Garlands, Encomiums As ‘Kongi’ Turns 89

By Eric Elezuo

On Thursday, July 13, 2023, one of Nigeria’s most decorated writers, Prof Wole Soyinka clocked 89 years, and expectedly drew accolades, encomiums and eulogies from not a few Nigerians.

Soyinka’s contribution to the world of literature cannot be overemphasized. And so are contributions in governance, having remained a strong critic of successive governments in the country. The hallmark of his achievements revolves round his nomination and winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986, for “fashioning the drama of existence in a wide cultural perspective and with poetic overtones.” the first by a Sub-Saharan African in the field.

Born in Abeokuta as Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka in 1934, the Nobel Laureate’s life has been magical, transcending from the ordinary into the supernatural, and combining both effectively to positively affect his world. In 1954,

Wikipedia reveals that Soyinka “attended Government College in Ibadan, and subsequently University College Ibadan and the University of Leeds in England. After  studying in Nigeria and the UK, he worked with the Royal Court Theatre in London. He went on to write plays that were produced in both countries, in theatres and on radio. He took an active role in Nigeria’s political history and its campaign for independence from British colonial rule. In 1965, he seized the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service studio and broadcast a demand for the cancellation of the Western Nigeria Regional Elections. In 1967, during the Nigerian Civil War, he was arrested by the federal government of General Yakubu Gowon and put in solitary confinement for two years, for volunteering to be a non-government mediating actor.” Soyinka has been part of all that he met.

A strong critic of successive governments in Nigerian and African, especially those with military dictators, as well as other political tyrannies, Soyinka has remained vocal in the continent’ affairs. Much of his writing has been concerned with “the oppressive boot and the irrelevance of the colour of the foot that wears it”.

During the regime of General Sani Abacha (1993–98), Soyinka escaped from Nigeria on a motorcycle via the “NADECO Route.” Abacha later proclaimed a death sentence against him “in absentia.” With civilian rule restored to Nigeria in 1999, Soyinka returned to his nation.

Soyinka was a Professor of Comparative literature (1975 to 1999) at the Obafemi Awolowo University, then called the University of Ifẹ̀. With civilian rule restored to Nigeria in 1999, he was made professor emeritus. While in the United States, he first taught at Cornell University as Goldwin Smith professor for African Studies and Theatre Arts from 1988 to 1991 and then at Emory University, where in 1996 he was appointed Robert W. Woodruff Professor of the Arts. Soyinka has been a Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and has served as scholar-in-residence at New York University’s Institute of African American Affairs and at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. He has also taught at the universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard and Yale, and was also a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at Duke University in 2008.

In December 2017, Soyinka was awarded the Europe Theatre Prize in the “Special Prize” category, awarded to someone who has “contributed to the realization of cultural events that promote understanding and the exchange of knowledge between peoples” among many other heavy duty honours and awards.

Celebrating the Kongi, as he is popularly known as a result of his creative plays, Kongi’s Harvest, a 1965 play. It was later adapted as a film of the same name, directed by the American Ossie Davis, notable voices in Nigeria and abroad, have made one or two wonderful comments about his person.

PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU

Among prominent personalities that helped in heralding the 89th birthday of Soyinka is President Bola Tinubu, who passed encomiums on the Nobel laureate and elder statesman, describing him as a brother and comrade-in-democratic struggle.

Tinubu also called Soyinka a veritable source of support, inspiration and encouragement, recalling in particular, his struggle for the restoration and entrenchment of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

“Today, I celebrate Nobel laureate, elder statesman and pro-democracy activist, Professor Wole Soyinka, on his attainment of 89.

“Renowned playwright, poet, novelist, Professor Wole Soyinka has done a lot for Nigeria. In the literary world, he remains a giant, an Iroko. Importantly, his contributions to the struggle for the restoration and institutionalisation of democracy and good governance in Nigeria are indelible.

“Together, along with other activists, we fought for democracy under the aegis of NADECO at great risk to our personal lives.

“Professor Soyinka remains a beacon and a source of inspiration and support to many of us.

“As he attains 89 today, we pray that God Almighty grant him more years and strength so he can be around to witness the new Nigeria we are building in line with our Agenda for a Renewed Hope for the country, where security, prosperity and economic development will reign supreme.”

GOV BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on his own part, described Soyinka as “a quintessential scholar and literary icon, who has used his position and experience to contribute positively to literature, academics and governance globally.”

The governor said Soyinka was worth celebrating and remains one of Nigeria’s biggest exports to the world.

“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, I congratulate our literary icon and Nobel Laureate, Professor Oluwole Soyinka, on his 89th birthday anniversary.

“Professor Soyinka as a literary icon excels in all the genres of literature and his prodigious works have continued to be a reference point in academic circles all over the world. His long years of outstanding accomplishments and consistency in the crusade for the wellbeing of citizens had culminated in his legendary status. He is a great pride to Nigeria, Africa and the entire black race.

“He is a renowned advocate of truth, justice and equity, who always align with the populace in the clamour for good governance across the nation and globally. He has demonstrated this on many occasions by lending his voice on national and global issues in favour of the masses.

“As Professor Soyinka clocks 89, I wish him good health and more years of meritorious service to our dear country, Nigeria, the African continent and the world.”

JOE OKEI-ODUMAKIN

Human rights activist and President of Women’s Arise and Centre for Change, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, also celebrated Nigerian playwright.

Okei-Odumakin eulogised Soyinka, popularly called Kongi, describing the Nobel Prize winner as a rare privilege for the human race.

She said Soyinka’s legacy has become eternal and cherished by all generations.

The statement reads: “For those who understand, the Grace of waking up is beyond knowledge, but waking up to share the earth with some extremely rare humans is a grand privilege.

“Every such cycle is then cherished for seeing and the spectacle. We again celebrate Kongi whose genius of poesy captivates us in its gripping hold, not once not twice but lifelong.

“We pray for ourselves, nay, for you to be here much farther into your literary royalty.

“That you, Kongi, being already eternal in text, will experience your ‘eterna’ in health, with more generations into your living ancestry.”

BUILDERS AND REFORMERS ORGANISATION (NBRO)

A group called Nation Builders and Reformers Organisation (NBRO) also celebrated the literary icon.

In a statement, the National Leader, Magnus Oku, appreciated the impact and achievements of Prof Soyinka.

He said: “Today, we celebrate the birth of an extraordinary individual who has left an indelible mark on the literary world and beyond. As the first African to be honored with the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature, your genius and artistic contributions have captivated hearts across the globe.

“Your pen has served as a powerful weapon, fearlessly challenging oppressive regimes and shedding light on the struggles faced by the African continent.

“Through your plays, novels, poetry, and essays, you have eloquently articulated the essence of existence and the universal quest for freedom.

”Your unwavering commitment to truth and justice has made you a beacon of inspiration, not only for your fellow Nigerians but for people worldwide.

“Your courage in the face of adversity, exemplified by your daring escape from Nigeria during the oppressive regime of General Sani Abacha, showcases the strength and resilience that define your character.

“As a distinguished Professor, your passion for knowledge has enlightened countless minds. From your tenure at the Obafemi Awolowo University to your esteemed positions at renowned institutions such as Cornell, Emory, and Harvard, you have nurtured generations of scholars and writers, sharing your wisdom and sparking intellectual curiosity.

“On this special day, we honor not only your literary achievements but also your unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth and artistic expression.

“Your voice has resonated through the corridors of power, reminding us of the importance of standing up against tyranny and injustice.

“May your birthday be filled with joy, love, and inspiration. As you continue to grace the world with your literary brilliance, may your words continue to ignite minds, challenge norms, and foster positive change.

“Happy birthday, Professor Wole Soyinka! Your legacy shines brightly, and the world is grateful for your immense contributions.”

Soyinka will continue to be a living legend, and will go down in history as one of the greats that experienced the celebration of their greatest while still in the land of the living.