The latest victim of ‘Obi-dients’ mob justice is Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka. Still smarting from the loss of their preferred candidate, Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), in the 2023 elections, they recently unleashed their venom on Soyinka for daring to criticise Obi’s running mate, LP vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, over the latter’s comments during a recent interview.
The Nobel Laureate had criticised Datti for addressing the Supreme Court in “fascistic language.”
When Datti went on air, he spoke carelessly, saying the country had no president-elect despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announcing Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election.
The LP vice-presidential candidate fumed that Tinubu would be leading an unconstitutional government if sworn into office because the APC candidate “has not met requirements of the law.”
The interview did not go down well with many, especially the opposition. It equally elicited criticism from diverse segments of the public. Subsequently, the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) sanctioned the TV station for airing a “volatile broadcast capable of inciting public disorder and violating sections of the broadcasting code,” as well as a N5 million fine.
Soyinka’s take on the issue was characteristically blunt. He wondered why the LP vice-presidential candidate tried to “dictate to the supreme arbiter of the nation,” he went on to accuse Datti of broad-daylight blackmailing of the judiciary.” His comments were unbecoming and a threat to the judiciary. It is a fascist language that alienates the people. It is unacceptable, and I refuse to be a part of it.” Soyinka fumed.
Soyinka believes that Datti’s commentary presents a false narrative of the supporters of the party, especially the “Obidient” family, thus fanning the flames of fascism in politics.
Analysing the aftermath of the 2023 polls, the Nobel laureate didn’t leave out the ethnic tension episodes that characterised the Guber elections. He condemned the attacks on non-indigenes in various states, especially in Lagos State, where violence and open threats broke out. He also suggested a decentralized system of sharing political power
Expectedly, Obi’s supporters launched attacks on Soyinka declaring him an enemy of the “Obidients.”
The incessant verbal abuse eventually irked many who rose sharply in defense of the renowned playwright.
Over the years, the 88-year-old novelist has remained vocal and expressive, hardly ever talking about himself; but always speaking out about issues in the country and the way forward.
Soyinka, without mincing words, said he had warned Obi that if he lost the presidential election, it would be as a result of his followers’ attitude. But clearly, Obidients have metamorphosised into a social media lynch mob, attacking opponents in packs and tyrannising those who do not share their views.
Since Obi joined the presidential race, his horde of supporters have been the most intemperate, and at worst, find their expression in abuse, intimidation, the threat to use violence and utter disregard for the feelings and rights of others. Summarily, anyone who does not support them or share in their sentiments is an enemy.
Aside from Soyinka, the likes of Pastor Poju Oyemade, Femi Otedola, Father Mbaka, Reno Omokri, Pastor Adeboye, Deji Adeyanju, Pastor Adefarasin, Femi Fani-Kayode, and a host of others once, had their fair share of hateful comments and threats from Obi’s supporters.
Although Obi, had repeatedly made a show of admonishing his supporters to stop insulting or attacking his opponents and their supporters, the intolerance of opposing views by his supporters escalates in real-time thus truncating the beauty of democracy.
While the dust raised by Soyinka is yet to settle. Soyinka is not new to controversies, many observers admire his courage and knack for speaking truth to power. Just like former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) deputy governor, Kingsley Moghalu echoed, Soyinka will survive the attacks.