When Africa’s First Nobel Laureate Clocks 88

By Oloye Lekan Alabi

IBADAN – Professor ‘Wole Soyinka (WS), born in Abeokuta, Ogun State on July 13,1934, became Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in October,1986.

His late friend, Chief ‘Bola Ige, SAN, the first Executive Governor of old Oyo State (1st October, 1979 to 30th September, 1983) and his wife, the late Honourable Justice Atinuke Ige, hosted WS to a luncheon at their Esa Oke, Osun State home, on Sunday, 21st December,1986.

My humble self and wife, Chief (Mrs.) Adetokunbo Mojirade Alabi, the first Yeyemeso Lalupon, Ibadanland, were among the selected guests of the Iges at the luncheon.

Pictured left, here, I present the new Nobel Laureate with my letter of congratulations, a copy of the 1982 NTA, Ibadan’s “Speak Out” current affairs interview I conducted for him while he was the Chairman of the old Oyo State Road Safety Corps and a copy of the  manuscript of my book, “Thrice Upon A Time”, at the ceremony in Esa Oke.

In the middle is Chief ‘Bola Ige, whose press secretary I was in 1983, after being seconded from the former Television Service of Oyo State (TSOS) now called BCOS-TV, to join Chief Ige’s original Press Secretary, Dapo Aderinola.

Happy 88th birthday to Professor ‘Wole Soyinka.

          *Oloye Lekan Alabi, the Maye  of Ibadanland writes from Ibadan