Re: Prof Niyi Osundare: A response to the Open Letter to KWASU VC. By Basit Olatunji
Let me begin by saying that 'every writer is a writer in politics' (Ngugi Wa Thi'ongo) and if per chance, you accept or believe in the role of a (literary) writer as a promoter or a denouncer of a kind of politics (activities of people in society which make or break their social bond or development in all ramifications), then I make bold to say that your opinion in the letter is sycophantic or one of infelicitous attempt to gain cheap popularity by problematising what is clearly not problematisable.
You're probably in the dark of the sociopolitical expediences of Osundare's socially relevant and responsive writings. If you care to know a bit about his social commitment that has spanned over three decades and which have equally proclaimed him as one of the most important writers to have emerged out of Africa, I will advise you read 'Songs of the Season', 'The Word Is an Egg', 'Village Voices' or more importantly 'Dialogue With My Country' or 'Random Blues' which has Fayose and the likes as its objects of lampoon. I have read Osundare inside-out, I have listened to him keenly, I have known and understood his passion as a socialist (and perhaps a moralist) and I have never noticed any commissioned lie or propaganda in his writings.
Well, it's none of my business if you're pro-Saraki or not. And to dub Osundare's social commitment as 'feigned' lacks credence and as well, aptless. Even the number one enemy (if there's any) of Osundare would never call him such. Why, because his literary engagement is well defined and too clear-cut to be coated in elevated lies or any form of premordial interests (self or otherwise). That's the path Osundare has chosen as a writer. And it's incongruous and out of place for anyone to cheapen his writings as feigned (not even a scholar in his rank or close to his rank).
That said. I would like you to answer the following questions. Is Saraki blameless of all the accusations against him? If yes, encourage him to prove it beyond reasonable doubt. Is Osundare's social commitment now 'feigned' just because he berates Saraki's ineptitude and misconduct? If yes, I would say that's laughable and farcical and your appeal not to host the International poetry festival because Saraki established the university can't be more laughable. If no, please I earnestly request you to prepare a solid ground for your point. Then, I will gladly accept that my point is irrational . How or where did Tinubu and Co commission Osundare to write against Saraki? How are you so sure Saraki is too holy to be soiled in such accusations? Which confession is Tinubu's and which is not?
I think your opinions will be better directed at helping Saraki redeem his self-soiled image rather than wanting to live on the reputation of 'our Distinguished Poet-Professor'
Basit Olatunji
Poet, Critic and Editor
Author of 'Rainbow in My Heart' (Poems)
Cloud Tag: What's trending
Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.
Abdulkadir Jimoh Ibikunle Ogunleye April 11 Mufutau Olatinwo Ado Bayero Balogun Fulani Abdulhakeem Adelaja Amao Mike Omotosho NNPP Oke-Ero Oloye Issa Memunat Moyosore Dagbalodo Voices Of Tomorrow Mashood Abdulrafiu Agboola Sobi FM Curfew Opolo Global Innovation Limited Afonja Idris Amosa Saidu Toyin Falola Yekeen Alabi Share/Tsaragi Javed Khan Abdulrauf Yusuf IYA ALFA NLA Umar Sanda Yusuf Tunji Folami Yaman Yusuf AbdulRasheed Arinola Lawal Baba Issa National Pilot Musa Abdullahi Rotimi Samuel Olujide Sabi Damilola Yusuf Tunde Saad Quareeb Mohammed Tunde-Jimoh Ibrahim Taiwo Road Jide Ashonibare Abdulmumini Jawondo Suleiman Ajadi Olokoba Chief Imam Of Omu-Aran Abdullahi Adisa Akodudu Rueben Parejo Ibrahim Gambari Eruku Lai Mohammed Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa Omupo Ifelodun Elelu Ayedun Fatimoh Lawal New Model Police Station Umar Saro Folorunsho Alao Nigeria Computer Society Gaa Olobi Babatunde Idiagbon Taofik Abiodun Ahmed Kazeem Adekanye Lithium Deposit Afolabi-Oshatimehin Moses Adekanye Amoyo Jimoh Bashir SDP Ministry Of Women Affairs And Social Development Falokun-Oja Bayo Ajia NSCIA Rapheal Ashaolu Bashir Adigun

