What Soyinka Told Me about Tinubu – Laolu Akande

Former Presidential Spokesperson, Professor Laolu Akande, on Thursday took to Twitter to share a fascinating anecdote about Nigeria’s literary giant, Professor Wole Soyinka, and his interactions with current Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a photo showing both of them during the days of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

The tweet, timed to coincide with Soyinka’s 90th birthday celebrations, sheds light on Tinubu’s long-held presidential ambition and Soyinka’s attempts to steer him in a different direction.

In his tweet, Akande who taught Communication and African Political History in two New York universities between 2000 and 2015 recalled a conversation with Soyinka where the Nobel laureate revealed Tinubu’s long held unwavering desire to become Nigeria’s President.

“I remember WS once told me that to be fair to ‘Bola’ (referring to the incumbent president), he had always made it clear he had ambition to become Nigeria’s President,” Akande who was also a US based journalist wrote.

Soyinka, known for his forthright bluntness and wisdom, reportedly tried to persuade Tinubu to abandon his presidential aspirations in favor of younger leadership.

“Much, much later, WS said he tried to dissuade him not to run, in favor of younger people,” Akande continued. Despite Soyinka’s counsel, Tinubu, described by Soyinka as an “olori kunkun”—a Yoruba term meaning someone who is obstinate or unyielding—was determined to pursue his goal. He did not accept his counsel & was determined to run for the office,” Akande noted.

Akande’s tweet concluded with a reflective message to the President, urging him to use his time in office to fulfill the aspirations many Nigerians have held for years.

“The rest is history as they say. My Take: Mr. President pls use the office to actualize some of those things we all clamored for. There is still enough time to do it,” he implored.

The tweet also included a nostalgic photograph from the days of NADECO, featuring Soyinka, Tinubu, the late Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, and Professor Bolaji Aluko, among others.

The photo, captured in the United States, humorously featured a headline that added a layer of wit to the historical moment.

NADECO was a pro-democracy group formed in the 1990s to oppose the military regime of General Sani Abacha. It was a period marked by intense political activism and repression, with Soyinka and Tinubu playing pivotal roles in the struggle for democratic governance in Nigeria.

Soyinka’s 90th birthday celebrations have been a moment of reflection for many, celebrating his immense contributions to literature, human rights, and political activism. His interactions with figures like Tinubu highlight the complex and often challenging landscape of Nigerian politics, where ideals and ambitions frequently coalesce and collide often simultaneously.