On Thursday, former Presidential Spokesperson Professor Laolu Akande took to Twitter to share a captivating anecdote about Nigeria’s literary icon, Professor Wole Soyinka, and his interactions with the current Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He accompanied the story with a photo from their days in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

The tweet, timed to coincide with Soyinka’s 90th birthday celebrations, sheds light on Tinubu’s long-held presidential ambition and Soyinka’s attempts to steer him in a different direction.

In his tweet, Akande who taught Communication and African Political History in two New York universities between 2000 and 2015 recalled a conversation with Soyinka where the Nobel laureate revealed Tinubu’s long held unwavering desire to become Nigeria’s President.

“I remember WS once told me that to be fair to ‘Bola’ (referring to the incumbent president), he had always made it clear he had ambition to become Nigeria’s President,” Akande who was also a US based journalist wrote.

Soyinka, known for his forthright bluntness and wisdom, reportedly tried to persuade Tinubu to abandon his presidential aspirations in favor of younger leadership.

“Much, much later, WS said he tried to dissuade him not to run, in favor of younger people,” Akande continued. Despite Soyinka’s counsel, Tinubu, described by Soyinka as an “olori kunkun”—a Yoruba term meaning someone who is obstinate or unyielding—was determined to pursue his goal. He did not accept his counsel & was determined to run for the office,” Akande noted.

Akande’s tweet concluded with a reflective message to the President, urging him to use his time in office to fulfill the aspirations many Nigerians have held for years.

“The rest is history as they say. My Take: Mr. President pls use the office to actualize some of those things we all clamored for. There is still enough time to do it,” he implored.

Photo Credit: Getty