Literary Giant at 70: Peter Obi, Gbenga Daniel, Others Gathers as Prof. Onigbinde Launches ‘The Stubborn Goat’
A high-powered coalition of political leaders, traditional rulers, and human rights activists converged at the Mauve 21 venue in Ibadan for the public presentation of “The Stubborn Goat: A Citizen’s Engagement with Nigeria.”
The two-volume work, authored by the renowned public intellectual and former Head of the Department of Philosophy at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Professor Akinyemi Onigbinde, was launched on January 26, 2026, to coincide with the scholar’s 70th birthday. The event served as a profound reflection on the Nigerian state, described by attendees as an “ethical diagnosis” of a nation at a crossroads.
A Gathering of Political and Intellectual Titans
The ceremony was chaired by the former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and drew an elite audience that crossed partisan lines. Among the prominent figures in attendance were the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi; former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko; and the Orangun of Oke Ila Orangun, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin.
Other notable personalities included Senator Iyiola Omisore, former APC National Secretary; Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Oyo State; former Lagos PDP gubernatorial candidate, Jimi Agbaje; and human rights activist Dele Farotimi.
Peter Obi: Confronting the “Choice of the Wrong Path”
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In his remarks, Peter Obi drew a sobering parallel between Onigbinde’s work and Professor Peter Lewis’s “Growing Apart,” noting that both authors identify a tragic pattern where Nigeria recognizes the correct course of action but repeatedly chooses the wrong one.
Obi lauded the author’s “uncompromising patriotism,” stating: “True patriotism is not about praising the country when things go wrong, but critically examining its failings. Through these essays, Professor Onigbinde provides an incisive ethical diagnosis of our political and economic life. The metaphor of the stubborn goat—an animal that resists being quietly led to slaughter—serves as a moral center for principled resistance.”
The Role of the Public Intellectual
Renowned columnist and Tribune Editorial Board member, Festus Adedayo, who wrote the book’s foreword, described the work as a masterclass in social advocacy. He credited Onigbinde with “re-tabling” critical national issues with a freshness that has not lost its relevance over decades. Adedayo praised the author’s ability to present dense philosophical arguments as “delectable intellectual cuisine with a gripping aroma.”
The “Stubborn Goat” at 70
Reflecting on his journey, Professor Onigbinde explained that the book is the culmination of decades of media engagement through his columns and articles. He shared a personal anecdote regarding the book’s title, revealing that it originated from his mother, who frequently called him a “stubborn goat” due to his refusal to compromise on his principles.
The two volumes address the collapse of institutional trust, the erosion of civic responsibility, and the urgent need for ethical leadership in Nigeria. Stakeholders at the event agreed that the work stands as a vital archive for anyone seeking to understand the socio-political paralysis of power in the country.
By PRNigeria
