The King in Academic Garb

The autobiography of HRM Oba Professor Akinola A. Owosekun - Oba Owosekun II, for short - is a fascinating guide, through his unique perspective, of the history of Nigeria from the end of the colonial era to the early hopeful days of independence to our current national situation.

Apart from recording his varied and numerous professional achievements, Oba Owosekun's book serves as an excellent memoir on navigating the labyrinth of the Nigerian civil service from independence, its early promises, and how it quickly ran aground on the quicksand of personal ambitions, corruption, nepotism and lack of a clear direction from ever-changing administrations. His path through the various agencies created to fast-track Nigeria's economic revolution is a sorry tale of how we lost our way as a nation and how all the excellent research and works done by dedicated people in the system were largely allowed to go to waste.

I therefore have no hesitation in commending this short but punchy autobiography to the reading public. Reading it will not only be a literary pleasure but would also allow the reader to learn from a veritable national treasure. It is no wonder that his students at Bowen University wanted to know how he became who he is and wanted to become more like him. After reading this book, you too will have learnt something from him and would wish that the book had not ended so quickly!