Wole Soyinka Reflects on Life, Legacy at 90

Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, has shared his thoughts on life, legacy, and transition in an exclusive CNN interview with Larry Madowo. When asked about his future plans, Soyinka hinted at his own mortality, stating, “I didn’t want to be morbid, but… my transition was my future”.

Soyinka acknowledged that many people shy away from discussing death, saying, “Many people don’t like to hear it… everybody knows what we are talking about. It is where we are all headed. It is a future for everybody.” However, he later shifted his focus to more immediate plans, revealing his desire to take a well-deserved vacation.

“In terms of productivity, the immediate thing is to go on a vacation,” Soyinka said. “Take a resolution which will be attested judicially, not grant any more interviews, certainly not writing, but simply trying to resume certain activities which gave me pleasure.” He also expressed his desire to travel and experience life as a tourist, free from the demands of his vocation.

Soyinka’s 90th birthday was celebrated globally, with Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, renaming the National Arts Theatre in Lagos after him . This tribute recognizes Soyinka’s immense contribution to literature and his enduring legacy.

Throughout the interview, Soyinka reflected on his life experiences, including his time in prison and his Nobel Prize in Literature win in 1986. His conversation with Madowo offered a glimpse into his mind as a literary icon.