Why I have no respect for Obasanjo - Wole Soyinka

Nobel Laurette, Prof Wole Soyinka, has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as somebody who should not be taken seriously, adding that he has no respect for him.

Soyinka said this at the weekend during an event organised by telecommunication giant, Globacom, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, in his honour.



The event, gathering of the creme de la creme in the literary industry, was tagged, “An Evening With Soyinka”.

Responding to a question from Kunle Ajibade on Obasanjo’s judgment on him (Soyinka) recently as a political illiterate, Soyinka said Obasanjo has a right to his opinion, stressing however, that Obasanjo is a liar, as well as an ‘economic illiterate’.

“Obasanjo is entitled to his opinion. The question is ‘who can respect the opinion of a liar’? He is a liar and can prove that. He has been described as an economic illiterate. His book, ‘My watch’ is full of lies. In fact, he

began the book with a lie when he said that he deplores lies, and he repeated it several times. I’m not bothered when somebody like Obasanjo passes his opinion about me. I have no respect for Obasanjo. He is a liar.

I am writing a book titled, ‘Republic of Liars,’ and Obasanjo has a prominent place in it. The book will be out soon.”

The event was a celebration of the renowned dramatist, poet, critic, activist and humanist. The event, which was also a celebration of young literary stars – Seffie Attach, Tope Folarin and E. C. Osundu – was marked with performances. In attendance at the colourful event were Profs. J. P. Clark, Ebun Clarke, Akachi Ezeigbo, Duro Oni, Bode Sowande; General Alani Akinriade (retired); Mrs Francesca Emmanuel among others. Hollywood star Richard More Damijo was the compere.