𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐛𝐮’𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰 — 𝐒𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐚

Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, says he is not ready to publicly evaluate President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing the constant misrepresentation of his statements in the media.

In an interview with BBC News Yoruba published on Tuesday, the globally acclaimed writer said he preferred to take his time and would only share his opinion on the Tinubu government when he feels it is appropriate.

“I have been asked that question by several people,” Soyinka said in Yoruba. “I don’t want to answer because it seems as if there’s nothing one says that won’t be twisted, and I’m tired of that. So, I want to take my time. When it’s time, I will write my view on that.”

Soyinka, a respected critic of successive Nigerian governments, has often spoken out against policies under past leaders, including Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari. However, more than two years into Tinubu’s tenure, he has yet to make any public assessment of the current administration.

The Nobel laureate, who recently made headlines after the United States revoked his visa, also told BBC Yoruba that he had no intention of reapplying. He said, “They told me to bring my passport so they could stamp it and show that it has been cancelled. I told them they should come to my house to do that themselves. I won’t be filling any form or reapplying. But if they realise their mistake and want to return it, they should bring it to my house — with a visa to enter first.”

At 91, Soyinka remains one of Nigeria’s most influential voices, continuing to engage global and national issues from his Lagos base at Freedom Park.