Wale Adebanwi in his book explores the Yoruba ethnic politics

L-R: Chairman of the occasion Professor, Agboola Gambari; National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande; author of the book, Wale Adebanwi; Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; former governor of Ogun State/National leader APC, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Lagos State representative, Rev Tunde Adebiyi and daughter of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, during the public presentation of the book titled: ‘Yoruba Elite and Ethnic Politics in Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo and Corporate Agency’, held at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.  Photo: Abiodun Omotosho

By ADA DIKE

At the launch of a book titled: “Yoruba Elites and Ethnic Politics in Nigeria- Obafemi Awolowo and Corporate Agency,” speakers stressed the need for Yoruba elites to unite and follow the steps of the late Yoruba patriarch, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Chaired by the former Nigerian representative at the United Nations, Professor Agboola Gambari, the book which was written by Dr Wale Adebanwi, was presented last week Thursday, April 17, 2014 at The MUSON Centre, Lagos.

In his review of the book, Executive Editor of TheNEWS/P.M.NEWS

Mr. Kunle Ajibade, stated that in “Yoruba Elites and Ethnic Politics in Nigeria: Obafemi Awolowo and Corporate Agency,” Wale Adebanwi renders the significance, the prestige, the influence and the messianic drama of Obafemi Awolowo’s life in incisive, brilliant, elegant and engaging narrative. He combined his skills as a trained journalist, a political scientist and anthropologist to conduct a research which ranges across important territories and domains. “This book, in its first formulation, was his Ph.D thesis at the University of Cambridge. Adebanwi displays in it fireworks of theories especially in the introductory parts which may overwhelm the lay readers but will gladden the hearts of his academic peers immensely. He interrogates some received theories in order to propound his own. The theories, if you take time to crack their nuts, will yield useful insights. Theories that explain and describe Obafemi Awolowo as a peerless leader who kept the political promises he made. Theories that help to deepen our understanding of the Awolowo’s mystique, his phenomenon and charisma. Theories of a leader who remained focussed and kept expanding the magnitude of his mind and the frontiers of his vision till the very end. And theories of friends who betray their friends and principles,” said Ajibade.

In her address as the Mother of the day, Yeye Oodua, Chief (Mrs) H. I. D. Awolowo, charged the Yoruba elites to be united and shun individual agenda which has not done any good to the Yoruba.

Chief Mrs. Awolowo, who was represented by her daughter, the Executive Director of Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu, reminded the Yoruba elites the role they should play, which is working for the general good and uniting the country.

She advised politicians to emulate Awolowo’s selfless leadership style so as to build an egalitarian society. She thanked the author for documenting some of the achievements of her father, which would enrich the younger generation and generation unborn.

Many dignitaries at the occasion including Professor Agboola Gambari, Afenifere leader Honourable Olawale Osun, former Commissioner for Health in the defunct western region, one of Late Awolowo’s associates Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, paid tribute to Pa Awo for his immense contribution towards the development and unity of Nigeria and also appreciated Adebanwi for writing such informative and well researched book. They also expressed displeasure about the state of insecurity in the country and urged Nigerians to join hands in fighting terrorism.

Prof. Gambari charged all Nigerians to be security conscious and assured Nigerians that the national conference going on in Abuja would not be hijacked. “As we celebrate, we must also celebrate Yoruba masses because Yoruba elites cannot exist in isolation in the absence of Nigeria. I am proud to be man of double heritage – mother from Yoruba side and father from Hausa. We must celebrate our diversity. Five of us here supposed at the national conference today but we are here,” said Gambari.

He stressed that the security of the country today has become everybody’s business and charged everyone to come together and fight terrorism