At 90, he very much remains one of the voices of conscience in Africa if not on a global platform. With an illustrious career in the literary world, one in which he has tackled complex themes such as politics, corruption, racism and the quest for freedom and justice with his works, leaving a lasting impact again not only in the field of literature but the humanities as a whole.
Born on the 13th of July, 1934 in the rocky city of Abeokuta, present day Ogun State, as Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka to Samuel and Grace Soyinka, who notably influenced Kongi’s vista of life, coupled with other aspects of the then prevailing sociocultural context which instilled in him a sense of social responsibility and a commitment to fight against all appearances of injustice. Understanding the influence of such a milieu on the character of Soyinka at best helps even the worst of his critics to grasp an understanding of his persona, his works and ideology inclusive.
Soyinka began his academic journey at St Peters Primary School Abeokuta, before joining the Abeokuta Grammar School for his post primary education.
Fate was to see him berth at the University College of Ibadan for his tertiary education before moving to the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom to further his studies. It was during this time that he began writing plays and poetry, drawing inspiration from his set of experiences in Nigeria and abroad such as that by In 1960, Soyinka’s play “A Dance of the Forests” would win the prestigious Festival of Negro Arts Competition, marking the start of his illustrious career as a playwright.
As Nigeria’s foremost literary aficionado, WS has gone on to write over 300 plays, books, poems and essays collectively, deploying the use of language, vivid imagery and strong rooted social commentary. Further more, Soyinka’s works have often provided themes in which the reader can draw a varied sense of experiences whether it be colonialism, culture and its evolution, love, injustice, and religion. Soyinka’s profound commitment to social justice and artistic excellence establishes him as a leading voice in African literature. His Nobel Prize award in 1986, the first for any African remains an irrefragable testament to his enduring influence and contribution to the literary world.
Beyond literature’s realm, the gift of a person like Wole Soyinka extends to activism, one in which he has used as a platform to rankle against the numerous tin gods the nation and the African continent has been cursed with, he has also deployed such a platform to speak out against corruption, human rights abuses, and political injustices. Throughout his adult life , Soyinka has been a vocal critic of the Nigerian government and has faced persecution for his outspoken views. In 1967, he was arrested and imprisoned for his role of supporting the Eastern Region’s right to secede following the twin pogroms of July and September, 1967. Here, we see a man of Yoruba stock risking his life and freedom for that of nearly 10 million Igbos. Today, when the “King without clothes generation” attempt to cast Soyinka as an ethnic champion because of his thoughts on the 2023 elections in which he did come out to categorically state that a particular candidate, Mr.Peter Obi did not and could not have won that election despite his “gbajue” claims to having won, I laugh and pity them, understanding the effects of the Nigerian State on their kind. Soyinka’s activism did not stop there, he has repeatedly taken on numerous dictators , including one who transmuted into a dictator in civilian garb; the letter writer and Heaven’s gateman. We obviously can still recall that while a number of academics and mouth freedom fighters either cozied up or did nothing to the likes of General Sani Abacha who wanted to muscle those opposed to his self succession plan, the likes of Soyinka coordinated a war of attrition against the administration from exile, disarming whatever goodwill the Abacha regime was seeking to earn from the international community. Despite the risks, Soyinka continues to advocate for social change and justice through his writings and public appearances.
Soyinka’s impact on literature and society cannot be overstated. His works have inspired generations of writers and artists, both in Nigeria and around the world. His uncompromising commitment to truth and justice has earned him numerous accolades.
In addition to his literary achievements, Soyinka’s legacy also extends to his work as a teacher and mentor. His teaching streak has seen him traverse a number of universities in Nigeria, the United States, and the United Kingdom, passing on his knowledge and expertise to the next generation of writers.
Another legacy of Soyinka would be the formation of the Pyrate’s Confraternity, Nigeria’s first indigenous university confraternity before it’s pull out from the university environment owing to the violence the formation of rival confraternities had brought upon such environments resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of property. While many have sought to blame Soyinka and his magnificent six for the resultant horrors presently experienced in the name of cultism, it is important to assert that there is a marked difference between the Pyrates Confraternity and what is obtained today, thus blaming Soyinka for the mess we find ourselves today is akin to blaming Christ, Mohammed, even Buddha and Karl Marx for the horrors perpetuated in their names by their misguided adherents and those who have attempted to implement or export such teachings with violence!
As Soyinka approaches his ninth decade, his legacy continues to grow and evolve. His works remain as relevant and powerful as ever, offering readers a window into the complexities of African society and the human condition. or aspiring writers and activists around the world, inspiring them to use their voices to effect positive change in their communities.
In conclusion, Wole Soyinka remains Nigeria’s if not Africa’s literary giant towering above a host of others whose works have left an indelible mark on the world. His plays, poetry, and essays continue to resonate with audiences, offering insights into the complexities of life in Nigeria and beyond. Soyinka’s unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and artistic excellence has earned him a place among the pantheon of world greats. As a teacher, mentor, and activist, Soyinka’s influence extends far beyond the pages of his books, inspiring generations of artists and activists to strive for a better world. Whether through his powerful plays or his incisive essays, Wole Soyinka’s legacy will continue to shape and challenge the literary landscape for years to come.
