In March 2025, a wave of political tension gripped Nigeria when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, deputy governor, and the entire State House of Assembly. The move shocked many Nigerians, especially as it came with the controversial installation of a retired naval officer as sole administrator of the state.
But as the country erupted in heated debates, another question began trending across social media: “Where is Wole Soyinka?”
Public Demand for Soyinka’s Voice
By March 19–20, 2025, the hashtag #WhereIsSoyinka began trending on X (formerly Twitter), as Nigerians urged the iconic Nobel Laureate and social critic to weigh in on what many considered a dangerous overreach of executive power.
Soyinka, who has a long history of challenging dictatorship and authoritarianism, was noticeably silent—prompting widespread curiosity, concern, and even criticism from the public.
Soyinka Breaks His Silence
By March 21, Wole Soyinka responded during a live appearance on Channels Television, saying:
“People should stop trying to work on my timetable for me. I will speak when I have something to say. I have never made it a duty to always react immediately after every government move. That’s not how intellectuals work.”
He went on to highlight that he was similarly quiet during key moments under past administrations until he had processed and formed a thorough position. His point? Dissent must be intentional—not impulsive.
Soyinka’s Role: Moral Compass or Selective Commentator?
Wole Soyinka’s refusal to comment immediately stirred up national reflection. Some felt betrayed, viewing him as a voice of the people who must speak out consistently. Others applauded his response, agreeing that public figures shouldn’t be bullied into commentary just to please a social media timeline.
A Legacy of Resistance
Let’s not forget: Soyinka has long been one of Nigeria’s most fearless voices. From going into exile during military rule to backing NADECO during the 1993 political crisis, his record of activism and criticism is carved into the nation’s political memory.
But this moment has brought a new question: In the age of real-time outrage, is thoughtful silence still acceptable from national icons?
CONCLUSION
The Rivers State emergency declaration and the public outcry over Soyinka’s silence reflect a deeper tension in Nigeria—the desire for accountability versus the need for reflection.
Whether you see Wole Soyinka’s timing as wisdom or hesitation, one thing is clear: the country still looks to its elders for moral guidance, and when he speaks, Nigeria listens.
