Does General "Baba" Chief
Oloye Olusegun Obasanjo need any introduction? Certainly not to Nigerians, and
essentially he is a renowned personality all over Africa. Military Head of
State of Nigeria decades ago; then two-time President of same most populous
country in Africa. He must have winced when he learnt that his first wife, Oluremi
- the author of this book - was publishing a book on their life together.
This book is definitely a warts and all
tale - one that would make most, especially the so-called civilised world
shudder. After all, we all have our private lives and the partners in our lives
know everything about us, especially our weaknesses! And mama Oluremi does not
spare Baba at all here in this book!
We all know that Baba could never have been a shrinking violet, a "softie", but to learn how he's been a specialist in beating up "his" women - dishing out blows and punches and slaps liberally might not be pleasant to read. Since he had - has many wives all of them had to become punching bags of sort every now and then. And when the General really loses it, he apparently brandishes a knife and scampers after the erring woman!
We all know that Baba could never have been a shrinking violet, a "softie", but to learn how he's been a specialist in beating up "his" women - dishing out blows and punches and slaps liberally might not be pleasant to read. Since he had - has many wives all of them had to become punching bags of sort every now and then. And when the General really loses it, he apparently brandishes a knife and scampers after the erring woman!
As’ Africans’, many would say: "what else
can one expect from a military man?"; yet considering the times we live in
now (women more or less well liberated) Baba comes out looking like a monster,
a serial woman abuser; a bristling, unforgiving draconian patriarch who must
always have his way. Ah!
But one has to be fair. The author, Oluremi also fondly remembers how loving and caring Obasanjo was when they were very young, and starting their lives...she also benefitted a lot as an unofficial First Lady, travelling to many other countries, and garnering so many connections at the highest level.
But one has to be fair. The author, Oluremi also fondly remembers how loving and caring Obasanjo was when they were very young, and starting their lives...she also benefitted a lot as an unofficial First Lady, travelling to many other countries, and garnering so many connections at the highest level.
In a country like Nigeria, such
connections are priceless...and mama Oluremi can beam with satisfaction that
all her children are highly educated and the top echelon connections will
always remain. Incidentally, the title of this book (Bitter-sweet) is excellent
and apt!!
- Eric Malome
- Eric Malome
Biographies pertaining to famous names are often very readable; and no doubt this one is no different
ReplyDeleteI am sure the book can not only be about incidents of beating...(lol)... I think this would be a good read and with a woman's eye for detail, should be really interesting
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