"Awo was an eagle, born especially into this empty world; he came, he saw, and he conquered with nature leaving all wars for him to fight and win alone."
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Chief Obafemi Awolowo: The Political Moses by Adedara S. Oduguwa Trafford Publishing
book review by staff
Adedara S. Oduguwa writes about one man who fights to ensure peace and the well-being for the citizens of Nigeria. Just as Moses led his family and followers to a promised new land during biblical times, Chief Obafemi Awolowo rose to the occasion as the proverbial "man of the house" and not only took care of his own family but was a ray of shining hope for the people of Nigeria. Oduguwa describes how Chief Awolowo worked hard to support his family financially while trying to uphold his father's wishes of becoming an educated individual. "Education is a better safeguard to liberty than a standing army," stated Sir Herbert Macaulay. His father respected Macaulay's teachings and he believed an education could bring freedom to those who were victims of oppression in Nigeria. The educational foundation instilled by the elder Awolowo paved the way for his son to become an outspoken leader for the people of Nigeria.
Oduguwa highlights Chief Awolowo's accomplishments, from the foundation of the Nigerian Youth Movement to the creation of the Action Group. Unfortunately, Chief Obafemi Awolowo's accomplishments became a double-edged sword. On one hand, people respected Awolowo for his passion in human rights activism. However, his passion stoked flames of opposition that lead him to be accused as a traitor like Jesus of Nazerene was in the Bible. Chief Obafemi Awolowo was convicted of treasonable felony in 1962 and served 4 years and 3 months. Until his death, he believed that he was falsely accused of a crime against the country that he loved so much.
With a strong nature, wisdom, and compassion, eagles soar above us all. Chief Obafemi Awolowo gained respect from the people of Nigeria and those who knew about his activism throughout the world. Oduguwa's book portrays a man who lived like an eagle—always soaring above to help those below.