In an open letter to a distressed priest, Soyinka denied making certain statements about Peter Obi's eligibility to run for office. The allegations in question were made by an unnamed author, who claimed Soyinka said Obi was unfit to lead and should not contest in 2007. Soyinka challenged the author to provide the time, place, and context of the alleged statement.
Soyinka expressed his willingness to educate the public on why they should or should not vote for a particular candidate, emphasizing that this is a fundamental human right. He criticized the author for spreading what he termed as public lies, which he likened to flies that beget maggots. Soyinka questioned the level of imbecility to which society is being invited to stoop in order to proceed with such discussions.
The literary icon urged the priest to prioritize those who foment divisions and described them as satanic provocateurs. He referenced a liturgical service where the voices of the officiating priests seemed divinely transmitted, calling for the anathemization of such individuals. Soyinka emphasized the importance of truth and the dangers of spreading falsehoods.
Soyinka also mentioned Father Matthew Kukah, who has expressed skepticism about certain claims made by an author. Soyinka described the author's approach as comprehensively skeptical and implied that it was qualified for a cautious approach. He emphasized that it is sufficient humiliation to concede the existence of certain individuals without engaging in lengthy discussions.
The writer acknowledged that he tends to overreach himself with commitments, which can be detrimental to sense and age. He mentioned that he would serve an advance copy of his work but noted that his time-keepers would have to await their turn. Soyinka expressed mild anxiety about the risk of arriving at a point where a Sanity Sabbatical becomes necessary due to contempt for an aberrant minority.
Soyinka highlighted his efforts to bring justice closer to civil society through his work, referencing the resuscitation of the 'Ombudsman' avenue of citizen redress, also known as the Public Complaints Commission. He emphasized that he values such efforts over and above polemics. Soyinka stated that his creative energies are currently attuned to this approach rather than condemning real or contrived failures.
Soyinka concluded by stating that he has implicitly embraced the priest's entreaty and looked forward to a peaceful resolution. He mentioned that a full edition of his work, including the LIARS edition, would be released soon, along with an Open House encounter. Soyinka reflected on the need to find work for idle hands and referenced Einstein's voice, which encourages change and adaptation.
Key points
- Wole Soyinka denies making statements about Peter Obi's eligibility to run for office.
- Soyinka challenges the author to provide context for the alleged statements.
- Soyinka emphasizes the importance of truth and the dangers of spreading falsehoods.
