By Idowu Ajanaku

Although Soyinka cited his sojourn in the United States of America (USA) as reason for his latest action, The Guardian learnt that his decision might not be unconnected with the protracted crisis in the group.

But Prof. Soyinka may not turn his back fully against PRONACO as he has decided to nominate Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu and Ambassador Olu Otunla as his replacement. The Chief Anthony Enahoro-led organisation has been locked in a battle with young elements led by Ayo Rosiji on the modalities for the conference. The crisis boiled over last week with the Rosiji group electing a new executive, retaining Enahoro but replacing Soyinka with Ndubuisi Kanu.

Sources told The Guardian that Soyinka decided to ease himself out of the group to avoid embarrassment by forces bent on destroying the body and its reputation. In fact, the literary icon has done everything possible to resolve the crisis in the PRONACO, especially the attempt to use some members to blackmail its leadership.

Although saddened by the latest action by the so-called young elements in the association, Soyinka is happy that PRONACO has succeeded in producing an acceptable constitution that will stand the test of time if eventually adopted by the delegates and the people of Nigeria.

PRONACO crisis started following a sharp disagreement between Enahoro and his late deputy, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti over the running of the organisation. Despite Ransome-Kuti's death, the crisis continued, culminating in the inability of the leaders to get the conference under way as planned.

The crisis resurfaced at the last session when the delegates could not adopt the report of the conference, insisting on seeing its content before it is adopted. Some of the members accused Enahoro of harbouring a hidden agenda.

Also, PRONACO broke into two over the decision to meet with former heads of state. While Enahoro favoured meeting with the former rulers, including President Olusegun Obasanjo, the others disagreed, saying that Obasanjo is part of the problems that PRONACO is out to solve.

The Head of Media and Information of PRONACO, Mr. Wale Okunniyi, however declined comment on the decision of Soyinka to dump the organisation. But he expressed worries over the activities of some members whom he alleged are allowing themselves to be used to derail the organisation. He said Soyinka is yet to inform Enahoro about his decision even as he expressed confidence that the literary icon would not abandon the organisation.