
Wole Soyinka is a distinguished Nigerian whose contributions to literature and
politics are globally recognized. However, despite his achievements, he
sometimes fails to heed that each profession, especially in his writings, has
the moral obligation to be understood or keep quiet.
I read
Soyinka's comments about Mr. Peter Obi with a heavy heart, troubled by the
magnitude of his errors. How can somebody say Obi was not qualified to contest
the Presidency? Anyone in Nigeria who does not understand or pretends not to
understand that the Obidient movement is a spontaneous response to the
country's problems is out of touch with reality. With the prevailing situation in the country,
more of similar movements will surely emerge. Who is happy with Nigeria as it
presently is? It is a sort of we-they group, made up of the oppressed and
oppressors. Obidients are the oppressed Nigerians, which we thought Soyinka
would have sealed his activism by identifying with.
During
the lead-up to the 2023 Presidential election, Soyinka criticized Obi’s running
mate, Sen. Yusuf Datti, and proposed a debate with him or any designated
representative. In response, some of us arranged for Prof. Okey Ikechukwu to
serve as the delegate for that purpose. Our rationale was straightforward:
Ikechukwu, renowned for his civil discourse, would convey the essential points
without resorting to provocative language. Even when his statements deliver a
decisive impact (Knock-out-blow), they do not leave behind a trail of
hostility.
This
scenario reminded me of a symposium during my seminary days. We invited the
elderly Mr. Sylvester Udunni to deliver the keynote address. Our teachers, led
by Mr. Collins Okeke (now a priest), were eager to challenge him with their
fresh philosophical insights, being newly minted from philosophical studies and
eager to showcase their erudition. However, after Mr. Udunni finished his
paper, he excused himself and left before any discussion began. The
philosophical pundits were left with Mr. Borbert Oguegbu (Wasky of Nollywood)
to spar with. We thoroughly enjoyed the lively debate and applauded the
arguments like sturdy blows at the Olympics. However, Ikechukwu is a seasoned
speaker and would take on anyone, however acclaimed, in an intellectual joust.
When we
presented our debate plans to Mr. Obi, he laughed and asked if Prof. Okey
Ikechukwu was aware of the arrangement. Misunderstanding his concern, I assured
him that contacting Ikechukwu would not be a problem. Obi then expressed doubt
that Ikechukwu would accept the debate under such circumstances.
Obi
calmly explained, “Val, if your father called you stupid and challenged you to
a debate, would you accept? It is highly disrespectful to debate Soyinka—not
only because of his societal achievements but also because of his age.”
Obi's
remarks about Soyinka were insightful, reflecting his reverence for both the
man and old age. Having met with Soyinka several times, Soyinka should have a
good understanding of his character by now. If Soyinka opposes people like Obi
becoming president, it implies he believes the position should remain in the
hands of brigands.
Part of
the reason Okonkwo killed Ikemefuna, who called him father, was his fear of
appearing cowardly. Why is Soyinka so determined to undermine Obi?
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