The Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the prophecies of the late sage and Premier of the old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is coming to pass in Ibeju-Lekki axis of the state.
According to the governor, Ibeju Lekki is prospering richly because of the prophetic utterances of Awolowo.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement on Sunday evening after watching a stage musical drama performance titled ‘Awo: The Man, His Jewel And…’ produced by The Duke of Shomolu, a theatre company run by Joseph Edgar.
Sanwo-Olu said the play showcased those who stood their ground and brought the conversation about a united Nigeria to the front burner.
In his address, the governor recalled that Awolowo was incarcerated for many months in Lekki town.
He said, “For those who do not know or have forgotten, Papa (Awolowo) was incarcerated in Lekki Town, Ibeju-Lekki, and he made prophetic utterances that the place will flourish, do well and be prosperous. Well, those prayers have continued to prosper the town.
“Ibeju-Lekki today is the most talked about in real estate and property development. Should we even mention the refineries, petrochemical plants, seaports, among others? There is no other place we can talk about in Nigeria now like Ibeju-Lekki, particularly Lekki town. Papa Awolowo’s blessings have come true upon that town.
“This story is also important, especially for the younger generation who wouldn’t have the opportunity to understand and reflect back on what life was like in the days of Awolowo, our fathers and grandfathers. It is very easy for us to push history behind, but this play has told us about those who stood their ground in the conversation for Nigeria.
“When we hear about Awolowo, some people might not be able to put it in proper perspective, but those who have watched this musical show tonight can begin to connect that indeed these were great men who helped to shape the narrative of this country.
“That is why all of us must hold on tightly to ensure Nigeria remains one, despite its ups and downs. We need to hold ourselves in these difficult times with the assurance that we will weather the storm together and come out stronger and better.”
Vice- President Yemi Osinbajo led other prominent Nigerians, including Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Governor Sanwo-Olu; Osinbajo’s wife, Dolapo; former Governors of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Awolowo grandchildren, Segun and his mother, Mrs. Abah Zainab Folawiyo; Prof. Bankole Oyediran, the husband of Awolowo’s late daughter, Mrs. Omotola Oyediran, among others to accord honour to Chief Awolowo and his wife, Hannah.
Speaking at the event, Gbajabiamila gave kudos to the producer, Edgar, saying what he saw with the presentation was “immortality.”
The Speaker, while noting that it was common to have people who had passed being brought alive through books, drama and others, and not really through music, declared that the takeaway he had of the Awolowo from the presentation was that “once upon all the time, there was a man,” and not the common saying of once upon a time, there was a man.