L-R: Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Dr Olaokun Soyinka, Barrister Moremi Soyinka-Onijala.jpg

By Nehru Odeh

The Odemo of Isara, Oba Albert Adebose Mayungbe has conferred two traditional titles on Professor Wole Soyinka’s son and daughter, Dr Olaokun Soyinka, former Commissioner of Health in Ogun State and Barrister Moremi Soyinka-Onijala respectively.

The traditional ruler of the Nobel Laureate’s hometown, Isara-Remo, made this known on Monday, 15 July 2024 in an event organised by the community to celebrate Soyinka’s 90th birthday in Isara-Remo, Ogun State.

Former Governor of Ogun State Otunba Gbenga Daniel gave the keynote address.

Members of the Soyinka family at the event included Prof. Omofolabo Ajayi-Soyinka, Dr Olaokun Soyinka, Barrister Moremi Soyinka-Onijala, Prof. Peyibomi Soyinka-Airewele and Mr Makin Soyinka.

Professor Wole Soyinka.

The event, tagged “Celebrating Professor Wole Soyinka at 90”, was facilitated by BLDR Kunle Awobodu. It featured the presentation of educational materials to students by Soyinka’s children as well as cultural displays and presentations from students representing schools in Remo Land.

It was indeed an afternoon of music, dance and merriment as the Isara indigenes, guests and students converged on the Afotamodi Town Hall, Isara-Remo to celebrate the Nobel Laureate who has brought honour to his hometown via his literary exploits and activism on the global scene.

Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

The traditional ruler, who was represented by Chief Pekun Awobona, the Atunluto of Remo Land, used the opportunity to confer titles on Soyinka’s children.

The Odemo of Isara conferred the traditional title of Otun Akogun of Isara on Dr Olaokun Soyinka, while he conferred the title of Yeye Bamofin on Barrister Moremi Soyinka-Onijala.

“On this momentous occasion and in consonance with the wishes of Isara citizens, I take pleasure in announcing the conferment of chieftaincy titles of Otun Akogun of Isara on Dr Olaokun Soyinka.

“Also, the Isara citizens have today conferred the Yeye Bamofin of Isara on her illustrious daughter, Barrister Moremi Soyinka-Onijala.

“The Odemo of Isara congratulates the duo on this well-deserved honour. A necessary installation ceremony will follow.

Students in Isara-Remo.jpg

In his speech, the Odemo Of Isara had earlier praised the Nobel Laureate whom he referred to as a pride to his family Isara-Remo and Remo land.

“I extend our special royal warmest felicitation to this world acclaimed professor, the first Nobel Prize winner in literature in Africa who is momentarily being celebrated all over the world for his integrity, humility, brilliance, candour, cultural development, defender of human dignity and as a national icon, the Odemo of Isara averred.

The traditional ruler who described the event as a homecoming for the Soyinka family also used the occasion to welcome it to the community,  adding that their absence was felt there.

From right, Barrister Moremi Soyinka-Onijala, Dr Olaokun Soyinka, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and other guests at the event.jpg

“I equally rejoice with the Soyinka dynasty, especially on this auspicious occasion for coming back to their roots, Isara-Remo, after many decades of being away. The Soyinka family must realize that their absence was deeply felt. But today our hearts are full, knowing that they have come back to us, to continue with their goodness.

“Many of the tarred roads being enjoyed in Isara today were executed by Ogun State Government in honour of our dear son, Prof Wole Soyinka,  for which we remain eternally grateful.

“As you all reacquaint yourself with the familiar sights and sounds of our beloved Isara community, please know that you are all surrounded by love, respect and unwavering support.

“May this your homecoming be the beginning of a new chapter filled with happiness, prosperity and cheery moments with your kinsfolk, ” the traditional ruler maintained.

It would be recalled that in 1989 Soyinka published a historical memoir in honour of his father and hometown entitled “Isara: A Voyage Around Essay.

Guests at the event included Otunba, Gbenga Daniel: Mrs Bola Obasanjo, who represented former President Olusegun Obasanjo: Mr Kunle Ajibade, Executive Editor, TheNEWS and PM NEWS: Chief Dare Babarinsa:  and Mr Tunde Kilani.