Wole Soyinka biography: Africa’s first Nobel Literature laureate. Explore his plays, poetry, activism, 22-month imprisonment, and enduring literary legacy.

Who is Wole Soyinka?

Wole Soyinka is a Nigerian playwright, poet, novelist, and political activist who made history in 1986 by becoming the first Black African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Born Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka on 13 July 1934 in Abeokuta, near Ibadan in western Nigeria, his Wole Soyinka biography represents a journey of literary excellence intertwined with fearless political activism. The Nobel Committee honoured him for his work “in a wide cultural perspective and with poetic overtones fashioning the drama of existence”.

Over a career spanning more than seven decades, Soyinka has published over 50 works, including approximately 25 plays, 10 collections of short stories, 7 poetry collections, 3 novels, 5 memoirs, and numerous essays. His writing draws deeply from Yoruba mythology, particularly centred on Ogun, the god of iron and war, whilst incorporating European literary traditions.

Soyinka’s life has been marked by both literary triumphs and political persecution. In 1967, during Nigeria’s civil war, he was arrested for attempting to broker peace and imprisoned for 22 months in solitary confinement. This experience produced some of his most powerful work, including “The Man Died: Prison Notes” and the poetry collection “A Shuttle in the Crypt”.

Now 90 years old, Soyinka remains an influential voice in African literature and global politics. He currently serves as Arts Professor of Theatre at New York University Abu Dhabi, continuing his lifelong dedication to literature, education, and social justice.

Wole Soyinka Profile Summary

Personal Information	Details
Full Name	Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka
Date of Birth	13 July 1934
Age	90 years old (as of 2024)
Place of Birth	Aké, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
State of Origin	Ogun State
Nationality	Nigerian
Tribe/Ethnicity	Yoruba
Religion	Christianity (Anglican upbringing)
Occupation	Playwright, Poet, Novelist, Essayist, Professor, Political Activist
Years Active	1950s–present
Education	B.A. English Literature (University of Leeds, 1958), Honorary Doctorate (1972)
Father	Samuel Ayodele Soyinka (Anglican Minister & Headmaster)
Mother	Grace Eniola Soyinka (Shopkeeper & Activist, nicknamed “Wild Christian”)
Siblings	6 (Atinuke Aina, Femi, Yeside, Omofolabo Ajayi, Kayode, and Folasade who died as infant)
Marital Status	Married
Current Wife	Folake Doherty Soyinka (married 1989)
Previous Wives	Barbara Dixon (married 1958, divorced), Olaide Idowu (married 1963, divorced 1985)
Children	8-10 children (Olaokun, Moremi, Iyetade, Peyibomi, Ilemakin, Oreunlewa, Bojode, Eniara, and others)
Major Awards	Nobel Prize in Literature (1986), Anisfield-Wolf Lifetime Achievement Award (2013)
Notable Works	“Death and the King’s Horseman”, “The Lion and the Jewel”, “Aké: The Years of Childhood”, “The Man Died”
Co-Founded	Pyrate Confraternity (1952)
Current Position	Arts Professor of Theatre, New York University Abu Dhabi
Net Worth	Not publicly disclosed

Early Life and Family Background

Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka was born on 13 July 1934 in Aké, Abeokuta, Ogun State, in western Nigeria. His birth into an Anglican Yoruba family would profoundly shape his worldview, blending Christian teachings with traditional Yoruba spiritualism.

Family Heritage

Wole Soyinka’s father, Samuel Ayodele Soyinka, was a prominent Anglican minister and headmaster at St Peter’s Primary School in Aké. He was also a member of the royal family of Isara-Remo, giving Wole royal lineage. Samuel Soyinka was an educated man who maintained a small personal library that would prove influential in young Wole’s intellectual development.

His mother, Grace Eniola Soyinka (née Jenkins-Harrison), was known by the nickname “Wild Christian” due to her fiery personality and activism. She was a shopkeeper and local activist, and belonged to the distinguished Ransome-Kuti family. This connection to the Ransome-Kutis, a family of activists and musicians, placed Wole within a tradition of political engagement and artistic expression.

Siblings

Wole was the second of seven children. His siblings were:

• Atinuke Aina (eldest sister)
• Femi
• Yeside
• Omofolabo Ajayi
• Kayode
• Folasade (who died as an infant)

Growing up in this large family within an Anglican mission compound, young Wole absorbed both the Christian teachings of his parents and the Yoruba spiritual traditions of his grandfather.

A Precocious Child

From an early age, Soyinka displayed exceptional curiosity and intelligence. Adults in his life famously warned one another: “He will kill you with his questions.” This inquisitive nature set him apart from other children, who were expected to be “neither seen nor heard” when elders were present.

However, Wole was given unusual latitude. He was allowed to eavesdrop on his father’s debates with friends, absorbing their discussions on philosophy, politics, and society. Afterwards, his father would patiently explain complex concepts to him, nurturing the intellectual curiosity that would define his career.

Education and Academic Journey

Primary and Secondary Education

Wole Soyinka began his education at St Peter’s Primary School in Aké from 1940 to 1946, where his father served as headmaster. This proximity to authority could have been constraining, but instead provided him access to educational resources and intellectual discourse.

For secondary education, he attended Abeokuta Grammar School before proceeding to Government College in Ibadan from 1946 to 1951 for university preparatory studies. Government College was one of Nigeria’s premier secondary institutions, and the experience broadened Soyinka’s intellectual horizons.

University College Ibadan (1952-1954)

In 1952, Soyinka was admitted to University College Ibadan, then affiliated with the University of London. He studied English literature, Greek, and Western history from 1952 to 1954.

During this period, in 1952, Soyinka co-founded the Pyrate Confraternity with six friends. This organisation, Nigeria’s first campus confraternity, was established to promote humanist values and challenge colonial mentality. Unlike later campus fraternities that became violent, the original Pyrates were intellectuals and bohemians who embraced philosophical discourse and cultural pride.

University of Leeds (1954-1958)

In 1954, Soyinka moved to England to continue his education at the University of Leeds. This period was transformative. At Leeds, he studied English literature and served as editor of the university’s magazine, The Eagle. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English literature in 1958.

The University of Leeds would later award him an honorary doctorate in 1972 (some sources say 1973), recognising his contributions to world literature.

Dramaturgy at Royal Court Theatre (1958-1959)

After graduation, Soyinka worked as a dramaturgist at the Royal Court Theatre in London from 1958 to 1959. This experience exposed him to contemporary European theatre and refined his understanding of dramatic structure and stagecraft.

During this period, he wrote his first important plays, including “The Swamp Dwellers” and “The Lion and the Jewel”. These works would be performed in Ibadan upon his return to Nigeria, launching his career as a playwright.

Wole Soyinka Biography: Literary Career and Major Works

Early Plays and Theatrical Innovation

Soyinka’s theatrical career began in earnest when he returned to Nigeria in 1960, just as the country gained independence from Britain. He founded “The 1960 Masks” theatre group that same year, and in 1964 established the “Orisun Theatre Company”, where he produced his own plays and acted.

His early plays combined traditional African theatre—with its integration of dance, music, and action—with influences from European dramatists like Irish writer J.M. Synge. This fusion created a unique theatrical language that was distinctly African yet universally resonant.

Major Plays

Comedies and Satires:

• “The Lion and the Jewel” (performed 1959, published 1963): A light comedy mocking Westernised schoolteachers
• “The Trials of Brother Jero” (performed 1960, published 1963): Satirising corrupt religious leaders who exploit their followers
• “Jero’s Metamorphosis” (performed 1974, published 1973): Sequel to Brother Jero
• “Kongi’s Harvest” (performed 1965, published 1967): Satirising African dictatorships
• “A Play of Giants” (1984): Another satire on African authoritarian leadership
• “King Baabu” (performed 2001, published 2002): A parody of corrupt leadership

Serious Philosophical Works:

• “The Swamp Dwellers” (written 1958): Exploring tradition versus modernity
• “A Dance of the Forests” (performed 1960, published 1963): An African “Midsummer Night’s Dream” with spirits and gods
• “The Strong Breed” (performed 1966, published 1963): Examining sacrifice and redemption
• “The Road” (1965): A philosophical meditation on death
• “Madmen and Specialists” (performed 1970, published 1971): Written after his imprisonment
• “Death and the King’s Horseman” (performed 1976, published 1975): Considered one of his masterpieces, exploring ritual sacrifice and the relationship between the unborn, living, and dead

Adaptations:

• “The Bacchae of Euripides” (1973): Euripides’ work rewritten for the African stage
• “Opera Wonyosi” (performed 1977, published 1981): Based on John Gay’s “Beggar’s Opera” and Brecht’s “Threepenny Opera”

Novels

Soyinka has written three novels:

• “The Interpreters” (1965): A complex, modernist work compared to Joyce and Faulkner, following six Nigerian intellectuals
• “Season of Anomy” (1973): Written after his imprisonment
• “Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth” (2021): His first novel in nearly 50 years, a satirical take on corruption in Nigeria

Poetry Collections

Soyinka’s poetry collections include:

• “Idanre, and Other Poems” (1967)
• “Poems from Prison” (1969): Written during his imprisonment
• “A Shuttle in the Crypt” (1972): Also from his prison experience
• “Ogun Abibiman” (1976): A long poem
• “Mandela’s Earth and Other Poems” (1988): Dedicated to Nelson Mandela
• “Outsiders” (1999)

Memoirs and Autobiographical Works

• “The Man Died: Prison Notes” (1972): A gripping account of his 22-month imprisonment
• “Aké: The Years of Childhood” (1981): Winner of the 1983 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Nonfiction
• “Isara: A Voyage Around “Essay” (1989)
• “Ibadan: The Penkelemes Years” (1994)
• “You Must Set Forth at Dawn” (1996)

Essays and Critical Works

• “Myth, Literature and the African World” (1975): A seminal collection of literary essays
• “Art, Dialogue and Outrage” (1988)
• “The Open Sore of a Continent: A Personal Narrative of the Nigerian Crisis” (1996)
• “Climate of Fear” (2004): Based on his Reith Lectures
• “Of Africa” (2012)

Political Activism and Imprisonment

Early Political Engagement

Soyinka’s political activism began in earnest after Nigerian independence in 1960. As Chair of Drama at the University of Ibadan, he became increasingly vocal about political corruption and authoritarianism.

In a dramatic act of political defiance, he reportedly broke into the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service studio in Ibadan after the fraudulent 1965 elections. Holding the radio presenter at gunpoint, he declared the election null and demanded that Premier S.L. Akintola leave office. This bold action exemplified his willingness to risk personal safety for political principle.

The Nigerian Civil War and Imprisonment

When Nigeria’s civil war erupted in 1967, Soyinka took a controversial stance. Whilst many from the Yoruba West supported the Federal government against the Igbo-dominated secessionist state of Biafra, Soyinka appealed for peace and cease-fire.

In August 1967, he secretly met with Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the military governor of the Southeastern region, in an effort to avert further bloodshed. This peace mission led to his arrest by federal authorities. He was accused of conspiring with Biafran rebels and held as a political prisoner for 22 months, from 1967 to 1969.

Prison Experience

Soyinka spent much of his detention in solitary confinement. Without access to proper writing materials, he wrote on scraps of paper, cigarette packets, and toilet paper. These writings would later form the basis of his powerful memoir “The Man Died: Prison Notes” and his poetry collection “A Shuttle in the Crypt”.

The experience was harrowing. He was kept in darkness, denied books and human contact, and subjected to psychological torture. Despite these conditions, his spirit remained unbroken. He later reflected that the experience deepened his understanding of human resilience and the nature of oppression.

Exile and Return

After his release in 1969, Soyinka continued his academic career but faced ongoing political tensions. When dictatorships returned to Nigeria in the 1990s, he went into self-imposed exile, living in Europe and the United States.

In November 1994, under the brutal dictatorship of General Sani Abacha, Soyinka fled Nigeria on a motorcycle via the Benin border. He was charged with treason in 1997. During this period, he served as president of the International Parliament of Writers (1997-2000), an organisation supporting persecuted writers worldwide.

He only returned to Nigeria after the restoration of democracy in 1999.

Destruction of U.S. Green Card

In 2016, following Donald Trump’s election as U.S. President, Soyinka dramatically destroyed his U.S. Green Card, stating he could not continue living in a country that had elected Trump. This act exemplified his unwavering commitment to principle over personal convenience.

The 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature

Historic Achievement

On 16 October 1986, Wole Soyinka received the news that would cement his place in literary history: he had been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. At 52 years old, he became the first Black African to receive this honour.

The Swedish Academy cited him as one “who in a wide cultural perspective and with poetic overtones fashions the drama of existence”. They praised the “sparkling vitality” and “moral stature” of his work.

Reed Way Dasenbrock noted that the award was “likely to prove quite controversial and thoroughly deserved”, recognising it as “the first Nobel Prize awarded to an African writer or to any writer from the ‘new literatures’ in English that have emerged in the former colonies of the British Empire”.

Nobel Acceptance Speech

Rather than celebrating his own achievement, Soyinka dedicated his Nobel acceptance speech, titled “This Past Must Address Its Present”, to South African freedom fighter Nelson Mandela, who was still imprisoned at the time.

His speech was a powerful critique of apartheid and racial segregation in South Africa. He stated: “And of those imperatives that challenge our being, our presence, and humane definition at this time, none can be considered more pervasive than the end of racism, the eradication of human inequality, and the dismantling of all their structures.”

This selfless act demonstrated Soyinka’s priorities: using his platform not for personal glory but to advance justice and human rights.

Impact of the Nobel Prize

The Nobel Prize brought Soyinka unprecedented international recognition. He became a sought-after lecturer at universities worldwide. However, in characteristic fashion, he later reflected: “It has changed nothing at all for me. All it has done for me is that since then I have to fight for my anonymity.”

Despite his modesty, the prize elevated African literature on the world stage, inspiring countless African writers and validating their literary traditions.

Academic Career and Professorships

Teaching in Nigeria

From 1960 onwards, Soyinka combined his literary work with academic teaching. He taught literature and drama at several Nigerian universities:

• University of Ibadan
• University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University)
• University of Lagos

Since 1975, he has been Professor of Comparative Literature at the University of Ife.

International Appointments

Soyinka has been a visiting professor at numerous prestigious institutions:

• University of Cambridge
• University of Sheffield
• Yale University
• Cornell University
• Emory University

Current Position

Since 1 September 2022, Soyinka has held the position of Arts Professor of Theatre at New York University Abu Dhabi, continuing his commitment to education and mentorship at age 88.

Personal Life: Marriages and Family

First Marriage: Barbara Dixon

Wole Soyinka first married Barbara Dixon, a British writer and multicultural educationist, in 1958 whilst in England. Their union produced his first child:

Olaokun Soyinka (born 11 November 1958): A medical doctor who studied at University of London’s St Thomas’s Hospital Medical School. He qualified as a doctor in 1982 and earned an MBA from Cranfield School of Management in 1986. Olaokun founded and published the British Journal of Cardiology. He was also active in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement and served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health. He is married to novelist and poet Lola Shoneyin, and they have seven children together.

Second Marriage: Olaide Idowu

In 1963, Soyinka married Olaide Idowu, a Nigerian librarian from Ijebu-Omu who worked at Ogun State University. This was a well-attended wedding with guests including the late Bola Ige and his wife Atinuke Ige, and Professors Muyiwa and Bolanle Awe.

The marriage produced four children:

• Moremi Soyinka: A politician who served as Special Adviser on Migration and Humanitarian Affairs to President Olusegun Obasanjo, and as Senior Special Assistant when Goodluck Jonathan was Vice President
• Iyetade Soyinka: A poet and scientist who left her scientific work in England for theatre. She passed away in 2013 at UCH Ibadan. She had two children: Oreofe and Adeoto
• Peyibomi Soyinka: Information about her remains private
• Ilemakin Soyinka (born 1971): Works as a media and theatre consultant and is the founder of Barollo Production, specialising in radio, film, TV, and art production. He has described himself as “the last Soyinka resident in the Ebrohime house”

The marriage was strained by Soyinka’s frequent travels and his 22-month imprisonment during the civil war. Olaide, whom friends called the “unsung heroine”, bore the burden of raising the children alone during these difficult times. Soyinka dedicated “The Man Died” to her with the words: “To Laide, who rejected…” (the full dedication is incomplete in available sources).

They divorced in 1985. Olaide later received the chieftaincy title of Iyalode of Omu-Ijebu. She acknowledged that Soyinka was “more an away husband and father because he was everywhere. He was more away than around.”

Third Marriage: Folake Doherty

In 1989, Soyinka married Folake Doherty, his current wife. They met at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) when she was a student and he was a professor. Though they felt mutual attraction, they did not pursue a relationship at that time.

After graduation and her NYSC service in Kaduna State, Folake secured a job at The Guardian newspaper. There, she reconnected with Soyinka, and they began their relationship. Her parents initially opposed the union due to Soyinka’s fame and his reputation as a peripatetic intellectual.

The couple has remained together for over three decades and has children together:

• Oreunlewa
• Bojode
• Eniara

Fatherhood

Soyinka has acknowledged being an unconventional father. He once stated: “Yes, I play father role to my children but I am not an orthodox father, and all my children got it early that I am an absentee father.”

He described an orthodox family man as someone who maintains regular routines with family, whereas he was never certain where he would be from one day to the next due to his writing, activism, and international engagements.

Despite his physical absence, he has maintained relationships with his children, and in later years has become a devoted grandfather.

Total Number of Children

Whilst sources vary, Soyinka has between 8 and 10 children from his three marriages. He maintains privacy regarding detailed information about his family, a decision respected by his children.

Honours, Awards and Recognition

Major Awards

• Nobel Prize in Literature (1986): The most prestigious literary award worldwide
• Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Nonfiction (1983): For “Aké: The Years of Childhood”
• Anisfield-Wolf Lifetime Achievement Award (2013)
• Europe Theatre Prize, Special Prize Category (2017): For contributing to cultural events promoting understanding between peoples
• Haydée Santamaría Medal (August 2024): Awarded by Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel

Institutional Honours

• Wole Soyinka Annual Lecture Series (founded 1994): Organised by the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates)
• African Heritage Research Library Writers’ Enclave (2011): Built in his honour in Adeyipo Village, Ibadan
• Wole Soyinka Theatre: University of Ibadan renamed its arts theatre in 2018
• Wole Soyinka Center for Culture and Creative Arts: On 1 October 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu renamed Nigeria’s National Theatre in his honour, commemorating Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day

Honorary Degrees and Fellowships

Soyinka has received numerous honorary doctorates from universities worldwide, including his alma mater, the University of Leeds.

Editorial and Advisory Roles

• Co-editor of “Black Orpheus” (1960-1964), an important literary journal
• Member of Encyclopædia Britannica Editorial Board of Advisors (2005-06)
• Consultant for the Lagos Black Heritage Festival

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Literary Influence

Wole Soyinka’s impact on African and world literature cannot be overstated. He:

• Pioneered a theatrical language that authentically blended African and European traditions
• Validated African mythology and spiritualism as legitimate literary sources
• Opened doors for generations of African writers
• Demonstrated that African literature could achieve universal significance whilst remaining culturally specific

Political Legacy

As an activist, Soyinka has:

• Consistently opposed tyranny in all forms
• Risked personal safety and freedom for political principle
• Used his platform to advocate for human rights globally
• Inspired generations to speak truth to power

His famous quote encapsulates his philosophy: “The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.”

Controversies and Criticisms

Despite his towering reputation, Soyinka has faced controversies:

CIA Funding: In 2020, research by Caroline Davis revealed that Soyinka received funding from CIA front organisations like the Farfield Foundation and Transcription Centre in the post-independence period. This supported his publishing and theatrical productions. Whilst Soyinka has not extensively commented on this, the revelations complicated his legacy for some.

Trump Visa Revocation: In October-November 2025, Soyinka reported that his U.S. visa was revoked after he criticised President Trump, demonstrating ongoing political tensions.

Bob Dylan Nobel Prize: Soyinka vehemently opposed the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature being awarded to musician Bob Dylan, arguing that music and literature are distinct disciplines and that literature doesn’t have enough prizes as it is.

Recent Nigerian Politics: Soyinka’s positions on contemporary Nigerian politics have sometimes drawn criticism, particularly when he has appeared to support certain political figures or parties.

Continuing Influence

At 90 years old, Wole Soyinka remains intellectually active and politically engaged. He continues to:

• Teach at New York University Abu Dhabi
• Publish new works
• Comment on political developments in Nigeria and globally
• Mentor young writers and intellectuals

Wole Soyinka Biography: Major Themes in His Work

Yoruba Mythology

Central to Soyinka’s work is Yoruba spiritualism, particularly the figure of Ogun, the god of iron and war. Soyinka presents Ogun as both creator and destroyer, linking him to Dionysian, Apollonian, and Promethean elements in European tradition. This synthesis of African and European mythological frameworks is one of his signature innovations.

The Relationship Between the Living, the Dead, and the Unborn

Many of Soyinka’s works explore the Yoruba conception of existence as a continuum connecting those yet to be born, the living, and the ancestors. This theme is particularly powerful in “Death and the King’s Horseman”.

Power and Its Abuses

From “Kongi’s Harvest” to “A Play of Giants”, Soyinka consistently satirises and condemns authoritarian leadership, political corruption, and the abuse of power. His works serve as warnings about dictatorship’s dehumanising effects.

The Clash Between Tradition and Modernity

Works like “The Lion and the Jewel” and “The Swamp Dwellers” examine tensions between traditional African values and Western modernisation, refusing to romanticise either side.

Individual Sacrifice and Communal Responsibility

Soyinka frequently explores themes of sacrifice, both ritual and political, examining what individuals owe to their communities and when personal conscience must override collective demands.

Conclusion

Wole Soyinka’s biography chronicles the life of a literary giant who has spent nine decades shaping African literature, challenging oppression, and expanding the boundaries of human expression. From his precocious childhood in Aké to his current position as elder statesman of African letters, his journey represents the power of literature to transcend borders, challenge injustice, and illuminate the human condition.

His historic Nobel Prize in 1986 opened doors for African writers and validated African literary traditions on the world stage. Yet his greatest legacy may be his unwavering moral courage—his willingness to risk imprisonment, exile, and personal hardship rather than remain silent in the face of tyranny.

At 90, Soyinka continues to write, teach, and speak out, embodying his own maxim that “the man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny”. His three marriages produced at least eight children, creating a family legacy that extends beyond literature into medicine, politics, and the arts.

Whether through the comedic brilliance of “The Lion and the Jewel”, the tragic power of “Death and the King’s Horseman”, the searing honesty of “The Man Died”, or the childhood warmth of “Aké”, Soyinka’s works will endure as testaments to African creativity, human resilience, and the transformative power of literature.

As Nigeria renamed its National Theatre the “Wole Soyinka Center for Culture and Creative Arts” in 2025, the nation acknowledged what the world has long recognised: Wole Soyinka is not merely a writer but a cultural force whose influence will resonate for generations to come.

FAQs About Wole Soyinka Biography

Q1: How old is Wole Soyinka?
Wole Soyinka was born on 13 July 1934, making him 90 years old as of 2024. He celebrated his 90th birthday on 13 July 2024.

Q2: When did Wole Soyinka win the Nobel Prize?
Wole Soyinka won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, becoming the first Black African to receive this honour. He was 52 years old at the time.

Q3: How many wives has Wole Soyinka had?
Wole Soyinka has been married three times: to Barbara Dixon (1958, divorced), Olaide Idowu (1963-1985), and his current wife Folake Doherty (married 1989).

Q4: How many children does Wole Soyinka have?
Wole Soyinka has between 8 and 10 children from his three marriages, including Olaokun, Moremi, Iyetade (deceased 2013), Peyibomi, Ilemakin, Oreunlewa, Bojode, and Eniara.

Q5: Why was Wole Soyinka imprisoned?
Wole Soyinka was imprisoned for 22 months (1967-1969) during Nigeria’s civil war after he secretly met with Biafran leader Ojukwu to broker peace. Federal authorities accused him of conspiring with rebels.

Q6: What is Wole Soyinka’s most famous play?
“Death and the King’s Horseman” (1975) is considered one of his masterpieces, though “The Lion and the Jewel” (1959) and “A Dance of the Forests” (1960) are also widely celebrated.

Q7: Where does Wole Soyinka currently work?
Since September 2022, Wole Soyinka has served as Arts Professor of Theatre at New York University Abu Dhabi.

Q8: What tribe is Wole Soyinka from?
Wole Soyinka is from the Yoruba ethnic group in southwestern Nigeria, specifically from Aké, Abeokuta in Ogun State.

Q9: What was Wole Soyinka’s childhood like?
Soyinka grew up in an Anglican mission compound in Abeokuta, the son of a headmaster and an activist mother nicknamed “Wild Christian”. He was a precocious, inquisitive child known for asking endless questions, and absorbed both Christian teachings and Yoruba spiritual traditions.

Q10: Is Wole Soyinka still alive and active?
Yes, at 90 years old, Wole Soyinka remains intellectually active. He continues to teach, publish, and comment on political developments in Nigeria and globally, maintaining his lifelong commitment to literature and social justice.