HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY TO PROF. SOYINKA- BY YUSHAB ABOLORE

Happy 90th birthday to the one and only Wole Soyinka, the man who single-handedly caused me PTSD with his literary masterpieces!

I'm still traumatized from reading 'The Lion and the Jewel' in undergrad, thinking Baroka's polygamy was a normal way of life... and don't even get me started on the existential crisis 'Death and the King's Horseman' gave me!

"Death and the King's Horseman": A play that taught me valuable life lessons. Like, if you're ever tasked with ritual suicide, double-check your calendar. You wouldn't want to miss a good party, right? Priorities, Wole, priorities!

"The Man Died": Ah, yes, the memoir that made me question my existence. Your harrowing imprisonment experience amid Nigeria's political turmoil; what a riveting bedtime story! I'd lie there, wrapped in my blanket, thinking, "Well, at least I'm not accused of treason. Yet."

 "A Dance of the Forests": Your debut play, a poetic exploration of Nigeria's post-independence identity crisis. I'd read it and ponder my own identity crisis: "Am I a student? A caffeine-fueled zombie? Or just a confused soul trying to find Wi-Fi in the wilderness?"

"Kongi's Harvest": A political drama that made me rethink my career choices. I'd sit there, pen in hand, scribbling notes: "Note to self: Avoid power-hungry dictators. Also, invest in more colourful dashikis (dàńṣíkí)."

But seriously, Professor Soyinka, your contributions to literature are legendary! You've been a nightmare to my grades, but a dream to the literary world. Here's to many more years of tormenting students with your brilliant works!

Here's to you, the master of suspense, big vocabulary and drama in literature! As you gracefully ascend into your ninth decade, I can't help but reflect on the impact you've had on my life. You see, your literary masterpieces were my constant companions during those sleep-deprived nights in the mosquito-filled classroom. Forget coffee and caffeine; your words kept me awake, pondering life's mysteries.

May your pen never run out of ink, and may your wit be as sharp as ever as you continue to grace us with your words. Cheers to you and your 90 years of keeping us on our toes - literally and figuratively! Congratulations, sir!

Happy 90th Birthday, Wole Soyinka🍾🥂 🎉

© YUSHAB A. AYOMIDE

- Nigeria