The paramount ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has urged the Federal Government to declare July 13 as Wole Soyinka Day, in honor of the Nobel laureate’s invaluable contributions to literature and humanity. The monarch also suggested conferring the second highest national honor, Grand Commander of Order of Niger, on Soyinka.
Oba Gbadebo made this call during a press conference at his palace, announcing a series of events to mark Soyinka’s 90th birthday. He noted that Egba land has already designated July 13 as a day to celebrate the literary icon. The monarch emphasized that Soyinka’s contributions warrant national recognition, citing the example of New Orleans, USA, which has adopted a day to celebrate him.
The celebration will feature art exhibitions, cultural performances, book exhibitions, poetry recitation, and a hunting expedition. Dr. Paul Bankole, the convener of the celebration, emphasized the importance of acknowledging Soyinka’s contributions while he is still alive. Bankole, who met Soyinka in 1964, described the declaration of July 13 as Wole Soyinka Day in Egba land as a welcome development.