The event would start by 6 pm, but about three hours earlier, the host gently walked into the hall. That was unusual as far as many of the people inside were concerned, because the host was no other person than Lagos State Governor, Babajjide Sanwo-Olu. So important did he consider the event that he felt he needed to first peep in to see that things were perfectly set. He could not afford to see anything being imperfect, despite the fact that professionals were in charge of all aspects — the stage, sounds, light, tables and chairs, food, drinks and all. Fortunately, the governor did not need to spend more than a few minutes at the venue because the excellence he craved was written all over the beautifully tendered scene inside the Old Parliament Building, beside the Governor’s Lodge, Marina.
That was the prelude to a great show the Governor Sanwo-Olu bequeathed to memory: a dinner he organised in honour of Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, who has turned 90. The international birthday train had been to Abeokuta, Isara and even Morocco and the United Kingdom. It had also echoed at the University of Lagos where the Nigerian Academic of Letters organised a symposium in honour of the great dramatist. He could not attend many of the events — for how many can he really make? The Governor’s dinner was, however, different as Soyinka, who radiated an enviably excellent mood and smiles, was awesomely present, alongside members of his family, friends and associates. Among such were Dr Olaokun and Mr Ilemakin Soyinka, both being his children. It was inspiring seeing the governor and the First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, as well as other dignitaries that included members of the international community, welcome the sage upon whom nature has continued to smile as it showers him not just with longevity, but also good health and the strength that only a few 90-year-olds command. He still retains his eloquent voice, stands tall, just as he is still as erect as an arere tree.
Predictably, there were moving tributes as various personalities saluted the robust profile of the celebrator popularly called Kongi. One of such came from the host, who described Soyinka as not just a legendary achiever but also a reliable source of inspiration to those coming behind him. Sanwo-Olu, who presented an exotic artwork — a portrait — to Soyinka, amid ovation at the event, later captured the mood of the party in an X post. He enthused: “This evening, we had the honour of celebrating the 90th birthday of our esteemed Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka. It was a night of joy, memories, and inspiration as we celebrated his many contributions to literature and touched on how his humanity continues to inspire us all. The highlight of the evening was unveiling a special portrait of Prof., a true reflection of his enduring legacy. We celebrate not just his 90 years of life but the countless lives he has inspired and continues to inspire.
“His Nobel Prize win many years ago opened the door for many to dream and believe that greatness is achievable. His works transcend time, touching hearts and minds across the globe. Thank you, Professor Wole Soyinka, for showing us that through resilience, creativity, and dedication, we can achieve greatness”.
Then the rain of great performances that straddled music, poetry, dance and other artistic vibes. Soyinka is a man of theatre, poetry, prose, music and essays. He has practised and witnessed performances at the highest levels across the world. Anyone who must invite him to a night of words and sounds should, therefore, do their homework well so that the gesture will not be anti-climatic. The Lagos State Governor got this right based on the versatility of the artists on parade, and quality of presentations, as well as the way the offerings were curated.
Among those who thrilled the gathering were seasoned lady drummer, Ara; the Bolanle Austen-Peters performing organisation and the Lagos State Arts Council troupe. While a young poet, Victor, also mounted the stage, this writer (Akeem Lasisi) presented performance poetry alongside his Akeem Lasisi & the Songbirds troupe, with highly talented afro artiste, Edaoto, also in the fold. We performed ‘Amid the Ofii, amidst the Olaa: Salute to Soyinka’, which transited into an ijala fiesta, in acknowledgement of the Ogun/hunting background of the birthday legend.
The poet had chanted:
The chameleon that treads softly departs too soon
Let alone the toad that bangs itself upon the earth
But because Kongi is the apple of the eyes of a partial god
Amid the òfíì, amidst the ọ̀láà,
Páńdọ̀rọ̀’s wind-troubled fruit savours the ripeness of age:
His cat is counting its 90 lives
Then, for the Lion of Africa we set loose a century drums
For the hunter of hunters a carnival of chants
For the metaphysical pen that defies fire and despots’ thunder
The nightingale is in marathon for the Guinness Book
Even if Olumo straps him to her back like an only child
If jealously Isara builds a vault for his umbilical cord
From countries to continents the trumpets are loud
The Antarctic to antic a deluge of wines
For inside the library of his 90 seasons
His legacies abound in a million books
From the ocean of his silver hairs
Our schools are littered with salient quotes …
Among the dignitaries at the dinner were the Erelu of Lagos, Abiola Dosumu; veteran actress, Joke Silva; producer and founder of Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen-Peters; and foremost cinematographer and producer, Tunde Kelani.
The honour that Sanwo-Olu accorded Soyinka and the topnotch delivery are what many attendees will remember for long. Of course, the iconic values the Nobel represents are such that should be underlined at all levels, which is why many are happy that President Bola Tinubu has named the National Theatre after him. It is thus very commendable that Governor Sanwo-Olu, whose government has consistently supported the creative sector, as an arm of his T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, gallantly rose to the occasion. In recent times, the government demonstrated its interest in the development of the industry by giving grants to filmmakers, sponsoring the World Theatre Day and funding training organised for youths by Del-York Film Academy, GIDI Creative Academy, Ebony Life Creative Academy and African Academy
Earlier, Sanwo-Olu had congratulated Soyinka the day before the Saturday July 13th 90th birthday. In a message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, the governor said the playwright, poet, and essayist was worthy of all celebrations as a Nigerian advocate of good governance, voice of the voiceless and one of Nigeria’s biggest exports to the world.
The governor said: “Prof. Soyinka is a literary icon who has excelled in all genres of literature, and his prodigious works have continued to be a reference point in academic circles all over the world. He is a great pride to Nigeria, Africa, and the entire black race. His long years of outstanding accomplishments and consistency in the crusade for the wellbeing of citizens had culminated in his legendary status. He is a renowned advocate of truth, justice, and equity. He has demonstrated his commitment to democracy, responsible and responsive governments the African continent”.
