Awolowo And The Longest Goodbye  Awolowo And The Longest Goodbye
ABy Adebayo Williams  Originally published on Saturday, May 22,
2004  A lecture on 3/5/04 at the maiden edition of Afenifere
lectures to commemorate Chief Obafemi Awolowo's post-humous
birthday  Testing times Mr Chairman, revered leaders of the
Yoruba, illustrious assemblage on the high table and
distinguished guests, it is a source of infinite joy and
pleasure for me to stand before such an august body. I have
surmounted great odds and difficulties to be here today. But I
told myself that I must be here whatever the costs. I am sure
that Chief Obafemi Awolowo himself would have nodded in
satisfaction at the acts of aeronautical daring that have
carried me here today.alt  In an inspired and magnificent
tribute, General Ibrahim Babangida once described Chief Awolowo
as the main issue in our political life. Eighteen years after it
was made, and 17 years after Awo's translation to eternal glory,
that statement remains as valid as ever. We are talk