In a heartfelt tribute on Saturday, veteran journalist and former President Spokesman Laolu Akande, celebrates Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday.
Akande describes Soyinka as a towering figure whose influence spans generations and emphasizes his unwavering commitment to truth-telling and nation-building.
“Among those who insist that truth-telling is an indispensable form of nation-building, Prof. Wole Soyinka is the greatest. And I don’t mean this merely when he is often telling those in government the truth or only when it is done in public. I mean for all times, seasons and for all purposes,” Akande begins, setting the tone for a deeply personal and reflective account.
Recounting a memorable encounter in 1992, Akande narrates his first meeting with Soyinka at a live radio interview on Radio O-Y-O in Ibadan. Despite the station being state-owned and under the influence of political figures, Soyinka fearlessly voiced his opinions.
“Soyinka had actually been unceremoniously cut off air for some comments he made about Adedibu which someone felt was uncomplimentary,” Akande recalls. His intervention to inform Soyinka of the cut-off marked the beginning of a long and meaningful relationship.
Akande’s tribute highlights the depth of Soyinka’s commitment to freedom of expression and his indomitable spirit. “When Abacha died and then Abiola too, like several developments we would have long discussions on the phone and at times some of it would end up as a news story with his permission of course,” Akande shares, illustrating Soyinka’s pivotal role during Nigeria’s tumultuous political periods.
Their bond extended beyond Nigeria, with Akande recalling their interactions in New York. “Anytime he was in New York, where I lived up till 2015, he would alert me and we would have a drink and chat,” he says. Soyinka’s generosity and humility shone through even in these informal settings.
Akande acknowledges the significant impact Soyinka has had on his career. “My editors & superiors in the newsroom then-such as Mr. Jahman Anikulapo, Ambassador Debo Adesina and our overall boss, Mr. Emeka Izeze, who then often thought of me as an asset to the newspaper… will tell me that my closeness to Soyinka is a confirmation of what they had always known. So you see why I am grateful to WS.”
Soyinka’s support extended to recommending Akande for a dream job at New York Newsday, with a letter that left his colleagues in awe. “I asked Soyinka to please do the honours and he did it so lavishly that I became the envy of many in the newsroom-with a Nobel laureate-penned letter of recommendation!”
Reflecting on Soyinka’s humanity and influence, Akande notes, “He remains a compelling conscience of the nation, a pride of black people and a global icon whose humanity continues to shape the perspectives and inspire millions of people everywhere!”
Akande also touches on Soyinka’s modesty and resilience. “Baba Soyinka is not infallible and he has no need to apologise for that, for all of us are like that after all. I mean that we are all infallible, being human beings. If many of Soyinka’s critics today can come close to just a marginal measure of what he has sacrificed especially for this nation at several stages of Nigeria’s history, then they can begin to understand that Khaki no be leather!”
Concluding his tribute, Akande extends heartfelt birthday wishes to Soyinka. “Happy birthday to Baba, Alagba Oluwole Akinwande Soyinka who turns 90 today, July 13, 2024! As your days so shall your strength, wisdom and favour be with God and people! Many happy returns of the day!”
