By Marvellous Nyang
July 12, 2024
Surrounded by esteemed intellectuals and dignitaries at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo delivered a stirring tribute, declaring Prof. Wole Soyinka the ‘Conscience of the Nation’ during the celebrated writer’s 90th birthday symposium.
The event, held on Thursday, July 11, just two days before Soyinka’s 90th birthday on July 13, resonated deeply with admiration for Soyinka’s profound legacy and enduring influence on justice and societal conscience, reflecting on his steadfast commitment to truth and his pivotal role in shaping Nigerian intellectual discourse.
Speaking against the backdrop of Nigeria’s ongoing socio-political challenges, Osinbajo highlighted the vital role of intellectuals in shaping public conscience at the Soyinka International Symposium, where well-wishers from across diverse sectors convened to honour the Nobel laureate.
Delivering a profound speech in honour of Wole Soyinka at 90, Osinbajo underscored the Nobel laureate’s enduring commitment to justice and moral courage at the event, organised by the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) attracting prominent figures from academia and politics.
Prof. Osinbajo, the special guest of honour and lead speaker, spoke on the theme “Soyinka: The Imperative of a Public Conscience.”
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He highlighted Soyinka’s lifelong dedication to justice and his bold stance against tyranny.
In his tribute, Osinbajo stated, “Soyinka interfered and still interferes with everybody’s space. So one must not be shy to interfere with his. I am also grateful for this opportunity because it gives me a chance to repay or return a priceless favour.”
Osinbajo shared a personal story from 2007 when Soyinka graciously accepted an invitation to speak at the launch of The Orderly Society Trust, a non-profit organisation founded by Osinbajo and his wife.
Despite not knowing Osinbajo personally at the time, Soyinka’s attendance and provocative speech left a lasting impression.
Osinbajo recounted, “In 2007, I turned 50. My wife and I decided to launch the Orderly Society Trust, a non-profit organisation dedicated to a sane and organised society.
“My own preferred person to speak to just about 50 guests was no other than Professor Wole Soyinka.
“He could be anywhere in the world. And anyway, why should he bother to attend an event in honour of someone who he barely knows?”
“But the unbelievable happened. Prof came and attended the event, spent the whole time there and even created controversy among my many pastor friends when he suggested that there might not even be heaven,” Osinbajo added, to the audience’s amusement.
The symposium, themed “Eni Ogun: An Enduring Legacy,” featured a keynote address by Emeritus Professor Niyi Osundare from the University of Orleans.
The event was attended by a distinguished assembly, including former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Dr. Bisi Fayemi; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola; former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Duro Oni; President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, Prof. Sola Akinrinade; and the Secretary, Nigerian Academy of Letters, Prof. Olakunbi Olasope.
In a separate birthday wish, Osinbajo and his wife expressed their admiration and well-wishes for Soyinka. “Dolly and I wish you many more years of passing on your convictions through words and actions: ‘That justice is the first condition of humanity’ and that ‘The man dies in him who keeps silent in the face of tyranny’,” Osinbajo said, quoting Soyinka’s iconic words.
The symposium, as emphasised by Osinbajo, highlighted the critical role of intellectuals like Soyinka in advocating for justice and speaking out against oppression, reinforcing the enduring relevance of his work and philosophy in today’s society.
