17 Facts many don’t know about Wole Soyinka
-Ojo Oluwasegun
Akinwande Oluwole “Wole” Babatunde Soyinka popularly known as Wole Soyinka was born 13 July 1934. He is a Nigerian playwright and poet. He was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature, the first African to be honoured in that category. Soyinka was born into a Yoruba family in Abeokuta.
Below are some important facts that many don’t know about Wole Soyinka
#1 Though his father was an Anglican minister, Wole was an atheist
Wole’s father, Samuel Ayodele Soyinka, (whom he called S.A. or “Essay”) was an Anglican minister and headmaster of St. Peters School in Abẹokuta. His mother, Grace Eniola Soyinka, who owned a market shop, was active in the women’s movement in her community and also was a practising Anglican. Wole, on the other hand, was an atheist. His beliefs contributed greatly to his writing.
#2 He’s got some pretty influential family members
Wole’s mother, Grace, was a member of the Ransome-Kuti family, known for its contributions to Nigerian art, religion, education, medicine and politics. His cousins include activists Beko Ransome-Kuti and Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, musician Fela Kuti, and Health Minister Olikoye Ransome-Kuti.
#3 He helped found the first confraternity in Nigeria
While pursuing a degree in English literature, Greek, and Western history at University College in Ibadan, Wole helped found the Pyrates Confraternity with six others. It was built as an anti-corruption and justice-seeking student organization, themes that would play into much of his later work.
#4 He’s been arrested multiple times
Before he was famously arrested during the civil war in Nigeria, he was imprisoned in 1964 after being accused of making political radio broadcasts disputing published election results.
#5 Despite imprisonment, Soyinka was wildly productive, writing and producing several plays
Some of Wole’s most famous works were written during his 22-month imprisonment. He smuggled in materials such as books, pens and paper. Much of his work at this time, unsurprisingly, was focused on criticizing the Nigerian government that was restricting his freedom.
#6 Wole went into voluntary exile amid concerns over the political situation in Nigeria
After resigning from his professorial duties at the University of Ibadan in April 1971, he spent five years of voluntary exile in Europe. During this time, he worked as the editor of “Transition,” Nigeria’s leading intellectual journal.
#7 He has been married three times and divorced twice
He has been married to his third and current wife, Adefolake Soyinka, since 1989 and has three children with her (he also has children by his other wives). Adefolake is a former student of Wole’s.
#8 He has never been afraid to criticise other nations or his own
Wole is well known for making contentious statements against other nations, including European nations where he lived in exile. It demonstrates his commitment to exposing injustice regardless of the location, and his willingness to make unpopular moves.
#9 In Nigeria, he is considered a political activist first and a playwright second
Despite his amazing body of work, Wole’s long history of criticizing the Nigerian government and taking action against corruption are among his greatest legacies. He remains an influence on writers and activists in Nigeria and across the world.
#10 He has been named Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
This is a Nigerian honour first established in 1964 people who served and benefited Nigeria. Soyinka was awarded in 1986, the same year he won the Nobel Prize for Literature.
#11 He is considered foremost a political activist
Nigerians value Wole Soyinka largely for his actions against injustice. What really made him famous was his criticism of successive governments. Most of his popular works, especially his plays, were a form of protest against societal injustice and exploitation of the people by the government.
#12 He is referred to as “the conscience of the nation”
Wole Soyinka is an active Nigerian who desires peace for the nation. He was ever ready to fight against injustice in the country. Even during the military regime, the literary icon was known for criticizing authorities, unfavourable policies and corrupt manners of the government would not have their ways where Wole Soyinka lives. No wonder he said in one of his books titled The Man Died, “The man dies in him who keeps silent in the face of tyranny.”
#13 Wole Soyinka resigned from his University position as a protest
Wole Soyinka had to protest against the anti-people policy introduced by the government of the day. When he felt his position in the University would prevent him from achieving this aim, he resigned. What a man of courage!
#14 He served jail terms
Wole’s love and patriotism for Nigeria earned him imprisonment, not once — twice. In 1965, he was arrested due to his firm stand to prosecute the issue of election malpractice. Wole Soyinka forced a radio announcer to broadcast that the election was false, claiming that it was rigged. After three months, the campaign from the International Community of Writers prompted his release.
In 1967, during the Civil War, Soyinka was accused of supporting the Biafrans. For this too, he was imprisoned for 22 months.
#15 He is considered foremost a political activist
Nigerians value Wole Soyinka largely for his actions against injustice. What really made him famous was his criticism of successive governments. Most of his popular works, especially his plays, were a form of protest against societal injustice and exploitation of the people by the government.
#16 He’s received other prestigious awards
He’s widely known to have received a Nobel Prize in Literature. But the literary giant has also received other awards including Agip Prize in Literature (1986), ‘Honoris Causa’ doctorate from the University of Leeds (1972), Honorary doctorate from Harvard University (1993), UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for the Promotion of African culture, human rights, freedom of expression, media and communication (1994), Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award (2009), to mention but a few.
#17 He wrote in Prison
While in Prison, Wole Soyinka’s Muse never forsook him. Though denied access to materials, he managed to smuggle in pieces of tissues and litres to write on. Even while in the prison, he continued to writes notes and never stopped speaking tough against the government for its injustice and violation of fundamental human rights.
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