Nnamdi Kanu’s Incarceration
Wole Soyinka criticizes the Nigerian government’s handling of Nnamdi Kanu’s case, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He believes Kanu’s imprisonment is unjust, arguing that Kanu has not resorted to violence. Soyinka contends that the government’s actions are counterproductive, advocating for a fair trial instead of indefinite detention and delays.
“The first thing I must say, as I did back then—though it caused me serious trouble—is that Biafra cannot be defeated. People misunderstood this, thinking I was only referring to the battlefield. When people are determined and willing to sacrifice everything to preserve their identity, especially if they believe their cause is just, they are incredibly hard to defeat. Any military defeat would only be temporary, as the core issues remain unresolved. This is a lesson from history worldwide. When I made that statement, I was considering the broader Biafran idea, its past, and its future. Such a mix of different causes is very difficult to defeat. Nnamdi Kanu embodies this concept.
He embodies the younger generation, burdened by past defeats and resentments, determined not to repeat their predecessors’ mistakes. They have a new resolve and understanding of history. However, my issue with Kanu is his incendiary and disrespectful language on Radio Biafra, even towards his own people. For those of us on the other side, we fought for a Biafra of conscience, which is crucial to me. People like Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB, or MASSOB should not act against the ‘core of our humanity,’ which is a sense of conscience”.
The persistence of these sentiments and the ongoing struggle for identity and justice reveal the enduring nature of the Biafran cause.
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Civil War Reflections
Soyinka describes the Nigerian Civil War as a devastating and unnecessary conflict. He condemns the war as a gross error, criticizing the mindset that led to the preservation of colonial boundaries at the cost of millions of lives.
“The war was an utter waste—a gross and costly mistake. It was entirely avoidable and unjust. I was shocked by how easily we entered into it. I firmly believe in the right of self-determination. Otherwise, what was the point of Independence? What was the entire struggle for liberation across Africa about if not the right of people to determine their own destiny? Engaging in a war to maintain borders imposed by foreign powers was, to me, a sign of mental enslavement. It was a surrender of our will. The readiness to go to war and sacrifice nearly two million lives to uphold something forced upon us by outsiders was a humiliating reality. It was worse than a crime against ourselves; it was a denial of our identity as beings of reason, volition, and self-determination. It invalidated what I believed we stood for, and the repercussions are still felt today“.
For Soyinka, the war was a profound betrayal of the principles of self-determination that underpinned Nigeria’s independence movement.
Meeting with Ojukwu
Recalling his interactions with General Odimegwu Ojukwu, the Biafran leader, Soyinka paints a complex picture.
“He was complex and very aware of his privileged background, coming from a wealthy family with a prosperous businessman father. He attended top schools, possibly even Oxford. We met as young people—he was older, class-conscious, and affluent, driving a sports car while I rode my father’s bicycle. Initially, I didn’t like him, but upon his return, he felt a strong sense of mission toward the Biafran cause and faced it with determination. Despite some terrible decisions, he didn’t do too badly. He bore responsibility for the war, but all leaders at the time were culpable, with the Federal side bearing greater responsibility”.
Secret to Longevity
At 89, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka credits his longevity to luck and a disciplined routine. Reflecting on his life, Soyinka highlights his intense work hours, often stretching up to 18 hours a day. Despite the heavy workload, he ensures a sound sleep, which he believes contributes to his long life.
Early Life and Reading Habit
Growing up in Nigeria, Soyinka was an avid reader, fascinated by the written word. He devoured any material he could find, including scraps of paper. His inquisitive nature drove him to constantly seek answers, fueling his intellectual growth from a young age. This insatiable curiosity laid the foundation for his future literary and activist endeavors.
Education System Critique
As a Nobel laureate, Soyinka voices strong opinions on Nigeria’s education system. He calls for a complete overhaul, emphasizing the need for quality over quantity. Soyinka laments the decline in holistic education, urging a return to methods that engage and stimulate students’ critical thinking. He proposes radical measures, such as temporarily closing universities, to facilitate a comprehensive educational reform.
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