By Adeleye Kunle
As Professor Wole Soyinka, the world-renowned playwright and Nobel Laureate in Literature, turns 88, Ogun state governor Dapo Abiodun describes him as a rare breed of humanity who has straddled the planet with exceptional candour.
Gov. Abiodun described Professor Emeritus Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi, who trained many other professors and medical experts in Nigeria and abroad, as a rare gift to the nation and the medical profession worldwide.
Prof Ogunlesi graduated as a medical doctor in 1947 and became Nigeria’s first Professor of Medicine in 1965. The medical genius, who was born in Sagamu to a blacksmith father, turned 99 yesterday.
Abiodun lauded both scholars as living legends, as well as two of the most iconic avuncular pathfinders and evergreen brand ambassadors not only for Ogun state, but also for Nigeria and Africa.
He went on to describe them as the flag bearers of the banner of excellence for which Ogun is revered among Nigeria’s states.
“Ogun is proud to have a son who studied a language; began to teach the owners of the language the language; and invented words for the language, which the owners of the language have never heard of and now which has become regular lexicon of the, or if you like, their language,” the governor wrote in two separate tributes.
Soyinka, according to Abiodun, deserves to be honored because he has distinguished himself as the conscience of the nation, conquered the world as a playwright, essayist, poet, and public intellectual of prodigious hues.
“Professor Wole Soyinka, an emeritus Professor of Comparative Literature and the Black race’s first Nobel Laureate in the Arts of Beautiful Letter (Literature),” says one. In the literary and academic worlds, he is known as Kongi, the wordsmith. To dictators and opponents of democracy, he is a ferocious civil fighter. To democracy supporters, he represents the best in the promotion of people’s rights and good governance, while to his friends, he is a father, husband, leader, mentor, hunter, and connoisseur of the best brewed wine.
“Ogun has a proud son who studied a language; began to teach the language’s owners the language; and invented words for the language that the owners of the language had never heard of and which have now become a regular lexicon of the, or if you prefer, their llanguage.” Ogun State, Nigeria, is now a well-known location on the global map. Oluwole Akinwande Soyinka’s name is one of the compasses pointing to our beloved state.
“I’ve read a lot of books in the three literary genres: drama, poetry, and prose.” The Lion and the Jewel; The Jero Plays; A Giant’s Play Death and the King Horseman; Madmen and Specialists; The Strong Breed; A Dance of the Forest; The Forest of a Thousand Demons; A Collection of Black African Poetry; and, depending on which side of the divide you are on, The Man Died, and so on. All of these literary works are Kongi’s literary footprints. But, more importantly, these pieces aren’t just light reading; they’re works of art that comment on our religious, political, and economic existentialism and essentialism as humans.
“Today, the entire world commemorates Professor Wole Soyinka’s 88th birthday.” Ogun State’s government and people celebrate intellectual achievement, integrity, civil liberty defense, and so on. And, as Nigeria commemorates its fledgling democracy, Wole Soyinka will be remembered as “one of the planters of the seed that has grown to bear a bountiful harvest of people-oriented good governance,” Abiodun said in his tribute.
The governor, on the other hand, declared that his administration would ensure that Soyinka’s gospel of a free, fair, just, and egalitarian society that provides a conducive environment for individual prosperity and growth, as well as the development of humanity in general, is not lost on it.
“Since our Administration’s inception on May 29, 2019, we have continued to provide an environment that fosters continued development of our dear State, as well as increased prosperity for all the people and all those who have made our dear State their home, regardless of geographical location, gender, religious or political affiliation, ethnicity, or social stratifications.” These are all ideals that Soyinka desired.
“We will continue to celebrate WS as our Administration establishes a good governance structure that is people-centered; committed to a free, fair, and just society that promotes equity, fairness, and justice to all people.” We believe that this is the best way to honor Oluwole Akinwande Babatunde Ishola Soyinka. The best reward for this freedom fighter is to see and enjoy the fruits of his hard-won war for a better Nigeria and greater humanity.
“Today, on behalf of the Ogun State government and the entire people of Ogun State, I wish you a Happy 88th Birthday, Professor Oluwole Akinwande Soyinka, Kongi, the Lion, the Tiger who does not need to proclaim his tigeritude, our own WS.” Abiodun submitted his application.
Abiodun praised Prof. Ogunlesi for pioneering Tropical Medicine research and mentoring the first generations of orthodox medical practitioners and researchers.
He wished the legends good health and thanked them for their contributions to the body of knowledge and national development.
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