Legendary playwright Wole Soyinka turned ninety, and filmmaker Mo Abudu took to Instagram to celebrate his birthday.
In her post, Mo Abudu wrote;
”A HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR WOLE SOYINKA ON HIS 9OTH BIRTHDAY
A very happy 90th birthday to the legendary Professor Wole Soyinka!
This milestone offers a perfect moment to express my deepest gratitude for your immense influence on my journey into the world of media. It’s truly humbling to recall that you were my very first guest on Moments with Mo back in 2005.
Since then, I’ve had the incredible privilege of meeting with you on several occasions. Your generosity with advice and counsel has been invaluable.
But perhaps the greatest treasure is the trust you placed in me by granting the rights to produce “Death and the King’s Horseman – Elesin Oba.”
Seeing it become an official selection at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022 was a dream come true, a testament to your timeless work.
Professor Soyinka, your unwavering dedication to truth, justice, and the power of artistic expression continues to inspire generations.
Here’s to you, sir! May you enjoy the happiest of birthdays filled with love and appreciation. Sending you tons of love and best wishes, always. Mo Abudu”
Apart from being one of the best playwrights that Nigeria has produced, Wole Soyinka was among the founding fathers of anti-colonial activism, edging for the end of colonial rule.
He also championed a lot of protests against unfairness by the Nigerian government, which often put his life in danger.
At some point before 1999, Wole Soyinka couldn’t step foot in Nigeria because there was an active manhunt for his execution by the government on seat.
Beyond the Nigerian borders, Wole Soyinka was heavily appreciated for his work, and he has received many literary awards through his lifetime.
