Why I visited Wole Soyinka – Peter Obi Explains

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has explained the reason behind his visit to Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka.

Mr Soyinka recently came under heavy criticism on social media by the supporters of the Labour Party after he accused the vice presidential candidate of the party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, of making fascist comments during a TV interview.

He also accused supporters of Mr Obi, popularly known as Obidients, of refusing to accept criticism, saying it had become their badge of honour.

But Mr Obi, who shared pictures of the visit on his Twitter handle on Sunday, said the visit was to erase needless misconceptions about the relationship between the literary icon and the obedient movement.

He tweeted, “Today, I visited one of Nigeria’s most revered figures and an international literary icon, Prof Wole Soyinka. Prof Soyinka has been a father whom I hold in very high esteem for what he has achieved and stands for in the struggle for a better Nigeria.

“His reputation as a fighter for justice and equity in our society has been legendary and we will NEVER ignore them.

“I had a very useful and enriching discussion about his aspirations for a better and greater Nigeria, and he shared a lot with me about his dream for a greater and more inclusive Nigeria.

“I reminded the Nobel laureate of the huge price he paid just before the outbreak of the civil war, fighting for the cause of the Igbos.

“I cherished this Sunday’s visit which was intended to erase the needless misconceptions about the relationship between the great icon and the OBIdient family. -PO”