ABUJA, Nigeria — Former presidential aide and Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has paid glowing tribute to Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka on his 92nd birthday, describing him as a man of extraordinary intellect, unwavering principles, and exceptional moral courage.
In a birthday message shared on Monday, Omokri praised Soyinka’s lifelong commitment to justice and truth, saying the literary icon had consistently followed his conscience, even in the face of personal danger and sacrifice.
According to Omokri, Soyinka demonstrated remarkable courage during several defining moments in Nigeria’s history, including his controversial intervention at the Western Nigerian Broadcasting Service (WNBS) in Ibadan during the disputed 1965 regional elections. He also commended Soyinka’s efforts to prevent the Nigerian Civil War and later to reduce civilian suffering during the conflict, actions that led to his imprisonment for 22 months by the military government.
Omokri further recalled Soyinka’s public appeal to then military ruler, Major General Ibrahim Babangida, in 1986 to spare the life of Major General Mamman Vatsa following his conviction for treason, describing the intervention as another example of the Nobel Laureate’s readiness to defend his convictions.
The former presidential aide described Soyinka as “a wunderkind and a prodigy with a Mozart-level genius,” adding that age had only enhanced his brilliance and influence.
“He has matured into a vintage whose exclusivity is only matched by its vitality,” Omokri wrote, noting that Soyinka is also a renowned connoisseur of fine wine.
Highlighting Soyinka’s distinguished family background, Omokri pointed to the legacy of his mother, Grace Eniola Soyinka, who co-founded the Abeokuta Women’s Union in 1946 and played a significant role in the struggle for the rights of women in Egbaland.
He also noted Soyinka’s family ties to the late Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, his brother Professor Femi Soyinka, a respected physician and academic, and his son, Dr Olaokun Soyinka, a medical practitioner, scholar, and former Ogun State Commissioner for Health.
Omokri further praised Soyinka’s intellectual versatility, describing him as both a polyglot and a polymath who speaks multiple languages, is fluent in French, and has produced literary works in the Lukumi Yoruba language.
Describing the Nobel Laureate as “a sterling citizen” and “the highest specimen of an Omoluabi,” Omokri said Soyinka’s life and legacy were so remarkable that he was “destined, one day, to be an Orisa.”
Reflecting on his personal relationship with the celebrated author, Omokri said he considered it a privilege that their paths had crossed.
“I am so glad that in your lifetime our paths crossed in the sands of time. What a privilege for me to have touched greatness,” he stated.
He concluded by praying for continued good health, mental sharpness, and many more years for the celebrated playwright, poet, and activist as he continues to inspire generations around the world.
