Alake Announces Declaration Of Wole Soyinka Day To Federal Government 

Alake Announces Declaration Of Wole Soyinka Day To Federal Government ....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has called upon President Bola Tinubu to designate July 13th as a national day in honor of Prof. Wole Soyinka’s monumental contributions to humanity, both locally and internationally.

Oba Gbadebo also advocated for the federal government to confer upon the Nobel Laureate the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) in celebration of his upcoming 90th birthday.

The ruler announced Egbaland’s decision to establish July 13th as Wole Soyinka Day, aiming to perpetuate his ideals and scholarly excellence among future generations. He emphasized Soyinka’s distinction as Africa’s first Nobel Prize laureate in Literature and his global acclaim as a playwright, actor, human rights advocate, and statesman rooted in Abeokuta’s Ake community.

The announcement was made during a press briefing outlining plans for Soyinka’s 90th birthday celebrations under the theme “Defiance and Creativity: A Celebration of Soyinka’s Artistic Ingenuity and Impact on Nigeria, Africa, and The Entire World.”

Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Oba Gbadebo emphasized the need for national recognition of Soyinka’s literary and humanitarian contributions, drawing parallels with New Orleans’ adoption of a day dedicated to honoring the revered poet.

Scheduled events for the two-day celebration on July 12th and 13th include art exhibitions by pupils from Prof. Soyinka’s alma mater, St. Peters Primary School, Abeokuta Grammar School, and the Ogun State Chapter of the Society of Nigerian Artists. Cultural performances, book exhibitions, documentaries, poetry recitals, and a traditional hunting expedition by Egbaland hunters are also planned.

Dr. Paul Bankole, the convener of the celebration, underscored the importance of honoring living legends like Prof. Soyinka and celebrating their impactful contributions to academia and global humanity. He echoed the sentiment that recognition should not be delayed until after their passing, urging continuous appreciation and acknowledgment of their profound influence on society.