Lawyer and politician Oba Mekunu Owolabi Salis has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, institutions, and individuals to advocate for former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Salis praised Gowon, who recently turned 90, as an exceptional leader, citing his role in unifying Nigeria post-civil war and reintegrating the Igbo people as exemplary statesmanship.
Salis highlighted Gowon's leadership in assembling a distinguished team, including figures like Tony Enahoro, Obafemi Awolowo, and Aminu Kano, whose dedication to Nigeria's growth was unparalleled. He emphasized that Gowon's release of Awolowo from prison fostered a sense of national belonging among the Yoruba, showcasing Gowon’s talent in political cohesion and statecraft.
Further, Salis commended Gowon’s apology to Wole Soyinka for his detention during the civil war, describing it as a profound act of humility and reconciliation. He noted Gowon’s dignified response to adversity, including his post-coup resilience and adjustment to student life at the University of Warwick, demonstrating an inspiring legacy of moral courage.
Salis concluded by emphasizing that Gowon's journey embodies a belief in the eventual triumph of truth and light over adversity, making him a remarkable candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize and an inspiring figure in Nigeria's history.
