Prof Wole Soyinka
By Alfred Onyenwosa
It would have been late 1988 or early 1989. I can’t be too sure now.
History is one area that I do not fare well. It was in Ibadan. Somewhere in Oluyole Estate. A very important guest was in town.
As at that time, very important guest was different from what it is now. Then, important had nothing to do with riches. It had nothing to do with wealth. It had nothing to do with the number of wives. Nothing in those perspectives.
Importance correlated with knowledge, intelligence, and selfless service to the people. Importance meant standing for the course of humanity. It meant standing for All Before Self. It meant crusading for Humanistic Ideals.
We were young and impressionable students of the University of Ibadan. That was when Universities were UNIVERSITIES. For one to make it to be a Uite meant you had something upstairs.
Back to our very important guest that was in town. Very few of us the young ones were handpicked to be among the men that were Gentlemen, to meet with him. We were regarded by others back in the campus as privileged.
The excitement was high as we were ushered into a palatial courtyard. Rows of Cars were packed at the Park. You know what I mean.
The venue was streaming with people. Lots of reputable Men. Mention them. The noble. Professors, Academic Doctors, Medical Doctors, Engineers, Rulers, Uniformed in mufti, lots of professionals, a few PLWDs, etc.
I could almost hear my heartbeat. I cannot remember if it was out of anxiety, anticipation or excitement that made my heart beat that much. I feigned confidence and tried to mix well among the plenty of nobles.
I had jollily accepted 2 or 3 glassful of the local brew. Specially paunched and laced brew. I had started feeling light headed. One thing that was forbidden is hard drugs. Mind bending substances were serious offence.
Suddenly the scenario changed. It was about 2200 hours. Hushed tones everywhere. Then the pedestal Gate to the courtyard opened.
The majestic entrance of the very important, of the very important guests, was a marvel to behold. His greyish hair was more silvery than the other many greying hairs present. His beards linking the moustache was in a different shape and style. His voice was different. The grip from his hand shake was vicelike.
Then he sat down. He took lengthy seconds to gaze at all present. As far as he could see, I guess. It was night remember? Acknowledging greetings with slight nods. The steady gaze was like that of an experienced Lion, checking up on the growing cubs.
Then the cycling stare stopped. All of a sudden I started sweating everywhere. I managed to look behind me to see if he was gazing at someone else. No. He was staring at me.
I guess my obvious young age and lankiness gave me up.
Before he could beckon on me, the thunderous order to catapult (in different lingo) myself before him, by others, rented the air. I steeled myself with confidence to meet him.
Everywhere became quiet. One could hear the drop of a pin. Right then, every other thing, and persons no longer mattered.
“I am told the SSS grilled you”, he bellowed. Not asking a question. He just stated it. My response was “o……. I told them the truth. It is a way of life. It is ALL Before Self”. Where I got that confidence, and crafted such response from, I do not know.
I did not really know if what I saw was a smile or a squint of some sort of approval from him.
The next question took me off balance. “What is your CGPA so far?”.
“4.3″, I replied. I knew because I had checked and computed my scores before our resumption of the 1st semester in our junior level.
You are not studying enough, young man!
I muttered something. I can’t remember what it was.
I courageously stared back at the blazing eyes of this Lion of an old man. Satisfied with me, I was permitted to return to my seat.
I could see signs of approval from my seniors and the Men that were Men. It was a merry day. Dancing and winning it was. Caramba, sort of
I had loved this old Man, way before I gained admission into University of Ibadan. I had read about his exploits in the defence of the masses. His crusade against convention. His confidence, His courage, His bravery, His intelligence, His mastery of the language of the British Queen and her colonies, and his love for the common man.
This old man and Dr Sikuade are actually my main influencers.
Therefore, I plead that you permit my using the space here, to felicitate with the iconic legend, Prof Wole Soyinka, as he celebrates his birthday today.
My wish for him, is that the sea be roughest and turbulent as he ages with Grace of Almighty God, in Jesus name.
Amen.
Chief Alfred Onyenwosa, (Odekem) Amai, Delta State)
