4th August, 2024
By Adejoke Adeleye, Ogun
Some old students of the Theatre and Arts Department of the University of Ile-Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Île-Ife, who were taught and mentored by Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka, have celebrated him.
They described him as a global icon who has not only made impact in Nigeria but all over the world.
The old students under the aegis of Ife Caucus were effusively eulogised him as they gathered in his Abeokuta, Ogun State to celebrate their former lecturer who recently turned 90.
Chief Peter Fatomilola, an old student in 1976 said Prof Wole Soyinka was his boss and lecturer. He noted that Soyinka encouraged him to go to a drama school.
Another old student, Alli Balogun acknowledged that Prof Wole Soyinka had impacted lives. Wole Soyinka did not just impact knowledge in humanity but also impacted lives through his humanity,” he said.
Chief Gbolahan Macjob, a journalist and film maker who came from London, said Soyinka is an icon.
Yet another old student, Chief Kemi Kayejo praised the literary icon. She said she learnt to be bold and independent through the influence of Soyinka.
“I happened to his last born because I was his last student in 1985. He gave me boldness and the attitude of independence,” she said.
