By Kimberly White l Published: July 13, 2026 l Time: 3:15 PM WAT
ABUJA, Nigeria — Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has paid glowing tribute to Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka as the renowned playwright and democracy advocate marked his 92nd birthday on Monday, describing him as one of Africa's greatest champions of justice, freedom, and human dignity.
In a birthday message released on July 13, Sowore celebrated Soyinka's remarkable contributions to literature, democracy, and the defense of fundamental human rights, saying the Nobel Laureate's influence continues to inspire generations across Africa and around the world.
"Today belongs to Prof. Wole Soyinka as he marks his 92nd birthday," Sowore said, describing him as "Africa's first Nobel Laureate in Literature, a towering intellectual, playwright, poet, and one of the continent's most enduring voices for justice, freedom, and the dignity of humanity.
The AAC leader also offered prayers for Soyinka, wishing him continued good health, strength, and many more years of inspiring people through his courage, intellect, and unwavering commitment to truth.
"I wish Prof. Soyinka good health, continued strength, and many more years of inspiring generations with his courage, intellect, and unwavering commitment to truth," Sowore stated before concluding, "Happy 92nd Birthday, Prof. Wole Soyinka!
Prof. Wole Soyinka, born on July 13, 1934, made history in 1986 when he became the first African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, earning global recognition for his literary excellence and profound contributions to world literature. Over a career spanning more than seven decades, he has authored numerous plays, novels, poetry collections, essays, and memoirs that have explored themes of justice, governance, identity, culture, and the human condition.
Beyond his literary achievements, Soyinka has earned international respect as a fearless advocate for democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression. Throughout Nigeria's political history, he has consistently spoken out against dictatorship, political oppression, corruption, and abuses of power, often placing himself at personal risk in defense of democratic values.
His outspoken activism has made him one of Africa's most influential public intellectuals, with his opinions continuing to shape national and international conversations on governance, accountability, social justice, and civil liberties.
Sowore's tribute joins a growing number of birthday messages from political leaders, academics, writers, civil society organizations, and admirers celebrating Soyinka's enduring legacy as a scholar, playwright, activist, and defender of truth. Many have praised his lifelong dedication to justice and his unwavering commitment to challenging injustice regardless of political affiliation.
As Nigeria and the international literary community celebrate Soyinka's 92nd birthday, his remarkable career remains a symbol of intellectual excellence, artistic brilliance, and courageous advocacy for democracy. His contributions continue to inspire new generations of writers, activists, and leaders committed to building more just and democratic societies.