Our Reporter, New York
Literary critic and activist Ikhide Ikheloa, popularly known as Pa Ikhide, accused the Yoruba Intellectual class in the June 12 struggle of being dishonest to their counterparts from other parts of the country. The US-based retired public administrator made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90MinutesAfrica.
The acclaimed writer explained that he began his interaction with most of the Yoruba intellectuals in the early 1990s, during the pro-democracy movement, as a key figure in Radio Kudirat. He, however, expressed disappointment about how their nationalistic rhetoric during the pro-democracy struggle suddenly gave way to ethnic bigotry the moment one of their own ascended to the presidency.
“I came across all of these intellectuals from Soyinka, Adeyeye, Aluko, and so on. They were talking about what just happened in 1993. However, it now turns out that they were looking out for themselves and the Yoruba nation,” the social critic said.
“That would have been fine if not that they were couching it as a struggle for the whole of Nigeria. Many of us were naïve back then to believe that it was a national struggle.”
Pa Ikhide also narrated that during a meeting with some pro-democracy activists, the late Beko Kuti brought a map that had divided the country, causing him to question why such a division should be made.
“I remembered being in a room with Beko, Aluko, Tinubu, and others. Beko took out a map from his pocket in which he had divided Nigeria up into regions, and I didn’t understand why he would do that because I was a one-Nigeria person,” he said.
“From what is happening today, it is clear that these Yoruba intellectuals never believed in one Nigeria. They are all quiet now because one of their own is in Aso Rock. But we recall that when they were not in power, the shout was Yoruba Ronu.”
Speaking further on the economic situation in Nigeria, Pa Ikhide, who recently visited the country, lamented the high rate of “billing,” a term used to describe soliciting for financial assistance from people. He said over 90% of his financial expenses during his stay were to settle people soliciting one form of help from him.
“You go to the supermarket to buy something as small as noodles, everybody from the security to the cashier just wants to collect money from you. You go to the airport, and it’s the same there. On the roads, the police are there to collect a part from you. Over 90% of my expenses in Nigeria were to settle ‘billing’ from people. I didn’t really spend much on myself because I had my clothes, my shoes, and other stuff with me. The millions of naira that I spent were on this black tax. Everybody wants to collect, not just once but multiple times,” the US-based activist explained.
The activist said that if anyone had told him this corrupt system would replace the military, he would not have participated in the struggle against military rule. He, however, implores Nigerians not to seek a return to military rule, but to work towards refining the democratic system for the nation’s benefit.
“Though I think it would be a mistake for anyone to seek a return to military rule, however, if the military happens to return, the only placard that I would carry will be the one I will use to hit the next fool that says I should fight for democracy,” Pa Ikhide retorted.
