Categories: News

Yemi Osinbajo Explains Why He Didn’t Attend Wole Soyinka Awards

Yemi Osinbajo Explains Why He Didn’t Attend Wole Soyinka Awards

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has released a copy of the letter he wrote to Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) excusing himself from the ceremony where he was to receive an “integrity award”. 

In the letter released by Laolu Akande, Osinbajo’s spokesman, the vice-president said it would be insensitive for him to attend the award ceremony in the light of the travails of Omoyele Sowore, convener of RevolutionNow movement.

Osinbajo released the letter on Monday, hours after the centre announced it was postponing the award of Osinbajo over Sowore’s treatment. It had said the postponement was “to align with protests against the repression of freedom of speech in recent times especially the incident between the Department of State Security (DSS) and Omoleye Sowore.” In the letter shared with TheCable, Osinbajo explained the reason he would be absent at the event. 

The letter reads:

”I am extremely grateful for the recognition and award of the “Integrity Specialty of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism’s Anti-corruption Defender Award of 2019” to me.

“The award, I note, is for our Justice Reform efforts in Lagos State. I had accepted the award with pride on behalf of the excellent Justice Sector team we had. 

“However, two reasons explain my absence. First is that I am currently in Abu Dhabi for an international meeting under the auspices of the government of the UAE where I am the keynote speaker. 

“Second, in view of the development on Friday in the Sowore case, I think it would be insensitive and inappropriate to attend the ceremony. Please accept my heartfelt apologies and extend the same to the other members of the organizing team. God bless you.”

Recent Posts

Rema, Tems, Seun Kuti to perform at 2025 Coachella Festival

The 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has announced its lineup, featuring over 100 artists at the Empire Polo… Read More

7 hours ago

Music Executive Ubi Franklin & Kizz Daniel Settles long time Differences

Kizz Daniel and Ubi Franklin have reportedly reconciled, ending their six-year feud. In 2018, Kizz Daniel and Ubi Franklin fought… Read More

7 hours ago

Actor Afeez Owo splashes millions on new car

Afeez Owo has recently acquired a new vehicle. The actor posted a video on his Instagram page featuring his new… Read More

7 hours ago

Wumi Toriola Boasts Breaks Toyin Abraham’s Record

Wumi Toriola is celebrating as her film, Queen Lateefah, has made three hundred and fifty million naira in just two… Read More

7 hours ago

Davido’s Second Daughter Hailey Adeleke Sweetly Celebrates Him At 32nd Birthday

Hailey Adeleke spoke up to celebrate her father's 32nd birthday. Many people, including his uncle Ademola Adeleke, the governor of… Read More

8 hours ago

Denzel Washington Shares His 15-Year Struggle With Alcohol

Denzel Washington has revealed his 15-year fight with alcohol. The star explained that his wine drinking began quietly but increased… Read More

8 hours ago

This website uses cookies.