Renowned playwright and Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch formal investigations into several unresolved political assassinations in Nigeria’s history, including those of journalist Dele Giwa, activist Kudirat Abiola, and former Attorney General Bola Ige.
Soyinka made the appeal while speaking with a select group of journalists in Lagos on Saturday, amid commemorations of Nigeria’s Democracy Day held annually on June 12.
According to the literary icon, the deaths of these prominent figures remain open wounds in the nation’s conscience and deserve transparent inquiries. He emphasized that credible Nigerians at home and abroad may possess information that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding the killings.
“Some people know the truth,” Soyinka stated, urging the government not to miss the opportunity to provide justice and national healing.
The Democracy Day celebration, which included President Tinubu’s address to the National Assembly and the conferment of national honours on democracy icons, prompted Soyinka’s remarks. While he welcomed the recognition, Soyinka pointed out that the honours list omitted several key figures who contributed to Nigeria’s democratic journey.
To honor the memory of these unsung heroes, Soyinka said he would dedicate his own recognition to the late Dr. Beko Ransom-Kuti — a relentless advocate for human rights and democratic values who endured repeated arrests under military rule.
“No one should trivialize the gravity of the June 12 struggle,” Soyinka warned, recalling the brutality of Nigeria’s military past, which included killings, torture, and widespread political repression.
His comments come on the heels of controversy surrounding the national honours list, after the presidency denied awarding a national honour to activist Aisha Yesufu, sparking debate on the inclusiveness and transparency of the recognition process.
Soyinka’s call adds fresh urgency to the demand for justice for victims of state-related violence and unresolved political crimes that continue to cast a shadow over Nigeria’s democratic legacy.
