Soyinka's Recent Comments, ill-Advised

SOYINKA’S RECENT COMMENTS, ILL-ADVISED

       

Recently, the revered Professor Wole Soyinka was apparently drowned by myriad of public opinions that he thought it wise, albeit ignorantly, to put his America’s Green Card at stake, forgetting politics doesn’t share common features with literature. On hearing the bet, I laughed profusely and couldn’t help fisting my chest amid the laughter. Although if the reality must be faced squarely, at 82 his entire life ought to be domiciled in the clan he hails from.

      

After the US 2016 Presidential polls that informed the aforementioned expensive joke, everyone worldwide was only interested in seeing the don fulfill the pledge that was made publicly, though subconsciously. Subconscious, in the sense that if given a second chance, he would like to retrieve the ill-advised utterance. Nigerians were not left out in the picture of those who earnestly looked forward to embracing that moment when he would ascend the podium and do as promised.

        

It’s noteworthy that most well meaning Nigerians were, in the first place, unhappy that Prof. Soyinka could go that far. Everyone was marvelled that he could tender such a response to an interview pertaining to elections in which he was never one of the contenders, nor a citizen to the affected country. It suffices to say that they saw his reaction as mere ‘tantrum’. Sure, nobody helped him to secure permanent residency in the US as he has rightly pointed out, thus had every right to determine the fate of his Green Card; but Nigerians, owing to passion, were deeply concerned over what such a speech could cause his personality afterwards.

         

Rather than admitting the goof, which could be made by any mortal or anyone who possesses the human skin, he went ahead to create further scene. In an interview granted to him lately upon his arrival to Nigeria, he unequivocally said “I’m going to hold a private wake on inauguration day not to mourn the decision of Americans in the choice of President but to mourn the death of Nigeria common sense.” It didn’t stop at that; he went further to call Nigerians names including imbeciles, barbarians, illiterates, and blabbermouths. “I’m embarrassed that I’m occupying the same nation space with these imbeciles …” he stated.

       

Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have considered coming up with this critique, considering that senility can be characterized by various antics. But in view of the fact that silence could mean more harm, I was left with no option. What he displayed is a clear indication that one of the worst moments of critics is when they are being criticized; they detest being criticized but enjoy criticizing others. How do you reconcile this?

       

Prof. Soyinka indeed underestimated Nigeria as a nation, and Nigerians as a people, to have summoned the impetus to publicly display such an effrontery. Countless great Nigerians of note existed before him, but none, despite the numerous challenges faced at one time or the other, let Nigeria down by using abusive words on her. Even at the moment, there are many who share the same greatness with him, yet living a quiet life. I’m not in any way opining that everyone ought to possess same character, because every unique character was created for a purpose, but one is required to realize when his/her boundary is being overstepped.           

Most importantly, at a time when one is unanimously being celebrated by his people, their interest or happiness should be placed first before any other. But, at that interview, it appeared Prof. Soyinka was beclouded by his boiling temper. People, especially public figures, must learn to control their temper at all times.

        

However, he still has a chance to make amends if only he has realized his mistakes, which aren’t peculiar to his person. As for me, I’m damn willing to forgive if he is ready to jettison his ego towards doing the needful. I truly want him to retrace his steps, because even if he means nothing to my person, I’m not unaware that he’s being adored, if not worshipped, by millions of Nigerians; and this set of individuals cannot afford to miss him. So, on their behalf, I urge him to have a rethink. Nigeria, no doubt, comprises a set of understanding personalities, thus would be ever prepared to accept his unalloyed apology when tendered.

       

By making that utterance, Prof. Soyinka refused to convince me that, ab initio, he had meant well for Nigeria. But he still has the opportunity to disabuse me of my thoughts; hence, I alongside fellow aggrieved Nigerians have decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. If he chose to remain adamant of the pains he had caused us, I’ll then consider it that he has already turned his back on a country that made him.

Meanwhile, Nigerians on their part must jettison every obnoxious thought regarding the mess. We ought to endeavour to think before reacting, considering that two wrongs do not make a right. Think about it!