President Bola Tinubu has lauded Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, on the occasion of his 90th birthday, saying the playwright merits every accolade for his unwavering dedication to human dignity and justice. 

“I am delighted to join admirers worldwide in celebrating the 90th birthday of Nigeria’s iconic figure and the globally acclaimed Professor Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde, better known as Wole Soyinka,” said Mr Tinubu in a statement on Friday. 

He noted, “Professor Soyinka, who became the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, truly deserves all the accolades as he reaches this significant milestone of 90 years. Having overcome prostate cancer, this anniversary stands as a testament to his resilience and the importance of his work. It is fitting that we honour this national treasure while he is still with us.” 

Mr Tinubu reflected on his own encounters with the literary giant and acknowledged Soyinka’s vital role in the fight for Nigerian democracy. He added, “We not only celebrate Soyinka’s extraordinary literary accomplishments but also his steadfast commitment to the principles of human dignity and justice.”

“Our paths crossed during our earnest struggle for democracy in Nigeria following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Facing a trial in absentia and a death sentence from the military regime, he rallied opposition from exile through NALICON and NADECO. His international prominence made him the symbolic leader of our effort to validate June 12 and restore democracy in Nigeria. Today, I join the global community in celebrating his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists inspired by his work. I honour him for igniting our resolve to challenge military dictatorships in our nation,” Mr Tinubu said.

Born on July 13, 1934 in Aké, Abeokuta, Ogun State, the literary icon and activist, who has authored over 50 books, is renowned for his seminal works including Kongi’s Harvest, The Lion and the Jewel, A Dance of the Forests, and The Trials of Brother Jero.