“I’ll Speak When It’s Time” – Soyinka Refuses to Rate Tinubu’s Administration

Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka says he will not comment on President Bola Tinubu’s administration for now, citing the frequent twisting of his statements by the public and media.

In an interview with BBC News Yoruba, Soyinka said he prefers to take his time before offering an assessment.

He also reacted to the revocation of his U.S. visa, saying he refused to visit the consulate to formalize the cancellation, mocking officials for their request and stating they would “need a visa” to enter his home if they wished to return it.

Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka says he is not ready to assess President Bola Tinubu’s administration, explaining that his remarks are often misinterpreted.

In an interview with BBC News Yoruba, he said: “I don’t want to answer because it seems as if there’s nothing one says that won’t be twisted. I want to take my time. When it’s time, I will write my view on that.”

Soyinka also addressed his US visa revocation, revealing that officials asked him to bring his passport to stamp the cancellation.

He refused, saying: “They are jokers. 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.”

In other news…. Nigerian rapper Zlatan Ibile has criticized the federal government for failing to address the country’s worsening economic hardship.

Speaking during an interview with Madame Joyce in the UK, the music star lamented that Nigerians have become accustomed to suffering due to the government’s inaction. He made the comments while reacting to British rapper Dave’s satirical depiction of wealthy Nigerian clubgoers juxtaposed with impoverished beggars outside nightclubs.

“We’ve gotten used to it suffering and smiling. That’s how it has always been, and the government isn’t doing anything about it,” Zlatan said.

The artist further noted that many beggars in Nigeria have turned begging into a full-time occupation, despite frequently receiving support from generous citizens, including celebrities. He described the growing sense of entitlement among some of them as “annoying.”

Zlatan advised street beggars to explore meaningful and productive ventures that would restore their dignity and provide long-term financial stability.