Soyinka Says His Words Are Often Twisted, Refuses to Judge Tinubu’s Government Yet

Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has said he is not yet ready to rate President Bola Tinubu’s administration, explaining that his remarks are often misrepresented by the public and the media.

Speaking in an interview with BBC News Yoruba, the respected writer and playwright noted that he prefers to take his time before offering an opinion on the government’s performance.

“I don’t want to answer because it seems as if there’s nothing one says that won’t be twisted,” Soyinka said. “I want to take my time. When it’s time, I will write my view on that.”

Soyinka also reacted humorously to reports about the revocation of his U.S. visa, revealing that American officials had asked him to visit the consulate with his passport to formalize the cancellation.

“They are jokers,” he said, laughing. “I told them they should come to my house and stamp it themselves. If they realise they made a mistake, they should bring it back — but they’ll need a visa to enter.”

The 90-year-old literary icon, who has often been outspoken on national issues, has maintained a measured silence since the early months of Tinubu’s presidency, choosing instead to observe the administration’s direction before making public comments.