Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka urged for a renewed investigation into the unresolved murders of individuals such as Mrs. Kudirat Abiola, Dele Giwa, and Chief Bola Ige, the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
He expressed concern that previous investigations had compromised critical evidence and encouraged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revisit these cases.
Dele Giwa, a journalist, was killed in 1986 when a parcel bomb exploded in his Ikeja office. Kudirat Abiola was assassinated at the Lagos/Ibadan toll gate while heading to the American Embassy in Lagos. Bola Ige was murdered in his bedroom in Ibadan in 2001.
Speaking on the topic “June 12: Romancing the embers,” Soyinka cautioned against diminishing the significance of the June 12, 1993 election, which was won by Chief Moshood Abiola of the now-defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). He also criticized the spread of false information surrounding the June 12 movement, describing it as misleading.
During an interview at Freedom Park in Lagos, Soyinka dismissed former military President Ibrahim Babangida’s narrative regarding June 12, arguing that he should be honest in future writings. He emphasized that June 12 represents a collective struggle involving various segments of society, including academia, labor unions, clergy, professionals, politicians, the military, and civil society, highlighting that those honored by President Tinubu, including himself, reflect this diverse coalition.
Soyinka referenced the ongoing tension between authority and liberty, asserting that the people’s resolve for freedom is ever-strengthening. He remarked on the symbolic significance of June 12 to many individuals.
The 91-year-old former academic also paid tribute to Kudirat Abiola, whom he likened to the courageous Aba women of the past fighting for justice and freedom, and expressed skepticism that any healing could fully alleviate the pain of the tragic murders from the families affected.
He criticized the military regime’s decision to eliminate history from educational curricula, which he believes has left young people unaware of their country’s past. He reminisced about a promise made by former President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate certain notable murders, which ultimately went unaddressed.
Soyinka urged President Tinubu to take action on the unsolved cases of Giwa, Kudirat, and Ige, insisting that there are still leads to pursue. He argued that if the murder of an Attorney-General occurred in the United States, authorities would have acted resolutely to find the perpetrators.
He acknowledged the bravery of Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, a relative, who took significant risks in standing against the regime of the late General Sani Abacha, highlighting the deep trauma experienced by pro-democracy advocates.
Soyinka rejected Babangida’s version of events surrounding the annulment, advising that he provide a more accurate account in future publications. He noted, “I told Babangida that his account is incomplete and should be compared alongside that of Prof. Omo Omoruyi.”
Finally, he expressed concern over the demolition in Ilaje Bariga, arguing that development shouldn’t come at the expense of human dignity and that progress can be achieved without causing harm to the community.
