Ogundokun, who was reacting to a recent interview published by our sister’s newspapers, Sunday Sun, where Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a core adherent of Awo’s school of thought, categorically stated that Obasanjo and former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, cannot step into Awolowo’s shoes.
But while acknowledging the extra-ordinary performances of Awolowo as Premier of the defunct Western Region and as a party leader, Ogundokun said such performances were limited to the region.
“The comparison between Awolowo and Obasanjo is better deciphered when proper parameters are set. For instance, Awolowo was a regional leader, while Obasanjo ruled all the regions in the country, first as a military head of state and later as a civilian.
“Of all the leaders Nigeria has ever produced, Obasanjo remains the longest serving one. His transition of power from military to civilian and much later from one civilian regime to another remain a feat that would forever be celebrated. Like Awolowo, Obasanjo has not lost relevance even after his tenure expired as an elected president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He has been a leading voice in the brokerage of peace in troubled nations within and outside Africa. Little wonder he is seen as a global icon of peace.
“Traditionally, it should be a thing of pride if the achievements of a succeeding leader supersede his predecessor’s. Awolowo would be celebrating in his grave the fame and positive image Obasanjo has brought the Yoruba nation. Saying no one can step into Awo’s shoes is tantamount to saying the progress of the Yoruba nation had been stalled since Awo relinquished power. This is a farce because a leader like Obasanjo has ascended hills, scaled hurdles and worked tirelessly to make himself the most applauded and feted Nigerian leader in recent times. His contributions to the PDP enhanced the growth and popularity of the party beyond the African soil,” Ogundokun said.
He, nonetheless, appreciated Adebanjo’s reservation about those who touted themselves as progressives and genuine Awoists while in the real sense their ideologies and nature of politics have shown that they are only using the platform built by Awolowo to deceive his teeming admirers.
The former national publicity secretary of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), particularly took a swipe on the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which he condemned for working against the interest of Awolowo’s family.
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