On Easter Sunday, I watched the expectant crowd at St Peter’s Square break into a spontaneous applause as Pope Francis’ head appeared on the most recognisable balcony in the world, the papal balcony. It was from that same loggia that the former Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was introduced to the world Read More…
Wole Olaoye
Peaceful Separation or Violent Unity?
It seems that everybody wants Nigeria to remain one indivisible entity. Right? At least, that is what they profess openly. But don’t be deceived; the hoopla that will greet you at the slightest sign of a social or political strain will make you wonder at the unwisdom of forcing such atavistic tribes together under one Read More…
The Power of Soft Power
Every corridor of power is strewn with its own peculiar coterie of grovellers. They may come under various designations— Special Assistant, Press Secretary, Special Adviser, Commissioner or some other official nomenclature— what unites them is their blind and unthinking resort to extra-legal measures in defence of their principals. Some public officials who don’t know any Read More…
Clemency for Sunday Jackson
In Nigeria, you can be sentenced to death for defending yourself against an assailant. Forget all that you’ve read to the contrary. If your life is threatened by an armed herdsman, run for cover. Or simply allow the vagabond to slice your throat. You’re better dead and classified as a victim than to retaliate and Read More…
The Other Emergency
When Nigeria’s President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on oil-rich Rivers State last week, the issue took over every waking minute of Nigerians at home and abroad. Someday, historians are going to make a meal of the various views, declarations and subterfuges at play. By the time the true story of what transpired is Read More…
Galadima’s Primitive Jive
Alhaji Buba Galadima, an outspoken politician and self-confessed insider of many conspiracies, recently raised an alarm alleging that the current downward trend of food prices was a conspiracy by the Tinubu administration to impoverish the Northern part of Nigeria. North food prices are going down. Many ordinary Nigerians are happy with the development. But people Read More…
Between the Lion and the Jewel
“As for the charges against me, I am unconcerned. I am beyond their timid lying morality and so I am beyond caring”, said the redoubtable Nigerian nationalist, Mrs Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, who, along with Margaret Ekpo, Laila Dogonyaro and a few other women you can count on your fingers, have been canonised by Nigerians of all Read More…
Stupidophobia is the Beginning of Wisdom
If you have a morbid fear of being stupid or being perceived as stupid by your peers and associates, you are suffering from stupidophobia, a.k.a. stultophobia. Many well educated people suffer this condition because it directly affects their claim to social relevance and intellectual depth. In the last 100 years, very few intellectuals have devoted Read More…
Don’t Urinate On Their Graves!
All animals are not equal. If you doubt it, attempt to replicate General Ibrahim Babangida’s actions and inactions over the years — and see where you’ll end up. First shoot your way into power. Confront civil society with both an iron fist and a toothy smile. Be a military Janus — on one side Santa Read More…
Two men who lived for something
When veteran politician, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and foremost publisher, Chief Joop Berkhout joined the ancestral realm within days of each other, Nigerians were unanimous in their verdict that the two deaths truly diminished us all. In both cases, it can be said without equivocation that the men lived for something. Last year, on the occasion Read More…