Radical pro-democracy activist and PRONACO co-founder, Baba Omojola, dies at 75

Until his death, Baba Omojola was at the forefront of the calls for the restructuring of Nigeria through a Sovereign National Conference. He died while on active duty for his country.

A co-founder and head of secretariat of Pro-National Conference Organisation, PRONACO, Oluwide Omojola, on Saturday slumped and died in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the 75 year old foremost revolutionary teacher and activist, who made a presentation before the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue on Friday, slumped in his hotel room while preparing to leave for his base in Lagos.

He was immediately rushed to First Mercy Specialist Hospital, Gbogi Road, Akure, where he was later certified dead by one Dr. Akinluwa, who was said to be prompt in attending to him.

Mr. Omojola was at the forefront of the advocacy for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference, SNC, and was one of the signatories to the communique of the National Political Summit held in Uyo between September 2 and 5 this year.

The resolution of the summit specifically demanded a Peoples National Conference for the country.

Mr. Omojola was co-founder of PRONACO with  other elderstatesmen such as Anthony Enahoro, Wole Soyinka,  Beko Ransome Kuti among others who fought for the restoration of democracy to the country after many years of military dictatorship.

PRONACO was to draft a peoples constitution produced by the Peoples National Conference of Nigerian ethnic nationalities between 2004 and 2007.

The spokesperson for PRONACO, Olawale Okunniyi, confirmed the death of the late activist and teacher, saying he would be remembered for his immense contribution to the process of nation building.

In a statement Saturday, Mr. Okunniyi suggested that the late leader’s presentation before the Presidential Committee 24 hours before his demise, which contained the PRONACO draft Peoples Constitution adopted in 2007 under the leadership  Anthony Enahoro of blessed memory,  should be the working document of the proposed National Conference.

“As a revolutionary teacher and leader, Baba trained and led a horde of political and labour activists who are currently leading the advocacy for a New Nigeria, where the diverse peoples of Nigeria can make and own their constitution and live a good and peaceful life,” Mr. Okunniyi said.

He added that the late activist would be remembered for his immense sacrifice and contributions to political direction and development of the country even while suffering numerous detentions in the hands of the Nigerian ruling class.

“Baba as a thoroughbred and versatile Economist has to his credit numerous thesis and publications that has continued to shape the life of the country. Adieu Baba! Victoria Acerta!” the statement said.

Baba Omojola was until his death chairman of Eco Consultants, an Integrated Economic, Renewable energy, Health/ Environmental/ Agricultural and Industrial Engineering consultancy firm.

A renowned economist, he was rated among the 99 best economists in the world. He worked as Consultant for the United Nations on several research programmes on economic development in Africa.