Tinubu, SDP, Afenifere, Nigerians Hail Soyinka’s Enduring Legacy at 92

Tributes have continued to pour in for Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, as President Bola Tinubu, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere and other Nigerians celebrated the literary icon on his 92nd birthday.

President Tinubu, in a statement personally signed in Abuja, described Soyinka as an exceptional personality whose courage, intellect and lifelong advocacy for justice have continued to inspire humanity.

“Exceptional individuals like Professor Soyinka do not come often in a generation, men who illuminate the paths for humanity to follow across diverse endeavours. They are not afraid to go against convention and do not let the man die in the face of oppression and injustice,” the President said.

Tinubu also recalled Soyinka’s emergence in 1986 as the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature and highlighted his numerous international honours, including the Benson Medal, Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Lifetime Achievement.

The SDP also congratulated Soyinka, describing him as a global icon, moral compass and one of Nigeria’s most enduring voices for truth, justice and democracy.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party said Soyinka had remained a steadfast advocate of accountability and democratic values, inspiring generations through his intellect, integrity and commitment to nation-building.

“He has consistently been a radiant star and a burning constancy in the chaotic Nigerian sky. As a guiding light, he has, throughout his adult life, illuminated the path forward and inspired society through the power of his words and ideas,” the statement read.

The party also praised Soyinka’s historic Nobel Prize, saying it cemented his place among the world’s foremost literary figures and reaffirmed its commitment to the democratic ideals he represents.

Similarly, Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, described Soyinka as “a rare breed of whom any race would be proud.”

In a congratulatory message issued through the organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Fasoranti described the playwright as “a pride to the Yoruba race, a pride of Nigeria, a pride of Africa,” whose positive impact transcends ethnic and racial boundaries.

He prayed for continued good health and longevity for the literary icon, expressing hope that Soyinka would live beyond 100 years while witnessing a Nigeria of which every citizen would be proud.

Born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on July 13, 1934, Soyinka has built a distinguished career as a playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, dramatist and human rights advocate. Beyond his literary accomplishments, he has remained one of Nigeria’s most influential public intellectuals, consistently championing democracy, good governance and social justice for more than six decades.