Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at his palace.
Speaking at Ooni’s palace, Soyinka highlighted the growing desire among Africans in the diaspora, particularly Afro-Brazilians of Yoruba origin, to reconnect with their history, ancestors, and cultural identity.
He emphasised the importance of educating them on the historical realities of slavery and fostering unity that encourages their return to their ancestral home, Ile-Ife.
According to him, “If we do not take decisive steps now, it may take much longer to rebuild this bridge. When they come home, they can contribute to economic, cultural, and intellectual development. But above all, their deepest desire is to rediscover their origin.”
Responding, Oba Ogunwusi lauded Professor Soyinka for his lifelong dedication to strengthening Yoruba cultural identity, unity, and global recognition.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renaming the Lagos National Theatre to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, describing it as a well-deserved honour that celebrates Soyinka’s monumental contributions to literature, human rights, and Yoruba heritage.
The monarch said, “We are always delighted to receive you in Ile-Ife. It is clear that this divine assignment aligns with your calling, and we will work together to strengthen the bond between our people and their descendants abroad. On behalf of the entire Yoruba race and the Ooni-in-Council, we express our profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for honouring an icon like you. You remain our pride.”
Follow the OSUNDOTLIFE channel on WhatsAppKindly share this story | All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from OSUNDOTLIFE.
Contact: editor@osun.life
WhatsApp: 📲 +2348092333666