Disparaging Tunji
OpenLife Nigeria reports that the manner Chief Olusegun Obasanjo disparaged the hard earned integrity of late Tunji Braithwaite at the book launch of General Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, is most undeserving considering the huge sacrifice the late activist made to ensure egalitarian Nigeria.
Olumide Braithwaite, the “only son” of the respected activist pointed out the Obasanjo’s error of judgement in a press conference at the Beulah residence of the Tunjis in Lagos, stressing that the entire life and time of Tunji Braithwaite was characterized by “outstanding patriotism,” which should not be diminished on the altar of political innuendos.
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, during the unveiling of Babangida’s book, “A Journey in Service,” and the launch of his presidential library, Obasanjo noted that Babangida should expect the public to react to the book in a mix of ways: positively, negatively, and critically.
“Please don’t be unduly worried about critics and put him down syndrome.
“It may even be an indication of success but take note of objective criticism. A chronic critic of mine, the late Tunji Braithwaite, may his soul rest in perfect peace, condemned my book.
“And when asked if he had read it, he answered in the negative; he said he had not read it, saying once the writer is Obasanjo, it must be condemned,” the former president stated, referring to Dr. Braithwaite as “such a character.”
Reacting, the family considered Obasanjo’s remarks as offensive and an “apparent attempt to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.”
Olumide Braithwaite declared that whoever dares to tarnish the late Dr Braithwaite’s name will have his children and other mass followers to contend with.
“We only fear God, not man. Obasanjo’s ‘bad belle’ charge against Tunji Braithwaite while cautioning IBB to ignore possible criticism that would assail his book is disrespectful.
“We take strong exception to the said comments and hereby join issues with former President Obasanjo, a man renowned for his unbridled penchant for courting trouble.
“As the only surviving son of Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, I will continue to defend the sound life and legacies of my father and mentor. There can’t be a greater responsibility. There can never be ‘bad belle’ for someone who, after descending into obscurity, is always seeking relevance and validation at ceremonial gatherings.
“Rather than extol noble virtues, ex-President Obasanjo prefers to demean revered personalities like my father with snide remarks.
“The legacy is already cemented without the need for man-made titles or self-aggrandizement. And by no means the least, Dr. Braithwaite has immense integrity,” he declared.
Olumide further emphasized that despite the fact that the late activist never held any public office or appointment in his lifetime, he inspired a generation that cut across ethnic-religious boundaries, including professionals, politicians, activists, philosophers, writers, poets, industrialists, and youths—both at home and abroad.
“In terms of social justice and equity for its citizens, it is zero, while their penchant for corruption, abuse of the rule of law, state terrorism, and looting of the treasury is 100 per cent.
“There can never be a case of ‘bad belle’ from brave and courageous civilians like the legendary Tunji Braithwaite, who stood up to gun-wielding men in uniform.
“There can never be a case of ‘bad belle’ where former President Obasanjo is still struggling and battling with indictments of misappropriation of alleged billions of dollars that went missing under his regime for the NEPA project, which further sank Nigerians into stark darkness to this day.
“There can never be a case of ‘bad belle’ where, in 2013, his own daughter, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, accused her father of all manner of atrocities,” Olumide enthused.
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