Awolowo was released from Calabar prison by Biafran leader Odumegwu Ojukwu and there was an agreement that while Ojukwu declares Biafra in the East July 1967, Awolowo would declare Oduduwa Republic in the West. The British establishment, sensing the dangers of Awolowo declaring Oduduwa Republic in the West, convinced Gowon and the north to checkmate Awolowo’s secessionist agenda by appointing him the Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council.
This strategy worked effectively and Awolowo was deceived that after Gowon’s tenure he would be given the opportunity of ruling Nigeria. Awolowo thus had to checkmate the Biafran dream to clear any obstacle to his ruling Nigeria while the north was looking for the right opportunity to throw him into the dustbin. In frustration, Awo resigned from Gowon’s cabinet when he realised he had been politically duped.
Awolowo quashed the Biafran dream while the northern establishment killed the Oduduwa dream and betrayed Awolowo’s presidential ambition thrice. The emergence of Awolowo’s kinsman Obasanjo as Head of State was another opportunity for him to realise his dream of ruling Nigeria.
The 1979 election result was decided in the infamous judgement where the Supreme Court refused Awolowo’s plea that 2/3 of 19 is 13 states, and went ahead to declare Alhaji Shehu Shagari the winner of the election. The north led by Generals Shehu Yar’Adua and Theophilus Danjuma convinced Obasanjo why Awolowo should never be the president of Nigeria. Therefore, instead of a runoff election, which some believe could favour Awolowo, the Supreme Court declared Alhaji Shehu Shagari the winner.
Chief MKO Abiola at one point was used by the northern dominated National Party of Nigeria, NPN, to oppose the presidential ambition of Awolowo . He used his National Concord newspapers and enormous wealth to fight Awolowo and UPN and when they finished using him to deal with Awolowo, they frustrated Abiola’s presidential ambition and he had to resign from the party in 1982.
Babangida annulled the election of Abiola in 1993, Yorubas alluded to a certain curse Awolowo placed on Abiola, in the heat of the latter’s opposition to his presidential ambition that “even if Abiola was to be given the presidential seat, he would not sit on it.”
The northerner are wise, they learnt how to manipulate their way into the heart of the Yorubas. The same method is introduced in this regime and the Yorubas are falling into the trap. Rumour going on that the northerners has promised that year 2023 president will come from the southwest. Tinubu will contest as president under APC. The same way Gowon promised Awolowo.
A group was installed "Amutekun", to protect the people of Yoruba land. The northern rose against it, " The Yorubas will forfeit their chances to become next president", said the northerner people . Tinubu playing along, no matter what comes up, he doesn't go against it. " A man who sold his birth right, will sought for it back with tear, but it will be too late" .
Yoruba wake up from your slumber, it's time to move forward.
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