The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare July 13 a national day to celebrate the contributions of Prof. Wole Soyinka to humanity, both nationally and globally.
Oba Gbadebo also suggested that the federal government honor the Nobel Laureate with the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, the country’s second-highest national honor, to mark his 90th birthday.
Egbaland has already decided to celebrate July 13, Soyinka’s birthday, as Wole Soyinka Day to promote his ideals and scholarly achievements for future generations.
Soyinka, the first African Nobel Prize winner in Literature, is an internationally acclaimed playwright deserving of such recognition at home, Oba Gbadebo said during a press conference announcing events for Soyinka’s 90th birthday.
At the briefing, Oba Gbadebo described Soyinka as a global icon, living legend, playwright, actor, human rights and political activist, and respected elder statesman from Ake, Abeokuta. Egbaland is rolling out the drums to celebrate the immense honor Soyinka has brought to Ogun State.
The theme for Soyinka’s 90th celebration, “Defiance and Creativity: A Celebration of Soyinka’s Artistic Ingenuity and Impact on Nigeria, Africa, and The Entire World,” underscores his global influence.
The royal father declared that July 13 will be Wole Soyinka Day for all sons and daughters of Egbaland, both at home and abroad. He urged the federal government to adopt the day nationally, citing New Orleans’ recognition of Soyinka.
“It is appropriate for the federal government to adopt July 13 as a national day to celebrate Prof. Wole Soyinka given his contributions to literature and humanity globally,” said Oba Gbadebo. “The Federal Government should also confer on Wole Soyinka the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger because his contributions have put our nation on the global map.”
The two-day celebration, scheduled for July 12 and 13, will include art exhibitions by students from St. Peters Primary School and Abeokuta Grammar School, cultural performances, book exhibitions, documentaries on Soyinka, poetry recitals, and a hunting expedition by Egbaland hunters.
Dr. Paul Bankole, the convener of Soyinka’s 90th birthday celebration, emphasized the importance of honoring the Nobel Laureate’s contributions to academia and humanity. He shared his personal connection to Soyinka, having met him in 1964, which inspired his own literary journey.
Dr. Bankole welcomed the declaration of Wole Soyinka Day in Egbaland, aligning it with the recognition of November 1 as Wole Soyinka Day in New Orleans, USA. He emphasized celebrating Soyinka while he is alive, acknowledging his unique contributions to a better world.
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