“[Following
the 1952 election] There was a majority party in the House of Assembly [the
Action Group], but the head of government was not a member of the Party; indeed
he was the British colonial governor.
A
way out was found – which Obafemi Awolowo used to great advantage. He took the
name “Leader of Government Business”, in addition to the portfolio of Local
Government which he held. Soon, the Sardauna [Ahmadu Bello] and Zik [ Nnamdi Azikiwe] began to bear the same
appellation in the North and the East respectively.
Incidentally,
it was from that appellation that the word “Leader” began to be used by his men
to address Obafemi Awolowo. He has since been called so by millions, but very
know how it came to be.
Some
mischievous writers have insinuated that he has been called “Leader” because he was
“dictatorial”. And it is downright fraudulent to say that he came to be called
“Leader” after he was appointed “Leader of the Yorubas” in 1966 at a meeting of
Western State leaders of thought in Ibadan.”
Source:
Bola Ige, People, Politics and
Politicians of Nigeria (1940-1979), Heinemann Educational Books (Nigeria)
Plc, Ibadan, 1994.
Hmmm, very instructive.
ReplyDeleteAs I read this, 2 'National Leaders' came to mind
Instructive.
ReplyDeleteThanks Onigege for always setting the records straight
ReplyDeleteThanks brother
ReplyDeleteThis is educative and a contribution to correct false information.Thank you Onigegewura
ReplyDeleteSir, I've always followed your blog and I'd 3ncourage you to do more because we all enjoy reading through them!
ReplyDeleteThanks sir
ReplyDeleteOver a month sir that we heard from you. Hope you are fine sir?
ReplyDeleteI always love reading your piece. Very instrutive.
ReplyDelete