By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday named the 5.7 kilometre Kemta-Olokuta-Idi-Aba road in Abeokuta, after the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, in commemoration of Soyinka’s 90th birthday celebration.

Governor Abiodun made the disclosure at a reception organised by the State government tagged “Celebration of Iconic and Legendary Kongi”, in honour of Soyinka, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta,.

Recall that Soyinka clocked 90 years last Saturday, and he had since been celebrated across the globe for attaining the milestone.

The programme was attended by the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; former Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, foremost industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who was represented by Funmi Sanni.

Others in attendance were traditional rulers led by the Chairman, Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; captains of industry which included Chief Segun Osunkeye; Oloroogun Sunny Kuku among others.

Abiodun described Soyinka as a world class citizen based on his achievements in literary works which earned him the prestigious title of the first Nobel Laureate in Literature in Africa.

He said the state government decided to celebrate the nonegenerian in appreciation of his contributions to the nation’s educational development, which according to him has done a lot in helping the future generations.

The governor, while thanking President Bola Tinubu for naming the National Theatre of Arts and Culture in Lagos after the first Nobel Laureate in Africa, said it was done to honour him for his promotion of African culture and traditions.

Commending him for his role in achieving democratic rule in the country, Governor Abiodun maintained that Professor Wole Soyinka was instrumental to the liberation of the nation during the military rules, promising that the state government would continue to promote the legacy of the elder-stateman.

Abiodun said, “Professor Wole Soyinka is a towering figure in literature. A shining star over nations. He laid the foundation for giant works in arts and humanity. His works addresses contemporary issues.

“He is a colossus of an era. He has fearlessly challenged oppression and tyranny. He is a proud son of Ogun State,” he added.

The governor said his administration would continue to draw inspiration from Soyinka’s wealth of knowledge to pursue academic excellence in line with the ISEYA mantra of his government.

In his goodwill message, a former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, who said that he came in contact with Professor Soyinka about 60 years ago, described the Nobel Laureate as a man of honour that deserves being celebrated.

The Chairman, Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle also described Soyinka as an ambassador of culture and a distinguished Yoruba man, while Chief Emeka Anyaoku said Wole Soyinka is the pillar of all genres of literature.

“It is good that he was honoured with the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. He is a fearless man, full of courage. He is a champion of human rights and champion for human dignity,” said Anyaoku.

In his remarks, Soyinka, appreciated the Ogun State government for the honour done on him.