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Monday 10 August 2015

Olusegun Osoba Attacks Olusegun Obasanjo Says - “Blatant Distortion Of History,” Awolowo Was Unanimously Elected Yoruba Leader On August 12, 1966 In Ibadan.


Following a report that Obasanjo was quoted as saying in his book, “My Watch,” that no individual (including Chief Awolowo) could be regarded as the leader of the Yoruba, former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has said late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was duly and unanimously elected and accepted as the leader of the Yoruba ethnic group, thus slamming the ex-president over his comments about the sage not ever being the Yoruba leader. Osoba in a swift reaction, regarded Obasanjo’s comment as “blatant distortion of history,” saying Chief Awolowo was unanimously elected the Yoruba leader on August 12, 1966 in Ibadan. Speaking further, Osoba, who had photocopies of the Nigerian Daily Sketch of August 13, 1966, which he distributed to newsmen, that had a bold headline titled “Awo elected leader of Yorubas,” said Obasanjo, as the Garrison Commander in Ibadan at the time, could not have forgotten all this in a hurry.
In his words, Osoba said: “Forty nine years ago, precisely, August 12, 1966, I was present at the forum where Chief Obafemi Awolowo was unanimously elected the leader of Yorubas. The election involved all stakeholders, including political and cultural intellectuals in Yorubaland. I have records to prove that Chief Obafemi Awolowo was elected aside the newspaper publications made after the election in Ibadan. I disagree with ex-President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on whatever claims he has that Awolowo was handpicked by some of his supporters. For instance, the late Dr Koye Majekodunmi has same political ideology as Awolowo, or late Chief T.O.S Benson, a staunch supporter of the late Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe till death, was part of Awolowo political family. I want everyone to know that Awolowo was released from prison two weeks before his election as leader of the Yorubas.
“I will give you more facts. He was unanimously elected by all stakeholders. The governor of the Western Region at this time, General Adeyinka Adebayo; the first military administrator of the Western Region, on Tuesday, August 10, 1966 held meetings with intellectuals and activists. The next day, which was 11th, he held meetings with the traditional rulers before the meeting of all stakeholders on August 12. On this day, there was not a dissenting voice against the election of Awolowo as the leader of the Yorubas. These are some of the facts; so I can never agree with Obasanjo.I don’t know why anyone should denigrate the reputation of Awolowo in death.”

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