A culture of honour is essential in society. This is exemplified by Wọle Ṣoyinka, Oluwọle Akinwande Ṣoyinka, one of whose pseudonyms is Kongi, a man of honour, and a quintessential multi-talented artist – dramatist, poet, novelist, film maker, musician, and playwright.
Friends, creatives, acquaintances, alumni of his alma mater, Leeds University, relatives, and mentees gathered at the Drapers Hall, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan to celebrate, this illustrious personality, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986, as he turns 90.
The theme of the gathering was: “Ilujinle: Freedom, Equity and the Vision of a New Humanity.” Virtually everyone who spoke about Wọle Ṣoyinka mentioned his commitment to the country of his birth, Nigeria. They discussed his advocacy for citizen’s freedom and noted that beneath all the books and scholarly discourse lies his affable and liberal personality.
Many celebrated his Autonomous Republic of Ijẹgba, (A.R.I.), his residence in the Ibara Housing Estate in Abẹokuta, Ogun State. When I first heard “Ijẹgba”, I wondered if it was a village or town. It shed light on Wọle Ṣoyinka’s personality when I realized it was his residence being referred to as Ijẹgba. This took me back to my childhood, recalling the unique names of his children – Ọlaokun, Mọremi, Iyetade and Peyibomi – highlighting his distinctive character and taste.
At the event celebrating his 90th birthday, there was a reference to his 1965 seizure of the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service studio, where he demanded the cancellation of the Western Nigeria regional elections. His arrest as a non-governmental mediator during the civil war in 1967 was also recounted.
The respect of everyone gathered to celebrate him was evident in the way they spoke about him and the personal relationships they had with him.
Poems were read in his honour. Awards were presented in his honour. Educare Trust, Ibadan presented a portrait depicting the many parts of Wọle Ṣoyinka to the Institute of African Studies.
In attendance were eminent academics, playwrights, poets and top media personalities like: Professors Dan Izevbaye, Festus Adesanoye, Bode Sowande, Dr. Tony Marinho, Prof. Matthew Umukoro, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, Mr Kolade Mosuro, Dr Tunde Adegbola, Mr Fisan Bankale; Dr Barbara Morovich, the Director of the French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA); Mr David Uzuegbu, an Assistant Director, and representative of the Director-General, Centre for Black African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC). Apologies were recorded for General Yakubu Gowon who had to travel abroad, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, The Chairman of the board of Trustees, EDUCARE TRUST, Dr Tokunbo Abiose, Professor Niyi Osundare, Professor Femi Osofisan, Professor Olu Obafemi, Prof Solomon Oyetade, Mr Lanre Oladele and Otunba Deji Osibogun.
An author lives forever. An activist is never forgotten. Happy 90th birthday, Kongi. Happy birthday, WS. Happy birthday, Professor Wọle Ṣoyinka.
Dr. Orimolade, a veteran broadcast journalist, is a communication scholar at the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo Town.