According to Punch Newspaper, The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, recently shared insights on the significance of celebrating the 90th birthday of Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka, alongside addressing other pertinent issues. In an exclusive interview, Oba Gbadebo highlighted the importance of honoring Prof Soyinka's achievements in literature and activism, emphasizing the global impact of his works.
Reflecting on the occasional conflicts between Prof Soyinka and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, both eminent figures hailing from Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo expressed a nuanced perspective. He acknowledged that disagreements are natural even among prominent individuals from the same community, drawing from a Yoruba proverb suggesting diversity in viewpoints. Oba Gbadebo further underscored the freedom of expression and the right to advocate for causes one believes in, noting that if Prof Soyinka chooses to protest against Obasanjo at international platforms, it stems from his commitment to his principles.
The Alake reiterated Egbaland's tradition of respecting divergent opinions and allowing individuals to uphold their convictions publicly. He emphasized that such disagreements should not overshadow the collective pride in Egbaland's distinguished sons like Prof Soyinka and Chief Obasanjo, both of whom have made significant contributions nationally and globally.
In conclusion, Oba Gbadebo emphasized the need for mutual respect and understanding within the community, regardless of occasional differences in viewpoints. He encouraged continued celebration of Prof Soyinka's achievements and affirmed Egbaland's support for all endeavors that promote justice and progress.
He said: I don’t feel disturbed, because we cannot all sleep and face the same directions as we used to say in Yorubaland. You are free to justify your position to tell the world why you are where you are. If he (Soyinka) has a problem with Obasanjo and he has to go to the United Nations with placards and the rest, it is because he believes in the cause he is fighting, so we have no cause to stop him.