Victor EzejaSocial media platforms are awash with tributes as Nigerians and the global community celebrate Africa’s first Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, who turned 90 today, 13th July.
In his tribute to the literary icon for mounting the ninth floor, Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said Soyinka is “a colossus,” and “a true Renaissance person blessed with innumerable talents.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelTinubu described Professor Soyinka as a foremost advocate of good governance, fairness and justice. “Since his youth, he has been a vocal critic of oppression and injustice wherever it exists, from apartheid in South Africa to racism in the United States. Soyinka always speaks truth to power,” Tinubu stated.
Nigeria Names National Theatre After Soyinka
The Nigerian leader also announced that the Federal Government has decided to rename the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, Lagos to Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.
He said Professor Soyinka deserves the honour for his milestone achievements at 90.
“I am, accordingly, delighted to announce the decision of the Federal Government to rename the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.
“We do not only celebrate Soyinka’s remarkable literary achievements but also his unwavering dedication to the values of human dignity and justice,” he stated.
Tinubu also highlighted the circumstances that linked him and Professor Soyinka. According to him, “Our paths crossed during our just struggle for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria following the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election.
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“When faced with a trial in absentia and death sentence by the military regime at home, he galvanised opposition in exile through NALICON and NADECO. His global stature made him the face of our struggle to validate June 12 and restore democracy in Nigeria.
“Today, I join the world to celebrate his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists who have been inspired by his work.
“I celebrate him for giving us the spark to fight and confront military dictators in our country. I celebrate him for his enduring spirit and for teaching us that literature and drama can be used as a powerful tool to challenge the status quo.”
More Tributes Pour In For Soyinka
Immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, in a long tribute titled, “Tribute to Wole Soyinka at 90”, described him as a mentor, role model, thought leader, and “Africa’s most iconic literary maestro, and one of the world’s most influential citizens.”
Fayemi recalled his encounter with Soyinka both through his writing and in the field of struggle for the enthronement of democracy and rule of law in the country in the 90s. He equally highlighted Soyinka’s natural inclination to resist oppression, tyranny and terror, and his undying commitment to fight for civil liberty and a just society.
“Professor Soyinka has been one of the moral giants who continue to point the nation to the path of rectitude in politics, constitutionalism, justice, equality and good governance. His life has been a watershed and a blessing in every aspect,” Kayode stated.
The former governor noted that he has in many ways been a beneficiary of Soyinka’s “generosity.”
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a goodwill message to Soyinka said he is a source of pride for Nigeria, Africa and the entire black community.
“Professor Soyinka is a literary giant who has excelled across various genres of literature, with his extensive body of work serving as a touchstone in academic spheres worldwide,” Sanwo-Olu stated in a post on his verified X handle.
“He is a source of immense pride for Nigeria, Africa, and the entire black community. A staunch champion of truth, justice, and fairness, Prof. Soyinka has been a vocal advocate for democracy and accountable governance in Africa,” the Lagos governor added.
Also, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, congratulated Soyinka on his 90th birthday. Governor Abiodun said Soyinka’s life and career has been a “beacon of inspiration, not just for Nigerians but for the entire world.”
“As a Nobel laureate, playwright, poet, and relentless advocate for human rights and justice, your contributions to literature, culture, and social progress are immeasurable. You have consistently used your profound intellect and boundless creativity to challenge the status quo and champion the cause of the oppressed, embodying the very essence of courage and integrity,” Abiodun stated.
He added that the people of Ogun State are immensely proud of Soyinka’s achievements and commitment to a better society which continues to inspire generations of writers, scholars and activists.
On his part, Omoyele Sowore, an activist and the 2023 African Action Congress (AAC), presidential candidate described Soyinka as a “quintessential, fearless, inimitable, intelligent, inspiring, and resilient man.”
Also, offering warm wishes to Soyinka is former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, who described him as “Africa’s greatest living creative personality and a pride of the black race.”
Born 13th July 1934, in Abeokuta, in present day Ogun State, Professor Soyinka is a playwright, novelist, poet, and essayist in the English language. For his noble achievements in the literary space, the coveted Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Soyinka in 1986.
In a post on their X handle to mark Soyinka’s birthday, The Nobel Prize wrote “Literature laureate Wole Soyinka is known for his plays, poems and novels rooted in his native Nigeria. Soyinka draws upon the Yoruba culture’s legends, tales and traditions to make observations about the world.”
Soyinka’s Literary Contributions
Some of Soyinka’s best literary works include The Lion and the Jewel (1959), A Dance of the Forests (1960), The Trials of Brother Jero (1963), Kongi’s Harvest (1964), Death and the King’s Horseman (1975), The Interpreters (1965), Season of Anomy (1972), and Aké: The Years of Childhood (1981) among others.
Soyinka’s 90th Birthday Programme
To celebrate the literary icon and political activist, a lot of activities are holding both within and outside the Nigeria. Throughout July and beyond, a variety of events have been planned to mark Soyinka’s 90th birthday, including symposiums, performances, visual art exhibitions, literary events, and more. Although many of the plays to be presented are reenactments of the renowned playwright’s dramas, the majority of the events depict his life and times.
A symposium, poetry readings and gala night were held on 9th July at The Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco, Rabat, in his honour.
In Nigeria, the Committee of Relevant Arts (CORA), in partnership with Brownhill Radio, began a programme on 6th July, which is a weekly reading from four of Soyinka’s memoirs, at the CORA Library & Resource Centre Freedom Park, Lagos. The programme continues on July 13, 20 and 27.
Also, the Nigerian Academy of Letters organised a symposium and screening of a documentary film titled, Ebrohimie Road: A Museum of Memory, which took place at the University of Lagos on 11th July.
On Friday, 12th July, in Lagos, there was also a “Special premiere screening” of The Man Died, a feature film inspired by the “Prison Notes.” The film, which was shot in Nigeria in 2023 was directed by Awam Amkpa and produced by Femi Odugbemi for Zuri 24 Media. The screening, which was strictly by invitation, was designed as a flagship of the global celebration of Soyinka’s 90th birthday anniversary.
Also, The Africa Centre (TAC), in collaboration with the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE), is organising a nine-day programme in London from 19th to 27th July in honour of Soyinka’s contributions to literature, culture and human rights advocacy. This will involve exhibitions, roundtables, film screenings (including The Man Died), live music performances and poetry recitals.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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