Former Presidential Spokesperson, Laolu Akande, shared a captivating story on Twitter regarding Nigeria’s literary icon, Professor Wole Soyinka, and his encounters with current Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during their involvement in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). This tweet, coinciding with Soyinka’s 90th birthday celebrations, offers insights into Tinubu’s enduring presidential ambitions and Soyinka’s efforts to influence his path.
Akande, who formerly taught Communication and African Political History at two New York universities and served as editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer, recalled a conversation where Soyinka disclosed Tinubu’s steadfast aspiration 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 wrote.
Known for his frankness and sagacity, Soyinka attempted to dissuade Tinubu from his presidential aspirations, advocating for younger leadership instead. “Much, much later, WS said he tried to dissuade him not to run, in favor of younger people,” Akande continued. Despite Soyinka’s advice, Tinubu, characterized by Soyinka as “olori kunkun”—a term meaning obstinate or unyielding in Yoruba—remained resolute in his pursuit of the presidency. “He did not accept his counsel & was determined to run for the office,” Akande noted.
Akande concluded his tweet with a reflective message to the President, urging him to utilize his tenure to fulfill the long-held aspirations of many Nigerians. “The rest is history as they say. My Take: Mr. President, please 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 featured a nostalgic photograph from the NADECO era, capturing Soyinka, Tinubu, the late Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, and Professor Bolaji Aluko among others. The photo, taken in the United States, was humorously captioned, adding a touch of wit to this historic moment.
NADECO, a pro-democracy movement formed in the 1990s to oppose the military regime of General Sani Abacha, marked a period of intense political activism and repression. Figures like Soyinka and Tinubu played pivotal roles in advocating for democratic governance in Nigeria amidst challenging circumstances.
As Soyinka’s 90th birthday sparks reflections on his profound contributions to literature, human rights, and political activism, his interactions with Tinubu underscore the intricate dynamics of Nigerian politics, where principles and ambitions often collide in the pursuit of national progress.
