Professor Wole Soyinka is 81 years old

 

The great literary icon Professor Wole Soyinka is 81 years old today.

Born in Abeokuta, Ogun state, Wole Soyinka is only rivalled in popularity and impact with the late Chinua Achebe in terms of literary contribution in Nigeria.

In 1986 he won the Nobel Prize for Literature. The same year he was awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR.

  A painting of Wole Soyinka (Asiri Magazine)

A vocal human rights activist, Wole Soyinka has been in the forefront of opposition of several military regimes in Nigeria. In 1967 he was arrested by the General Yakubu Gowon led government and was placed in solitary confinement for two years.

  Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka
(Daily Post)

During the regime of General Sani Abacha from 1993-1998, Wole Soyinka left the country on exile.

Some of his famous works are The Lion and the Jewel, Abiku, The Trials of Brother Jero, The Man Died: Prison Notes, and Aké: The Years of Childhood.

Happy birthday Professor Wole Soyinka.