Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has said he missed the presence of his late parents when he won the Nobel Prize in Literature in Stockholm, Sweden, in December 1986.

Soyinka, who turned 91 on Sunday, averred that their absence was sorely missed, particularly his late mother, who would have been very joyous and taken photographs at the event.

The Nobel laureate spoke in an online conversation: Talking Books Africa, organised by Rainbow Book Club, over the weekend.

“That is one of the things I regret. I just imagined the two of them sitting there, witnessing the event. For my dad, he would have absorbed it and said: ‘Good, yes, yes. Let’s go for dinner.’ But my mother would have been insufferable. And I would have teased her because she used to tell me that I have ‘emi esu’. I would have asked her: Hope emi esu is not bad, after all?” he said.  

On his decision not to grant further interviews to the media, he said: “I was getting a little bit exhausted because I was being taken out of context. Despite my previous statements, the meaning should be clear, especially in today’s social media landscape, which has become problematic. It comes a time when you feel you are overexposed. I am being overexposed.” 

Reacting to reading about his life through someone else, particularly his new biography by Koko Kalango of Rainbow Book Club, Soyinka noted that he could be objective about himself.

The global literary icon said there were moments lately when he gave different answers to the same issues.

“And I took some actions at certain times… And I find it difficult to believe certain actions I did,” he said.

According to him, though the biography did not say everything about his childhood, it says enough, revealing that he had contradictory names as a child, which the book did not capture. 

“My stepmother gave me the name Okunrin Jeje (gentleman)… Yet, while growing up, I was described as Onijongbon (troublemaker). Now, reconcile these two names. However, it is a marvel that I survived till now,” Soyinka stressed. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated Wole Soyinka, as the literary icon marked his 91st birthday on Sunday.

The President described the Nobel laureate as an uncommon patriot and enduring inspiration to generations of Nigerians and global citizens.

In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extolled the celebrated literary icon for his unwavering service to Nigeria and humanity, noting that Soyinka’s life and works reflect a deep commitment to justice, freedom and cultural identity.

“Professor Soyinka is an uncommon patriot who has continued to demonstrate his undying love for our country. Even at the grand old age, he continues to be a source of inspiration to fellow citizens and people around the world,” the President said.

Celebrating the Nobel laureate’s lifetime of accomplishments, President Tinubu emphasised the influence of Soyinka’s creative genius and civic activism.

He highlighted the playwright’s seminal impact on education, the pro-democracy and human rights movement, cultural diplomacy, and national development over the past several decades.

“Professor Soyinka is a massive source of inspiration to Nigerians and, most especially, generations of younger writers worldwide. We are grateful for his long years of service to Nigeria and humanity,” the President said.

Soyinka, the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, is revered for his body of work spanning plays, poetry, essays, memoirs and social commentary.

He has long been a towering voice in national and international discourses on freedom, identity and governance.

President Tinubu also reflected on his connection with the cultural icon, recalling years of association and shared efforts in nation-building.

“I value my association with Professor Soyinka and several collaborations to advance the progress and development of Nigeria,” he said.

Marking what he called “the beginning of the journey into the last decade of his centennial,” the President extended warm wishes to Soyinka, praying for his continued strength and vitality.

“On this special day… I wish Professor Wole Soyinka good health and more years in sound mind,” the statement concluded.

Born on July 13, 1934, Wole Soyinka remains one of Africa’s most distinguished voices in literature and civil advocacy, a symbol of artistic excellence and moral courage whose legacy continues to shape global perceptions of Nigeria and its creative power.