Info For Yous Principal Obafemi Awolowo: The Political Moses Of Nigeria As Well As The Best President Nigeria Never Had
"There are times when fifty-fifty the greatest tactician inwards diplomatic cunning is outclassed inwards his ain game. It is as well as so that he discovers that all that he thought he had gained is but loss, as well as that what is left of national honor as well as dignity is but the shadow of an illustrious yesteryear that is gone forever, or of a potentially groovy hereafter that volition never come." Obafemi Awolowo
Chief Jeremiah Oyeniyi Obafemi Awolowo (Yoruba: Ọbáfẹ́mi Awólọ́wọ̀; March 6, 1909 – May 9, 1987) popularly known equally "Awo" was i of Africa's most influential nationalists, political author as well as a pre-eminent Nigerian statesman whose vision as well as tireless piece of work defined a modernist Yoruba political projection inwards an emergent Nigerian post-colonial nation province after the decolonization procedure inwards the 1940s. He is frequently neglected amid African political intellectuals because he did non go a caput of state. Awo is frequently criticized heavily yesteryear the Ndi Igbos for committing massive genocide against the Igbos inwards the Biafran War, a accuse he seriously denied throughout his life. His admirers refers to him equally "the best president Nigeria never had."
Chief Jeremiah Oyeniyi Obafemi Awolowo (Yoruba: Ọbáfẹ́mi Awólọ́wọ̀; March 6, 1909 – May 9, 1987) popularly known equally "Awo" was i of Africa's most influential nationalists, political author as well as a pre-eminent Nigerian statesman whose vision as well as tireless piece of work defined a modernist Yoruba political projection inwards an emergent Nigerian post-colonial nation province after the decolonization procedure inwards the 1940s. He is frequently neglected amid African political intellectuals because he did non go a caput of state. Awo is frequently criticized heavily yesteryear the Ndi Igbos for committing massive genocide against the Igbos inwards the Biafran War, a accuse he seriously denied throughout his life. His admirers refers to him equally "the best president Nigeria never had."
Wedding of Chief Obafemi Awolowo as well as Miss Hannah Idowu Dideolu Adelana. Circa 1937
In 1949 Awolowo founded the Nigerian Tribune, the oldest surviving private Nigerian newspaper, which he used to spread nationalist consciousness amid his swain Nigerians.
Obafemi Awolowo also laid himself upwards inwards Ibadan equally a create buyer as well as a transporter. It was inwards Ibadan that his political life began to unfold: he served at that spot equally secretarial assistant of the Nigerian Youth Movement earlier he went abroad to study Law inwards Great Britain.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Premier of Western Region of Nigeria, only landing from his helicopter to start campaigning inwards Sokoto for his party, the Action group, for the federal elections. He is inwards the light-green robe at the right-hand microphone, speaking inwards English; an interpreter at Awo's correct translates his spoken communication into Hausa for the crowd of nearly 2,500." circa 1959. courtesy Eliot Elisofon
Back domicile from Britain, Awolowo formed the cultural grouping known equally “Egbe Omo Oduduwa” inwards 1949 as well as a political party, the Action Group, (AG), inwards 1951 also known equally Egbe Afenifere inwards Western business office of Nigeria equally business office of the Social Programme for the emancipation of Yoruba race. Awolowo became Nigeria's foremost federalist. In his Path to Nigerian Freedom (1947) — the maiden off systematic federalist manifesto yesteryear a Nigerian pol — he advocated federalism equally the only ground for equitable national integration and, equally caput of the Action Group, he led demands for a federal constitution, which was introduced inwards the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution, next primarily the model proposed yesteryear the Western Region delegation led yesteryear him. His political party won the maiden off elections ever conducted inwards Western Nigeria. As a final result of that victory, the AG formed the maiden off elected authorities inwards the Western Region as well as Obafemi Awolowo, at nowadays a Chief, became the Leader of Government Business as well as Minister for Local Government inwards 1952.
Dec 19, 1958: Premiers Of Nigeria – These are the faces of the Men of Destiny of Nigeria as well as the Southern Cameroons. From left to right, they are those of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, Dr E.M.L. Endeley as well as Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto. The 5 men are heads of Governments which brand the Nigerian federation. The happiness as well as fortunes of 35 i chiliad m people volition before long depend on their wisdom as well as courage. They are non only regarded equally real of import cogs inwards the bicycle of Nigeria’s destiny. They are inwards fact so. (Photograph yesteryear Drum Photographer ©BAHA).
In 1954, Awo (as he had come upwards to live fondly known inside his party) became the maiden off Premier of the Western Region. His political party won the elections i time again inwards May 1956 as well as Awo retained his seat equally Premier. As premier, he proved to live as well as was viewed equally a adult man of vision as well as a dynamic administrator. Awolowo was also the country's leading social democratic politician. He supported express world ownership as well as express telephone substitution planning inwards government. He believed that the province should channel Nigeria's resources into didactics as well as state-led infrastructural development. Controversially, as well as at considerable expense, he introduced complimentary primary didactics for all as well as complimentary wellness aid for children inwards the Western Region, established the maiden off tv set service inwards Africa inwards 1959, as well as the Oduduwa Group, all of which were financed from the highly lucrative cocoa manufacture which was the mainstay of the regional economy.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Premier of Western Region of Nigeria, campaigning inwards Sokoto for his party, the Action group, for the federal elections. He is inwards the light-green robe at the right-hand microphone, speaking inwards English; an interpreter at Awo's correct translates his spoken communication into Hausa for the crowd of nearly 2,500." circa 1959. courtesy Eliot Elisofon
He voluntarily gave upwards that seat when, on Dec 12, 1959, he was elected into the House of Representatives where he became the Leader of Opposition inwards Nigeria's telephone substitution legislature.
He stood upwards stoutly against mediocrity as well as drift inwards government, as well as began to define alternative channels along which Nigeria's authorities should go. His ain concept of a Nigerian nation was in all probability equally good advanced for his opponents, who began to see the Awolowo-led opposition equally a major threat. Following a trial for treasonable felony, he was jailed for 10 years inwards September 1963.
Nigeria`s 1960 elections with the famous Nigeria [political heavy-weights of their time: Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Abubakar Tafewa Balewa, Ahmed Bello as well as Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Conflict inwards Western Nigeria
From the evening of independence, he led the Action Group equally the Leader of the Opposition inwards the federal parliament, leaving Samuel Ladoke Akintola equally the Western Region Premier. Serious disagreements betwixt Awolowo as well as Akintola on how to run the Western portion led the latter to an alliance with the Tafawa Balewa-led NPC federal government. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 constitutional crisis led to the proclamation of a province of emergency inwards the Western Region, eventually resulting inwards a widespread breakdown of constabulary as well as order.
Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Administrator as well as politician, Premier of the Western Region of Nigeria as well as an early on victim of the Jan 1966 armed forces coup. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for Life mag as well as traveled to Africa from August 18, 1959 to Dec 20, 1959.
Excluded from national government, Awolowo as well as his political party faced an increasingly precarious position. Akintola's followers, angered at their exclusion from power, formed the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) nether Akintola's leadership. Having previously suspended the elected Western Regional Assembly, the federal authorities as well as so reconstituted the trunk after manoeuvres that brought Akintola's NNDP into powerfulness without an election. Shortly afterwards Awolowo as well as several disciples were arrested, charged, convicted as well as jailed for conspiring with the Ghanaian authorities nether Kwame Nkrumah to overthrow the federal government. The remnants of the Action Group fought the national election of 1965 inwards alliance with the largely Igbo, as well as south-eastern NCNC. Amid accusations of fraud from the NCNC-AG camp, the NPC-NNDP won the election; the AG supporters reacted with violent riots inwards some parts of the Western region. Awolowo was later freed yesteryear the armed forces management of General Yakubu Gowon who later on appointed him Federal Commissioner for Finance as well as Vice-President of the Federal Executive Council. This took identify inwards the unsettled circumstances at i time preceding the Civil War.
Oba Akenzua welcoming Queen Elizabeth to his Kingdom whilst Chief Obafemi Awolowo looks on.
By July 1966, Nigeria's problems had go so intractable that disintegration of the ground seemed inevitable. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 novel Federal Military Government promptly opened the gates of Calabar Prison, brought Awolowo out as well as appointed him equally a government minister to choose accuse of the country's treasury as well as to provide political back upwards equally Vice Chairman inwards the Federal administration. In those 2 roles, he was i of the major architects of Nigeria's victory over secession inwards the 3D-month Civil War. When the state of war ended, Awo waited only long plenty to give Nigeria a National Development Plan; equally before long equally the Plan was completed, he resigned from the government, although, to his lastly day, he remained grateful to the adult man who gave him an chance to serve his country.
When Nigeria's Armed Forces lifted the ban on civilian participation inwards politics inwards September 1978, Nigerians who believed inwards Awo’s political ideas as well as principles joined him inwards forming the Unity Party of Nigeria which presented Nigeria with a dynamic programme of socio economical alter along democratic socialist lines. Awo led the political party until it was banned, along with Nigeria's other political parties, during the armed forces take-over at the terminate of 1983.
Sir Ahmedu Bello as well as Chief Obafemi Awolowo
Legacy
Awolowo is best remembered for his remarkable integrity, ardent nationalism, principled as well as manful opposition as well as dogged federalistic convictions. His political party was the maiden off to displace the motion for Nigeria's independence inwards the federal parliament as well as he obtained internal self-government for the Western Region inwards 1957. He is credited with coining the advert 'naira' for the Nigerian criterion monetary unit of measurement as well as helped to finance the Civil War as well as save the federation without borrowing. He built the Liberty Stadium inwards Ibadan, the maiden off of its form inwards Africa; established the WNTV, the maiden off tv set station inwards Africa; erected the maiden off skyscraper inwards tropical Africa: the Cocoa House (still the tallest inwards Ibadan) as well as ran a widely-respected civil service inwards the Western Region.
R-L Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Mrs. Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, H.O. Davies, Chief Adetokunbo Ademola at a Church service. This is a rare photograph as well as it was taken inwards 1977
Awolowo was reputedly admired yesteryear Ghana's Kwame Nkrumah, as well as some of his disciples inwards the South-West take away hold continued to invoke his advert as well as the policies of his party, the Action Group, during campaigns, spell his welfarist policies take away hold influenced politicians inwards most of the other geopolitical zones of the nation.He was a Senior Advocate of Nigeria as well as Chancellor of the University of Ife (his brainchild) as well as Ahmadu Bello University. He held many chieftaincy titles, including those of the Losi of Ikenne, Lisa of Ijeun, Asiwaju of Remo, Odofin of Owo, Ajagunla of Ado-Ekiti, Apesin of Osogbo, Odole of Ife and, alongside the Ibibios, Obong Ikpa Isong of Ibibioland. He was also conferred with the highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a rank as well as championship that take away hold ordinarily been bestowed upon the country's presidents. Many institutions inwards Nigeria take away hold honoured him as well as some regional as well as national institutions are named after him, including Obafemi Awolowo University inwards Ile-Ife, Osun State (formerly University of Ife) Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly the Liberty Stadium)and the Obafemi Awolowo Institute of Government as well as Public Policy inwards Lekki,Lagos State. His portrait is on the ₦100 naira note. He was also the author of several publications on the political construction as well as hereafter prospects of Nigeria, the most prominent of which are Path to Nigerian Freedom, Thoughts on the Nigerian Constitution, as well as Strategies as well as Tactics of the People's Republic of Nigeria.
However, his most of import bequests (styled Awoism) are his exemplary integrity, his welfarism, his contributions to hastening the procedure of decolonization as well as his consistent as well as reasoned advocacy of federalism-based on ethno-linguistic self-determination as well as uniting politically strong states-as the best ground for Nigerian unity. Awolowo died peacefully at his Ikenne home, the Efunyela Hall (so named after his mother), on May 9, 1987, at 78, amid tributes across political as well as ethno-religious divides.
Chief Awolowo was a groovy political thinker who committed many of his thoughts to writing. From 1946, he had started a long career inwards political writing, which flourished whether he was inwards liberty or inwards detention, whether he was inwards powerfulness or out of it. It continued to flourish till the real terminate of his life.
In recognition of his intellectual contributions, Awolowo was honoured yesteryear the next institutions of learning:
University of Nigeria, Nsukka: LL.D. (1962)
University of Ife, Ile-Ife: D.Sc. (1967)
University of Lagos: D.Litt. (1968)
University of Ibadan: LL.D. (1972)
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria: LL.D. (1975)
University of Cape Coast, Ghana: LL.D. (1976)
He was Chancellor of the University of Ife (1967 -1975) as well as Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1975-1978).
In recognition of his professional person contributions at the Bar, he was made a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) inwards 1978.
In recognition of his invaluable service to Nigeria, he was given the highest honour inwards the land, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR)in 1982.
He was honoured with many chieftaincy titles, including the following:
Asiwaju of Yoruba
Asiwaju of Remo
Losi of Ikenne
Lisa of Ijeun
Apesin of Osogbo
Odole of Ife
Ajagunla of Ado-Ekiti
Odofin of Owo and
Obong Ikpan Isong of Ibibio Land.
In recognition of his esteemed contributions, he was awarded the Grand Band of the Order of the Star of Africa yesteryear the Republic of Republic of Liberia inwards 1968, as well as made Grand-Officer de l’Ordre National du Lion, Republique du Senegal, inwards 1972.
PUBLISHED WORKS:
Chief Awolowo was a groovy political thinker who committed many of his thoughts to writing. From 1946, he had started a long career inwards political writing, which flourished whether he was inwards liberty or inwards detention, whether he was inwards powerfulness or out of it. It continued to flourish till the real terminate of his life.
Republished many books as well as soundless had some inwards the press at the fourth dimension of his transition. Among his best-known plant are: Path to Nigerian Freedom (1947), Awo - an autobiography (1960), Thoughts on the Nigerian Constitution (1966), The People’s Republic (1968), The Strategy as well as Tactics of the People's Republic (1970), The Problems of Africa: The demand for ideological reappraisal (1977), Adventures inwards PowerBook 1: My March Through Prison (1985). Re had planned to launch Book 2 entitled The Travails of Democracy as well as the Rule of Lawon sixth June 1987.
The oldest privately owned paper inwards Nigeria, the Nigerian Tribune, as well as 2 other newspapers (the weekly Dominicus Tribuneand Irohin Yoruba) were founded as well as owned yesteryear Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo as well as his famous wife Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo (née Adelana) as well as their family
source:http://obafemiawolowofoundation.org/awo_bio.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obafemi_Awolowo
http://sirismm.si.edu/siris/top_images/eepa.top.06_2011.htm
http://www.scribd.com/doc/95025749/CHIEF-OBAFEMI-AWOLOWO-THE-POLITICAL-MOSES
"Violence never settles anything right: apart from injuring your ain soul, it injures the best cause. It lingers on long after the object of loathe has disappeared from the scene to plague the lives of those who take away hold employed it against their foes." Obafemi Awolowo
EXCLUSIVE - Chief Obafemi Awolowo On Biafra (In His Own Words)
During the 1983 elections, Chief Awolowo was hosted to a town hall interview inwards Abeokuta, where inwards add-on to other pertinent topics of the day, he spoke on his go inwards the civil war, the 20-pound policy, starvation equally a weapon, alter of currency, abandoned holding etc. Collectors item. Wedding of Chief Obafemi Awolowo as well as Miss Hannah Idowu Dideolu Adelana. Circa 1937
In 1949 Awolowo founded the Nigerian Tribune, the oldest surviving private Nigerian newspaper, which he used to spread nationalist consciousness amid his swain Nigerians.
Obafemi Awolowo also laid himself upwards inwards Ibadan equally a create buyer as well as a transporter. It was inwards Ibadan that his political life began to unfold: he served at that spot equally secretarial assistant of the Nigerian Youth Movement earlier he went abroad to study Law inwards Great Britain.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Premier of Western Region of Nigeria, only landing from his helicopter to start campaigning inwards Sokoto for his party, the Action group, for the federal elections. He is inwards the light-green robe at the right-hand microphone, speaking inwards English; an interpreter at Awo's correct translates his spoken communication into Hausa for the crowd of nearly 2,500." circa 1959. courtesy Eliot Elisofon
Back domicile from Britain, Awolowo formed the cultural grouping known equally “Egbe Omo Oduduwa” inwards 1949 as well as a political party, the Action Group, (AG), inwards 1951 also known equally Egbe Afenifere inwards Western business office of Nigeria equally business office of the Social Programme for the emancipation of Yoruba race. Awolowo became Nigeria's foremost federalist. In his Path to Nigerian Freedom (1947) — the maiden off systematic federalist manifesto yesteryear a Nigerian pol — he advocated federalism equally the only ground for equitable national integration and, equally caput of the Action Group, he led demands for a federal constitution, which was introduced inwards the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution, next primarily the model proposed yesteryear the Western Region delegation led yesteryear him. His political party won the maiden off elections ever conducted inwards Western Nigeria. As a final result of that victory, the AG formed the maiden off elected authorities inwards the Western Region as well as Obafemi Awolowo, at nowadays a Chief, became the Leader of Government Business as well as Minister for Local Government inwards 1952.
Dec 19, 1958: Premiers Of Nigeria – These are the faces of the Men of Destiny of Nigeria as well as the Southern Cameroons. From left to right, they are those of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, Dr E.M.L. Endeley as well as Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto. The 5 men are heads of Governments which brand the Nigerian federation. The happiness as well as fortunes of 35 i chiliad m people volition before long depend on their wisdom as well as courage. They are non only regarded equally real of import cogs inwards the bicycle of Nigeria’s destiny. They are inwards fact so. (Photograph yesteryear Drum Photographer ©BAHA).
In 1954, Awo (as he had come upwards to live fondly known inside his party) became the maiden off Premier of the Western Region. His political party won the elections i time again inwards May 1956 as well as Awo retained his seat equally Premier. As premier, he proved to live as well as was viewed equally a adult man of vision as well as a dynamic administrator. Awolowo was also the country's leading social democratic politician. He supported express world ownership as well as express telephone substitution planning inwards government. He believed that the province should channel Nigeria's resources into didactics as well as state-led infrastructural development. Controversially, as well as at considerable expense, he introduced complimentary primary didactics for all as well as complimentary wellness aid for children inwards the Western Region, established the maiden off tv set service inwards Africa inwards 1959, as well as the Oduduwa Group, all of which were financed from the highly lucrative cocoa manufacture which was the mainstay of the regional economy.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Premier of Western Region of Nigeria, campaigning inwards Sokoto for his party, the Action group, for the federal elections. He is inwards the light-green robe at the right-hand microphone, speaking inwards English; an interpreter at Awo's correct translates his spoken communication into Hausa for the crowd of nearly 2,500." circa 1959. courtesy Eliot Elisofon
He voluntarily gave upwards that seat when, on Dec 12, 1959, he was elected into the House of Representatives where he became the Leader of Opposition inwards Nigeria's telephone substitution legislature.
He stood upwards stoutly against mediocrity as well as drift inwards government, as well as began to define alternative channels along which Nigeria's authorities should go. His ain concept of a Nigerian nation was in all probability equally good advanced for his opponents, who began to see the Awolowo-led opposition equally a major threat. Following a trial for treasonable felony, he was jailed for 10 years inwards September 1963.
Nigeria`s 1960 elections with the famous Nigeria [political heavy-weights of their time: Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Abubakar Tafewa Balewa, Ahmed Bello as well as Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Conflict inwards Western Nigeria
From the evening of independence, he led the Action Group equally the Leader of the Opposition inwards the federal parliament, leaving Samuel Ladoke Akintola equally the Western Region Premier. Serious disagreements betwixt Awolowo as well as Akintola on how to run the Western portion led the latter to an alliance with the Tafawa Balewa-led NPC federal government. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 constitutional crisis led to the proclamation of a province of emergency inwards the Western Region, eventually resulting inwards a widespread breakdown of constabulary as well as order.
Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Administrator as well as politician, Premier of the Western Region of Nigeria as well as an early on victim of the Jan 1966 armed forces coup. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for Life mag as well as traveled to Africa from August 18, 1959 to Dec 20, 1959.
Excluded from national government, Awolowo as well as his political party faced an increasingly precarious position. Akintola's followers, angered at their exclusion from power, formed the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) nether Akintola's leadership. Having previously suspended the elected Western Regional Assembly, the federal authorities as well as so reconstituted the trunk after manoeuvres that brought Akintola's NNDP into powerfulness without an election. Shortly afterwards Awolowo as well as several disciples were arrested, charged, convicted as well as jailed for conspiring with the Ghanaian authorities nether Kwame Nkrumah to overthrow the federal government. The remnants of the Action Group fought the national election of 1965 inwards alliance with the largely Igbo, as well as south-eastern NCNC. Amid accusations of fraud from the NCNC-AG camp, the NPC-NNDP won the election; the AG supporters reacted with violent riots inwards some parts of the Western region. Awolowo was later freed yesteryear the armed forces management of General Yakubu Gowon who later on appointed him Federal Commissioner for Finance as well as Vice-President of the Federal Executive Council. This took identify inwards the unsettled circumstances at i time preceding the Civil War.
Oba Akenzua welcoming Queen Elizabeth to his Kingdom whilst Chief Obafemi Awolowo looks on.
By July 1966, Nigeria's problems had go so intractable that disintegration of the ground seemed inevitable. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 novel Federal Military Government promptly opened the gates of Calabar Prison, brought Awolowo out as well as appointed him equally a government minister to choose accuse of the country's treasury as well as to provide political back upwards equally Vice Chairman inwards the Federal administration. In those 2 roles, he was i of the major architects of Nigeria's victory over secession inwards the 3D-month Civil War. When the state of war ended, Awo waited only long plenty to give Nigeria a National Development Plan; equally before long equally the Plan was completed, he resigned from the government, although, to his lastly day, he remained grateful to the adult man who gave him an chance to serve his country.
When Nigeria's Armed Forces lifted the ban on civilian participation inwards politics inwards September 1978, Nigerians who believed inwards Awo’s political ideas as well as principles joined him inwards forming the Unity Party of Nigeria which presented Nigeria with a dynamic programme of socio economical alter along democratic socialist lines. Awo led the political party until it was banned, along with Nigeria's other political parties, during the armed forces take-over at the terminate of 1983.
Sir Ahmedu Bello as well as Chief Obafemi Awolowo
Legacy
Awolowo is best remembered for his remarkable integrity, ardent nationalism, principled as well as manful opposition as well as dogged federalistic convictions. His political party was the maiden off to displace the motion for Nigeria's independence inwards the federal parliament as well as he obtained internal self-government for the Western Region inwards 1957. He is credited with coining the advert 'naira' for the Nigerian criterion monetary unit of measurement as well as helped to finance the Civil War as well as save the federation without borrowing. He built the Liberty Stadium inwards Ibadan, the maiden off of its form inwards Africa; established the WNTV, the maiden off tv set station inwards Africa; erected the maiden off skyscraper inwards tropical Africa: the Cocoa House (still the tallest inwards Ibadan) as well as ran a widely-respected civil service inwards the Western Region.
R-L Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Mrs. Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, H.O. Davies, Chief Adetokunbo Ademola at a Church service. This is a rare photograph as well as it was taken inwards 1977
Awolowo was reputedly admired yesteryear Ghana's Kwame Nkrumah, as well as some of his disciples inwards the South-West take away hold continued to invoke his advert as well as the policies of his party, the Action Group, during campaigns, spell his welfarist policies take away hold influenced politicians inwards most of the other geopolitical zones of the nation.He was a Senior Advocate of Nigeria as well as Chancellor of the University of Ife (his brainchild) as well as Ahmadu Bello University. He held many chieftaincy titles, including those of the Losi of Ikenne, Lisa of Ijeun, Asiwaju of Remo, Odofin of Owo, Ajagunla of Ado-Ekiti, Apesin of Osogbo, Odole of Ife and, alongside the Ibibios, Obong Ikpa Isong of Ibibioland. He was also conferred with the highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a rank as well as championship that take away hold ordinarily been bestowed upon the country's presidents. Many institutions inwards Nigeria take away hold honoured him as well as some regional as well as national institutions are named after him, including Obafemi Awolowo University inwards Ile-Ife, Osun State (formerly University of Ife) Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly the Liberty Stadium)and the Obafemi Awolowo Institute of Government as well as Public Policy inwards Lekki,Lagos State. His portrait is on the ₦100 naira note. He was also the author of several publications on the political construction as well as hereafter prospects of Nigeria, the most prominent of which are Path to Nigerian Freedom, Thoughts on the Nigerian Constitution, as well as Strategies as well as Tactics of the People's Republic of Nigeria.
However, his most of import bequests (styled Awoism) are his exemplary integrity, his welfarism, his contributions to hastening the procedure of decolonization as well as his consistent as well as reasoned advocacy of federalism-based on ethno-linguistic self-determination as well as uniting politically strong states-as the best ground for Nigerian unity. Awolowo died peacefully at his Ikenne home, the Efunyela Hall (so named after his mother), on May 9, 1987, at 78, amid tributes across political as well as ethno-religious divides.
Chief Awolowo was a groovy political thinker who committed many of his thoughts to writing. From 1946, he had started a long career inwards political writing, which flourished whether he was inwards liberty or inwards detention, whether he was inwards powerfulness or out of it. It continued to flourish till the real terminate of his life.
In recognition of his intellectual contributions, Awolowo was honoured yesteryear the next institutions of learning:
University of Nigeria, Nsukka: LL.D. (1962)
University of Ife, Ile-Ife: D.Sc. (1967)
University of Lagos: D.Litt. (1968)
University of Ibadan: LL.D. (1972)
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria: LL.D. (1975)
University of Cape Coast, Ghana: LL.D. (1976)
He was Chancellor of the University of Ife (1967 -1975) as well as Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1975-1978).
In recognition of his professional person contributions at the Bar, he was made a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) inwards 1978.
In recognition of his invaluable service to Nigeria, he was given the highest honour inwards the land, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR)in 1982.
He was honoured with many chieftaincy titles, including the following:
Asiwaju of Yoruba
Asiwaju of Remo
Losi of Ikenne
Lisa of Ijeun
Apesin of Osogbo
Odole of Ife
Ajagunla of Ado-Ekiti
Odofin of Owo and
Obong Ikpan Isong of Ibibio Land.
In recognition of his esteemed contributions, he was awarded the Grand Band of the Order of the Star of Africa yesteryear the Republic of Republic of Liberia inwards 1968, as well as made Grand-Officer de l’Ordre National du Lion, Republique du Senegal, inwards 1972.
PUBLISHED WORKS:
Chief Awolowo was a groovy political thinker who committed many of his thoughts to writing. From 1946, he had started a long career inwards political writing, which flourished whether he was inwards liberty or inwards detention, whether he was inwards powerfulness or out of it. It continued to flourish till the real terminate of his life.
Republished many books as well as soundless had some inwards the press at the fourth dimension of his transition. Among his best-known plant are: Path to Nigerian Freedom (1947), Awo - an autobiography (1960), Thoughts on the Nigerian Constitution (1966), The People’s Republic (1968), The Strategy as well as Tactics of the People's Republic (1970), The Problems of Africa: The demand for ideological reappraisal (1977), Adventures inwards PowerBook 1: My March Through Prison (1985). Re had planned to launch Book 2 entitled The Travails of Democracy as well as the Rule of Lawon sixth June 1987.
The oldest privately owned paper inwards Nigeria, the Nigerian Tribune, as well as 2 other newspapers (the weekly Dominicus Tribuneand Irohin Yoruba) were founded as well as owned yesteryear Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo as well as his famous wife Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo (née Adelana) as well as their family
source:http://obafemiawolowofoundation.org/awo_bio.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obafemi_Awolowo
http://sirismm.si.edu/siris/top_images/eepa.top.06_2011.htm
http://www.scribd.com/doc/95025749/CHIEF-OBAFEMI-AWOLOWO-THE-POLITICAL-MOSES
"Violence never settles anything right: apart from injuring your ain soul, it injures the best cause. It lingers on long after the object of loathe has disappeared from the scene to plague the lives of those who take away hold employed it against their foes." Obafemi Awolowo
Programs of UPN
Awolowo:
I give thank y'all the moderator for the questions. The programs of the Unity Party of Nigeria are good known, as well as I take away hold no incertitude that all of y'all are at nowadays familiar with them.
There are iv primal programs on which the UPN embarked inwards 1979. They are complimentary didactics at all levels, complimentary medical services- services to include curative as well as preventive services, integrated rural evolution which is a real broad program, as well as also total as well as gainful employment.
The beauty of our computer programme is that they are programs which encompass every aspect of our desires. All of us want education, nosotros want wellness services, nosotros want food, nosotros want our rural roads to live developed as well as nosotros want our rural areas to live developed inwards the same way equally the cities as well as towns. Under the integrated rural evolution all these things are included. Of course of study all of us want to live employed, as well as gainfully so.
Other of import aspect or characteristic of our computer programme is that it is the maiden off fourth dimension inwards all political history equally far equally I know, that a political political party enunciate computer programme which are all embracing, inwards other words all world problems are summarized as well as epitomized inwards our iv primal programs. Think of anything at all, electricity supply, H2O supply, anything y'all tin think of - they are all included inwards our iv primal programs.
Now most of the programs are things which tin only live handled yesteryear the states, as well as the enquiry at nowadays is inwards what way does the federal authorities assist inwards executing these programs, especially those aspects of them that belong to the states. It is the duty of the federal authorities which holds the resources of the nation to see that the states are sufficiently supplied inwards executing these programs.
The outgoing NPN authorities did non pay plenty attending to this aspect of their responsibility, instead they take away hold tried to embark on projects which rarely (...inaudible..) when nosotros acquire control, nosotros volition see to it that plenty funds are available for the states. Right now, our 4 primal programs are beingness implemented inwards only 5 states out of 19, reason, of course of study is that nosotros are non inwards command of the remaining 14 states. We hope that at the side yesteryear side elections nosotros volition live command of the bulk of the nineteen states inwards the country. But whether nosotros are inwards command of the bulk or not, it is the duty of the federal authorities controlled yesteryear the UPN to see to it that every province embarks on the iv primal programs as well as implement them for the expert of the people.
Wedding of Chief Obafemi Awolowo as well as Miss Hannah Idowu Dideolu Adelana. Circa 1937
In 1949 Awolowo founded the Nigerian Tribune, the oldest surviving private Nigerian newspaper, which he used to spread nationalist consciousness amid his swain Nigerians.
Obafemi Awolowo also laid himself upwards inwards Ibadan equally a create buyer as well as a transporter. It was inwards Ibadan that his political life began to unfold: he served at that spot equally secretarial assistant of the Nigerian Youth Movement earlier he went abroad to study Law inwards Great Britain.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Premier of Western Region of Nigeria, only landing from his helicopter to start campaigning inwards Sokoto for his party, the Action group, for the federal elections. He is inwards the light-green robe at the right-hand microphone, speaking inwards English; an interpreter at Awo's correct translates his spoken communication into Hausa for the crowd of nearly 2,500." circa 1959. courtesy Eliot Elisofon
Back domicile from Britain, Awolowo formed the cultural grouping known equally “Egbe Omo Oduduwa” inwards 1949 as well as a political party, the Action Group, (AG), inwards 1951 also known equally Egbe Afenifere inwards Western business office of Nigeria equally business office of the Social Programme for the emancipation of Yoruba race. Awolowo became Nigeria's foremost federalist. In his Path to Nigerian Freedom (1947) — the maiden off systematic federalist manifesto yesteryear a Nigerian pol — he advocated federalism equally the only ground for equitable national integration and, equally caput of the Action Group, he led demands for a federal constitution, which was introduced inwards the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution, next primarily the model proposed yesteryear the Western Region delegation led yesteryear him. His political party won the maiden off elections ever conducted inwards Western Nigeria. As a final result of that victory, the AG formed the maiden off elected authorities inwards the Western Region as well as Obafemi Awolowo, at nowadays a Chief, became the Leader of Government Business as well as Minister for Local Government inwards 1952.
Dec 19, 1958: Premiers Of Nigeria – These are the faces of the Men of Destiny of Nigeria as well as the Southern Cameroons. From left to right, they are those of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, Dr E.M.L. Endeley as well as Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto. The 5 men are heads of Governments which brand the Nigerian federation. The happiness as well as fortunes of 35 i chiliad m people volition before long depend on their wisdom as well as courage. They are non only regarded equally real of import cogs inwards the bicycle of Nigeria’s destiny. They are inwards fact so. (Photograph yesteryear Drum Photographer ©BAHA).
In 1954, Awo (as he had come upwards to live fondly known inside his party) became the maiden off Premier of the Western Region. His political party won the elections i time again inwards May 1956 as well as Awo retained his seat equally Premier. As premier, he proved to live as well as was viewed equally a adult man of vision as well as a dynamic administrator. Awolowo was also the country's leading social democratic politician. He supported express world ownership as well as express telephone substitution planning inwards government. He believed that the province should channel Nigeria's resources into didactics as well as state-led infrastructural development. Controversially, as well as at considerable expense, he introduced complimentary primary didactics for all as well as complimentary wellness aid for children inwards the Western Region, established the maiden off tv set service inwards Africa inwards 1959, as well as the Oduduwa Group, all of which were financed from the highly lucrative cocoa manufacture which was the mainstay of the regional economy.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Premier of Western Region of Nigeria, campaigning inwards Sokoto for his party, the Action group, for the federal elections. He is inwards the light-green robe at the right-hand microphone, speaking inwards English; an interpreter at Awo's correct translates his spoken communication into Hausa for the crowd of nearly 2,500." circa 1959. courtesy Eliot Elisofon
He voluntarily gave upwards that seat when, on Dec 12, 1959, he was elected into the House of Representatives where he became the Leader of Opposition inwards Nigeria's telephone substitution legislature.
He stood upwards stoutly against mediocrity as well as drift inwards government, as well as began to define alternative channels along which Nigeria's authorities should go. His ain concept of a Nigerian nation was in all probability equally good advanced for his opponents, who began to see the Awolowo-led opposition equally a major threat. Following a trial for treasonable felony, he was jailed for 10 years inwards September 1963.
Nigeria`s 1960 elections with the famous Nigeria [political heavy-weights of their time: Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Abubakar Tafewa Balewa, Ahmed Bello as well as Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Conflict inwards Western Nigeria
From the evening of independence, he led the Action Group equally the Leader of the Opposition inwards the federal parliament, leaving Samuel Ladoke Akintola equally the Western Region Premier. Serious disagreements betwixt Awolowo as well as Akintola on how to run the Western portion led the latter to an alliance with the Tafawa Balewa-led NPC federal government. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 constitutional crisis led to the proclamation of a province of emergency inwards the Western Region, eventually resulting inwards a widespread breakdown of constabulary as well as order.
Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Administrator as well as politician, Premier of the Western Region of Nigeria as well as an early on victim of the Jan 1966 armed forces coup. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for Life mag as well as traveled to Africa from August 18, 1959 to Dec 20, 1959.
Excluded from national government, Awolowo as well as his political party faced an increasingly precarious position. Akintola's followers, angered at their exclusion from power, formed the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) nether Akintola's leadership. Having previously suspended the elected Western Regional Assembly, the federal authorities as well as so reconstituted the trunk after manoeuvres that brought Akintola's NNDP into powerfulness without an election. Shortly afterwards Awolowo as well as several disciples were arrested, charged, convicted as well as jailed for conspiring with the Ghanaian authorities nether Kwame Nkrumah to overthrow the federal government. The remnants of the Action Group fought the national election of 1965 inwards alliance with the largely Igbo, as well as south-eastern NCNC. Amid accusations of fraud from the NCNC-AG camp, the NPC-NNDP won the election; the AG supporters reacted with violent riots inwards some parts of the Western region. Awolowo was later freed yesteryear the armed forces management of General Yakubu Gowon who later on appointed him Federal Commissioner for Finance as well as Vice-President of the Federal Executive Council. This took identify inwards the unsettled circumstances at i time preceding the Civil War.
Oba Akenzua welcoming Queen Elizabeth to his Kingdom whilst Chief Obafemi Awolowo looks on.
By July 1966, Nigeria's problems had go so intractable that disintegration of the ground seemed inevitable. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 novel Federal Military Government promptly opened the gates of Calabar Prison, brought Awolowo out as well as appointed him equally a government minister to choose accuse of the country's treasury as well as to provide political back upwards equally Vice Chairman inwards the Federal administration. In those 2 roles, he was i of the major architects of Nigeria's victory over secession inwards the 3D-month Civil War. When the state of war ended, Awo waited only long plenty to give Nigeria a National Development Plan; equally before long equally the Plan was completed, he resigned from the government, although, to his lastly day, he remained grateful to the adult man who gave him an chance to serve his country.
When Nigeria's Armed Forces lifted the ban on civilian participation inwards politics inwards September 1978, Nigerians who believed inwards Awo’s political ideas as well as principles joined him inwards forming the Unity Party of Nigeria which presented Nigeria with a dynamic programme of socio economical alter along democratic socialist lines. Awo led the political party until it was banned, along with Nigeria's other political parties, during the armed forces take-over at the terminate of 1983.
Sir Ahmedu Bello as well as Chief Obafemi Awolowo
Legacy
Awolowo is best remembered for his remarkable integrity, ardent nationalism, principled as well as manful opposition as well as dogged federalistic convictions. His political party was the maiden off to displace the motion for Nigeria's independence inwards the federal parliament as well as he obtained internal self-government for the Western Region inwards 1957. He is credited with coining the advert 'naira' for the Nigerian criterion monetary unit of measurement as well as helped to finance the Civil War as well as save the federation without borrowing. He built the Liberty Stadium inwards Ibadan, the maiden off of its form inwards Africa; established the WNTV, the maiden off tv set station inwards Africa; erected the maiden off skyscraper inwards tropical Africa: the Cocoa House (still the tallest inwards Ibadan) as well as ran a widely-respected civil service inwards the Western Region.
R-L Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Mrs. Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, H.O. Davies, Chief Adetokunbo Ademola at a Church service. This is a rare photograph as well as it was taken inwards 1977
Awolowo was reputedly admired yesteryear Ghana's Kwame Nkrumah, as well as some of his disciples inwards the South-West take away hold continued to invoke his advert as well as the policies of his party, the Action Group, during campaigns, spell his welfarist policies take away hold influenced politicians inwards most of the other geopolitical zones of the nation.He was a Senior Advocate of Nigeria as well as Chancellor of the University of Ife (his brainchild) as well as Ahmadu Bello University. He held many chieftaincy titles, including those of the Losi of Ikenne, Lisa of Ijeun, Asiwaju of Remo, Odofin of Owo, Ajagunla of Ado-Ekiti, Apesin of Osogbo, Odole of Ife and, alongside the Ibibios, Obong Ikpa Isong of Ibibioland. He was also conferred with the highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a rank as well as championship that take away hold ordinarily been bestowed upon the country's presidents. Many institutions inwards Nigeria take away hold honoured him as well as some regional as well as national institutions are named after him, including Obafemi Awolowo University inwards Ile-Ife, Osun State (formerly University of Ife) Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly the Liberty Stadium)and the Obafemi Awolowo Institute of Government as well as Public Policy inwards Lekki,Lagos State. His portrait is on the ₦100 naira note. He was also the author of several publications on the political construction as well as hereafter prospects of Nigeria, the most prominent of which are Path to Nigerian Freedom, Thoughts on the Nigerian Constitution, as well as Strategies as well as Tactics of the People's Republic of Nigeria.
However, his most of import bequests (styled Awoism) are his exemplary integrity, his welfarism, his contributions to hastening the procedure of decolonization as well as his consistent as well as reasoned advocacy of federalism-based on ethno-linguistic self-determination as well as uniting politically strong states-as the best ground for Nigerian unity. Awolowo died peacefully at his Ikenne home, the Efunyela Hall (so named after his mother), on May 9, 1987, at 78, amid tributes across political as well as ethno-religious divides.
Chief Awolowo was a groovy political thinker who committed many of his thoughts to writing. From 1946, he had started a long career inwards political writing, which flourished whether he was inwards liberty or inwards detention, whether he was inwards powerfulness or out of it. It continued to flourish till the real terminate of his life.
In recognition of his intellectual contributions, Awolowo was honoured yesteryear the next institutions of learning:
University of Nigeria, Nsukka: LL.D. (1962)
University of Ife, Ile-Ife: D.Sc. (1967)
University of Lagos: D.Litt. (1968)
University of Ibadan: LL.D. (1972)
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria: LL.D. (1975)
University of Cape Coast, Ghana: LL.D. (1976)
He was Chancellor of the University of Ife (1967 -1975) as well as Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1975-1978).
In recognition of his professional person contributions at the Bar, he was made a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) inwards 1978.
In recognition of his invaluable service to Nigeria, he was given the highest honour inwards the land, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR)in 1982.
He was honoured with many chieftaincy titles, including the following:
Asiwaju of Yoruba
Asiwaju of Remo
Losi of Ikenne
Lisa of Ijeun
Apesin of Osogbo
Odole of Ife
Ajagunla of Ado-Ekiti
Odofin of Owo and
Obong Ikpan Isong of Ibibio Land.
In recognition of his esteemed contributions, he was awarded the Grand Band of the Order of the Star of Africa yesteryear the Republic of Republic of Liberia inwards 1968, as well as made Grand-Officer de l’Ordre National du Lion, Republique du Senegal, inwards 1972.
PUBLISHED WORKS:
Chief Awolowo was a groovy political thinker who committed many of his thoughts to writing. From 1946, he had started a long career inwards political writing, which flourished whether he was inwards liberty or inwards detention, whether he was inwards powerfulness or out of it. It continued to flourish till the real terminate of his life.
Republished many books as well as soundless had some inwards the press at the fourth dimension of his transition. Among his best-known plant are: Path to Nigerian Freedom (1947), Awo - an autobiography (1960), Thoughts on the Nigerian Constitution (1966), The People’s Republic (1968), The Strategy as well as Tactics of the People's Republic (1970), The Problems of Africa: The demand for ideological reappraisal (1977), Adventures inwards PowerBook 1: My March Through Prison (1985). Re had planned to launch Book 2 entitled The Travails of Democracy as well as the Rule of Lawon sixth June 1987.
The oldest privately owned paper inwards Nigeria, the Nigerian Tribune, as well as 2 other newspapers (the weekly Dominicus Tribuneand Irohin Yoruba) were founded as well as owned yesteryear Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo as well as his famous wife Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo (née Adelana) as well as their family
source:http://obafemiawolowofoundation.org/awo_bio.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obafemi_Awolowo
http://sirismm.si.edu/siris/top_images/eepa.top.06_2011.htm
http://www.scribd.com/doc/95025749/CHIEF-OBAFEMI-AWOLOWO-THE-POLITICAL-MOSES
"Violence never settles anything right: apart from injuring your ain soul, it injures the best cause. It lingers on long after the object of loathe has disappeared from the scene to plague the lives of those who take away hold employed it against their foes." Obafemi Awolowo
The Many Myths as well as Mystics of Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo
By
Francis Adewale
“If only Awolowo would relax, as well as take away hold a drinking glass of sherry with us sometimes!”
-Anonymous Englishman quoted inwards 1955 volume yesteryear John Gunther titled “Inside Africa”
My expert friend Fred Igbeare lately wrote an article published yesteryear the Times of Nigeria online on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the decease of Chief Obafemi Awolowo titled “Awo: What Legacy?” He asked “What would Nigeria live similar today if the whole ground had come upwards nether Awo’s complimentary didactics policy?” He concluded that Chief Obafemi Awolowo is so controversial that he drew fervent reactions from foes as well as friends alike.
In this piece, nosotros shall sweat to dissect Chief Awolowo’s life from the lens of an American who visited with him sometimes inwards the 1950s as well as wrote his run into with the legend inwards his volume titled “Inside Africa.” That American is John Gunther, as well as the book, at nowadays out of impress was published yesteryear Harper & Brothers inwards 1955. We volition endeavor to critically examine how his life, politics as well as courage impacted Nigeria as well as so as well as now.
Gunther started out inwards his volume yesteryear comparison Chief Obafemi Awolowo to his principal political rival Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik) at page 773 of the book:
... the leader of the Action Group, as well as Zik’s principal political rival, Obafemi Awolowo (pronounced A-wa-luwa), has an altogether dissimilar quality. He is non a demagogue, but as well as intellectual. There has never been a breath of scandal nearly him. He is a adult man with a expert bargain of reserve, conscientious, precise, as well as somewhat stiff-backed. I heard an Englishman say, with genuine regret, “if only Awolowo would relax, as well as take away hold a drinking glass of sherry with us sometimes!” His intellectual arrogance is marked, although he seemed reasonable plenty when nosotros talked to him.
In today’s Nigeria, corruption is non only endemic but it has go the directive principles of province policy. An former Nigeria armed forces ruler-General Abacha was reported to take away hold stolen $4 billion USD all of which were traced to unusual assets. When Gunther wrote nearly Chief Awolowo, he was as well as so the premier of Western Region of Nigeria. Since that fourth dimension Chief Awolowo rose to the seat of the vice caput of authorities as well as government minister of finance during the regime of General Yakubu Gowon. He was also the chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria. At the terminate of each of his tenure, inwards all the inwards a higher identify listed position, his management was probed, investigated as well as re-probed yesteryear countless committee of enquiries, armed forces tribunals as well as investigating journalist. Some of his lieutenants as well as associates went to jail for corruption at the terminate of such probe but the committee of inquiry or armed forces tribunals commonly come upwards dorsum with a build clean neb of wellness for him, his policies as well as administration. So nosotros tin repeat with certainty what Gunther wrote nearly him inwards the 1950s that “there has never been a breath of scandal nearly him.”
We cannot say that nearly many of his associates however, some of whom wined as well as dined with the military, stole billions out of the treasury. Some were caught with their hands inwards the jar. Some served deserved prison theatre jail judgement as well as come upwards out of prison theatre to maintain looting the country. I believe Awolowo’s penchant for probity as well as uprightness contributed inwards no pocket-size mensurate to the many myths as well as mystics nearly him. Every fourth dimension Nigerians expect at the nowadays crop of charlatans ruling our honey country, nosotros long for Papa Awo. We imagined what could take away hold been.
We yet demand to betoken out that Papa Awo was definitely non similar Caesar’s wife, “above board”, many rumors of his alleged “conflict of interest” with Western Nigerian ground allocations as well as line of piece of work organization abound. But they remained what they were, legends as well as rumors as well as when nosotros expect at the unabashed stealing going on inwards our ground yesteryear electrical flow crop of Nigeria politicians it is tardily to see why many Nigerians volition overlook alleged conflict of involvement yesteryear Papa Awo. Many Nigerians long for a pol who would non relax until his people are freed of oppression. We all long for a pol who would turn down to take away hold a drinking glass of sherry with fossil oil fellowship executives polluting our shores as well as farmlands. If that is intellectual arrogance nosotros demand to breed to a greater extent than of it. Now that nosotros take away hold seen what “intellectual prostitution” brings on our polity, I believe nosotros would opt for the former.
GENESIS OF ETHNIC POLITICS IN NIGERIA?
Gunther wrote the next nearly Chief Obafemi Awolowo as well as the nascency of his political party- the Action Group:
The Action Group, which has its principal strength inwards the Yoruba West, is a newer political party than Zik’s, as well as grew out of a semi-religious group, the Egbe Omo Odudua, founded yesteryear Awolowo to give vocalism to Yoruba nationalist as well as tribal aspirations. In theory at to the lowest degree it would similar to remain on friendly relations with the British, when as well as if they go. But many of its members are extremist, as well as Awolowo himself was a prime number mover for fixing 1956 equally the target appointment for independence. Recently an Action Group member, commenting on the troubles inwards Kenya, went so far equally to say that Mau Mau in spite of its horrors powerfulness “still live the way out of Nigeria’s bondage.”
Why did Awolowo started out on an ethnic platform? The mystery volition ever remains with us. Why a so called intellectual giant should trim himself to a Yoruba irredentist yesteryear giving vocalism to “Yoruba nationalist as well as tribal aspirations” volition forever remain a puzzle for us. Each fourth dimension I read nearly the real beginnings of Awolowo’s politics I shudder. Is Nigeria non worth fighting for.
Gunther gave us a tepid explanation for this when he quoted Chief Awolowo inwards his volume at page 747 equally proverb the followings:
““West as well as East Nigeria are equally dissimilar equally Republic of Ireland from Germany. The North is equally dissimilar from either equally China.”
Thanks to the likes of Awolowo, Nigeria remain divided inwards 2007 equally it was inwards the 1950s fifty-fifty though Deutschland as well as Republic of Ireland are at nowadays business office of a united European Union with a commonwealth economical as well as political behemoth that has brought Republic of Ireland out of economical doldrums to i of the most industrialized nation on earth. The allusion to China is inwards itself laughable. The geographical nexus of the iii regions at that fourth dimension homecoming Awolowo’s metaphor incongruent. This is atypical of Nigeria’s ethnically jaundiced pol from all the regions. They sowed the seeds of discord that has held Nigeria inwards bondage to date.
Yes. Nigeria is complex, total of bewildering diverseness of peoples as well as languages inside a express area. But, thank y'all to Nigerian politicians, the lack of homogeneity noticed yesteryear Gunther inwards the 1950s remain with us today. And this lack of homogeneity remains the overriding political as well as national problem. It is at nowadays a curse, an albatross hanging over the cervix of this groovy country. Many take away hold wrongly called it “tribalism’ or ethnic prejudice, but I believe the proper give-and-take for it is sectionalism. I called it sectionalism because many of the so-called tribes as well as natural language tugging at dissimilar parts of Nigeria, trying desperately to draw it apart take away hold picayune or zilch inwards mutual until the Europeans arrived on the continent. In fact, at that spot were no homogenous grouping called the Yorubas until the Europeans asked their neighbors to the N what they called the people to the southward of them. The same thing with the East, where every hamlet is equally fiercely independent of each other as well as jealously guard it’s edge from the side yesteryear side neighboring village. The closest thing to a united northern Nigeria is the Sokoto caliphate, which contained inside it’s borders over 120 dissimilar “tribes as well as tongue” with zilch inwards mutual other than it’s oppressive as well as repressive subjugation yesteryear the Fulanis.
Most of these ethnic groups similar the Jukuns, the Tivs, the Hausas, the Kanuris were fighting each other with passion earlier the colonialist came. Same thing applies inwards the West where they were having internecine civil wars raiding as well as pillaging villages for slaves for the trans Atlantic slave trade. The East was fifty-fifty to a greater extent than amorphous. Majority of the inhabitants could barely empathize each other. The colonialist as well as Christian missionaries forced Hausa linguistic communication on the North as well as encouraged the West to railroad train the linguistic communication of metropolitan old Oyo on the West. The give-and-take Yoruba itself is etymologically derived from Hausa language. So where did Awolowo got the thought that the West is homogenous from.
One tin see the crass opportunism inwards Nigerian pol usage of “tribalism” to split as well as dominion Nigeria, equally the colonialist did. Incase anyone thinks Awo’s inglorious contribution to the demise of Nigeria unity is underserved, read the next at page 773 of Gunther’s book:
Awolowo has a tidier heed as well as to a greater extent than planning capacity than Zik. Awolowo, people say, seized the Nigerian nationalist motion away from Zik, yesteryear organizing his ain political party inwards the West. Before this, Zik had a claim to live leader everywhere. Overnight, at that spot were 2 parties, which is a salubrious plenty sign of democratic evolution if they are non equally good rigidly regional. The Action Group uses scabrous linguistic communication inwards attacking Zik’s East. One of its newspapers lately characterized the Eastern Assembly equally a domicile “of terrorism, gangsterism, blackmail, shameless lying, as well as mob politics.” At i juncture, when they were quarrelling ferociously, Awolowo as well as Zik sued each other for libel for considerable sums; the 2 awards to a greater extent than or less canceled each other out. Then, after the crisis inwards 1953, the 2 began to piece of work together again, each keeping his ain sphere of influence, with Awolowo stronger inwards the West, Zik inwards the East. But inwards 1954 as well as later came other bitter quarrels, as well as split venomously i time more.
Welcome primordial ethnic prejudice. I hope folks who think that ethnic’s politics inwards Nigeria is only a recent creation volition at nowadays see where it started from. So when inwards 2002, Chief Bola Ige, i of the ardent followers of Awo, exclaim that the Yoruba race is far to a greater extent than superior than whatsoever other ethnic grouping inwards Nigeria, nosotros tin empathize where that is coming from. It has been a miracle that the form of ethnic holocaust witnessed inwards Rwanda has non happened inwards Nigeria, given all these real inflammatory words yesteryear Nigerian politicians.
CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO CONTRIBUTIONS TO NIGERIA INDEPENDENCE
Having said that, nosotros demand to admit as well as maybe acclaim the contributions of many Nigerian nationalist politicians similar Chief Awolowo, to the struggle for independence inwards Nigeria despite their effete ethnic chauvinism. John Gunther wrote the followings nearly Awolowo as well as his political party fellow member reaction to his attendance at a dinner political party hosted yesteryear the colonial Governor General:
..at this detail time, a severe constitutional crisis was at its peak. The African ministers representing i of import political party, the Action Group, had adopted a non-fraternization policy, as well as would non choose hospitality from the Governor, although their Northern colleagues did. They were perfectly willing to speak line of piece of work organization with Sir John McPherson inwards Government House, but they would non choose “hospitality” from him, non fifty-fifty a drinking glass of water. There was zilch specially personal inwards this. Macpherson was widely liked equally an individual. But Government House symbolizes the Crown, as well as both West as well as East were at that fourth dimension boycotting the Crown equally a affair of principle. (Page 750).
We tin only want that Chief Awolowo as well as his co-nationalist similar Dr. Azikiwe, Sir Tafawa Balewa as well as the Sardauna of Sokoto- Ahmadu Bello had come upwards together as well as reasoned together. What makes Abraham Lincoln a legend inwards America today, is due largely to his want to acquire by for liberty non only for Chicagoans or the North but for all of America. Our pol inwards Nigeria knows zilch nearly consensus as well as consequently they lost the large painting demo as well as lost Nigeria inwards the labyrinth of their brusk sighted parochial mind. One of my friends had tried to explicate Awo’s appeal to ethnicity to advanced his political agenda on the grounds that Awo never imagined that all the regions volition live granted independence at the same time. “In short,” my friend concluded “Awo never thought the North volition ever live ready for independence, he thence opted to dominion a business office of the whole as well as thus mortgaged the whole for a part.” My instant retort, is what happened later on after Oct 1, 1960? Why did he non changed? Why did he allowed himself to live anointed the Leader of Yoruba at the peak of Nigerian civil war? Why did he promised to Pb a breakaway Nigerian if East succeeded inwards it’s secession? How tin y'all run for the presidency of a nation, when your world sentiment is that some of it’s people are to a greater extent than inferior to some other inside the same polity! What was going on inwards his heed inwards the 1940s when he came dorsum from Great United Kingdom of Great Britain as well as Northern Ireland to bring together Nigeria politics?
I found something else startling nearly Awolowo, reading Gunther’s book. Let me quote the maiden off paragraph of page 774 of the book:
Awolowo was born inwards a pocket-size Yoruba hamlet inwards 1909; he was poorest of the poor, as well as is solely self-made. This is unusual inwards Nigeria; an intelligent youngster, if destitute, volition inwards the normal course of study of events live taken inwards yesteryear some family. Awolowo, on his own, managed to acquire a British didactics at a mission schoolhouse inwards Ibadan, as well as and so made his way to London, where he studied law. He is a barrister of the Inner Temple. Returning to Nigeria he became an advisor to the merchandise unions. He did non choose a strong political line against the British until nearly 1948. Awolowo is an extremely cultivated as well as intelligent man. He speaks, of course of study perfect English. His book Path to Nigerian Freedom was good received yesteryear intellectuals inwards London. He has a world feel somewhat unusual amid Africans (if only because few Africans ever take away hold chance to acquire it) as well as lately visited Republic of Republic of India as well as Egypt; Jawaharlal Nehru made a groovy impression on him-and vice versa. In 1954 he became Premier of the Western Region, which way that he is inwards trial prime number minister. [italics mine]
Setting aside Gunther’s racial prejudice for the fourth dimension being, it is interesting to larn hither for the maiden off fourth dimension that Awolowo did non choose a strong political line against the British until nearly 1948. Does this explicate his distaste for the NCNC politics? Did he shape his world views after he came dorsum from Republic of Republic of India as well as Egypt? What touching on did his membership of West African Student Union (WASU) inwards United Kingdom of Great Britain as well as Northern Ireland whilst studying for constabulary had on him? Most importantly why did he start out inwards politics yesteryear establishing a quasi ethnic outfit yesteryear the name: “Egbe Omo Odudua?” These are enquiry I take away hold tried to empathize from many books on contemporary Nigerian politics without avail. If indeed Awolowo is equally intellectual equally widely claimed why did he non take away hold a to a greater extent than Pan-Nigeria outlook when he started politics. Why the acerbic assail on Zik as well as other Eastern Nigerian born politicians inwards the West Assembly?
THE BEAUTIFUL MIND OF CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO
We tin write volumes as well as tomes nearly Awolowo sectionalist mind, but i thing nosotros cannot begrudge him is his monumental contribution to discipline, vision as well as forthright administration:
We met Awolowo inwards strange circumstances, on a lonely route out inwards the bush, driving dorsum to Lagos from Ibadan. We had missed him inwards Ibadan, as well as were pursuing him to his domicile village, yesteryear advert Ikenne. To grab Awolowo at Ikenne, nosotros had to live at that spot yesteryear 5P.M., since he was proceeding elsewhere. The British said, “He volition non hold back for you-get at that spot on time.” But nosotros were delayed, as well as when nosotros finally reached the outskirts of Ikenne at nearly 7 nosotros had given upwards hope of seeing Awolowo. It was becoming dark, as well as soft, steamy pelting came down. Then a shiningly brilliant novel American motorcar appeared all of a abrupt over the crest of the crimson road, similar a metallic element apparition charging out of tropical dusk. In it was Awolowo. Our chauffeur recognized him equally nosotros slithered past. We stopped. He had been waiting for us but could hold back no longer. So nosotros stood out at that spot inwards the rainy twilight talking. We became witting of a unusual buzz as well as stir-the audio of myriads of insects. It became darker, as well as the shafts of calorie-free from the 2 cars made furrows into the light-green mask of jungle. Rain roughshod harder, as well as Awolowo stepped into our car, proverb “I tin give y'all a quarter of an hour.” We could soundless listen the solid, strident telephone phone of insects. It was a unusual identify to take away hold a conference.
Herein lies much of mysticism about Awolowo, he is equally various an African equally y'all could notice inwards whatsoever African academy campus, total of ideas as well as serenity, as well as yet with an ethnically prejudiced bent. But at to the lowest degree at that spot is no ounce of inferiority complex inwards his bone! Let’s maintain the excerpts from Gunther’s book:
“Awolowo is of medium height, with a studious look; he wore Nigerian robes, as well as a dark crimson as well as gilded turban. His trend is suave, considered, as well as aware. I asked him if Nigeria would, after independence, go a republic. He thought not. The Nigerian chiefs would non similar the give-and-take “republic.” He went on, “We take away hold to consider our princes. They exercise non resemble princes elsewhere. They acquire by for independence with us.” He discussed briefly constitutional anomalies inside the Commonwealth. I asked him what his principal grievances against the United Kingdom of Great Britain as well as Northern Ireland were, considering the British tape of accomplishment inwards Nigeria. He replied, first, that it was morally incorrect for i nation to regulation another; second, that British management was carried out yesteryear incompetent, inferior officials, tertiary that the British did non take away hold the truthful interests of the ground at heart. “In 14 months, nether the nowadays government, nosotros take away hold done to a greater extent than for Nigeria than the British did inwards 120 years.”
The enquiry is tin the nowadays corps of Nigerian pol say the same thing, twoscore years after independence from Britain? Chief Awolowo was correct on all counts against the British dominion inwards Nigeria but the same thing cannot live said nearly the ethnically jaundiced Nigerian politicians as well as armed forces rulers who took over from the British. We tin all concur that it was morally incorrect for armed forces to dominion Nigerian for over twoscore years out of almost 47 years of independence. Governments, which similar the colonial rulers is without whatsoever accountability. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 authorities of subjugation, with picayune or no vocalism for the people of Nigeria. We tin also safely conclude that Nigerian authorities since the colonialist left inwards Oct 1960 has been carried out yesteryear incompetent nincompoops, inferior civil servants, as well as politicians who take away hold picayune or no involvement of the ground at heart. Can nosotros inwards all seriousness debate against this judgment given the massive corruption yesteryear Nigerian “militricians” who take away hold stolen the ground blind. It is quite an irony that inwards tardily 2004 as well as 2005 nosotros take away hold to sought the assist of the same British to recover stolen corrupt funds stashed away yesteryear the armed forces ruler, General Abacha and Governor Alamiesigha of Bayelsa inwards of all places-British banks!
Francis Adewale
Spokane, WA
United States
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