Abiodun eulogizes Nobel Laureate, Professors Soyinka at 88, Ogunlesi at 99

As Professor Wole Soyinka, the world-renowned playwright and Nobel Laureate in Literature, turns 88, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun describes him as a rare breed of humanity who has straddled planet earth with exceptional candour.

Gov. Abiodun described the doyen of medicine in Nigeria, Professor Emeritus Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi, who trained many other professors and medical experts in Nigeria and abroad, as a rare gift to the nation and the medical profession worldwide.

Prof. Ogunlesi graduated as a medical doctor in 1947 and became Nigeria’s first Professor of Medicine in 1965. Yesterday, the medical genius born to a blacksmith father in Sagamu turned 99.

Abiodun described both scholars as “living legends” and “two of the most iconic avuncular pathfinders and evergreen brand ambassadors not only for Ogun State, but for Nigeria and Africa.”

He went on to describe them as “flagbearers of the banner of excellence” for which Ogun is revered among Nigeria’s states.

In two separate tributes, the governor said, “Ogun is proud to have a son who studied a language; began to teach the owners of the language the language; and invented words for the language, which the owners of the language have never heard of and now which has become regular lexicon of the, or if you like, their language.”

Abiodun stated that Soyinka deserves to be honoured because he has distinguished himself as the conscience of the nation and conquered the world as a playwright, essayist, poet, and public intellectual of prodigious hues.

“Professor Wole Soyinka, an emeritus Professor of Comparative Literature and the Black race’s first Nobel Laureate in the Arts of Beautiful Letter (Literature), means different things to different people.” He is known as Kongi, the wordsmith, in the literary and academic worlds. To dictators and enemies of democracy, he is a ferocious civil fighter. To supporters of democracy, he represents the best in the promotion of people’s rights and good governance, while to his friends, he is a father, husband, leader, mentor, hunter, and connoisseur of the best brewed wine.

“Ogun has a proud son who studied a language; began to teach the owners of the language the language; and invented words for the language, which the owners of the language have never heard of and which have now become a regular lexicon of the, or if you like, their language.” Today, Ogun State, Nigeria, is a well-known location on the global map. One of the compasses pointing to our dear State is the name Oluwole Akinwande Soyinka.

“I’ve read a lot of books in the three genres of literature: drama, poetry, and prose.” The Lion and the Jewel; The Jero Plays; A Giant’s Play; Death and the King Horseman; Madmen and Specialists; The Strong Breed; A Dance of the Forest; The Forest of a Thousand Demons; A Collection of Black African Poetry; and, depending on which divide you are, The Man Died and so on. All of these literary works are Kongi’s imprints on the literary world. But, more importantly, these are not just enjoyable reads; they are evergreen works of art and commentary on our religious, political, and economic existentialism and essentialism as humans.

“Today, the entire world celebrates Professor Wole Soyinka’s 88th birthday.” The government and people of Ogun State celebrate intellectual achievement, integrity, civil liberty defence, and so on. “And, if Nigeria celebrates our fledgling democracy, Wole Soyinka remains one of the planters of the seed that has grown to bear the bountiful harvest of people-oriented good governance,” Abiodun said in the tribute.

The Governor, on the other hand, declared that his administration would ensure that the gospel of a free, fair, just, and egalitarian society that provides a conducive environment for individual prosperity and growth, as well as the development of humanity in general, that Soyinka preaches is not lost on it.

“Since the beginning of our Administration on May 29, 2019, we have continued to provide an environment that fosters continued development of our dear State and increased prosperity for all the people and all those who have made our dear State their home, regardless of their geographical location, gender, religious or political affiliation, ethnicity, or social stratifications.” All of these are ideals that Soyinka desired.

“We will continue to celebrate Woke Soyinka as our Administration establishes a structure of good governance that is people-centered; committed to a free, fair, and just society that promotes equity, fairness, and justice for all.” We believe that this is the best way to honour our own Oluwole Akinwande Babatunde Ishola Soyinka. The best reward for this freedom fighter would be to witness and enjoy the fruits of the hard-won war for a better Nigeria and greater humanity.

“Professor Oluwole Akinwande Soyinka, Kongi, the Lion, the Tiger who does not need to proclaim his tigeritude, our own WS; today, on behalf of the Ogun State government and the entire people of Ogun State, I wish you a Happy 88th Birthday,” Abiodun wrote.

Abiodun praised Prof. Ogunlesi for pioneering tropical medicine research and mentoring the first generations of orthodox physicians.

He prayed for the legends’ health and thanked them for their contributions to the body of knowledge and National Development.