The Manifesto of a Stubborn Goat

Earlier in the day, after engaging with students at Dominican University, I attended the unveiling of “The Manifesto of a Stubborn Goat,” written by Professor Akinyemi Onigbinde, in Ibadan. Reading the book reminded me of “Growing Apart” by Professor Peter Lewis, who observes with deep concern that Nigeria often knows the right course of action but repeatedly chooses the wrong path—a theme that resonates strongly throughout Professor Onigbinde’s work.

What stands out in “The Manifesto of a Stubborn Goat” is the author’s courage to confront Nigeria’s challenges honestly. True patriotism, in my opinion, is not about praising the country when things go wrong, but rather critically examining its failings and contributing to possible solutions. Through his essays, Professor Onigbinde performs this vital service, providing an incisive ethical diagnosis of the nation’s political, social, and economic life.

The book emphasizes that citizens have a responsibility to engage, reflect, and hold both leaders and institutions accountable. It addresses pressing issues such as insecurity, the collapse of trust, the erosion of civic responsibility, and the need for ethical leadership. The metaphor of the stubborn goat—an animal that resists being quietly led to slaughter—serves as a moral center, illustrating the importance of persistence, courage, and principled resistance, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. -PO