President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on his 92nd birthday, describing the renowned playwright, poet and activist as one of Nigeria’s “living repositories of history, knowledge and courage.”
In a statement issued on Sunday to mark Soyinka’s birthday on July 13, the President praised the literary icon for his remarkable contributions to literature, democracy, human rights and the struggle against oppression, saying his life has continued to inspire millions of people in Nigeria and across the world.
Tinubu said Soyinka belongs to a rare group of individuals whose achievements and courage have left lasting marks on humanity.
According to the President, the Nobel laureate has consistently used his voice, intellect and influence to challenge injustice, defend democratic values and promote good governance.
“Exceptional individuals like Professor Soyinka do not come often in a generation—men who illuminate the paths for humanity to follow across diverse endeavours, who are not afraid to go against convention, and who do not let the man die in the face of oppression and injustice,” Tinubu said.
The President congratulated Soyinka on his distinguished career, describing him as a man whose talents have touched almost every aspect of the creative arts and public life.
He noted that beyond being a celebrated playwright, Soyinka has excelled as a novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, documentarian and advocate of democracy and accountable leadership.
Tinubu also recalled Soyinka’s groundbreaking achievement in 1986 when he became the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, a feat that placed Nigeria and the African continent on the global literary map.
The President said the Nobel Prize was only one of many international honours earned by Soyinka throughout his lifetime.
“I recall his winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, becoming the first African to win the Prize in that category, as well as many other reputable awards, such as the Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature; the Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award; the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award (Lifetime Achievement); and the Europe Theatre Prize (Special Prize),” Tinubu stated.
He said Soyinka’s achievements have continued to bring pride to Nigeria and have inspired generations of writers, scholars and artists across Africa and beyond.
Beyond literature, Tinubu highlighted Soyinka’s long record of political activism and his commitment to defending democracy, especially during periods of military rule in Nigeria.
The President recalled the Nobel laureate’s opposition to military dictatorship and his role in the struggle to restore democratic governance in the country.
He particularly referenced the June 12 pro-democracy movement that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.
According to Tinubu, both he and Soyinka stood on the same side during the campaign for the restoration of democracy.
“I also recall Professor Soyinka’s valiant struggle against military dictatorship for decades, and his efforts in the June 12 struggle, for which we were both in the trenches,” the President said.
The June 12 struggle remains one of the defining moments in Nigeria’s democratic history. Following the annulment of the election by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida, pro-democracy activists, civil society groups and political leaders mounted sustained campaigns demanding the validation of the election result and the return to civilian rule.
Soyinka was among the prominent voices who openly challenged military rule, often at great personal risk. His criticism of successive military governments forced him into exile at different periods, while his writings and public statements made him one of Africa’s most respected advocates for freedom and justice.
Tinubu himself was also active in the pro-democracy movement after serving as a senator in the short-lived Third Republic. He later became a leading member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which campaigned against military rule and demanded the restoration of democracy.
Reflecting on Soyinka’s enduring contributions, Tinubu described the literary giant as a priceless national asset whose wisdom continues to benefit Nigeria.
“Today, I salute one of our nation’s living repositories of history, knowledge, and courage. That he is with us is a gift we will always treasure. I thank him for his undying faith in the Nigerian project and wise counsel,” the President said.
He added that Soyinka’s influence extends far beyond literature, noting that his works and public interventions have shaped discussions on governance, culture, human rights and national development for more than six decades.
Born on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Soyinka is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest writers and intellectuals. His works include celebrated plays, novels, poems and essays that explore themes such as justice, identity, politics, corruption and the human condition.
Some of his best-known works include The Lion and the Jewel, Death and the King’s Horseman, A Dance of the Forests, The Man Died and Aké: The Years of Childhood.
Over the years, he has received numerous honours from universities, literary institutions and governments around the world in recognition of his contributions to literature, education and human rights.
Despite his age, Soyinka has remained active in national and international affairs, regularly commenting on governance, democracy, security and social justice.
His views continue to attract attention both within Nigeria and abroad, reflecting his status as one of the country’s most respected public intellectuals.
Tinubu said Soyinka’s enduring influence on writers, scholars, activists and young Nigerians remains a source of inspiration.
“As he marks this birthday, I join the world in celebrating his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists, as well as his sacrifices for our nation. I wish ‘Kongi’ many more years in excellent health,” the President added.
The President’s tribute joins those of many Nigerians and admirers around the world celebrating Soyinka’s 92nd birthday, recognising a lifetime dedicated to literary excellence, democratic ideals and the pursuit of justice. His remarkable achievements, many observers say, have secured his place among Nigeria’s greatest cultural icons and one of Africa’s most influential voices.