It was an occasion that was billed to have all the hallmarks of high drama and the event did not disappoint. The cross-section of the nation’s glitterati who gathered in Abeokuta, Tuesday to celebrate former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s 76th birthday were treated not only to a glamorous evening, as controversy erupted over a book presentation on Obasanjo’s legacy; amid a major gaffe by Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, President Jonathan’s personal representative who made a speech many considered unpresidential and unquotable.
A four-in-one package, the occasion kicked off with the presentation of the outcome of the Regional Summit on Women and Youth in the Promotion of Cultural Security in Africa, followed with the book presentation; thereafter, prizes were presented to winners in four different types of competitions.
The presentation of the book: “Olusegun Obasanjo: The Presidential Legacy 1999-2007”detailing of Obasanjo’s eight years in power, was the major highlight of the event and had former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, as the book reviewer. The former Governor’s temperament appeared designed to match the moment. Although not a contributor to the book, Duke’s review; in the presence of Bola Ajibola, another dramatis persona in the Bakassi saga, among many other dignitaries added value to the documentation.
As a key state actor in one of the issues raised in the book – ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon – Duke’s passionate account was deep and engaging. Nigeria lost Bakassi not for want of trying, but thanks to international conspiracy notably by Britain and France who deceived Nigeria. In hindsight, Bakassi was the opportunity cost for Obasanjo’s quest for international statesmanship and acceptance.
In what appeared like his first public statement on the issue almost six years after he left office as governor, Duke recalled “Obasanjo was nevertheless nervous. Despite several diplomatic shuttles, high legal fees, assurances from high places and all, we lost. At my meeting with him immediately after to review, I saw a broken man, feeling disillusioned and let down by those whose judgment he relied upon and in his self-assuredness of his diplomatic skills and charm.”
Meanwhile, President Jonathan and Edo State Governor Adams Oshiolmhole also congratulated Obasanjo on his 76th birthday. Oshiolmhole described Baba as “an outstanding statesman who has dedicated himself to the ideals of national unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.” Jonathan was represented at the occasion by his Chief of Staff, Mike Ogiadomhe who did not read a prepared statement; preferring to make off-the-cuff remarks. But he fumbled and came across as unprepared leaving many guests wondering about the nature of the current presidency in Abuja. His measured remarks; characterized by rambling syntax and halting grammar was considered by many as unpresidential and unquotable.
Chief Ogiadomhe stirred the hornet’s nest with an inadvertent and unguarded reference to the failed third term project and then retracted unconvincingly in his stereotype presentation of OBJ as a leader who served “Nigeria with total commitment truly as a General…You did so for eight years with passion …you shunned the usual temptation of regime extension and Nigeria is ever grateful for that…you have remained a true lover of our great country…” The irony was indeed confounding.
In his speech at the ceremony, Obasanjo said that he would serve Nigeria with all commitment and dedication till his death. He also vowed to use the last drop of his blood to preserve the unity and progress of Nigeria. Baba admonished Nigerians to learn forgiveness, revealing that someone, whom he did not name; who played a major role in the late Gen. Sani Abacha’s efforts to kill him later came to apologize to him and he forgave him.
The attendance list is inexhaustible. Among friends and associates of OBJ who gathered to felicitate with him on his 76th birthday and book presentation were former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), Dr. Christopher Kolade, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, President Goodluck Jonathan was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mike Oghiadomhe; Chief Akin Delana; President of Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, former governor of Anambra State and Senior Special Assistant to President Obasanjo on Presidential Household; Dr. Andy Uba former Head of Service and Principal Secretary to the President; Steve Oronsaye; former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Prof. Sola Akinrinade; Prof. Ayo Ibidapo-Obe, former Vice Chacellor of the University of Lagos; former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice; Prince Bola Ajibola.
Others are former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero; Zenon Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Femi Otedola; former Zenith Chairman and CEO, Jim Ovia; Chief Jimoh Aliu; Chief Doja Adewolu; co-editors of the book: Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe and retired Permanent Secretary and former Chairman NCC, Alhaji Ahmed Joda; former Information Minister, Prof. Dora Akunyili and Hon. Carl Masters, a Caribbean old friend of Chief Obasanjo. Others were Dr. Patrick Dele Cole, former Ambassador to Brazil and former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs, Dr. Goke Adegoroye; former Permanent Secretary and a contributor to the book, Mr. Dare Babarinsa, former Executive Editor, Tell, Olabode Agusto; former Director-General, Budget Office, Abuja, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, former Chairman of the PDP; Dr. Emmanuel Egboga, Senior Special assistant to the President on Petroleum Matters.
Also in attendance were traditional rulers from across cities in Yorubaland, including the Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu. The cutting of the birthday cake drew the curtains on the event.
