The Ideological Battle: Soyinka's Scathing Critique of the Obidient Movement


Renowned Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has recently made headlines with his sharp criticism of the Obidient Movement, a prominent support base for Peter Obi of the Labour Party during the 2023 general election. Speaking at the launch of his thought-provoking book, "The Putin Files: Excursions Around The Ideology Of Pain," Soyinka did not mince his words, labeling the Obidients as fascists. In response to a question posed by lawyer and poet Ogaga Ifowodo, the literary icon drew parallels between the movement and the 2020 EndSARS protest, underscoring the crucial difference between fighting for truth and perpetuating untruths.


The Power of EndSARS:

Soyinka passionately extolled the EndSARS protest as one of the most impactful and successful movements in the history of Nigeria. He reiterated his unwavering support for the movement, recounting how he addressed protesters during his departure from Lagos to Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. The EndSARS movement, according to Soyinka, was driven by a genuine pursuit of truth and justice, embodying the aspirations of Nigerian youth in their fight against police brutality and systemic corruption.


Unmasking the Obidient Movement:

Drawing a sharp contrast between the noble intentions of the EndSARS protesters and the Obidient Movement, Soyinka highlighted their attempts to mobilize the youth in defense of falsehoods. He likened the movement's tactics to those employed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who allegedly incited violence against innocent members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) under the guise of electoral grievances. Soyinka argued that the Obidient Movement was unwittingly playing into the hands of those who sought to manipulate the political landscape for their own gain.


The Dangers of Unquestioning Allegiance:

In Soyinka's piercing critique, he admonished the misguided radicals within the Obidient Movement, accusing them of naively becoming pawns in a larger political game. He warned that these individuals, in their unquestioning loyalty, were merely following the script handed to them, without realizing the potential repercussions of their actions. Soyinka emphasized that those who had conspired to steer the country toward an interim government had successfully deceived certain factions of the youth into championing their cause.


Revisiting the May Criticism:

This recent condemnation from Soyinka marks a continuation of the ongoing feud between the esteemed writer and the Obidients. In May, the movement expressed its displeasure with Soyinka after he labeled them as fascists. Soyinka's latest remarks serve to reaffirm his stance, deepening the ideological divide between himself and the Obidient Movement.


Conclusion:

Professor Wole Soyinka's scathing critique of the Obidient Movement during the book launch of "The Putin Files: Excursions Around The Ideology Of Pain" has sparked intense debate and further escalated the rift between him and the movement's supporters. By drawing parallels between the noble motivations behind the EndSARS protest and the perceived manipulation by the Obidients, Soyinka warns against blindly accepting and perpetuating untruths. As the dust settles, only time will tell if Soyinka's words will resonate and encourage a reevaluation of the Obidient Movement's ideological foundation

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