Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, on Monday, eulogised Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, describing him as “a rare breed of whom any race would be proud.”
Fasoranti, in his congratulatory message to commemorate the 92nd birthday of Soyinka, further described him as one of the brightly shining stars any race could have.
Soyinka was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, on July 13, 1934. He was the first African to win the Nobel Award for Literature in 1986.
He started his working life as a teacher, writer and human rights activist. Soyinka soon built a reputation as a playwright, essayist, novelist, poet, singer, actor, composer, director and public affairs analyst.
Besides being a formidable writer, Soyinka’s other main preoccupation is his unwavering commitment to the institutionalisation of good governance and pursuit of justice.
Fasoranti, in his congratulatory message, issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, quoted Pa Fasoranti as describing Soyinka as “A pride to the Yoruba race, a pride of Nigeria, a pride of Africa, indeed, an individual whose positive impact defies ethnic or racial boundaries.
“Prof Wole Soyinka is one of the brightly shining stars any race could have. We are grateful to the Almighty God that such a rare breed comes from among us and has been able to make positive impacts on the firmament of human existence.
“It is a thing of joy that the hero today, July 13, 2026, is marking his 92nd year on the surface of the earth.”
The Afenifere leader further observed that, “The need to celebrate the man who is also known as Kongi (after one of the characters he created in a play of his) at 92 becomes more pertinent in view of the active life he has lived – and is still living!
“In view of the quantum of activities he packed into his robust life, we thank the Almighty God for giving him the grace to attain the milestone of attaining over 90 years on earth and with such vigour – mentally and physically.
“We pray that he will live up to 100 years and more in good health, increasing joy with Nigeria becoming a country of which everyone would be proud in his lifetime.”
The Asiwaju Yoruba, who also marked his 100th birthday on May 11, 2026, prayed that Soyinka will stay around for many more decades as “he continues to be a shining star.”
