Soyinka Tea Break in Naija

8/6/2019 Soyinka Tea Break in Naija

1/37

10-06-28 ea Break In Naija

Page 1 sttp://saharareporters.com/articles/external-contrib/6342-tea-break-in-naija.html

Wole Soyinka

Tea Break In Naija

Written by Wole Soyinka

Wednesday, 23 June 2010 17:33

While this intervention has been triggered off by an op-ed in your online

journal by one Remi Oyeyemi, I have to let you know that I have taken the

trouble to respond more out of a concern for the editorial responsibilities of

your journal than anything else. This is not the first such abuse of

SAHARAREPORTERS and, curiously enough, a former occasion had to do with

the same subject I.B.Babangida. I shall begin by acknowledging the extreme

generosity of your contributor in allowing me one full week of grace to respondto an interview I had never seen, nor knew anything about. In his article, the

sanctimonious Oyeyemi has again graciously imposed a deadline, albeit

unspecified. I shudder to think what would have happened if a concerned

reader had not sent me a link, wondering what this was all about. Virtual

decapitation?

Now, to some pertinent issues: I remain in ignorance also of how the Nigerian media reported the Edo incident.

Beyond my brief comment on return to Ikeja airport, I declined to give any interviews on the incident. I left the

airport before the AC delegation. By agreement en route from Benin, they would do the talking. My only interest

was to return to my US engagements without further loss of valuable time.

There is a deplorable tone of pomposity, of dictatorial conceit in Oyeyemis article that sets ones teeth on edge.

Here is an article premised on a profusion of ifs, maybes, mightbes, it is possible that, alleged, reportedly, yet

filled with conclusive judgmental expressions and smug censoriousness. Setting up oneself as a judge of political

moralities requires a more rigorous approach to the marshaling, and presentation of suppositions and facts. You do

not impute a cover-up on such feeble, convenient, purely speculative terms and over such trivia!

A surprise encounter, totally unexpected that took place in the presence of, and involving at least thirty others in

the reception room of a state governor is not, by any stretch of imagination, an encounter to be tendentiously

described as taking place behind closed doors. This was in the public domain, and it is presumptuous for

anyone to require that I give an account, as a public duty, to what was clear to everyone in that formal and open

S

L

ww

Home News Reports Interviews About Us Sport Blog City Articles Columnists Letter
http://saharareporters.com/interviews.htmlhttp://saharareporters.com/sport.htmlhttp://saharareporters.com/http://saharareporters.com/http://saharareporters.com/http://saharareporters.com/columnists.htmlhttp://saharareporters.com/articles.htmlhttp://saharareporters.com/blogcity.htmlhttp://saharareporters.com/sport.htmlhttp://saharareporters.com/interviews.htmlhttp://saharareporters.com/reports.htmlhttp://saharareporters.com/real-news.htmlhttp://www.saharareporters.com/http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BSTIF5dEoTNqeMoagmgeZoMCpCIXq3rsB5fqMzhbAjbcB8PUSEAEYASCU8cwDOABQsNj04QNg_aijgfADoAGBxfvwA7IBE3NhaGFyYXJlcG9ydGVycy5jb226AQoyNTB4MjUwX2FzyAEC2gFRaHR0cDovL3NhaGFyYXJlcG9ydGVycy5jb20vYXJ0aWNsZXMvZXh0ZXJuYWwtY29udHJpYi82MzQyLXRlYS1icmVhay1pbi1uYWlqYS5odG1syAL92ZIRqAMByAMF6APHBOgDOOgDF_UDAAAAxA&num=1&sig=AGiWqtxxwMqaf4oPjVCxedc32PRMwBuuQg&client=ca-pub-7962155685406126&adurl=http://www.pingo.com/p/nigeria/nigeria.htmlhttp://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BSTIF5dEoTNqeMoagmgeZoMCpCIXq3rsB5fqMzhbAjbcB8PUSEAEYASCU8cwDOABQsNj04QNg_aijgfADoAGBxfvwA7IBE3NhaGFyYXJlcG9ydGVycy5jb226AQoyNTB4MjUwX2FzyAEC2gFRaHR0cDovL3NhaGFyYXJlcG9ydGVycy5jb20vYXJ0aWNsZXMvZXh0ZXJuYWwtY29udHJpYi82MzQyLXRlYS1icmVhay1pbi1uYWlqYS5odG1syAL92ZIRqAMByAMF6APHBOgDOOgDF_UDAAAAxA&num=1&sig=AGiWqtxxwMqaf4oPjVCxedc32PRMwBuuQg&client=ca-pub-7962155685406126&adurl=http://www.pingo.com/p/nigeria/nigeria.htmlhttp://saharareporters.com/http://saharareporters.com/articles/external-contrib/6342-tea-break-in-naija.htmlhttp://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=saharareporters&v=250&source=tbx-250&tt=0&s=delicious&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsaharareporters.com%2Farticles%2Fexternal-contrib%2F6342-tea-break-in-naija.html&title=Get%20more%20Nigerian%20and%20African%20news%20at%20SaharaReporters.com&content=&lng=fr&description=SaharaReporters.comhttp://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=saharareporters&v=250&source=tbx-250&tt=0&s=gmail&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsaharareporters.com%2Farticles%2Fexternal-contrib%2F6342-tea-break-in-naija.html&title=Get%20more%20Nigerian%20and%20African%20news%20at%20SaharaReporters.com&content=&lng=fr&description=SaharaReporters.comhttp://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=saharareporters&v=250&source=tbx-250&tt=0&s=live&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsaharareporters.com%2Farticles%2Fexternal-contrib%2F6342-tea-break-in-naija.html&title=Get%20more%20Nigerian%20and%20African%20news%20at%20SaharaReporters.com&content=&lng=fr&description=SaharaReporters.comhttp://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=saharareporters&v=250&source=tbx-250&tt=0&s=digg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsaharareporters.com%2Farticles%2Fexternal-contrib%2F6342-tea-break-in-naija.html&title=Get%20more%20Nigerian%20and%20African%20news%20at%20SaharaReporters.com&content=&lng=fr&description=SaharaReporters.comhttp://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=saharareporters&v=250&source=tbx-250&tt=0&s=google&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsaharareporters.com%2Farticles%2Fexternal-contrib%2F6342-tea-break-in-naija.html&title=Get%20more%20Nigerian%20and%20African%20news%20at%20SaharaReporters.com&content=&lng=fr&description=SaharaReporters.comhttp://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=saharareporters&v=250&source=tbx-250&tt=0&s=myspace&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsaharareporters.com%2Farticles%2Fexternal-contrib%2F6342-tea-break-in-naija.html&title=Get%20more%20Nigerian%20and%20African%20news%20at%20SaharaReporters.com&content=&lng=fr&description=SaharaReporters.comhttp://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=saharareporters&v=250&source=tbx-250&tt=0&s=twitter&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsaharareporters.com%2Farticles%2Fexternal-contrib%2F6342-tea-break-in-naija.html&title=Get%20more%20Nigerian%20and%20African%20news%20at%20SaharaReporters.com&content=&lng=fr&description=SaharaReporters.comhttp://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?pub=saharareporters&v=250&source=tbx-250&tt=0&s=facebook&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsaharareporters.com%2Farticles%2Fexternal-contrib%2F6342-tea-break-in-naija.html&title=Get%20more%20Nigerian%20and%20African%20news%20at%20SaharaReporters.com&content=&lng=fr&description=SaharaReporters.comhttp://saharareporters.com/http://saharareporters.com/letters.html


2/37



space as a fortuitous encounter, and one with all conversation audible to all, including a swarm of reporters and

photographers that accompanied Babangida into that lounge.

However, Ibrahim Babangida, in the account offered by Oyeyemi, was absolutely correct in one aspect. I have no

personal problem with him or with any other individual to whom I openly identify as a political adversary.

Babangida does however have a huge problem of political deficit with me, and with the nation, and that is the

albatross that constitutes his problem. I affirm that, if the State House stewards had offered me tea with IBB, I

would have declined, but it would only have been to request something a little stronger, since I am no tea drinker. I

am happy to note that Oyeyemis strictures do not extend to having a drink with anyone on the other side of a

profound political divide.

The purists of political contact are welcome to their position, but they should learn to mind their language.

Behind closed doors! Is there no longer any respect for truth?

As already stated, I indeed met and exchanged pleasantries with Babangida. When I discovered what had brought

him into Oshiomoles visitors lounge in company of at least some twenty-odd other guests, including Governor

Sylvia of Bayelsa when I found that he had been invited to the rally, and that David Mark was also invited as

Guest of Honour, I organized my leave-taking as fusslessly and efficiently as I know how, with a fortuitous timing

that enabled me to hitch a ride in the chartered plane that brought AC leaders to Edo. I especially did not want to

embarrass my host, Adam Oshiomole, who I still feel - had invited me with less than expected candour and error

of judgment. I find Oyeyemis article pretentious, pompous and irresponsibly misleading. SAHARA REPORTERS

could have punctured this souffl by contacting me and drawing my attention to Babangidas interview. They knowhow to find me. Other media have taken similar action in the past, sometimes only to decide not even to publish

my response when they judged that the issue merited no more than transient curiosity - in journalese, considered

unnewsworthy.

But he owes the rest of us the TRUTH (my emphasis) that this was what transpired, and that he changed his

mind after having tea with him (IBB) that he did not want to be seen in public with him. Misleading (?) the public

that he turned back from Benin airport when this was not what happened writes Mr. Remi Oyeyemi.

Whose truth is this? Obviously Oyeyemis, not that of anyone else who was present in Oshiomoles visitors lounge,

the airport, the Ikeja arrival lounge, or listened to my brief statement with the media at Ikeja. Since when did the

Oyeyemi of the world appropriate the right to interpret events at which they were not present, and assign a truth

to the state of mind of the characters involved. What are the credentials of Oyeyemi as a mind-reader? Has hespoken to Oshiomole? To his staff who organized the event? To the team which whisked me to the airport? To

Akande, Tinubu, Fayemi etc etc to whom I spoke while organising my exit from Oshiomoles guest house? Is any of

that melodrama of any real interest to busy and serious-minded people? Who is this faceless individual to

compose his own spurious scenario in his feverish mind and attempt to foist it on your readership?

Tea is beginning to assume mythological proportions in Nigerian affairs - sadly and tragically, from Tam David-

West to Moshood Abiola. Perhaps this is responsible for the fictive tea-party of Oyeyemis imagination. If the fact

that my arrival in Ikeja in an aircraft with AC leaders confused the press awaiting the retreat, that element, that

weighty atom of tea leaves even if it were real - is so disproportionate to the main issue, which is that we all

declined to participate in that rally, that I cannot find the energy to pillory the media on its account. What

remains is not even a storm, but mere froth in a phantom teacup.

Did Babangida really say we had tea together? I am learning of this weird claim for the first time. So what should I

do? Sue him for defamation? Oyeyemi owes it to his readers to unravel the earth-shaking details of this tea

session. Was it with milk? Cream? Sugar? Biscuits on the side? After all, Oshiomoles visitors lounge was

constantly filled, from the beginning to the end. Someone must have noticed some sinister details. The stewards

must remember whom they served tea, and in whose company. Oyeyemi should do his homework. Obviously these

are weighty matters on which the future of the nation depends.

Please, spare yourself and us the likes of those who throw around words like truth and integrity until they have

learnt to respect their adjunct responsibility.

L

L

^ back to topVideos ShareSearch... Become a Fan
http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BwvnE5dEoTIqcOMuHmgeym8ipCPb5orkByLaa3w7AjbcBwJoMEAIYBSCU8cwDKAM4AFDm8qzXBWD9qKOB8AOgAYC-pewDsgETc2FoYXJhcmVwb3J0ZXJzLmNvbboBCjI1MHgyNTBfYXPIAQHaAVFodHRwOi8vc2FoYXJhcmVwb3J0ZXJzLmNvbS9hcnRpY2xlcy9leHRlcm5hbC1jb250cmliLzYzNDItdGVhLWJyZWFrLWluLW5haWphLmh0bWzgAQLIAqKm-QqoAwHIAwfoA8cE6AM46AMX9QMAAADE&num=5&sig=AGiWqtyTh4AHzaBMGrhokvZ3uelOTeT1KQ&client=ca-pub-7962155685406126&adurl=http://AfricanLove.com/%3Fc%3DCA%26affiliateid%3DSRA_gg_Afr_CAhttp://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BBE7x5dEoTIqcOMuHmgeym8ipCPqBj5oB-J6Q9xDAjbcBsK4VEAEYBCCU8cwDKAM4AFCSvq-bAWD9qKOB8AOgAeze1vgDsgETc2FoYXJhcmVwb3J0ZXJzLmNvbboBCjI1MHgyNTBfYXPIAQHaAVFodHRwOi8vc2FoYXJhcmVwb3J0ZXJzLmNvbS9hcnRpY2xlcy9leHRlcm5hbC1jb250cmliLzYzNDItdGVhLWJyZWFrLWluLW5haWphLmh0bWzgAQKAAgGoAwHIAwfoA8cE6AM46AMX9QMAAADE&num=4&sig=AGiWqtw0y5H1nSPe_aG7BogP2cIFw9FWBg&client=ca-pub-7962155685406126&adurl=http://www.tripmama.com/default.aspx%3Ftabid%3D188%26tmaffiliate%3DGoogle%26tmsub%3DSuperCHeapAirlineGenConthttp://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=B45z95dEoTIqcOMuHmgeym8ipCOWCn8MB98au3BPAjbcBoI0GEAMYBiCU8cwDKAM4AFCp1KOhBGD9qKOB8AOgAefMg_0DsgETc2FoYXJhcmVwb3J0ZXJzLmNvbboBCjI1MHgyNTBfYXPIAQHaAVFodHRwOi8vc2FoYXJhcmVwb3J0ZXJzLmNvbS9hcnRpY2xlcy9leHRlcm5hbC1jb250cmliLzYzNDItdGVhLWJyZWFrLWluLW5haWphLmh0bWzgAQLIAv3jgRSoAwHIAwfoA8cE6AM46AMX9QMAAADE&num=6&sig=AGiWqtzwQCI7Nf56A9n1tpLiXSeSi2eCuw&client=ca-pub-7962155685406126&adurl=http://na.link.decdna.net/n/36435/62418/www.ft.com/pmhce5%3B11%3B4%3B%3B8%3B%3Bckwv1s%3B1734ar%3B%3B7w2gb%3B%3B1%3B/i/c%3F0%26pq%3D%252fcms%252f5aedc804%252d2f7b%252d11da%252d8b51%252d00000e2511c8%252ehtml%253fsegid%253d20001%2526ftcamp%253dtraffic%252fsem%252fus%252fgoogle%255fcontent%252fworld%255fnews%252fauddev%26247cr%3D5197303321


3/37



Wole Soyinka

Comments (157)Subscribe to this comment's feed

ebenodaisysaid:

June 25, 2010

Gubra2 said:

June 25, 2010

Mgamgba brothers said:

...

Prof Wole,

With due respect for your esteemed personality, i would just simply like to remind you as the statement went "beware

of the Isles of Men". It sounds like a well-orchestrated set-up to gain and promote hidden agenda, to have allowed

this to happen, or even your goodself be entagled in this tea palaver, it is the height of any evil imagination, that we

have ever seen. The forces of radicalism in Nigeria, amongst whom you are considered a villain will always stand by

the transcendent truth, we shall not settle for less. IBB and his cohorts are simply buying time and rhetorical in all

aspects towards 2011 election, but we know it is more of illusion than a dream.

...

@Jaguda: A good Professor must be able to communicate in plain English .

Can someone translate to me in Yoruba as I can really get the message from

the esteemed professor.

Wole Soyinka only knows how to conjoin letters and words. He does not even know that two sentences joined

together in If, then pattern can be re-written with and. This is because the man is not a logician. To argue with

such a man is a waste of your time because arguments are meaningless to him.

Supposing you say to him:

1) If Ribadu is not corrupt, then Olusegun Obasanjo, Lamidi Adedibu, and Andy Uba are not corrupt.

He would not understand you because he thinks that

2) Ribadu is corrupt and Olusegun Obasanjo, Lamidi Adedibu, and Andy Uba are corrupt should never be tossed

around or be deduced from 1) by educated people.

You see, he thinks in simple terms, but he uses convoluted words to confuse his ignorant worshipers.

...
http://saharareporters.com/component/jomcomment/feed/6342/com_content.html


4/37



June 25, 2010

profet said:

June 25, 2010

Mr Merry Chukwu said:

June 25, 2010

profet said:

June 25, 2010

Chief CC Okeke (Moscow, RF) said:

Dear Prof. Soyinka is a cultist this man is among those men that thinks he can use us.He told tea with IBB he should

not lie.

...

SR publishes all things for anyone to be aware: SR is like the thermometer we use to check our temperature and toknow who is who. SR is politicians thermometer, it is like a mirror or a police for you to to see yourself: akuyili was

rebranding and needs transparancy, but never understood the magnanimousity of SR as a transparency medium. SR

shows you when you are enjoying theft money and when you are crying with consquencies: these two facts of life need

public critics as you declare yourself as a public officer: though it is not working in nations in 9ja's inbuilt corruption.

...

Sir, Prof Wole, I thank God for your healthy presence to respond to Oyeyemi's write-up. The ear that hear is very

inside, if he likes he can react positively or ignorantly.

Sir, majority of us young Nigerians are disturbed with the word attitudinal change as envisaged by Akumyili, which is

yet to touch life. The nigerian army court marshed the soldiers that complained that thier (UN) operatioanl allwances

had been eaten by some of the NA officers. They we later jailed. The Army chief Danbazau has even refused to pay his

soldiers thier UN operational allwances, Annual transport allwance, and funiture allwances. Curently, they have even

eaten almost 5.7billon the soldiers saved to get a house on retirement ie PHD Housing Scheme. Please sir Drag the

Army authority to court or EFCC to pay our fathers and brothers thier entitlement because it looks that Danbazau is

bigger than President Jonathan.

Mr Mery Chukwu

Apapa - Lagos Nigeria

...

you see just like boko haram they never love good things such as talented man wole soyinka:though i see jega with his

connection, but the nations in nigeria are so greedy that they do not love book worm like wole soyinka because they

are afraid he might change the system of corruption by his vast researched ethics. man soyinka am an igbo man but i

respect you! do not let them take you in like one overseer of Poverty bank man, who loved wearing shorts, then that

they co-opted,used him and dumped his name in the grave.wole just hit your words as part of your history man:the

messiah will come, its not jonathan...it will come just like how Jesus came without Phoroah knowing with his quest of

killing all new born sons during his era: then we will hear"Pharoah let my people go, OR" there will be miracles to

show for it.

...

Prof. Soyinka promised to start the mock trial of OBJ some 18 months now since EFCC were not ready to conduct the

real trial. What is delaying this much expected "mock" trial of Nigeria's worst leader and most corrupt individual alive


5/37



June 25, 2010

okwui agada said:

June 25, 2010

Jaguda said:

June 25, 2010

OF said:

June 25, 2010

Ramses Osiris said:

June 25, 2010

Busuyi O said:

??? Prof, has OBJ begged you? Pls start the trial because, many of us are ready to come forwrd and make our

depositions with evidence!

...

The good thing about the internet is that you do not know if the poster is a dog!

...

A good Professor must be able to communicate in plain English . Can someone translate to me in Yoruba as I can

really get the message from the esteemed professor. Pls help

...

@ Osayande.

You are nothing but a cow as stated by comments above.

Leave us alone in Nigeria and mind you...ensure you translate and change your stupid name to the whichever dialet

they use wherever you motherf*cker is...

Nigeria will move 4ward either you or assholes like you want it or not.

...

@ Osayande:

Since a Nobel Prize laureate can not impress you, since Nigeria is for you an "Ignoramus Republic", I suppose you are

THE intellectual giant, the Messiah, the Anointed One we have all been waiting for (never mind your street gutter

language!). Please, IMPRESS US WITH YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS!!! If you have to dwarf Soyinka and the rest of us,

then, do it mercilessly, so we can all prostrate before you! Dont miss this golden opportunity to dazzle us with your

colossal und unrivaled superiority! We are waiting!!! But please, dont make us wait for ever!!! Do it now or else shut

up!!

...

Osayande, you are idiot if you dont know that you are the moron who insult WS. That didnt do you right, you descend

to insult the whole nation, why wont you when you have manged to get a change of nationality somewhere else. The

worst of it would be that (if you are out of Nigeria) you are where you are today because Nigeria sponsored your

stinky arse. Many of you that Nigeria sent out up till the early 80's where are you today? What have you done in

return for the nation? You know what? You are nonentity and a piece of fart, so you can quickly take your pride and

go to hell. When Wole Soyinka went to jail for the nation where da 4k were you?


6/37



June 25, 2010

Hem Bulkwang said:

June 25, 2010

oladeji esan said:

June 25, 2010

MB said:

June 25, 2010

Gam said:

June 25, 2010

osayande* said:

...

Why should it worry us whether Wole Soyinka drank tea with IBB or not? Come to think of it, what is so special about

Wole Soyinka. This is an individual that introduced dangerous cultism into Nigerian higher institutions and has now

crept into our secondary schools. The product of his intellect is now armed robbery, kidnapping, political gangsterism

etc. Wole Soyinka cannot be compared with Chinua Achebe (the real son of Africa). Never!!!

...

thank God for the truth.i was initially scared about the story.If it had been true then we are all in trouble.Prof is

considered to be a man of integrity and decorum.

...

"Following the occupation of the Midwest, Soyinka met Obasanjo face-to-face to relay the goals of the Biafrans to the

man in control of the West. Unfortunately!basanj"'s decision to side with the Nigerian federation had already been

made. The invasion of the Midwest eventually sparked counter-attacks into the Midwest by federal government forces,

signaling the commencement of civil war. !basanj" disclosed his meeting with Soyinka to his superiors, who declared

the writer a traitor and convened search parties to obtain Soyinka for arrest, which they eventually did. Soyinka was

then incarcerated until the end of the unfolding civil war." culled from wikipedia..ummm..I doubt he's great friends

with Obasanjo to some of d comments. I see a man who took one for d nation...how many of us ve been incarcerated 4

Naija yet?

...

How I wish our so called leaders learn from the humility of the Prof. It takes humility indeed to stoop to clarify such

personal issues of drinking tea in public with people perceived to be enemy of the state (evil genius). The fact that we

disagree in political spheres does not mean we have to hate one another. SR should show high degree of

professionalism in balance reporting. It could have done more good if this clarification was interjected by SR with the

article from Oyeyemi to make a more discerning reportage. This issue was raised in the report concerning the braw in

the House of Rep. where SR totally excluded the grace allegation of frauds running to billions of naira. The reportage

should be fair to all concerned.

...

To the morons who would rather engage in insults and name calling, as it is much easier for them than to apply their

faculties; I dont suppose you expect me to descend to your intellectual ground zero, do you ?


7/37



June 25, 2010

abel ade said:

June 25, 2010

Rommel said:

June 25, 2010

Ramses Osiris said:

June 25, 2010

Lanre said:

June 25, 2010

Bobbysaid:

In the meantime, I would suggest you people seek to rename that your God forsaken country to something more

befitting such as: The Ignoramus Republic of Nigeria.

...

Personally I do not like IBB and I think Oshiomhole is sly but the governor has a right to invite whomsoever he wantsand Soyinka can as well leave without feeling bitter. As for Soyinka a man who rides with Tinubu, a crook, thief and

pretender to progressive causes does not really convince me on issues of integrity. Soyinka would make a case for

Ribadu, a man who could not explain how he raised the money to buy houses in Abuja and Dubai as EFCC chairman

and who could not face the courts to defend himself! No wonder Obj has no regard for such characters ... e don see

dem finish.

...

Thanks Prof for your concise & eloquent response. Those who think this response isn't clear enough obviously have

limited vocabulary in English Language which of course isn't our mother tongue in Nigeria anyway. All you need to do

is to read more books to improve your English & not expect others to regress to your level.

...

The strategy of the obnoxious evil genius and his retarded lemmings is clear:

get Soyinka s support or else destroy him!! Why would one make so much noise about such a triviality like a "tea-

party behind closed doors" that never happened? And so what, if it did happen?

Millions of Nigerians are suffering daily, with no access to the most basic amenities of life. Thousands are starving to

death, no health care, our schools in shambles, corruption everywhere, perverted justice, no security......., and the

architect of these calamities, who should actually be publicly executed for his atrocities against the Nigerian people,

still has the nerve to spit at us, with the assistance of his morally depraved mercenaries! Thats rubbing salt into our

injuries! Give the evil genius and his worshippers their last cup of tea!

...

Who no know go know. Di tin wey dis Oloshi Oloriburuku Babangida go cause for Nigeria ehn. Ok O. Make we dey

wash.

...

Alhaji ICHEKU,,,,,, any Ibo man you see bearing Alhaji, fear him! Could u hear his judgement? This Prof. said he

doesn't even take tea at all.... So what else do u want? And for the rest of you that said the Prof blew too much

VOCABS why dont u just look for a dico? Simple fact here..... we do not reconise him but the UN did and gave him a


8/37



June 25, 2010

sayit said:

June 25, 2010

OC said:

June 25, 2010

OC said:

June 25, 2010

paquito bites said:

good job. PROF ENJOY jare and thanks for your struggle & love to develop this great nation of ours!!!

...

When IBB ruled Nigeria, Soyinka worked for him. Didn't he know he was a dictator then? He created a corrupt FRSC

and put Agunloye to replace him (Pirate connection). He never criticised Agunloye despite the fact that there areobvious evidence that he corruptly enriched himself. He goes around praising Fasola and Ribadu as if they are saints.

Mr. Naughty Prof., you can deceive many but not all.

...

...Everyone is accountable for his/her associations too. If we associate with thieves and discredited persons, we are

accountable for this. Even President Obama was held accountable for his association with his then Pastor and an

alleged 'Terrorist' group in the 70s. He responded to his critiques, not by arrogance, but defended himself. I believe

my piece is to those who have arrogated arrogance to themselves and feel WS should not have responded. He deservedto respond and we all deserved to know the truth. He has cleared the air and the issue should now be put to bed. WS

is held in high esteem by nearly all Nigerians, he should, therefore, mind who he hangs out or hitches a ride with.

Tinubu is discredited, IBB too, and now Oshiomole. WS should not hang out, or drink tea (or coffee or cogniac ) or

hitch a ride with them, ps.

...

Hero worshipping is always the bane of Nigerians and actually our greatest pitfall, which has crippled our dear

country and brought it to its knees. The almighty Wole Shoyinka is a mere mortal and is accountable. PresidentClinton (of MOnica's fame), PM Tony Blair were all held accountable for their time in office, and they defended

themselves when they were called to do so. I commend Prof WS for recognising this responsibility and responding to

clarify issues, which he could have simply summed up by saying that the Newspapers account (perhaps, misled by the

Tinubu & his AC group) was inaccurate and the IBB version was correct. He allowed the Newspaper/AC version to

fester for too long and leading us to believe that was the truth. A timely clarification was required. WS should also be

mindful of who he hobnobs with. I hope he has learnt a lesson himself not to trust his AC bedfellows to speak for him

in future. Let us stop this hero worshipping. Everyone is accountable...

...

i do not think that soyinka's rejoiner is in order,certainly not in the way he wrote it.surely silence would have been

more deserving and if a rejoiner had to be written,done with more restraint and humility.

the "sledgehammer to crack a nut" both literally and metaphorically was not called for.

i am a huge fan of prof soyinka but i also recognise his flaws. we all have flaws..his is really the arrogance that makes

him question the every fact that articles should be written about him without his approval.

i disagree with the correspondent that apologised for the youth.there are many soyinkas of the future in the youth and

prof will attest to this.the continum of intellectual chanllenges is what will save us and as much as some of us admire

soyinka ,worshipping him is another story.and he ,i'm sure, would not cherish that one little bit,tea or the hard stuff


9/37



June 24, 2010

AdeboyeJJC said:

June 24, 2010

Wodale5 said:

June 24, 2010

paquito bites said:

June 24, 2010

Damisa said:

June 24, 2010

TTheoda said:

notwithstanding.

...

Love for Wole Soyinka is love for Ribadu, Olusegun Obasanjo, Lamidi Adedibu, Andy Uba, Akala, Gbenga Daniel, Oni

in Ekiti, the thug governing Osun. These are his friends and accomplices in thuggery and murders.

Mr Soyinka,you must believe you can fool some people with your useless grammar. Whatever happened to the

death of your best friend, Bola Ige? Have you unearthed the hidden as you claimed in your article after Ribadu was

booted out of the EFCC? Do you really think we are not watching every stealthy step you have taken since 1999? Do

you really believe your crimes are not being documented?

...

Wole Soyinka is more corrupt than Olusegun Obasanjo, Adedibu, Andy Uba, IBB, and Satan rolled into one. He only

pretends to be what he is not. Those who believe him are either ignorant or like him. Oyeyemi is among 5% of Yoruba

who see beyond their self-interests

Soyinka lived in and benefited from what a free nation has to offer, but he hates freedom for his Yoruba people in

Ogun States. At least, the thugs in the list above are illiterate criminals. Soyinka is an educated ediot and a pretender

the worst kind of Yoruba. Do not tell me he was awarded some price in literature. How has that improved the lives of

the suffering masses in his hometown in Abeokuta?

...

what is the fuss about.all the actors in this "storm in a tea cup" should have their credibility in tact.to my hero wole

soyinka,who should know better than take issue with a questioning journalist.to the writer who was asking a

question,no need to bite his head off.

to to edo governor who held the gathering and his intentions.finally to the genius that is ibb that understands

correctly that nigerians have simply been reduced to "what is your price",irrespective of the amount of grammar one

espouces.

...

Sir, I apologize on his behalf even though i do not know him (Osayande). Consider him a minor.

...

Yoruba people come here to eulogize a man who is deeply into corruption and ruination of Nigeria.


10/37



June 24, 2010

Busuyi O said:

June 24, 2010

Abdulmalik Yusufsaid:

June 24, 2010

andy ekugo said:

June 24, 2010

andy ekugo said:

Wole Soyinka and Obasanjo are equivalent and they worked together from 1999 to 2007. Soyinka is a

deadly snake. If you dispute these, then explain to use why Soyinka loves Nuhu Ribadu and follows

Ribadu around like a house pet. If Ribadu is not corrupt and deep into the problems holding Nigeria

from developing, then Andy Uba, Lamidi Adedibu, Olusegun Obasanjo, Gbenga Daniel, Aloa Akala,

Bayo Ojo, Patric Etteh, etc, etc, were all free of corruption during the 8 years of Obasanjos anarchy in

Nigeria.

Remi Oyeyemi: Remain focused and do not worry about idiots and agents of Obasanjo; they will all get

their day in court/grave sooner than they think.

...

Osayande is not just a cow, he is depressed and lunatic. How dare you question the integrity of Wole Soyinka? The

name no dey fear you, you this failure in all your life endeavor? No wonder you cheap shot at Nobel Laurel winner as

a help of IBB, you are deluded and you should be living with goats and lambs....

...

@Osayande, It is clear that you know next to nothing about Nigerian literature, literary contributions or what it takes

to be a Nobel laureate. In your uninformed dead mind you have conjured up a non-existent interlocution by a

discredited self acclaimed deceptive evil genius. WS did not have to struggle with the erudite Achebe for the Nobel

prize neither did your IBB have a hand in it. If IBB did, why did he not nominate himself for the peace prize after the

massive ECOMOG drain pipe.

...

3.

His rejoinder paints a picture of a man who is desperately grasping for straws to keep his reputation (or what is left of

it)and his bloated ego afloat after a ship wreck of misadventure. the game is over and like the Americans say, smell

the coffee Prof!

...

2.

wole soyinka should know that its high time for him to climb down from the moral iroko tree he perched himself

before. he is just another nigerian-double standards and all. he hobnobs with very corrupt politicians secretly but

openly tears nigeria to shreds. how i miss Gani Fawehinmi now! one of the few UPRIGHT nigerians. wole soyinka

should know that the days of tin gods in nigeria are over. if he is in doubt, he should ask his friend and former boss

IBB! the unanswered question is this. did he spend a few minutes with IBB in Benin whether he drank tea or

something stronger or not? how is it possible for him not to know that he was invited to that tea party with his

network of you-know-what? literary exhibitionism cannot wish away these pertinent questions.


11/37



June 24, 2010

andy ekugo said:

June 24, 2010


June 24, 2010

Charles Ekakabor said:

June 24, 2010

Musa Muka said:

June 24, 2010

Musa Muka said:

June 24, 2010

Alli Pedro said:

...

1.

i almost puked at the man's arrogance. who the hell does he think he is? he once said that he does not read nigerian

newspapers and his rejoinder is dripping with that absurd claim. hear him 'I shudder to think what would have

happened if a concerned reader had not sent me a link, wondering what this was all about. Virtual decapitation?' andthis ' I remain in ignorance also of how the Nigerian media reported the Edo incident' then spice it up with this 'My

only interest was to return to my US engagements without further loss of valuable time' meaning that his visit to

nigeria was a loss of valuable time. the only valuable time for him is that which he spends in USA! i shudder.

...

@Osayande, It is clear that you know next to nothing about Nigerian literature, literary contributions or what it takes

to be a Nobel laureate. In your uninformed dead mind you have conjured up a non-existent interlocution by a

discredited self acclaimed deceptive evil genius. WS did not have to struggle with the erudite Achebe for the Nobel

prize neither did your IBB have a hand in it. If he did, why did he not nominate himself for the peace prize after the

massive ECOMOG drain pipe.

...

@Osayande, you are a disgrace to the Edo nation, the Southern part of the so called entity called Nigeria and the

Black race. WS has stood up for his convictions and faced death for his beliefs. What have u done for NGR. So IBB

bribed the Nobel committee to give WS the peace prize. You are for all intents and purposes a fool and a disgrace to

the Benin nation. Prof WS, my apologies.

...

All are the same: those who gave the tea and the rest claiming not to have drank it!

...

Wole has a problem for chewing from both sides of the mouth: to be an activist and same time to side with people in

the corridor of powers under whatever guise Nigerians believe this is going to be contradictory.

...


12/37



June 24, 2010

Alhaji ICHEKU said:

June 24, 2010

Win said:

June 24, 2010

Kayefi said:

June 24, 2010

Dada Ogbegun said:

June 24, 2010

Livy-Elcon Emereonye said:

Thanks to Saharareporters for publishing Prof Wole Soyinka's rebuttal, at least it puts my mind at rest that we still

have flag bearers who would not allow their integrity to be stained by a cup of tea. Actually after reading Prof Wole's

piece I made myself a nice hot cuppa with milk and sugar. it tasted good. Now SR must respond and if an apology is

necessary, it must humbly offer an apology to us its readers and also to our dear Prof. and lets move on with the job of

rescuing our dear motherland from the hands of tyrants and vagabonds. Chikena!

...

What is all this professorial noise about? Who is surprised anyway that Soyinka is seen enjoying tea with the political

brigands who destroyed our country. Pardon my candor, my Yoruba brothers, but Soyinka has acted true to Yoruba

character: slippery and traitorous. By the way Yoruba is a corruption of the Hausa word yariba - slippery!

...

We have lost one important theory in all this episode. Could Oshomole be a wolf in a sheep clothe being used by the

evil jenius IBB to silence once and forall our Prof through a keeler poison in a tea cup.I have my suspetion.

...

I am glad to see this floodgate of comments, a sure testament to the awareness and passion of Nigerians on issues.

Yes, Soyinka is celebrated and overall honorable, but he is human and fallible. The inconsistency between his public

perception as a moral crusader and his actual conduct, which I have also disappointingly noticed, is at the core of

Oyeyemi's article. Those calling for Oyeyemi's head for daring to "pick" on their revered (deified?) icon should

consider that Soyinka palled around with Lucky Igbinedion (he had a permanent suite at the governor's mansion),

who nearly bankrupted Edo state with nary a condemnation from the prof.

...

I completely agreed with supernova!

...

It is good to call a spade a spade without chritening a hoe an agricultural implement. The most formidable aspect of

journalism is objectivity. Reportive journalism is all about fact and truth however bitter it may taste and not a hurried

reportage to score cheap political point. Be it as it may, we should try within the limit of our ability to desist from

every form of fabricated reportage.

Prof Soyinka has taken the pain to tell his own side of the story so the so called Oyeyemi should respond telling the


13/37



June 24, 2010

Supernova said:

June 24, 2010

Sunday Njokede said:

June 24, 2010

Kayefi said:

June 24, 2010

nammor said:

June 24, 2010

nammor said:

world the source of his write up if he is not just out to tarnish the hard earned respect of Kongi!

...

It will be a futile attempt to better the rebuttal by the great prof himself however, what irks me is the extent IBB will

travel to blunt our memories of the holocaust he visited on Nigeria and the West African sub-region. Tea or no teawith Mr Soyinka is a figment of a very fertile imagination of a gnome suffering from a complex of the inferiority

type. Okay, Mr Oyeyemi, you've been dissed by Kongi and therefore earned the gold plaque ofbuffoon of the

week(I can see the wry smile on your crooked face). Take it, frame it and get out of our faces.

...

The fact that Wale Soyinka could have the temerity to lampoon ex-president Obasnajo while his daughter was OBJ's

appointee showed that Soyinka is not an ordinary Nigerian specie. Things like conflict of interest fall many Nigerian

movers and shakers. Col. Umar was loudly criticising OBJ but when Umar's countryman president Yar'Adua,

appointed Umar's sister to his government, he had no more appetite to criticising Yaradua.

Soyinka is unmatched in his consistencies for fairness and equality.

...

I am glad to see this floodgate of comments, a sure testament to the awareness and passion of Nigerians on issues.

Yes, Soyinka is celebrated and overall honorable, but he is human and fallible. The inconsistency between his public

perception as a moral crusader and his actual conduct, which I have also disappointingly noticed, is at the core of

Oyeyemi's article. Those calling for Oyeyemi's head for daring to "pick" on their revered (deified?) icon should

consider that Soyinka palled around with Lucky Igbinedion (he had a permanent suite at the governor's mansion),

who nearly bankrupted Edo state with nary a condemnation from the prof.

...

Nigerians have decided, they know those who have wrecked monumental havoc on the people and nation and very

soon, they shall be brought to justice. My 2 cents, do have a pleasant day.

...

Well said prof....its a tin line between constructive journalism and subjective journalism. Sahararepoters, i believe may

not have exhausted the available medium to investigate this incident but i strongly believe that it was not done in bad

faith ..sir. I do speak for myself and not as a staff, cos i an not one but a reader like many , who follow SR. Hopefully

your rejoinder would put a positive closure it.


14/37



June 24, 2010

Hammed abimbola Disu said:

June 24, 2010

Elmango Meat said:

June 24, 2010

truthisanopenwound said:

June 24, 2010


Prof, i would not have bought the story anyway , knowing your disposition and person..drink tea with the evil

genius....ahhhh darkness and light cannot stand together simple.... The bitter truth is that your host was deceitful and

lacked the proper moral judgment and disappointing, trying to bring you and the evil one together for whatever

reasons best known to him..SHAME. Some choose to be very careful who we associate and dine with at this critical

time in Nigeria i must emphasize. I hope you do the same sir.

...

I TRUST PROF.SOYINKA, THAT HE WILL SURELY EXPLAIN TO THE WORLD WHAT ACCUALLY HAPPEND ON

THAT DAY IN EDO STATE ,PROF.WOLE SOYINKA IS NOT A PERSON THAT CRITICISE PEOPLE TO GAIN

CHEAP POPULARIY AND WILL NEVER BE ONE ,AND AGAIN THE PROF ,DOES SEE AN ENEMY IN IBB TO THE

POINT OF NOT SEATING UNDER THE SAME ROOF WITH HIM FOR ANY MATTER, AND OYEYEMI SHOULD

HAVE MADE SOME VERY GOOD RETROSPECTION BEFORE SENDING OUT IS REPORTS.YOU CAN,T JUST PICK

UR PEN AND WRITE ARTICULES WITHOUT CROSS CHECKING THE FACT OF MATTER.

...

I now know what it means when people talk of 'storm in a tea cup'

I have learnt to drink my own tea on my own!

Come to think of it, using my own cup, water, tea bag, milk(fresh, condensed or evaporated) and sugar(white or

brown). I like it sweet!

Lesson for all?

...

continued:

It is of course easy to be talking sophistries from far away America where facilities are made available to him with

ease; America, where others have fought battles and sacrificed their lives for parasites like him to enjoy freedoms.

What has he contributed PERSONALLY to the fight to unshackle Nigeria apart from writing on the internet? This is

the crux of this matter and cowards like him will seek to cover up their spinelessness by trying to tarnish more

accomplished men in order to try and stand on the same pedestal with them if only for a fleeting second. But we the

people know the difference between the likes of Wole Soyinka and cowardly masturbators like him. Remi Oyeyemi, asthe Bible says, remove the log in your own eye first before you talk of the speck of dust in your brothers eye.

COWARD!!!!.

...


15/37



June 24, 2010


June 24, 2010


June 24, 2010


June 24, 2010

Mieske said:

continued:

He is obviously a Nigerian in diaspora (USA), in other words an economic refugee and parasite in a foreign land.

From all indications he is much younger than the great Wole Soyinka. Kongi has been fighting battles for the

betterment of Nigeria since a very early age. At over seventy he is still in the trenches fighting valiantly. Who is this

cowardly runaway soldier who has deserted the battlefield in the years of his youth to challenge (over irrelevant

rubbish like a cup of tea!) an old dogged soldier who has been in jail, sentenced to death in absentia, and so many

other things and is STILL standing on the battle field while this hopeless COWARD is hiding in America. Where are

his battle scars?

...

continued:

Remi Oyeyemi has a few more articles like this junk on Nigeriaworld for example

http://nigeriaworld.com/column...10206.html where he is arguing in support of Adedibu of all people!! That should

give an insight into how confused, demented and unstable he is. Basically, such a guy will take any side just to appear

'controversial', 'enigmatic' and 'enlightened' even if what he is saying makes no sense and above all else is irrelevant.

...

continued:

Where the likes of Remi Oyeyemi should be at the forefront of the battle to free Nigeria, he is AWOL while Wole

Soyinka in his seventies is still fighting. Yet the same shameless Remi who should rather be apologising to Wole has

the gall to be challenging him and quoting several newspapers. If he has put the energy he has to be reading

newspapers on the safety of the internet into the sort of risky efforts that the likes of WS has made, Nigeria would be

far better today. THIS IS THE REAL ISSUE HERE!

...

It is sad that Nigerians are unable to get to the salient issues of a matter. It is no wonder as one commentator noted

earlier on this thread that even a moron like IBB noted that Nigerians are mentally lazy. As usual most comments on

this topic show a lack of grasp of the salient issues. The only commentator who has shown a bit of insight is James

Agba who said " WS let me apologise on behalf of the young generation of this nation that at an age where you should

be resting enjoying the fruits of you labor for this nation you are still dragged into this sort of malevolent schemes.Prof

you have played more than your part for this nation. ". Now that is the point.

...

I had stated this on Oyeyemi's article and i'll reaffirm, WHY ON EARTH ARE NIGERIANS QUICK TO JUDGE BY

FEELINGS AND NOT FACTS? So because he is Wole Soyinka he cannot be questioned?
http://nigeriaworld.com/columnist/oyeyemi/010206.html


16/37



June 24, 2010

Jones Onu said:

June 24, 2010

M'tee said:

June 24, 2010

mondaysaid:

June 24, 2010

Aloy Chibueze said:

June 24, 2010

Couldn't read through all comments but couldn't help but notice a few...

@ Emeka Eze and Monday - I have to commend your intellectual view. I sincerely hope more Nigerians will learn to

tackle every situation with facts.

@ Dane Nigeria - "Student of English"? "Sensed sarcasm there"? "Oyeyemi's objectives"? One simple question.. what's

your level of education?

@ Osayande - I loved your choice of word, "Social Responsibility"!!

Wole Soyinka is much respected and thus much is expected of him. One of the criterias for being a good leader is

being HUMBLE. I can't contend your intelligence and years of intellectual experience, however i plead with you to

respect every journalist's opinion and write-up.

...

Emeka Eze you sound like a tribalist! Are you sure you will say the same thing if it were to be Achebe that is

concerned? Stop the nonsense and dont tarnish the image of the other responsible Igbos.

...

@zrskm, you said Remi Oyelowo is a journalist. Please, where did he train as a journalist to lie that Soyinka drank tea

with IBB? Which journalism school? Some commentators were far from fair on the issue. Would you take it lightly if

someone told a fat lie on you, especially on Sahara Reporters? Legal actions could teach people common sense.

...

In this animal Kingdom one is higher than the other. A St. Prof shakes a corruption personified fellow he remains

clean. A Pastor was recently condemned and castigated for shaking a man who extended his hand to him in Church.It

is right for superior being to exchange warm pleasantries with anybody but less human cant. Prof. never deny his

relationship with IBB but explain he has disagrement on political issues.

...

I am great fan of prof. Wole Soyinka, but his anger at Oyeyemi is misplaced. I was taken aback when i read he was

even in the same room with IBB after the media went to town about his early departure from an event he was invited

to. The Prof. is exhibiting the same arrogance and pomposity he accused Oyeyemi of. IBB is cursed and any that share

the same room with him even for a minute will definetly catch the virus. The great prof. did not do his home work

very well before coming to Benin. When notable men are invited to such event, its their responsibility to find out who

else will be at the high table. Since the prof. did not do that, he has himself to blame. Many of us who respect and see

him as an icon are dissapointed that he did not clarify the initial press report that said he left immediately after he

realized that IBB will be attending the same event. In all, prof has built a reputation that this minro glitch will not

tarnish.


17/37



amx said:

June 24, 2010

WAY4WARD said:

June 24, 2010

Niger Deltean said:

June 24, 2010

zrskm said:

June 24, 2010

Olajire Gbolu said:

...

prof, there is nothing wrong with meeting with IBB,it is what transpered btw u that matters. despite the Oyeyemi's

writeup our respect for you still hold. Long live prof.

...

@ Olajire Gbolu, Did you not read the below paragraph from the prof's rejoinder

" Did Babangida really say we had tea together? I am learning of this weird claim for the first time. So what should I

do? Sue him for defamation? Oyeyemi owes it to his readers to unravel the earth-shaking details of this tea session.

Was it with milk? Cream? Sugar? Biscuits on the side? After all, Oshiomoles visitors lounge was constantly filled,

from the beginning to the end. Someone must have noticed some sinister details. The stewards must remember whom

they served tea, and in whose company. Oyeyemi should do his homework. Obviously these are weighty matters on

which the future of the nation depends."

...

The life that is unexamnined is not worth living - The Apology.

Let's noot pander to sentiments here. Oyeyemi acted based on report he read. While every Nigerian percieve Prof.

Soyinka as a distinguish and exceptional individual, it doesn't erode the human factor in all of us. We can't hold our

leaders with one set of standard and use different parameters in assessing public commentators. Even the well

respected Gani had his short coming before his death.

A classical case is Soyinka point of disagreement with Prof. Tam David West on the personality and policy of Gen.Buhari's government. He continue to brand Buhari as a military despot but served under a worse despot

(IBB)government. A man who openly institute corruption publicly in Nigeria with a lot of human rights abuse and

high profile assasination hanging over his head. These are some double standard no matter how we interpret them.

...

I see two things colliding here between Remi Oyeyemi and Professor Wole Soyinka.The former is an inquisitive

Journalist and the latter has a reputation to preserve- self preservation.

I thought both Remi Oyeyemi and Professor Wole Soyinka did a great job in weighing the issues and stabilizing theturbulence in the air caused by that infamous occasion in Edo State.

...

If the prof actually 'drank tea', then he would be human. But if he didn't, then Babangida would have been a beast and


18/37



June 24, 2010

Olajire Gbolu said:

June 24, 2010

Lolo Okpabio said:

June 24, 2010

LA2 said:

June 24, 2010

vondoo said:

June 24, 2010

abbas baba said:

Oyeyemi a beast keeper.

...

So, so much grammar just to buttress a point, but which we never seem to get factual. Did Professor Wole Soyinka

drink Tea with Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida at Adams Oshiomhole's residence? Simple question that would havebeen answered as a conclusive paragraphs in the professor's 'short novel'. I think Prof would need to do another

response to the said piece. The question was, "did he, or did he not?"

...

@ OSAYANDE:

I feel sorry for you, I really do. You are a bitter, twisted liar. You are one of those people who stare at the truth yet

deny it. How could you be so obtuse as to suggest the WS won the Nobel 'because of his closeness to IBB'? Oh what a

dimwit! People like you make the world ugly. Develop some courage and aspire to greater things. Don't spend your

existence being a backbench moaner.

...

I doubt the professor will return to read our responses and why should he? It's not like he has nothing better to do

than to read through various attempts at impressing him with big grammar. This response is therefore for us and not

for him. I'm am still amazed that he bothered to reply to the Oyeyemi chap in the first place - a man who must right

now be very pleased with himself, howbeit, misguidedly. My two Kobo: SR, please investigate your facts before you

publish anything. This is not your first lapse in judgement. Resist the temptation to rush to print just for the sake of

appearing current. Learn to respect your elders. Yes, Oyeyemi, this one is for you.

...

What are all these hullaballo all about. Oyeyemi was simply being curious for the truth to prevail. Reports were made

of u-turn at the Airport and not transit from Oshiomole's lounge to the Airport. At least that was what, us, that read

the papers saw. So with all due respect to the Nobel Prof, Dr was trying to put the common man in the know of the

machinations of the press media while at the same time seeking answers to a presentation that could be used by

Nigerians knowing how they are to rubbish any good intention you might have for the suffering masses. Thanks for

taking time out for the response at least we are now almost grasping the real happenstance as it trasnpired on that

day. Press media take note: Prof does not drink tea meant for babies but strong stuff that even IBB cannot handle. Get

my drift?

...


19/37



June 24, 2010

Prophet Muammar Ghadafi said:

June 24, 2010

Ihediwa D.C said:

June 24, 2010

Rebel said:

June 24, 2010

WAY4WARD said:

June 24, 2010

Joseph Monehin said:

Osayande or whatever he calls himself should know this. The nobel Prize is given without political considerations or

consultations. Herein lies the problem with citizen journalism-hear-say and conjectures, based on anything but facts. I

know we can do better.

[email protected] are a COW! so u mean that IBB lobbied the Nobel Committee to award Soyinka prize?...mind u I love

Achebe more than Soyinka but that dosent mean he didt merit the award.

@Onani...paid IBB's agent

@Emeka Eze...even if prof. greeted IBB was wrong?...u mean if Obama comes to Nigeria and meets the council of

states that he wont shake IBB?

@B.j, D. OJO, Sameo et al. ... u are goofing.

Fellow Nigerians...for the erudite prof. to even condescend to respond it Oyeyemis's fiction proves that he's humble.

Pls prof we love u.

...

After reading IBB's interview I felt the same way Oyeyemi felt. I do not want to think that Oyeyemi was on the side of

IBB, rather he could not fathom the new found love between the duo, especially on the side of Prof.Soyinka whom has

been clamoring for a people oriented governance. But thank God, the response from Prof is a soothing balm.

...

@Osanyande....ol boy wetin be ur problem Wole colllect ur wife? U are now the one pouring vitriolic words on this

site. U dont seem objective to me ...rather like u have a score to settle with Wole Soyinka.

...

@ Osayande.... Who are you that Prof should single out to impress? Why market your ignorance here on SR? Ask any

journalist who knows his onus..... No report is complete or should go to press without having both sides of the story

especially when the subjects are accessible. This is certainly not a case of pomposity. The Prof is just teaching his

students (SR) best practices in journalism

...


20/37



June 24, 2010

Chief CC Okeke (Moscow, RF) said:

June 24, 2010

Frank Tee said:

June 24, 2010

sharpmouth said:

June 24, 2010

pee said:

June 24, 2010

I don't understand why anyone would criticize Remi Oyeyemi for seeking clarifications from Wole Soyinka, though a

public hero and idol to millions of people all over the world, yet still human. And while I appreciate Soyinka's

response to the article, I think it is not proper for him to throw jibes at the young man, even if his (Oyeyemi's) motives

are suspect.

I went back to again read Oyeyemi's piece and it was obvious that he based his queries to the Prof. on reports obtained

from newspapers which were never rebutted.

Someone of Wole Soyinka's calliber must realize that every now and then, as long as he remains a public figure and

hero to many, he will need to come down from his Olympian height to provide clarifications to ordinary mortals like

Remi Oyeyemi. And us bystanders who became better informed after having the privilege of studying his rejoinder.

...

Remioyes' article was inorder, and our able Prof. has reacted and cleared the air in an angry,but hilarious manner, all

at the same time. Very interesting!

Anyway, blame the evil IBB for causing the confusion in the first place.He is obviously looking for relevance which he

won't get again!

...

Left to me, the erudite professor should have left the article in question unattended to. It is a pity Sahara Reporters

managers can't know the difference between a well-intentioned article and one being used to make disgraced IBB the

issue of discussion. Oyeyemi also wanted to be dignified as someone that the great Wole Soyinka responded to. In my

mind, Prof., it is not worth it. You have lived well. A thousands IBBs and a million Oyeyemis cant bring you down

again. They are too small. Next time, ignore them!

...

@osayande. It is clear you represent a set of Nigerians who we'll be glad to throw into the dustbin of 'useless

Nigerians' with your silly comments over what Prof Wole Soyinka wrote in response to Oyeyemi's article in the

Saharareporters. I will not waste my time trying to join any issue with you but i want whoever is reading this piece to

know that you are a disgrace to this country.

...

SR is above board on this. Prof you have done the right thing by putting the records straight but don't blame SR.

However, who cares whether Soynika attends the same social event with IBB? The important thing is that each sticks

to his principles.

For me, l don't care. What l yearn for is ONE MAN ONE VOTE. I stand on UWAIS REPORT not all these distractions.


21/37



Perry Romos said:

June 24, 2010

KaparaKsaid:

June 24, 2010

BENNYBOYsaid:

June 24, 2010

The SCOURGE said:

June 24, 2010

WAY4WARD said:

...

Remi raised a genuine concern of what had been reported in the Compass Newspaper. More so because Prof. Wole

Soyinka did not refute the story for at least a week after the IBB's interview was publicized. We know from experience

that if OBJ were to make false claims about Wole Soyinka in an interview, he's very likely to respond within 24 hours.

So, there's bound to be expectation of speedy response by Wole Soyinka to false claims against him. That's the

precedence he has set with a former president, and it is to that same standard that Nigerians hold him to when other

former presidents are concerned. The good thing in all of this is that Wole Soyinka has cleared the air about what

transpired at Oshiomhole's visitor's court on that day.

...

Osayande is spot on Soyinkas double standard when it comes to IBB v OBJ. wOLE-FRN is conveniently silent on IBB

(one of the 2 worst leaders Nigeria ever had) while vociferous on OBJ (the greatest of our leaders) minor

shortcomings, rumors, et al. As much as I hate to comment on doggerels now published on SR, particularly by this

Oyeyemi dude, I just have to say that Soyinka has just been served the same dish he has been serving on his arch-

enemy based on his ENVY of OBJs unparallel success. Now Soyinka says he is tired of rallies, after only two timid

ones with nothing to show. Gimme a break!

...

are u trying to convince the many intelligent Nigerians that IBB has taken charge of this media pot to organize his

exploit of decient.

Then today will be the last day to browse your site to get any info

thanks and goodbye saharareporter and good luck to you and IBB on your latest Exotic romance, may u get ur desired

orgasm of lies

...

The great man is still great despite any inconsequential article.No doubt history will gudge you as one of Nigeria's

best.One only wishes there are many more like you.Those who admire,love and respect you, still do irrespective.SR

may have got it wrong this time but it still a credible news outlet.I hope SR apologises for the error, and move on.

...

How come Tribune, Punch, Vanguard and Daily Independent reported this same fabrication? What are we to believe

then? Is it that none of these newspapers had their reporters/representatives at the Edo state house to cover the

Oshimole's rally or Did all of them (newspapers) haver just one reporter who was cooling off in some dirty hotel room

and only reported that rubbish afterwards?

This is now a call to the Media heads of the newspapers in question to relieve the reporters that submitted this


22/37



June 24, 2010

WAY4WARD said:

June 24, 2010

osayande* said:

June 24, 2010

osayande* said:

falsehood of their duties as they are not fit for that role or risk the abandonment of their papers assuming that they (

media heads) have the moral pedastal to do so. The legendary Gani Fawehinmi (May his soul rest in peace) would

have sued this inept newspapers for misleading the reading public if he were still here with us.

...I have never had any doubt in my mind about Prof Soyinka's intergrity even after reading Remi Oyeyemi's article

majorly because my people say "A leopard can never change its skin/spot" The prof, even though human, has come a

very long way in activism and has never been found wanting even when the "maradonic" Maradona wanted to soil his

hands FRSC the same way he did to Tai Solarin with PBN. That the Nobel Laureate did not refute the way the media

reported the Edo incident could be owing to different reasons of which he has mentioned a few.

Having said all of that, those calling for Oyeyemi's head are misplacing their anger. I think Oyeyemi's article was out

of curiosity even though it leaned a little to pro-IBBsm but (as we were thought in school) he referenced all his

sources/materials, hence I think the main culprit here is the Nigeria mainstream media.

...

Cont.

To Wole Soyinka

Once again, in your arrogance and as would be expected of the typical Nigerian buffoons, you queried why

Saharareporters did not consult you before publishing Oyeyemis article, and if I dare ask; when Saharareporters

published your vitriolic comments on the likes of Obasanjo, did they seek his position beforehand ?

My conclusion is, despite your prolonged pretence, you are just another part, parcel protagonist of the corrupt,

fraudulent contraption called Nigeria, completely devoid of any original ideas and progressive intelligence, and like I

said before; you have never impressed me.

...

To: Wole Soyinka

Your disjointed and meaningless response though convenient, clearly exposed your arrogance, lack of respect for

contrary views and any sense of social responsibility. Nigerians, in their ignorance have typically failed to recognizeyou as just another fifty year-old fraud, but personally, I have never been impressed. Nigerians seems to confuse the

ability to convolute a foreign language as a measure of intelligence.

Yes, you got a Nobel laurel, but again in my view, this was at the expense of a more deserving Chinua Achebe, and

only as a result of your cosiness with Babangida, who now seems to owe an eternal debt. All through time, your

reluctant criticisms of his atrocities have always been mild and coshed up in your favourite foreign language, whereas

your swipes at Obasanjo are ever vicious and venomous. Yet you have to be utterly dishonest not to discern who

amongst these two has caused the most harm to Nigeria.


23/37



June 24, 2010

ifeoma said:

June 24, 2010

Alaka Yusuf Akin said:

June 24, 2010

NigerianHercules said:

June 24, 2010

Kola, UKsaid:

June 24, 2010

osisi said:

...

When I read that write up by Remi Oyeyemi, I knew it was trash. I didn't expect Prof to respond,but now, I thank God

he did. Cos'am always glad to read his write up, they are ever educative.

SR pls like Prof said above, next time, contact him before publishing such trash.

...

DEar Prof,

I am impress by your humility to the point of replying Oyeyemi. I think writers should be more objective and sincere

in their write ups. However for SR to publish the piece without telling the prof is the most appropriate thing to do but

they should also strife for the truth while in the course of duty. Nonetheless, WS is an icon and a lot of us looks to

him as such.

Yusuf Akin Alaka.

...

I decided to play Oriental Brother's Classic Hit, "Onye ma Uche Chukwu" on my Guitar for Laureate Soyinka. Check it

out here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMRn41BudLg

...

Prof. Wole Soyinka is one of the few respected African personalities left. He is like Chief Gani Fawahinmi, he has

fought and criticised every evil administration in Nigeria. He doesnt have to respond to any article written by

malicious EVIL paid Journalist but he did and that earned him more respect from us. So Mr. Oyeyemi, whom are you

going to write about next? Now that Prof. has used his tea break to clarify the issue. GOD BLESS NIGERIA

...

It is good to have a discourse like the above. Mr Oyeyemi raised issues and Prof. Soyinka cleared them and cleared

them well. This is how responsible civil societies are built, there is room enough for every one to express and

expression must come with respect to the other man's views. What we have seen does not call for name calling but

rather a promotion of such. Our dear Prof. it is always and in all ways, refreshing to read and hear you, you invoke a

passion and a call to greatness, your piece lacks nothing of you, once more thank you. To Oyeyemi, I say nice one and

the new Nigeria begins with each of us. May all Nigerians keep the spirit and quest for a better and greater Naija.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMRn41BudLg


24/37



June 24, 2010

Dr Deji Yusufsaid:

June 24, 2010

Aybee said:

June 24, 2010

Olaoluwa Peters said:

June 24, 2010

Blanko said:

June 24, 2010

odenson said:

...

Honour is one virtue that is fast disappearing in our clime and many people will pass anything including fabrications

or hearsay as truth. No man of honour or principle will use lies or concoction even against known criminals or rascals.

Principled individuals are now mostly been derided in our clime by vermins who stand for nothing and lacking in

character to make irresponsible inferences.Even among theives their is honour so the saying goes.

...

Zanderlex, people like u should know that one of the cardinal principles of any type of journalism is always to get both

sides of the story straight, before it is published not afterwards. I am sorry but SR got it completely wrong this time

and the prof is justified in his response.

...

Whats with the SR should have contacted me before publishing a story with my name thing?Does that tone appear

any different from the morons in govt today?Pls Prof,we are all Nigerians and it will not be fair to give any special

consideration afterall we are all equal.The noise you and other proclaimed activists have been making dint stop NASS

members 4rm gttn hugely paid for notin or approving Uwais report so WTF?abeg.

Some Nigerians are soo dumb to the extent of rendering there brain permanently blank.What wrong has Oyeyemi

done on this issue pls?The dude only requested for clarification which we are just getting to know.Prof never told

Nigerians he met IBB in benin,did he?

...

Prof. Akinwande Oluwole Soyinka- the founder of an anti-corruption & justice seeking student organization CANNOT

suddenly betray his conscience..I know he isn't a Saint but, Naija thieves{leaders} didn't make him a Noble laureate

neither did they make him UNESCO goodwill Ambassador- the world did.. NOBLE= moral in an honest, brave & not

selfish way.

Prof. is cousins to Fela Kuti, Beko Ransome Kuti & co...you know wot blood flows in his veins by this?. He CANNOT

compromise with corruption abeg!.. The FIRST African to win the Noble prize in Literature has been fighting for

Justice from his University days till date, so much that Late SANI ABACHA pronounced DEATH sentence on him "in

absentia".. Wole Soyinka + 11 others like him = THE GREATEST NIGERIA THAT WILL EVER EXIST.

...

kongi has done what the teaming youthful readers of SR wants. To know the truth. I thank Oyeyemi for writing on the

issue and Kongi's response will further atract more readership to SR. It is always important to call our elders to


25/37



June 24, 2010


June 24, 2010

isakaba said:

June 24, 2010

Dapo Ikantu said:

June 24, 2010

Lekan Olayiwola said:

June 24, 2010

AU Citizen formerly Biafran Child said:

account because they are there for us to look upto..... I mean elders like Kongi not rogue the likes of Aneni, IBB, Atiku,

OBJ etc.

...

Essential authentic WS, quality response to dumb jack ass trash. Oyeyemi aka (Dumb Jack Ass), I hope your puerilecorrupt mind can read between the lines. Your next article should be on the discussion between Jesus and satan when

satan was tempting Jesus. IBB is doomed to failure tricks or no tricks!

...

ITS OK HEARING FROM THE GRAMMATICALLY LADEN ERUDITE PROFESSOR SINCE I HAVE ALREADY

STARTED EXERCISING CAUTION ON ANY FUTURE UTTERANCES FROM HIM AFTER THE STARTLING

REVELETION!

HOWEVER THE OYEYEMI GUY SHOULD NOT BE SENT TO THE GALLOWS SINCE HE QUOTED COPIOUSLY

FROM MORE THAN ONE NEWSPAPER REPORTS WITH ENOUGH CITATION AS TO DATES OF PUBLICATION

ON THE ACCOUNT OF THE U-TURN AT THE AIRPORT.

THE PROF MADE US UNDERSTAND THAT STATEMENT TO THE MEDIA WAS LEFT TO THE AC TO HANDLE.

I BELIEVE THAT THE AC WANTED TO GAIN A POLITICAL POINT FROM THEIR OWN STATEMENT WHICH

NOW BROUGHT THIS ISSUE OF MORAL OBLIGATION TO THE PROF. HOWEVER IT WAS TOO MUNDANE AN

ISSUE FOR THE PROF TO HAVE COMMENTED TO ALBEIT TO THE PRESS IN DEFERENCE TO THE AC

THOUGH AT THE POINT WHEN THE ISSUE BECAME CONTROVERSIAL.

THE AC SHOULD ISSUE AN UNRESERVED APOLOGY TO THE PRESS FOR THIS MIX UP.

...

Yes, thanks Prof for taking time to clarify this 'tenacious' issue. Great, the matter can be put to rest. But as the Prof

said, it behoves on SR the responsibility to weigh stories and pass impartial judgment especially on people that have

stood the test of time like Prof.

...

When first I read Oyeyemi's Op-Ed, I doubted that Soyinka would bother to join issues with him. How gratifying that

he actually did. If only all our leaders are accountable for their actions or otherwise, our country would sooner be

fixed. Thanks prof for clarifying the issues raised by Oyeyemi. Let Oyeyemi's critics appreciate his audacity of query.

...

Make no mistake about the intention of Oyeyemi's article - it was to raise doubts into in the minds of ordinary


26/37



June 24, 2010

jumsmama said:

June 24, 2010

D Ojo said:

June 24, 2010

kenny1 said:

June 24, 2010

nenye uu said:

June 24, 2010

BJ said:

Nigerians about Soyinka's integrity. What really upsets me about journalists in Nigeria is that they are irresponsible,

as Soyinka has pointed out. They're not interested in educating the public or informing anyone. They stir up ethnic &

religious conflict and promote the interests of anyone who pays good money. They're prostitutes who ply their trade

with pen & paper. I'm also concerned about the great number of Igbos who are sympathetic to Babangida. Thankfully,

majority of SR readers are very discerning.

...

Prof dont mind that oyeyemi! He's just another tool in IBB's arsenal for image-laundering. No right thinking nigerian

will ever believe or attempt to believe whatever ibb says in an interview. Has ibb ever told nigerians the truth about

any issue...dele giwa, june 12, $12b windfall,etc?

Prof, nigerians believe your version. We hail you!

...

Remi Oyeyemi did the right thing. I have always wondered why a hihgly respected man like Wole Soyinka will get

himself involved with these politicians. There are a few straightforward politians out there yet you see him "dining"

with Tinubu. I was happy he left the place because of IBB and David Mark but was utterly disappointed he left with

Tinubu. I don't need to highlight Tinubu's antecedents both as a conman and a politician. Is Wole Soyinka telling me

Tinubu is not contributing to the ruin of Nigeria?

Remi Oyeyemi is just one out of many skeptical of the Professor's true intention

...

SR is loosing credibility gradually. The will loose it because their are liars.

...

In 1992, while in Makurdi i listened to one of IBB's media talk when he said "Nigerians are mentally lazy". He has

continued to say so , even recently when he claims nigerian youths lack the capacity for political leadership and says

that is his reason for 2011 quest.IBB can use all the Oshiomoles in the country for laundering his image but will fail,

he should be told in plain terms that no amount of ARABIAN OIL can wash away the blood in his hands. His only

option is to apologise to Nigerians for his wickedness so that the revenge that awaits generations of his family will not

come.He should stop wasting his time preparing his children for leadership that other nigerian youths lack.

...

When did Soyinka part ways with IBB? Was it After he make him chairman of FRSC or after the national honour

bestowed on him.


27/37



June 24, 2010

Sameoo said:

June 24, 2010

Chop&Kwench said:

June 24, 2010

Herodotus said:

June 24, 2010

katampe said:

Haba Prof!

...

Masters of grammar and confusion! If grammar and confusion could feed your people, nobody would be hungry

today in Yoruba land. Notice the names mentioned in the theatrical and grammatical drama they are all Yoruba.

No matter how educated, no matter how long they lived outside Nigeria, its still the same - still arguing, still fighting,

and still causing confusion and wacking useless grammar like children.

This is why OBJ and Yoruba elders spent 8 years arguing and fighting like wild monkeys. Keep fighting and showing

off your useless grammar; the world moves on while your kind starve to death.

...

The problem with WS is that he is way too arrogant and intolerant of criticism even though he makes a living as a

critic. In my view, Oyeyemi was indeed right! WS actually had tea with IBB. It does not matter if the tea "party" took

place inside Ogbe stadium with a billion people present. I read the initial account of what transpired in Benin and

WS's airport interview and from all accounts I never imagined that WS had any contact with IBB. The impression

created was that IBB was "hiding" somewhere unknown to WS and his group! So if Oyeyemi seeks clarifications on

the "tea party" he deserves a respectful response rather than a rebuke. WS is a man I respect for his intellect and

candour but his pomposity is nauseatting. He's no God.

...

Emeka Eze is quite right. I do think that prof caustic response and the near-ridiculing of Oyeyemi is over-reaction. He

should simply have stated his own facts. The truth of the event according to him. Oyeyemi simply wants to hear the

version of his idol. Prof's response as is usual, deftly leaves out the substance and goes for the jugular of the writer.

Many of us see prof as our role model, but he is sometimes given to excesses that we may not agree with and he

should give us space and respect to ask him questions. Asking him questions is not tantamount to undermining him.

He should understand this. Patience prof. Patience.

...

I hope Remi Oyeyemi learns one or two lessons from Professor Wole Soyinka response about civic duties and

responsibilities. He responded in an elevated tone,not in a pompous style. It is good to raise issues, especially those

crucial to our national life, yet it behooves on us to do so in the culture and tradition grounded in good moral values

and ethical commitment.

The court of public opinion is no different from the traditional courts. If we must bring someone to "judgment," we

must do so with an ethical conduct of arguments grounded in sound reasons and factual support.I hope this is a

takeaway for Oyeyemi.


28/37



June 24, 2010

Merem Emeribe said:

June 24, 2010

Dare Nigeria said:

June 24, 2010

Michael Onyebuchi Eze, PhD said:

June 24, 2010

Pope Sonnysaid:

June 24, 2010

james agba said:

June 24, 2010

...

Oyeyemi did not get his facts right.This is a prerequisite for investigative journalism.Inuendos,half truths and

conjectures are not the weapons of counter political insurgency.Prof,you wrote with clarity and many of us in this

forum are humbled that you stooped to be one of us.I shudder when I see names that contain 'yeye'.My experience

with such yeye containing names is that they are very unreliable and are worthy of being regarded as yeye

people.There is one retired justice with that IbiYEYE name who retired as one of the biggest criminals and bribe

takers.He contributed in no small measure to the indebtedness of Abia state and the rising banditry in that failed

state.Yeye people will always remain disgusting as this justice and the fake accuser of Wole Soyinka.

...

@Emeka Eze, If you are a student of English, you would know that Remi Oyeyemi's article was filled with innuendoes

and sarcasm. He was not asking for clarification. His objective was to ridicule the Kongi. Read article again. And this

time, take your time while at it for proper understanding.

...

I am fascinated by the creative style of Prof. Soyinka that remains ever fresh. Personally, I didn't think that Oyeyemi

deserved a response. Nigerians are no fools. I read his article and I barely finished it for lack of creative imagination

with regards to both substance and style - simply awesome. Abegi, make una leave Wole alone. We know the problem

with Nigeria - the self styled evil genius who should be in jail for money laundering, mass murder and name them. But

know he is free because he "owns" everybody else. An evil man wanting to completely destroy what is left of Nigeria

because of personal ambition laced with greed. But we will write his name to infamy not with the sword but with pen.

...

Help! I am still praying for Prof. to believe in Jesus and be saved, so that his excellent writtings will continue in

heaven, where we'll miss him.

Nice one Prof.

...

WS let me apologise on behalf of the young generation of this nation that an age where you should be resting enjoying

the fruits of you labor for this nation you are still dragged into this sort of malevolent schemes.Prof you have played

more than you part for this nation.


29/37



OC said:

June 24, 2010

kennedy okonkwo said:

June 24, 2010

Soyinka Tea Break in Naija

Documents

Transcript of Soyinka Tea Break in Naija