Professor Wole Soyinka did not refuse the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, nor did he criticize the Nobel Committee for awarding it to him as the first African laureate. In fact, his Nobel acceptance speech, “This Past Must Address Its Present”, was a powerful criticism of apartheid and racial segregation in South Africa

Soyinka is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest writers, known for his plays, novels, and poetry that draw on Yoruba mythology and symbolism. He has been praised for his “wide cultural perspective and poetic overtones” in fashioning “the drama of existence”.

While some may disagree with individual writers accepting prestigious awards, Soyinka’s body of work has made immense contributions to African and world literature. His Nobel Prize brought greater global attention to African literature in English.