Loud Whispers  with Joseph Edgar

Babajide Sanwo-Olu: Should We Be Worried?

I already knew that something was not right. As I drove out of my second home at Magodo and approached the express road on my way to the Island, I had prepared my mind for heavy traffic, which is usually the case when Daddy comes around. But as I meandered and turned into the carriageway facing Iyana Oworo at the Oregun point, just in front of the FRSC office, I saw the whole road clear and empty. Aghhhhhh, I screamed, wetin happen? Was the event already over? Well, I thanked my stars and drove off.

Later, I saw my kinsman, Brother Akpabio, with his Anang accent, cutting the tape for the commissioning of the iconic Opebi Link Road, and then I now understood why the traffic did not snarl. Daddy did not appear despite the fact that he was in Lagos and instead, sent brother Akpabio, who went and did an excellent job, reminding us that he once clubbed on Allen and the rest.

Now, we, the great supporters of Sanwo-Olu, are unsettled. Why did baba not come himself despite the fact that he was in Lagos enjoying the Lagoon breeze? His people have said that it’s because he was receiving security reports from all over the country, and as such, he could not make the 30-minute dash to cut the tape and go back to his security reports.

Mbok, this falls flat o, especially when you consider that we still went to eat dinner with King Charles despite that Borno massacre, so which kind of report will now stop this opening when we had just come back from “Eleyiland” where we went to open the airport.

If you ask me, I will deduce two reasons: Baba is still vexing, and the second one is the nature of the projects.

Mbok, why would a whole president on whose mandate we are all standing now leave everything to go and open a road that is not even as long as Fola Agoro in Shomolu or open a block of classrooms in Ajegunle? It’s like the projects were not heavy enough to warrant presidential attention.

But the real fear is that we are hoping that daddy is still not vexing small o. If this is the case, then all hands must return to deck in seeking total forgiveness o. Oya, all the Wolis, prophets and prayer warriors must resume work o. Sanwo-Olu remains my most favourite APC person, and he must not be left alone o. Me don dey fast and pray. Thank you. 

My Unforgettable Trip to Kirikiri Prison

I surprisingly had fun at the Kirikiri prison when I visited the place penultimate Thursday. I had been invited by a Christian fellowship to join them during the visitation. I was initially very hesitant, as prison was obviously not one of my most favourite places. But somehow sha, I found myself being conducted round the place. This was my very first time going into any such facilities. Prior to this, I used to just drive past the one in Ikoyi on my way to Lagos Polo Club to buy suya.

The facility is very expansive, neat and well organised. The courtyard was made up of a big football field, a lawn tennis court, a hospital donated by Pastor Adeboye, and I also saw the National Open University. They have churches and mosques, as well as a skill acquisition centre complete with a music studio. I was also taken round to the primary and secondary schools.

The place looked like a big boarding school with the inmates strolling around and greeting each other, just generally feeling very “free” and relaxed. The difference between them and us is the tag they gave us to wear. We were severely warned that if we lost the tags, that was it. So, I tied mine to my testicles.

We were obviously not allowed to go to the living quarters, which I heard was the real dark spot in the whole place. One could imagine, with the overcrowded nature of the place. Originally built for about 1,000 people, we learnt that it was now accommodating a little over 2,000.

I met some very prominent Nigerians, including a former Bank MD, who recognised me and thought I was also an inmate. I also met one of my actors who was serving a life sentence. This was such an experience that I recommend these visits for all Nigerians who are looking for a relaxing environment to relax from the hustle and bustle of being a Nigerian. A weekend stay at Kirikiri will just do the trick. Try it and thank me later. Kai.

Bukola Saraki: Where is the Flame?

Such a bright flame dimmed. What has gone wrong, sir? Let me speak to you directly. Where has the fire gone? You seem to have lost your spark as your voice is not heard any more these days. What happened to the ambition, the zeal to drive leadership and the strong mobilisation capacity? Why? What happened? Even in Kwara, you are not being heard, let alone at the national level.

Who or what castrated you like this o? What are you afraid of? Have you joined the mandate, and if you have, why are you not shouting there? You no longer send a signal of strength; you seem to be in a perpetual whimper. Nigeria is the worst for it because whatever is strong enough to cow such a powerful leader like you will certainly finish lesser leaders.

Kai, Bukola Saraki of before? The one who held down Buhari as Senate President? Since you left, we have had left-footed Senate presidents. None has reached your zenith of purposeful leadership.

This story is truly very sad, the eclipsing of a strong voice. What a pity. The very first time in recent history that Saraki is on the bench during an electoral season. Whatever led to this must be studied.

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour: I Feel Your Pain

I didn’t support him, did not vote for him, didn’t think and still don’t think that he has the depth to run Lagos or even run a local government. But his consistency is admirable. His insistence on running against the tide, when he could have just taken the easy road, is beginning to make me see him in another light.

I watched him the other day on television, declaring that there is no pathway to a Tinubu victory, and I pitied him. He has a clean heart, but his inexperience and naivety are just so apparent. Which pathway is he still talking about when we all have given up and are hoping that we will not be standing on Seyi Tinubu’s mandate come 2030?

Mbok, 2027 don go, give up, leave am, pass out. We have been totally bought and sold. Our prayer is for Baba to pity us after his second term and say oya bring Obi’s grandson, and let us give him something to compensate his father for all the suffering he has suffered for Nigeria. It’s like Gbadebo does not know that we are in a monarchy. Mbok, as I am writing, I am even laughing sef. Kai, Nigeria, we truly hail thee.

Ituah Ighodalo: A Perfect Gentleman

As I write this, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, the perfect gentleman pastor, will be celebrating his 65th birthday with a powerful colloquium that will have Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as its main speaker.

Let me quickly confess my small displeasure with this very handsome man of God. He had sent me the invite, complete with the poster announcing the event, and I was so happy that he remembered me. I started boasting – guys, pastor don invite me oooooo. I go wear my skirt go the place… and then the next thing I saw  the same poster on so many other platforms. Kai, Pastor sent me a generic invite o.

But I forgive him because the man represents a tendency that is becoming extant in our society these days. Principled, fair, engaging and a strong pillar for ultimate goodness. Pastor Ituah is someone not only well-liked and admired but also remains a strong tool for the reformation of our society. This is why he was not only invited to contribute an essay in the powerful coffee table book that I am about to publish, but also a powerful reason for Chief Obasanjo to leave his Abeokuta home and enter Lagos traffic to come and talk at his birthday.

Happy birthday, Sir, and I hope that this one that you gave me a generic invite, I hope you will not now exclude me from the inner party happening after the event. I am waiting and watching you with one eye, try me.

Dora Akunyili: The Immortal Awakes

Please permit me to gloat. Last weekend at the Agip Recital Hall of the MUSON Centre, we delivered the spectacular play ‘Dora.’

Dora depicts the life and times of the famous Dora Akunyili, former DG of NAFDAC and former Minister of Information. Mbok, let’s forget about the aesthetics of the production before I am accused of self-promotion and look at the character trait of this amazon which seems to remain very elusive to our present-day crop of leaders.

Dora was unmovable and unshakable in her quest to rid society of the malaise of fake drugs. She pursued this passion with vigour despite threats to her life and that of her family.

There is a scene when the pressure was too much, when her family elders came and asked her – What are we gaining from this Obasanjo work? And she stood resolute and unbending. We have learnt that she was the most decorated Nigerian with numerous awards from all over the world, and despite the threats and assassination attempts, she rid the system of counterfeiters and their poisonous products. She left a lasting legacy, and Nigerians really came out to celebrate her as over 4,000 people came out to see the play, which was written and directed by Dr. Toyin Ogundeji of the Obafemi Awolowo University. It is leaders like this that we truly need in Nigeria today, I tell you.

My Sincere Apologies to Chief Emeka Anyaoku

At over 90 years of age, Chief Emeka Anyaoku is a living legend and institution. So, when a man of that stature invites you to “tea,” you note it down and carry yourself to the place. You know Chief Emeka was Queen Elizabeth’s best friend, and the way he does his things is like the way they do it at Buckingham Palace.

“Edgar, can we do tea on the 26th of March, 2026, at 11am?” That was the text message I got almost three weeks before the date. Me, that I know my forgetful self, quickly sent the message to my scheduler. You know these Gen Z children and their phones and all of that. I said to him, “Please, if you forget to remind me, I will castrate you,” and he swore to his father’s name that he would remind me.

Mbok, that is how I got another text from Chief Anyaoku: “Edgar, what happened? I did not see you yesterday.” I screamed. Daniel forgot, kai. I apologised very profusely and begged for another appointment, and he gave me another date to call him to get a new appointment.

Now, Nigerians, I am begging you guys to assist me in keeping that date,  April 15, 2026. Please, I need you guys to all remind me on that said date to call the chief and ask for another appointment, before I go and forget again o. Kai, I can be so tardy, and this is why I have not won the Nobel Prize just yet. Help me.

Dakuku Peterside: The Fireside Chat of Life

Prolific essayist and author, Dr Dakuku Peterside, is the latest in a series of authors, including my brother, Azu Ishiekwene, who was the first guest to be invited to the growing National Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDB) Book Reading and Leadership Dialogue soiree.

Peterside’s book ‘Leading in a Storm’ has been receiving some very rave reviews, hence his being chosen for this much sought-after platform to provide insights into the book and his mission.

Dr. Dakuku, as I like calling him, together with my other brother and THISADY columnist, Magnus Onyibe, represent a new crop of essayists and writers. They are both so prolific that, between both of them, they can fill up a huge library with works and content.

Dakuku, a former DG of NIMASA and a former member of the House of Representatives, is a deep thinker with very clear insights as to leadership. If you are not lucky enough to have come across any of his writings, you are surely missing out because he possesses one of the brightest minds in our system today. Congratulations, my brother, even as I wish you a wonderful outing. Well done.