Ex President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Professor Wole Soyinka is a ‘
misfit as a political analyst’, whose comments are often self serving.
In his book ‘My Watch’ Obasanjo said he respects Soyinka’s views on all
issues except politics.
While describing Soyinka as a loner and brilliant writer, Obasanjo said
the Nobel laureate is often unhappy when he could not lead or outshine
others.
He said ” Wole remains an enigma. He is many things to many people. But to
me, he is a great Nigerian, distinguished and globally accoladed outside
politics. He will not like anybody else to outdo him as a social critic.
He enjoys being a loner and may not be happy when he cannot lead or shine.
One critic I admire for his gift is Wole Soyinka. He is a great and
talented writer, who had done all of us proud as the first Nigerian Nobel
Laureate in Literature.”
According to him ” I am, however, often amused by his political comments
which are almost always self-serving. For Wole, no one can be good nor can
anything be spot on politically except that which emanates from him or is
ordained by him. His friends and loved ones will always be right and
correct no matter what they do or fail to do. I understand it has been his
character from his schooldays. In short, Wole Soyinka is consistent, which
is a good thing to know about him and to say for him.”
Obasanjo said further “… and I am not alone, i find him a misfit as a
political analyst, commentator or critic. It is thus good that he did not
foray into politics. He is surely a better wine connoisseur and a more
successful aparo — hunter than a political critic, not to talk of what he
would be as a politician. I take him seriously on almost all issues except
on the political, particularly Nigerian politics.”
The ex President who took shots at President Goodluck Jonathan, Kashamu
Buruji, Atiku Abubakar, Uche Chukwumerije, among others concluded” Not
too long ago, he joined the sober and respectable club of octogenarians
and I took the opportunity to felicitate with him on that occasion. I have
observed that since then, Wole appears to be mellowing. I am looking
forward to his centenary on the surface of planet earth. If I go before
him, I will bid him welcome when he arrives at the Great Beyond. I hope he
would do the same if he succeeds in getting there before me and we find
ourselves on the same side of the divide.”