The Enduring Voice of Wole Soyinka
As he turns 90, Wole Soyinka discusses the current state of the world, the power of African literature, the social climate in Tinubu’s Nigeria, and the world ahead.
In the annals of African literary history, few names command as much reverence and admiration as that of Professor Wole Soyinka. In July 2024, he turned 90. Ahead of his birthday, we had the opportunity to discuss the many ways in which his work continues to illuminate the darkest corners of the human experience and inspire hope. Our discussion happened in April 2024, following a series of email exchanges. I wrote from Lagos, while he wrote back from Johannesburg. Our conversation covered the state of the world, the power of African literature, and the socio-political climate in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Professor Soyinka’s journey as a writer and activist began in earnest during Nigeria’s struggle for independence, and his works have since become synonymous with the fight against oppression and tyranny. ‘Nigeria is a product of British imperialism,’ he told me, ‘the writer a liberator from!’ Our conversation began with a reflection on his seminal 2004 Reith Lecture, ‘Climate of Fear’, and its relevance to today’s world 20 years on. Soyinka’s assessment is stark and unflinching: ‘The direst fears expressed in those lectures have been over-subscribed,’ he said. ‘I shudder at the bequest we are leaving the coming generations.’
We discussed the ongoing genocide in Gaza, how Soyinka’s visit to Palestine in 2002 left an indelible mark on him, and he expressed his profound dismay at the current situation: ‘The ongoing cruelty is unbelievable,’ he explained, ‘rendered literal in that metaphorical expression—OVERKILL! The atrocity by Hamas on October 7, 2023, has been buried under rubble from sheer vengefulness and the sheer weight of slaughter of Palestinian innocents.’ Turning to Africa, we discussed the growing influence of China and Russia on the continent, and the resurgence of military coups in West Africa. Soyinka expressed a sense of relief that the younger generation seems acutely aware of the ‘New Scramble for Africa’ but also worried about the lack of unity and foresight among current African leaders: ‘We should all feel ashamed to remain inert booty for any predator—East, West, North, or South. Just what goes on in the heads of African leadership? And followership also!’
I took the opportunity to ask Soyinka about Tinubu’s Nigeria, especially the fall outs he has had with Peter Obi’s supporters, ‘Obidients’, since the controversial 2023 elections. I noted that Soyinka has been criticized for appearing soft on supporters of President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress while referring to Obidients as fascists. The professor, however, disagreed. According to Soyinka, ‘War was declared by the so-called Obidients and camp followers,’ moreover, ‘I took pains—I always do!—to comment on more than one side of the picture.’
Our conversation also ventured into his satirical works, A Play of Giants and Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth, both of which will celebrate milestones this year. To many around the world, Soyinka’s literature and literary career serve as reminders of the profound impact one individual can have in the relentless pursuit of truth and justice. But when I asked Soyinka if he thinks of his legacy, he replied characteristically, ‘Legacy? I have never embarked on that project. It is more than enough to dedicate one’s energy to existential challenges.’ Our full interview continues below...
This essay features in our print issue, ‘The Enduring Voice of Wole Soyinka’, and is available to read for free, courtesy of our funding partner, The Open Society Foundations.
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