Wole Soyinka: A Literary Icon Par Excellence

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Literary icon, Professor Wole Soyinka, is a voice to reckon with. He has towed the path of excellence which has brought him global acclaim. His achievements have reached far beyond Africa to touch the lives of people the world over with inspiration that transcends literature, politics, and education. Today, July 13, the Nobel Laureate turned 90 years.

He is a theatre practitioner par excellence. Excelling as an essayist, dramatist, playwright, poet, and social critic has placed him in the upper echelons of society. He stands tall among theatre aficionados with various honours to his name.

Amongst his works are The Trial of Brother Jero, Jero’s Metamorphosis, A Dance of the Forests, Kongi’s Harvest, Madmen and Specialists, Death and the King’s Horseman, A Play of Giants and Requiem for a Futurologist.

Birthday wishes for the icon

Prof. Soyinka was duly honored as he marked his 90th year on earth. Truly, he is leaving his footprints on the sand of time. Social activists, governors, entertainers, and Nigerians in general took to social media to celebrate the literature legend.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described Soyinka as the “rarest breed of humankind”.

In his words, “On July 13, 1934, the heavens bestowed on Ogun State, Nigeria and Africa as a whole, the rarest breed of humankind. From being the conscience of the Nation, you conquered the world as a playwright, poet, essayist and public intellectual. At 87, we proudly celebrate an enigma whose kind only Ogun State has the privilege of laying claim to. Congratulations, Prof.”

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Also, Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, took to Facebook to celebrate Soyinka. He said, “We celebrate an iconic personality. A patriot of high repute. Our mentor and hero. A defender of the defenseless. Advocate of truth, fairness, and equity. A man of whom justice is the first condition of humanity. One of the very best our country has produced. Wishing you many more blessed and impactful years.”

Fuji musician, Saheed Osupa commented, “To a primus inter pares, an African pride, a National crusader, a father figure, a meritorious mentor, a legendary icon, a core traditionalist, a global scholar, a witty literatus, a rare gem and an outstanding intelligentsia whose erudition I so much adore and respect.

“Thank you for being a blessing to the entire Black race, Prof. May the God of longevity grant you his favour, sir. Because we really need you to stay longer for a better tomorrow. Happy 87th Birthday, King Kongi, Prof Wole Soyinka! My love for you can never be overstated!” he wrote on Facebook.

Besides, activist and president of Women Arise, Joe Okei-Odumakin, equally celebrated the octogenarian. She said, “When there were no civil society groups to serve as the conscience of the masses, you filled the void by acting as a one-man Riot Squad! The rogue regime of Ladoke Akintola in the defunct Western Region bears you witness.

“When the Nigerian Constitution was yet to assign the media the role of holding government accountable to the people, you had picked up the gauntlet and filled the gap. Your role in the Nigerian civil war and your epic novel, ‘The Man Died’, bear you witness!

“Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in the academic category (specifically in Literature); tireless crusader for human rights; a voice that could not be silenced. We salute Prof. Wole Soyinka at 87!”