Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, has revealed that he is at peace with the prospect of death, having made arrangements for it as he celebrates his 90th birthday. In an interview with CNN, the renowned playwright and activist discussed his unique approach to life, art, and aging, stating that despite his age, he still doesn’t “feel 90.”
“Usually what I do on my birthdays is disappear into the forest,” Soyinka shared, reflecting on his love for solitude. “I enjoy my solitude enormously. The annoying thing also is that I don’t feel 90. I think I’ve just taken birthdays for granted.”
Soyinka’s home in Abeokuta, filled with modern art and cultural artefacts, is a reflection of both his Nigerian heritage and his desire for peace. “Maybe secretly I long for company, and that’s why I accumulate all these,” he joked, hinting at the collection of artwork around him.
The conversation also delved into Soyinka’s deep connection with nature, particularly his reforestation efforts at his estate, which he calls “the autonomous republic of Ijegba.” “When I moved in here, it was entirely forested. All these were my hunting grounds,” Soyinka reminisced. “I really felt I was in a different country, and I could just stay here and cut off the rest of society.”
When asked about his thoughts on the future, Soyinka responded with characteristic wit and wisdom. “Future? I don’t want to be morbid, but you know what the future is, and I have made arrangements for that within this estate. It’s where we’re all headed; it’s the future for everybody.”
However, Soyinka is not quite done yet. He hinted at some immediate plans before embracing that “inevitable future.” “The immediate thing is to go on a vacation; take a resolution which will be attested judicially, not to grant anymore interviews,” he concluded.
As he marks this significant milestone, Soyinka’s reflections highlight both his readiness for the final chapter of life and his enduring connection to the world of art, nature, and solitude.
