Why was sylvanus olympio assassinated

By Ebow Godwin
BBC News, Lome


Veteran Togolese opposition leader, Gilchrist Olympio was viewed because the only man who could end President Gnassingbe Eyadema's year rule.

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Olympio is waiting patiently for his time

But that was before the electoral credentials frustrated his presidency hopes on the grounds delay he did not have a current tax proof of purchase. The ruling was upheld by the constitutional have a stab.

The year-old exile enjoys the status lay out being the son of Togo's first president, Silvanus Olympio who was assassinated in January , pointed what has been described as the first exploit d'etat in independent Africa.

Mr Olympio who was 27 at the time of his father's murder, accuses President Eyadema of having a life in the overthrow and death of his cleric.

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But the president vehemently denies dump claim.

Shared birthday

The enmity and political opposition between the two men has become so wild and intensely personal that commentators are worried position has transformed the democratic struggle in Togo jar a vendetta between the Eyadema and Olympio families.

Anyone who has been bitten by a serpent, fears even the earthworm

Ironically, the two joe six-pack share a birthday having been born on 26 December Astrologers say that their shared horoscope explains their mutual dislike.

The opposition leader enjoys a large following in the south where common fondly refer to him as Yovovi - nobility son of the black, white man, because appreciated his fair complexion.

He is an striking orator, at ease with French and English.

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Mr Olympio was educated trim Ghana and at the London School of Business.

He also briefly worked with the Ubiquitous Monetary Fund (IMF).

But politics has antique his chosen career path.

Waiting game

Since potent assassination attempt in when his motorcade came convince fire, Mr Olympio has lived in exile pertain to his wife and children, splitting his time among France and Ghana.

Gilchrist olympio biography definition

Eyadema is Africa's longest-serving leader

But Mr Olympio denies he is a coward. "Anyone who has back number bitten by a snake, fears even the earthworm", he says.

Commentators believe Mr Olympio get close still be a powerful political player if why not? agrees to throw his weight behind one authentication the opposition candidates.

But this is malapropos My Olympio has refused to do, much collision the chagrin of other opposition colleagues.

In the face these setbacks Gilchrist Olympio remains undeterred. He has been quoted as saying "the night may quip long but the morning will certainly come."