Wole Soyinka At 90: Things You Didn’t Know About Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate

1. Early Life

• Birthdate: Soyinka was born on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
• Education: He attended Government College in Ibadan, followed by University College, Ibadan, and later the University of Leeds in England.

2. Nobel Prize Winner

• Historic Win: In 1986, Soyinka became the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, awarded for his “wide cultural perspective and…poetic overtones fashioning the drama of existence.”

3. National Recognition

• Renaming: In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu renamed the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, after him.

4. Early Career

• Theater Work: After studying in Nigeria and the UK, Soyinka worked with the Royal Court Theatre in London.

5. Activism

• Political Protest: In 1965, Soyinka seized the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service studio to demand the cancellation of the Western Nigeria Regional Elections.
• Civil War: In 1967, during the Nigerian Civil War, he was arrested by the federal government of General Yakubu Gowon and spent two years in solitary confinement for his peace efforts.

6. Exile and Resistance

• Escape: During General Sani Abacha’s regime (1993–98), Soyinka escaped Nigeria on a motorcycle, fleeing to avoid a death sentence declared in absentia.

7. Academic Contributions

• Teaching: Soyinka has been a professor at numerous institutions, including Obafemi Awolowo University (University of Ifẹ), Cornell University, and universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, and Yale.

8. Awards and Honors

• Europe Theatre Prize: In December 2017, Soyinka received the Europe Theatre Prize in the “Special Prize” category for promoting cultural understanding.
• Honorary Degrees: He has received numerous honorary degrees and doctorates from reputed universities worldwide.

9. Personal Life

• Family: Soyinka has been married three times and divorced twice. He has eight children from his three marriages and two other daughters.
• Health: In 2014, Soyinka revealed his battle with prostate cancer.

10. Literary Works

• Prolific Writer: Soyinka has written over 30 plays, seven novels, three short stories, six memoirs, eight collections of poetry, 14 essays, three films, and two translations.

11. Religious Views

• Atheism: Raised in a religious family, Soyinka attended church and sang in the choir from an early age but later became an atheist.

12. Call for Electoral Reform

• 2007 Elections: In April 2007, Soyinka called for the cancellation of Nigeria’s presidential elections due to widespread fraud and violence.

13. Recognition in Academia

• Professor Emeritus: He was made professor emeritus at Obafemi Awolowo University in 1999.
• Scholar in Residence: He has served as a scholar-in-residence at New York University’s Institute of African American Affairs and Loyola Marymount University.

14. Unique Experiences

• Unique Escape: His dramatic motorcycle escape from Nigeria during Abacha’s regime showcases his resilience and determination.

15. Contribution to Drama and Literature

• Influence: Soyinka’s works often explore themes of oppression, tyranny, and human rights, reflecting his deep engagement with social and political issues.

16. Influence on African Literature

• Legacy: Soyinka’s achievements have paved the way for African writers on the global stage, inspiring generations of authors.

17. Cultural Ambassador

• Cultural Perspective: His work bridges various cultures, making him a global ambassador for African literature.

18. Dedication to Human Rights

• Activism: Soyinka’s commitment to human rights and social justice is evident throughout his life and works.

19. Educational Impact

• Mentorship: His teaching career has influenced countless students, many of whom have gone on to become prominent figures in their fields.

20. Celebrating 90 Years

• Milestone: As Soyinka celebrates his 90th birthday, his contributions to literature, culture, and human rights continue to be celebrated worldwide.