The Executive Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun; and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi are expected to grace a book launch titled: “Awoism, Integrity and Welfarism”, authored by Layo Adeniyi.
The event which will be held at the Civic Centre, Idi-Ape in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Tuesday will also witness the presence of the Alara of Ilara-Epe, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo; the book reviewers, Prof. Oluyemisi Akinyemiju and Ambassador Yemi Ogunronbi; Chief Host, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu and other distinguished individuals and corporate Nigerians.
A statement by the author, Adeniyi on Sunday, says the book goes beyond what can be swept under the carpet, hence it is imperative a book of this nature comes out to inform, educate and enlighten coming generations on what transpired during the life and adventures of this great man of honour, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He said in 1945, Awolowo formed the group, Egbe Omo Oduduwa to forge Yoruba unity, bringing together traditional and educated elites, while adding that Egbe Omo Oduduwa was advertised as a non-political organisation for men and women of Yoruba nationality to build the Yoruba state of Nigeria, which gained wide support in Western Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Awolowo was the first leader of Government Business and Minister of Local Government and Finance, and first Premier of the Western Region under Nigeria’s parliamentary system from 1952 to 1959.