To start with, is this autobiography not tended to be controversial than achieving the purpose of an autobiography for younger generations and would-be leaders or, what exactly does Baba Bisi Akande want to achieve with his autobiography?
Far from it that the writer of this piece wants to rubbish the life and story of one of the greatest Yoruba leaders in modern history. However, some lines in this autobiography have sparked off some controversial issues and one would need to ask some questions to clear the air.
That Baba Akande pointed out that restructuring of Nigeria was not included in the APC manifesto, prior to the 2015 general elections is a ‘BIG FALLACY’. Article 7 (ii) of the April 2014 of APC constitution (as amended), clearly states that its aims and objectives was “To promote True Federalism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria”. Also, page 3, second paragraph of the APC manifesto commits the party to “implement efficient public financial management strategies and ensure true federalism” as well as “restructure governance in a way that kick starts our political economy so that we begin to walk the path of our better future”. In addition, on page 7 of its manifesto, the party established what it called “Honest Contract” with Nigeria to create a federalism with “more equitable distribution of national revenue to the state and local government because, this is where grassroot democracy and economic development must be established.”
I thought Baba Akande had a strong personal conviction for restructuring and resource control.
Also, the writer of this piece is not a strange fellow to Baba Bisi Akande. I have met and dialogued with Baba Akande long before now on restructuring and resource control. Yes, he is an astute leader with so much knowledge about good governance.
At the convention of Egbe Omo Yoruba in North America (the largest Yoruba social cultural group that has structures all over United States, including Canada), held in New York City in 2011. Baba Akande gave the keynote address and it was all about restructuring and resource control.
Fortunately, I was one of the guest speakers and my paper was very similar to that of the keynote address. To lend credence to this fact, Barrister Ayo Turton (an international lawyer), Barrister Alade (a judge in the city of New York) and Professor Labinjo can bear me witness. These our kinsmen were at the Egbe Omo Yoruba convention, held in New York City in 2011.
It now baffles my imagination that Baba Akande will even say restructuring was not in APC party manifesto. What has changed between then and now???
I strongly doubt if Baba Akande would be part of that political arrangement, not to talk of leading the party (APC) as the first national chairman if restructure and resource control was not included in the party manifesto.
Suffice to say it that, is it not controversial when your autobiography is laced with lies, friction and lack of consistency?
Moreover, why intruding into the personal relationship between Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu in your autobiography? Why not just stay in your lane and let your autobiography be about you and your legacy?
Is autobiography ought not to be a challenging story for younger generations and would be leaders?
Furthermore, if it was true that Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu built a house for Baba Ayo Adebanjo in Lekki Phase 1, can Baba Akande swear with Holy Quran that similar gesture has not been extended to him by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the past?
Yes, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu knows what he needs to do to get what he wants. What a screwed politician in modern history!
I have heard Baba Ayo Adebanjo on many occasion saying Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been sending him gifts and he always accepts them with good heart.
Is this not already an open secret?
Also, how did Baba Akande get to know about this, if not, that Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a crude politician and he is very good in using the Niccolo Machiavelli theory, “The end justify the means” to smear your political image at the right time. It is also called “carrot and stick approach.”
The fundamental question to ask at this juncture, is that, is this autobiography of Baba Akande not too much of a friction than the real purpose of an autobiography???
Again, is this autobiography not riddle with lies, cold war and double standard?
In the final analysis, will history be fair to Baba Bisi Akande autobiography?
However, let the court of public opinion be the final arbiter.
Hmmmm, let the fireworks begin………….
Only time will tell.
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