Wole Soyinka Reveals: Abacha Had An Obsession With Me

Wole Soyinka Reveals: Abacha Had An Obsession With Me

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, reminisced about the tumultuous era under late dictator General Sani Abacha, describing Abacha as “mad” and “obsessed” with him. In an interview marking his 90th birthday with TheNEWS, Soyinka recounted surviving the period almost miraculously…….. CONTINUE READING 

He reflected on the heavy toll others paid merely for their association with him during Abacha’s regime. Soyinka shared an anecdote about a former driver of Abacha’s who, upon hearing conversations about Soyinka that left Abacha in a frenzy, expressed a keen desire to meet the man behind the name that caused such turmoil.

Soyinka also disclosed how Abacha’s regime went to great lengths to monitor him, setting up fake consulates and surveillance operations in places like Atlanta, where he taught at Emory University. Due to heightened security concerns, Soyinka recounted having police escorts accompany him during international travels.

Reflecting on the elaborate schemes deployed against him and others, Soyinka highlighted the resilience and support he received, including from American friends who ensured his safety during turbulent times.