Opinion
Wole Soyinka: Still at the Receiving End of Innuendos at 90!
Back in 2002, as residents of 16, Apple Avenue, No Man’s Land, Kano, which housed the Foremast Hill Anchor Point, Herbert Nwaka, Kingsley Ayewe and I discussed the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission otherwise known as the “Oputa Panel”. Of particular interest then was the petition filed by the National Association of Seadogs (the Pyrates Confraternity) on behalf of some of its members.
In his testimony, Ifeanyi Onochie who was arrested in Enugu on the orders of the then Military Administrator of Enugu State, Colonel Sule Ahman a few days after his wedding in 1997 told a chilling story of torture and excruciating pain. He and other known members of the Association were described as National Security Risks (NSR) after their arrest.
Herbert had asked if anyone had videos of the Panel’s sittings but quite unfortunately, our plans to ask at the Library of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Kano never came through.
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21 years later, I shared a clip on my WhatsApp status, it was that of Professor Wole Soyinka being cross-examined during one of the sittings of the Oputa Panel. In the video, a female lawyer asked whether Professor Soyinka’s children or family members were members of the Pyrates Confraternity. His response drew applause when he pointed out that his son, Olaokun was a member and that “he was initiated in Zero Meridian, that is, the chapter in London”.
One of the friends on my contact list was quick to wonder why the response should be applauded. In her opinion, those clapping were oblivious to the fact that “Prof sent his son abroad while he was encouraging the children of others to be doing rubbish in Nigeria”. My efforts to remind her that Dr. Olaokun Soyinka who served as a Commissioner in Ogun State had a British mother didn’t seem to make sense to her.
I asked what her answer would have been if Professor Soyinka had answered that none of his children or family members were Pyrates, and that ended the conversation.
Professor Soyinka is not new to “dragging” as the internet-savvy generation often describes self-satisfying criticisms usually done online. But now that the New Media has given a seemingly unlimited freedom of expression, the intensity of the dragging seems to have been increased a hundred-fold.
A line of thought recently surfaced online that African writers like Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong’O, and others boycotted the Nobel Prize when Wole Soyinka won it in 1986. One begins to wonder how the boycott was never heard of until 38 years later. When there was no evidence to support that narrative, they pushed further that he betrayed other African writers by accepting the Prize, since in their opinion, the Royal Academy had until then ignored African writers.
It was, however, never on record that Achebe publicly criticized Soyinka for winning the Nobel Prize. It was also never heard that Professors Soyinka and Achebe quarreled in the latter’s lifetime. In March 1986, J.P Clark, Wole Soyinka, and Chinua Achebe visited Dodan Barracks to plead with President Ibrahim Babangida to spare Major General Maman Vatsa, who had been charged with plotting a coup.
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The spotless white ram Wole Soyinka sent as a 60th birthday gift to Chinua Achebe in 1990 would not be forgotten by those who attended the reception, especially those who partook of the barbecue it ended up being used for. It was on record that as the animal was delivered, the celebrant quipped, “Typical of Wole”. That was how close they had become over the decades.
It is an open secret that the casus belli with the Internet Generation were Soyinka’s stance on the 2023 presidential election and his “gbajue” comment on a claim of victory. Interestingly, an aggrieved member of the party claiming to have been robbed of victory recently made a video querying what the party would tell the “six million plus people that voted for the party” if it cannot ensure internal democracy. That in itself was an allusion that the election results were indeed correct. Sadly, the children of the people whose rights Soyinka advocated for when he was jailed for criticizing the Gowon administration in 1967 were most prominent in the recent dragging frenzy.
Describing him as the “Father of Cultism in Nigeria” is already overstated. Many have completely forgotten that the Pyrates Confraternity was formed by Soyinka and six other undergraduates of the University College Ibadan (as the University of Ibadan was then known) who are hardly ever given credit. What is perhaps more worrisome is that no one bothers about who founded other fraternities some of whose members have caused untold damage to lives and properties in campuses across Nigeria.
One thing is obvious, at 90, Wole Soyinka’s Kongi has not melted. Age and his belief in Ogun Lakaaye notwithstanding, he is still the humanist he has always been and he still adheres to the ‘Seven Four’ Creed of the Pyrates. That explains why members of the Confraternity still esteem him, especially now that he is the only one of the Original Seven still alive. The criticisms will keep coming as long as he does not slow down.
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The reason? No one stones a fruitless tree and the only way to avoid criticism is to say nothing and do nothing which the WS I know will never do. Anyways, in his typical manner, he is never tired of stating that, unlike the hoodlums who now parade the campuses, Pyrates of yore were “mischievous but not criminal”.
As Professor Soyinka is being celebrated at different across the continents, one can only pray for a smoother sail for the man styled after Peter Blood, the Captain of Cap’ns.
Adejumo sent this piece from Ibadan
Growing support has continued to trail a youthful politician and technology advocate, Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega, popularly known as Repete, as many youths in Ibadan North Federal Constituency expressed confidence in his leadership style and vision for development.
Across several communities within the constituency, residents, particularly students, artisans and young professionals, described Repete as one of the emerging political figures with strong grassroots appeal and a passion for youth empowerment.
Supporters said his growing popularity stems from his consistent advocacy for innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development aimed at addressing unemployment and creating opportunities for young people.
As an engineer and technology enthusiast, Repete is also said to possess a deep understanding of the evolving digital economy and the need to position youths for global competitiveness.
Many of his supporters noted that his approach to leadership focuses on practical solutions, mentorship and capacity-building initiatives capable of helping young people become self-reliant and economically productive.
Some community stakeholders who spoke on his rising profile said his humility, accessibility and relationship with the grassroots have continued to endear him to many residents within the constituency.
They added that Repete’s engagement with youths and community groups reflects his commitment to inclusive governance and people-oriented representation.
Observers within the constituency also maintained that the increasing support for the politician reflects a growing desire among residents for a new generation of leaders driven by innovation, competence and accountability.
According to them, many young people see Repete as a symbol of hope and progressive leadership capable of contributing meaningfully to the development of Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State stands on the edge of a consequential decision—one that may define not only its fortunes in Ibadan North Federal Constituency but also its broader political relevance in the state.
As the countdown to the party primaries intensifies, the question before APC leaders is no longer routine. It is strategic. It is urgent. And it is decisive: will the party align with the clear preference of the people or risk repeating costly political miscalculations?
At the centre of this debate is Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega, widely known as Repete—a name that has, over time, evolved from a political identity into a grassroots phenomenon.
A Candidate Rooted in the People
In contemporary Nigerian politics, where voter awareness is rising and expectations are shifting, candidates are increasingly judged not by promises but by presence. On this scale, Adegboyega stands tall.
His political journey is marked by consistent engagement with constituents—far beyond the optics of election seasons. From youth empowerment initiatives that provide practical skills and startup support, to sustained interventions in healthcare access for the elderly and indigent, his footprint across Ibadan North reflects a model of leadership anchored on service.
Unlike the transactional approach that often defines political relationships, Adegboyega’s connection with the people appears organic—built on trust, accessibility, and continuity. These are not mere campaign attributes; they are political assets.
The Danger of Political Disconnect
History offers the APC a clear lesson: parties that ignore grassroots sentiment often pay a heavy electoral price. The imposition of candidates perceived as distant or untested has, in several instances, resulted in voter apathy, internal dissent, and eventual defeat at the polls.
Ibadan North presents no exception.
With opposition parties closely monitoring the APC’s internal dynamics, any misstep in candidate selection could provide a ready opening. A divided house, coupled with a candidate lacking widespread acceptance, is a formula the opposition is well-positioned to exploit.
The implication is straightforward: this is not merely about party loyalty; it is about electoral viability.
Echoes from the Grassroots
Across the length and breadth of Ibadan North—markets, motor parks, religious centres, and community gatherings—a consistent pattern emerges in political conversations. The name “Repete” resonates with familiarity and acceptance.
Such organic support is not easily manufactured. It is cultivated over time through visible impact and sustained presence. For a party seeking electoral certainty in a competitive environment, this level of grassroots validation is not just desirable—it is critical.
A Test of Leadership and Judgment
For the APC leadership in Oyo State, the moment calls for clarity of purpose. Decisions driven by narrow interests, personal alignments, or short-term calculations may carry long-term consequences.
The task, therefore, is to balance internal considerations with external realities. Elections are ultimately decided by voters, not by party caucuses. A candidate who commands public confidence offers the strongest pathway to victory.
The Stakes Are Clear
Ibadan North is too strategic a constituency for experimentation. The cost of error is not limited to a single seat; it extends to party cohesion, credibility, and future positioning within the state’s political landscape.
In this context, the argument for Adegboyega is less about sentiment and more about strategy. His visibility, acceptability, and record of engagement place him in a strong position to consolidate support and mobilise voters effectively.
Conclusion: A Choice with Consequences
As the APC moves closer to its primaries, the decision before it is both simple and significant: align with a candidate who reflects the mood of the electorate or risk conceding advantage to a watchful opposition.
In politics, moments such as this often separate foresight from hindsight.
For APC in Ibadan North, this may well be one of those defining moments.
Aderibigbe Akanbi, a political analyst, writes from Ibadan.
As the road to 2027 gradually unfolds across Oyo State, political conversations are shifting from routine permutations to deeper questions about competence, generational leadership, and measurable impact. In Ibarapa East, that conversation has found a new voice in Yusuf Abiodun Ramon — a Lanlate-born technocrat whose entry into the race for the State House of Assembly is redefining what representation could mean for the constituency.
In a political environment often dominated by familiar faces and conventional calculations, Ramon presents a profile shaped by technical discipline, structured thinking, and solution-driven engagement. His professional background, anchored in analytical precision and systems management, forms the foundation of his public service aspiration.
For him, representation must move beyond ceremonial presence to practical responsiveness — laws that reflect local realities, oversight that protects public resources, and advocacy that translates into visible development.
Ramon argues that the future of Ibarapa East lies in leadership that listens deliberately, plans strategically, and delivers measurably. He speaks of strengthening rural infrastructure, expanding youth-driven economic opportunities, and institutionalising transparency as core pillars of his agenda. In his view, governance must not merely be symbolic; it must be structured, accountable, and people-centred.
Rooted in Ile Odede, Isale Alubata Compound, Ward Seven of Ibarapa East Local Government, and maternally linked to Ile Sobaloju, Isale Ajidun Compound, Eruwa, Ramon’s story is not one of distant ambition but of lived experience. He is, in every sense, a son of the soil — shaped by the same roads, schools, and economic realities that define daily life in Ibarapa East.
“I was born here. I grew up here. I understand our struggles, our strengths, and our untapped potential,” he says. “Representation must go beyond occupying a seat; it must translate into preparation, competence, and genuine commitment to development.”
His academic journey mirrors that philosophy of steady growth. He began at Islamic Primary School, Lanlate (1995–2001), proceeded to Baptist Grammar School, Orita Eruwa (2001–2007), and later earned a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, between 2009 and 2011. Refusing to plateau, he advanced his intellectual horizon and is now completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Lagos. “Education,” he reflects, “is continuous capacity building. Leadership today requires both technical knowledge and administrative insight.”
That blend of engineering precision and managerial training has defined a professional career spanning more than a decade. Shortly after his diploma, Yusuf joined Mikano International Limited as a generator installer, gaining hands-on experience in industrial power systems — a sector central to Nigeria’s infrastructural backbone. He later transitioned into telecommunications at Safari Telecoms Nigeria Limited, where he received specialized training in Industrial, Scientific, and Medical radio bands, strengthening his expertise in network operations.
In 2013, he became a Field Support Engineer at Netrux Global Concepts Ltd., then a leading ISM service provider in Nigeria. Over four formative years, he immersed himself in telecom infrastructure deployment and maintenance, mastering field coordination, logistics management, and real-time technical problem-solving.
Since July 2017, he has served as a Field Support Engineer with Specific Tools and Techniques Ltd., a power solutions firm providing services to major operators including MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria. In that capacity, he operates at the frontline of ensuring energy reliability and network uptime — responsibilities that demand discipline, accountability, and systems thinking.
For political observers in Ibarapa East, this trajectory matters. It reflects more than résumé credentials; it speaks to a mindset anchored in efficiency, coordination, and measurable outcomes — qualities increasingly demanded in legislative representation.
Beyond the private sector, Ramon’s political exposure is neither sudden nor superficial. A loyal member of the progressive political family in Lagos, he once served as a personal assistant to a former lawmaker, gaining practical insight into legislative procedure and constituency engagement. Within his community, he has quietly extended financial support to small-scale entrepreneurs and students — modest but consistent interventions rooted in personal responsibility.
“My interest is my people,” he states firmly. “Ibarapa East deserves strategic, responsive, and capable leadership at the State Assembly. We must move from rhetoric to results.”
Across the constituency — from Lanlate to Eruwa — development priorities remain clear: youth employment, vocational empowerment, rural road rehabilitation, stable power supply, agricultural value-chain expansion, improved educational standards, and stronger lawmaking that directly reflects community needs.
Political analysts argue that Ramon’s technocratic background positions him uniquely at the intersection of policy formulation and practical implementation. At a time when national discourse increasingly favours competence over grandstanding, his profile resonates with a broader generational shift toward performance-driven governance. His engineering discipline reinforces problem-solving; his business training strengthens administrative understanding; his grassroots roots anchor his empathy.
For Ibarapa East, the 2027 election cycle may represent more than a routine democratic exercise. It may mark a recalibration of expectations — a demand for representation that understands both the soil beneath its feet and the systems that drive modern development. As political alignments gradually crystallize in Oyo State, Yusuf Abiodun Ramon’s declaration signals the arrival of a candidate seeking to translate private-sector structure into public-sector impact.
One thing is clear: the conversation about the future of Ibarapa East has begun — and it is now framed around competence, credibility, and capacity.
Oluwasegun Idowu sent in this piece from Eruwa, Ibarapa East LG, Oyo State
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