Osinbajo Recounts ‘Priceless Favour’ from Wole Soyinka Despite Their Early Acquaintance

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo recounted how Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka honored his invitation to an event despite barely knowing him.

Osinbajo detailed the occasion during his speech titled “Soyinka: The Imperative of a Public Conscience” at the Soyinka International Symposium organized by the Nigerian Academy of Letters in honor of Soyinka’s upcoming 90th birthday on July 13, 2024.

The symposium, themed “Eni Ogun: An Enduring Legacy,” took place at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos, featuring Emeritus Professor Niyi Osundare as the keynote speaker. Osinbajo recalled how in 2007, he and his wife Dolapo launched the Orderly Society Trust, aiming for a well-organized society. Despite being relatively unknown to Soyinka at the time, Osinbajo specifically requested him to speak at the event, which was attended by around 50 guests.

Soyinka, amidst his travels and uncertainties about attending, surprised Osinbajo by not only showing up but also actively participating throughout the event. His presence, however, stirred controversy among Osinbajo’s pastor friends when he suggested the possibility of there being no heaven.

Among the notable attendees were former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his wife Dr. Bisi Fayemi, University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Duro Oni, Nigerian Academy of Letters President Prof. Sola Akinrinade, and Secretary Prof. Olakunbi Olasope.