By Adonis Byemelwa
Nigerian literary icon and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka (pictured) has shared profound reflections on his life, his eventual passing, and his enduring legacy during a recent interview with CNN. At 90, the renowned playwright, essayist, and poet revealed that he had already made preparations for his death, though he still has immediate plans for his future, including taking a vacation.
Soyinka, often hailed as one of Africa's most influential literary figures, reflected on his unique way of celebrating birthdays. “Typically, on my birthdays, I retreat into the forest. Solitude brings me great joy,” he said. The celebrated author remarked on his relationship with aging, humorously adding, “What’s bothersome is that I don’t feel 90. It seems I’ve come to take birthdays for granted.”
Professor Wole Soyinka revealed that he acquired his home in 1984, moving there shortly after retiring from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, in Ile-Ife.Photo: Courtesy
His home in Abeokuta, Nigeria, which is filled with modern art and cultural artifacts, serves not just as his residence but as a symbol of Nigeria's rich heritage. The estate is also a testament to Soyinka's deep connection with nature and his efforts toward environmental preservation. "I call it the autonomous republic of Ijegba," he said, highlighting his extensive reforestation efforts to restore the land surrounding his home.
"When I first moved here, the area was completely covered in forest and served as my hunting grounds. It truly felt like being in another country where I could remain isolated from society," Soyinka reflected. His commitment to environmental sustainability is woven into the fabric of his personal and literary legacy, emphasizing the importance of conserving nature for future generations.
Despite reflecting on death with calm acceptance, Soyinka’s outlook remains sharp and filled with humor. "I don't mean to be grim, but we all know what the future holds. I've made plans for that eventuality within this estate; it's simply where we're all destined to go," he said, referring to his preparations for the inevitable.
However, before looking too far ahead, the literary titan revealed more immediate plans. "The first step is to take a vacation and make a legally binding resolution to stop granting interviews," he concluded, signaling that despite his reflections on mortality, he still has plenty of life left to live on his terms.
Soyinka’s reflections provide a rare glimpse into the mind of a man who has spent decades shaping not only the literary world but also political and cultural thought. His legacy continues to grow, even as he contemplates the end of his journey.