I’m Prepared For My Death, Soyinka Reveals Shockiπg
Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has revealed that he has made preparations for his passing, despite still having plans for a vacation.
The 90-year-old playwright, essayist, and poet discussed his life, artistic journey, and future during an interview with CNN. Soyinka offered insight into his unique way of marking his birthdays, which often involves retreating into nature.
“Usually what I do on my birthdays is disappear into the forest. I enjoy my solitude enormously,” Soyinka said. He further shared his thoughts on aging: “The annoying thing also is that I don’t feel 90. I think I just have taken birthdays for granted.”
Soyinka’s residence in Abeokuta, adorned with modern art and cultural artifacts, mirrors Nigeria’s rich heritage while serving as a place of tranquility. Reflecting on this, he noted: “Maybe secretly I long for company, and that’s why I accumulate all these.”
Beyond its function as a home, Soyinka’s estate stands as a symbol of his dedication to environmental preservation, including his personal reforestation efforts. His estate, which he refers to as “the autonomous republic of Ijegba,” reflects his love for nature and commitment to restoring the land that once surrounded him.
“When I moved in here, it was entirely forested. All these were my hunting grounds,” he recalled. “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 outlook on the future, Soyinka delivered a response blending wit with seriousness.
“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, before that eventual future, the iconic writer has more immediate plans in mind.
“The immediate thing is to go on a vacation; take a resolution which will be attested judicially, not to grant anymore interviews,” Soyinka concluded.
