By Emem Nsini-Godwin
Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka on Monday celebrated his 92nd birthday to an outpouring of tributes from President Bola Tinubu, political leaders, literary organisations and admirers, who hailed him as a towering literary figure, democracy advocate and one of Nigeria’s greatest national icons.
Soyinka, born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on July 13, 1934, was widely praised for his decades-long contributions to literature, human rights, democracy and good governance.
Leading the tributes, President Tinubu described the Nobel laureate as an exceptional figure whose life and works have profoundly shaped Nigeria and inspired generations across the world.
“Exceptional individuals like Professor Soyinka do not come often in a generation. He is one of those who illuminate the path for humanity, challenge convention and refuse to remain silent in the face of oppression and injustice,” the President said in a statement released to commemorate Soyinka’s birthday.
Tinubu also reflected on Soyinka’s role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, particularly during the June 12 campaign against military rule.
“I also recall Professor Soyinka’s valiant struggle against military dictatorship for decades, and his efforts in the June 12 struggle, for which we were both in the trenches,” Tinubu said.
“As he marks this birthday, I join the world in celebrating his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars and activists, as well as his sacrifices for our nation. I wish ‘Kongi’ many more years in excellent health.”
Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and former presidential candidate, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, described Soyinka as “a national treasure and a global titan,” while urging Nigeria to accord him greater national recognition.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Moghalu noted that countries across the world celebrate Nobel laureates through special honours and privileges, arguing that Nigeria should do more to recognise Soyinka’s exceptional achievements.
He cited Argentina, where Nobel Prize winners receive lifetime pensions equivalent to the salaries of Supreme Court justices, and recalled that when Soyinka became the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, the Federal Government under then-military President Ibrahim Babangida dispatched a high-powered delegation to Stockholm to celebrate the historic achievement.
Moghalu welcomed Soyinka’s recent conferment with the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), describing it as “fitting, even if long overdue.” He also referred to the Nobel laureate as a “senior friend” and recalled Soyinka’s public endorsement of his 2019 presidential bid.
Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, described Soyinka as “a rare breed of whom any race would be proud,” saying his life and accomplishments had brought honour not only to Nigeria but to humanity.
“We are grateful to the Almighty God that such a rare breed comes from among us and has been able to make positive impacts on the firmament of human existence,” Fasoranti said while congratulating the playwright on attaining the age of 92.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, also paid glowing tribute to Soyinka, describing him as “a consistent voice of conscience, a mentor and a steadfast friend.”
“Today, as Professor Wole Soyinka celebrates his 92nd birthday, I join millions of admirers in wishing this distinguished son of Africa a very happy birthday filled with joy, robust health and continued fulfilment,” Fayemi said.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP), in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, described Soyinka as a “living legend” and “guiding light,” saying the party joined his family, friends and admirers around the world in celebrating an extraordinary life dedicated to justice, truth and national development.
Similarly, the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), in a joint statement by its President, Professor Bill Ndi, and Secretary-General, Dr Wale Okediran, commended Soyinka’s unwavering commitment to African literature and culture, praising his continued efforts to amplify African voices on the global stage despite his advancing age.
Soyinka made history in 1986 as the first African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. Beyond his acclaimed works as a playwright, novelist, poet and essayist, he has remained one of Africa’s most influential voices on democracy, human rights and good governance for more than seven decades.
Celebrations marking his 92nd birthday included events organised by the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) in Lagos and London. PAWA is also expected to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Soyinka’s Nobel Prize later this year in Rabat, Morocco, further underscoring the enduring global impact of one of Africa’s most celebrated intellectuals.
