History, it is often said, is written by men. Yet in our own clime, history has been written and unwritten, sometimes deliberately twisted, not in the service of truth, but in bad faith. This reality calls for urgent reflection by governments, families, and all custodians of our collective memory to begin repositioning those individuals whose genuine contributions to our evolution as a nation have been buried under the rubble of envy, rivalry, and selfish aggrandizement. Nigeria—and indeed Africa—must rise to control her media and narrative space, lest we continue to allow others define us, our leaders, and our heroes in distorted, unfair terms.
Our historians, writers, and agenda setters must be held to a higher standard. They must rise above petty political loyalties, regional rivalries, and personal biases that subvert justice and sweep truth under the carpet. Otherwise, future generations will inherit not the reality of our past, but a caricature manufactured by those who thrived on conflict.
This charge is not far-fetched. In the early hours of today, I tested a popular global search engine with a simple request: suggest a personality that existed for wrong reasons and negative impact in Nigeria, to fill a Friday column titled “Gone But Not Forgotten.” To my dismay, among the five “shocking” results was the name of the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola (1910–1966)—a statesman whose vision and achievements still dot the Southwest landscape.
The “reasons” adduced?
That his fallout with Chief Obafemi Awolowo led to the “Wild Wild West” crisis.
That his actions deepened political divisions paving the way for the 1966 coup.
This reductionist framing is not just historically lazy—it is a gross injustice. Shall a man’s lifetime of service, foresight, and institution-building be defined solely by political rivalry and its tragic aftermath? Akintola was not a mere footnote of political crisis; he was a builder, a reformer, and an intellectual giant.
—
Akintola’s Landmark Achievements
University of Ife (Now OAU): Akintola played a central role in the establishment of this world-class institution, conceived as a symbol of Yoruba pride and intellectual advancement. Though renamed after his rival, the foundation of the university was laid under his premiership.
The Cocoa House, Ibadan: Completed during his tenure, Cocoa House remains West Africa’s first skyscraper and a towering monument to the prosperity of the Western Region. Its revenue base and prestige symbolized the economic foresight of his administration.
Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) & Broadcasting Corporation: Building on Awolowo’s vision, Akintola expanded the reach of the first television station in Africa and strengthened its operations, making the Western Region a cultural and informational hub.
Ibadan Infrastructure Drive: His government advanced road networks linking Ibadan with Ogbomoso, Oyo, and other key towns, boosting commerce and easing mobility across the region. Akintola also supported the modernization of Ibadan city as a political and commercial capital.
Housing and Commerce: He supported cooperative movements, farmers, and traders, leading to the expansion of housing schemes and commercial hubs across Western Nigeria. His emphasis on industrial growth also brought textile mills, beverage factories, and agro-allied industries.
Diplomatic and National Service: Before becoming Premier, Akintola served as Nigeria’s Minister of Health and later Minister of Communications. He also represented Nigeria in the Lancaster House talks that prepared Nigeria for independence, proving his mettle as a national—not just regional—figure.
—
And What of Gowon?
Equally enraging was the inclusion of General Yakubu Gowon (1934– ). How does one reconcile the same man who, after a bloody Civil War, declared “No Victor, No Vanquished” and pursued national reconciliation, with the tag of infamy? Yes, criticisms abound—prolonged war, misuse of oil wealth—but history demands balance, not caricature. Gowon stabilized Nigeria after secession, pursued post-war healing, and presided over the birth of ECOWAS. To dismiss him as “negative” is to indulge in selective amnesia.
—
The Bigger Question
So the question stands: when did political differences and rivalry become the sole yardstick by which we judge statesmen? Why should the legacy of men who labored for their people be defined only by conflict, and not by the enduring works they left behind?
The tragedy here is that narratives like these, left unchallenged, calcify into “truth.” This is why families, communities, governments, and intellectuals must rise to reclaim and reposition the memory of those who truly contributed to our evolution. To do otherwise is to allow bias and bad faith to relegate our real builders into shadows, while history elevates half-truths and exaggerations.
Nigeria and Africa can no longer afford to be passive consumers of narratives crafted in ill faith. We must become active custodians of our history, telling it with honesty, balance, and fidelity to fact. Only then can justice be done to men like Chief Ladoke Akintola and General Yakubu Gowon—whose imperfections do not erase their indelible mark on our national journey.
Leave a Reply