The Alake of Egba Land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare July 13 a national day to celebrate Prof Wole Soyinka’s contributions to humanity.
Gbadebo made this call at a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, to mark the Nobel laureate’s 90th birthday.
The traditional ruler described Soyinka as a global icon and living legend, deserving of the highest honours. He praised Soyinka’s achievements as a playwright, actor, human rights activist, and elder statesman, noting that his roots in Ake, Abeokuta, have brought honour and glamour to Ogun State.
Gbadebo requested that the Federal Government confer the second highest national honour of Grand Commander of Order of Niger on Soyinka, citing his contributions to literature and humanity globally. He also announced that Egba land has designated July 13 as Wole Soyinka Day to promote his ideals and scholarship.
The convener of Soyinka’s 90th birthday celebration, Paul Bankole, emphasized the importance of acknowledging Soyinka’s contributions while he is still alive, stating, “We must value and celebrate our icons like Prof Soyinka while they are still with us.”
