Daud Olatunji
Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has opened up about the perilous times he faced during the regime of the late Nigerian military dictator, General Sani Abacha.
Reflecting on his experiences as he marks his 90th birthday, Soyinka described his survival through that era as “a bit of a miracle.”
In an interview, the playwright and activist recalled the intense scrutiny and danger he faced from Abacha’s government, which he characterised as driven by madness and obsession.
“Abacha was mad. He was obsessed. He was really obsessed with me,” Soyinka stated, highlighting the personal vendetta the dictator harboured against him.
Soyinka said his criticism of Abacha’s regime was well-known, and his outspoken stance made him a prime target.
He lamented that the military government, notorious for its human rights abuses and suppression of dissent, saw many of his associates and allies suffer severe repercussions merely for their connection to him.
“Many people paid a heavy price simply because they were associated with me,” he recounted, emphasizing the widespread impact of Abacha’s paranoia.
The Nobel Laureate said his escape from Nigeria in 1994, following a daring escape through the border on a motorcycle, is one of the more dramatic episodes of his life under Abacha’s rule.
His decision to flee was fueled by the imminent threat of arrest and possible execution, as the regime had intensified its crackdown on opposition figures.
From exile, Soyinka continued to campaign against the dictatorship, leveraging his international platform to draw attention to the atrocities being committed back home.
The survival of Soyinka and his ability to continue his activism and literary work despite the oppressive climate is often seen as a testament to his resilience and the support he received from the global community.
His reflections now, decades later, serve as a powerful reminder of the dark days of Nigeria’s history and the importance of standing up against tyranny.
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