By Lawal Ogienagbon
TO work for a man like Chief Obafemi Awolowo is no mean feat. That person must be ready to put up with a lot of things because of the kind of life Awo led. Writer, poet, author, artiste Odia Ofeimun fitted the bill well as he served Awo as private secretary.
As Awo’s private secretary much was expected of him and he discharged his duty creditably. Then something happened. It is a story well known by people of my own generation.
If Ofeimun, a big uncle to people like me, was not well known then, that incident shot him into limelight. It was the heady days of politics in 1979.
Awo had written a confidential letter to Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe over that year’s presidential election. Somehow, the letter got leaked to the media before it got to Zik. The first suspect was of course Ofeimun since he was Awo’s secretary. But he was not the one that leaked the letter.
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He knew who leaked it and Awo himself got to know later who that person was, but Ofeimun took everything in his strides as he was sanctioned for something he did not do.
He lost his job with Awo, but his fame grew and has continued to grow. Ofeimun, who turned 70 on Monday, is unassuming. He is in love with the arts and writing.
The Awo letter may have brought Ofeimun to the notice of many Nigerians because that was an unforgettable incident. He became known to many who did not know him before, with some wondering what kind of man is that, that will take the blame for what he did not do.
Ofeimun has come a long way in life. He has paid his dues and he deserves all the accolades he is getting on the celebration of his 70th birthday.
Edionwan, as your name implies, you have shown no fear even in the face of adversity. May you continue to enjoy good health as you age gracefully.
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