….Stakeholders hail philosopher’s essays as ethical diagnosis of Nigeria
….Author urges citizens to resist silence, demand accountable leadership
A rich blend of political leaders, academics, traditional rulers and civil society actors converged in Ibadan on January 26, 2025, for the public presentation of The Stubborn Goat: A Citizen’s Engagement with Nigeria, a two-volume work by renowned public intellectual and philosopher, Professor Akinyemi Onigbinde.
The event, held at the Mauve 21 venue, attracted prominent personalities including former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi; former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; and former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who chaired the occasion.
The hall was filled with eminent guests who celebrated the latest literary contribution of the former Head of the Department of Philosophy at Olabisi Onabanjo University, whose writings have been widely regarded as offering an ethical interrogation of Nigeria’s political, social and economic realities.
Among those in attendance were the Orangun of Oke Ila Orangun, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin (Aroyinkeye I); former APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore; Chief of Staff to the Oyo State Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; former Lagos PDP governorship candidate, Mr Jimi Agbaje; and human rights lawyer and activist, Mr Dele Farotimi.
Speaking at the presentation, Obi reflected on the book’s central message, drawing parallels with Growing Apart by Professor Peter Lewis, noting that Nigeria often understands the right path but repeatedly chooses otherwise.
“What stands out in The Manifesto of a Stubborn Goat is the author’s courage to confront Nigeria’s challenges honestly,” Obi said.
He described true patriotism as the willingness to critique national failings and contribute to solutions rather than offering praise amid decline.
“Through his essays, Professor Onigbinde performs this vital service, providing an incisive ethical diagnosis of the nation’s political, social, and economic life,” Obi added.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that the book calls citizens to responsibility, urging engagement, reflection and accountability from leaders and institutions.
According to him, the work addresses pressing national concerns such as insecurity, erosion of civic trust, declining public responsibility and the urgent need for ethical leadership.
Obi explained that the metaphor of the “stubborn goat” represents principled resistance and the refusal to be led quietly into despair.
“The stubborn goat—an animal that resists being quietly led to slaughter—serves as a moral center, illustrating persistence, courage and principled resistance, even when circumstances seem overwhelming,” he said.
Also speaking, the writer of the foreword, Mr Festus Adedayo, columnist and member of the Editorial Board of the Nigerian Tribune, highlighted the role of public intellectuals in exposing the paralysis of power and advocating social justice.
He credited the book with “re-tabling issues that engaged discourses at the time they were written, without losing their savour.”
Adedayo praised Onigbinde’s style of presenting complex national questions as “delectable intellectual cuisine with gripping aroma,” noting that the essays remain relevant to contemporary Nigeria.
In his remarks, Professor Onigbinde described the publication as the culmination of decades of engagement with national discourse through newspaper columns and commentaries.
He explained that the book, released to commemorate his 70th birthday, reflects his lifelong commitment to speaking truth to power.
The philosopher revealed that the title The Stubborn Goat was inspired by his mother, who often referred to him as such because of his uncompromising stance on issues of principle.
The presentation ended with renewed calls for responsible citizenship, ethical leadership and sustained intellectual engagement as Nigeria confronts its developmental and governance challenges.
