Top notch statesmen, politicians, key protagonists as their
countries fought for independence and freedom fighters abound in Africa. Their
lives always provide fascinating insights that continue to interest and grip
generations of people and researchers all over the world. Happily enough, most
of such people are or were avid readers and writers who also wrote books
extensively about their lives and times. We have in mind here political gems
like Kwame Nkrumah, Azikiwe, Mandela, Obasanjo, Senghor, Nyerere, Kaunda…
The illustrious Obafemi Awolowo of Nigeria also wrote many books which detailed his awesome vision, nous, and travails in politics over the decades. Adventures in power is one of such works and it is a fascinating read. What strikes one most is the utter integrity - some might dub it rigidity - of the author. No doubt he was straightforward to a fault and did not suffer fools gladly. It is also clear that he believed in absolute service to the people along the way. His candour can be frightening in consonance with his vision. Here he reflects in detail on how the old western region (Nigeria) found itself in the throes of political pandemonium and how he was in the eye of the storm, reaching a crescendo when he was incarcerated.
Whilst going through this work we are filled with revulsion at the shameless antics of certain people, the shocking opportunism and greed of so many individuals, as the protagonist here finds himself isolated, even betrayed by so many associates, yet he is unflinching and uncompromising. He reflects on a number of dignitaries and his fondness for ‘Timi de Law’ for one is patent, even as 'his family' makes the decision for him to leave Awolowo in the lurch as it were. It goes on - with powerful political enemies pitched against the author, erstwhile close associates now fierce antagonists!
Could the author have compromised and been much more flexible along the line? we wonder. But the narrative here shows that Chief Awolowo’s principles were extraordinary and he was ready to make any sacrifice as long as he did not compromise himself. He recalls or example that an aide took offence because he refused to accord his mistress recognition/importance...the author believed in the sanctity of a monogamous marriage. He points out that some opportunists who should have known better were unhappy with him because of his role as opposition leader at the national level. The author's great intellect, erudition, knowledge of classical literature, and languages like Latin - all is obvious here in this work. Although a lost battle, he shows his forensic skills in court too...he is of course a trained lawyer. The reader is devastated when such a great man finds himself in jail, as attempts are even made to destroy his legacy.
At the time this work was published, the author was of course
very much a legendary, elderly figure, revered by millions of people for his
services to the country and his remarkable integrity. His legacy then - and
even now decades after - was markedly acknowledged including his belief and
advocacy of free education, free health services, full employment etc , not to
mention permanent signposts of infrastructure including iconic structures like
the towering Cocoa House in Ibadan, the Liberty Stadium, and the introduction
of the first television service in Africa. In this work, the author reinforces
his personal mores, credo, modus operandi, practical proclivities, striations
and travails of politics and public service. This book is as much a triumph as
the life of Awolowo himself.
-
O Bolaji
