By John Odunayo
Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Saturday celebrated the literary icon, Nobel laureate and global icon and human rights crudaser, Professor Wole Soyinka at 90.
The governor’s lauded Soyinka for his immense contributions to the literary world and humanity.
* Soyinka, global ambassador of Nigeria – Abiodun
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun described Nobel Laureate, as a literary icon and a voice for social justice and human rights, whose legacies straddles the entire world.
Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, on the occasion of Prof. Soyinka’s 90th birthday on Saturday, July 13, 2024, described the first African Nobel Laureate winner in Literature as an icon, a literary giant, and a global ambassador of Nigeria.
The Governor noted that Professor Soyinka has made immense contributions to the development of literature, culture, and democracy in Nigeria and across the world through his gifted art of writings and activism.
Governor Abiodun commended the legendary playwright, poet, and essayist for his unwavering commitment to the fight for social justice, human rights, and good governance over the past six decades.
The Governor said Professor Soyinka’s legacy as a fearless, principled, and cerebral public intellectual will continue to inspire generations of both born and yet unborn Nigerians and Africans.
Governor Abiodun wished the revered scholar many more years of good health, wisdom, and fulfilment ahead as he celebrates his landmark 90th birthday.
“Congratulations to Professor Soyinka on reaching the incredible milestone of 90 years! Throughout his lifetime, he has not only become a literary icon but also a voice for social justice and human rights.
“His contributions to literature, theatre, and activism have left an indelible mark on the sand of history. Here’s to celebrate his remarkable achievements and wish him many more years of inspiration and impact,” the governor said.
* Soyinka deserves being celebrated for making Nigeria, Africa proud – Oyebanji
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, congratulated the Nobel Laureate and world-renowned literary giant on his 90th birthday, saying Prof. Soyinka deserves to be celebrated for making Nigeria and Africa proud by the great impact he has made in the literary world and on humanity.
Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described Prof. Soyinka as a pride to the Black race, a legend of the arts and a multi-talented genius whose influence and impact transcended several generations.
According to Governor Oyebanji, the world has felt the impact and has been blessed by Prof. Soyinka’s roles as a writer, an author, a playwright, a novelist, a dramatist, a scholar and pro democracy activist.
The Governor noted that the high point of the nonagenarian’s career was winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986 which sent his name into history books as the first African writer to achieve the feat.
Besides arts, Governor Oyebanji also hailed Prof. Soyinka, affectionately referred to as “Kongi” by his admirers, as a voice for the oppressed, a civil rights activist, a pro-democracy icon and a social justice crusader who speaks truth to power.
He pointed out that Prof. Soyinka, at the risk for his life, stood to be counted in the fight to end military rule in Nigeria and his advocacy contributed immensely to the return of civil rule which was achieved in 1999.
The governor, who hailed the decision of President Bola Tinubu to name the National Arts Theatre after Prof. Soyinka, described it as a befitting birthday gift for the literary giant.
* Soyinka, global icon, Nigerian patriot – Aiyedatiwa
The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, congratulated Professor Wole Soyinka on his 90th birthday anniversary, describing him as a global icon and a Nigerian patriot of the highest standard.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, in a statement, the governor, fond of Soyinka’s multiple literary works, said the playwright winning the 1986 Nobel Prize as the first Black man from Africa was a testament to his explosive creative ability and a validation of his bonafide as a prodigy of erudition.
Apart from Soyinka’s stellar and seminal contributions to all genres of Literature, Governor Aiyedatiwa also commended the restless bard for his several interventions as a political activist who has been speaking truth to power for over six decades of his adult life.
Governor Aiyedatiwa noted Soyinka’s worthy contributions to the June 12 struggle and Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, saying the sacrifices he made have left giant footprints in the sands of time.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said although Soyinka is a citizen of the world, Africa and, indeed, Nigeria is proud of him and his achievements and will forever be grateful to him for bringing glory and honour to the country and the continent at large.
The governor wished the author of the Trial of Brother Jero, You Must Set Forth at Dawn, The Man Died, The Interpreter, A Dance of the Forests, Death and the King’s Horseman, among others, many more feathers to his already well-garlanded cap as he begins a new phase in the tribe of nonagenarians.
