Wole Soyinka: I’ve prepared for death within my estate

Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has prepared for death within his estate, going by his revealing interview on CNN.

At 90, the playwright, essayist, novelist, and poet discussed everything from his artistic inspirations to his future plans, which include his death, without delving into the details.

Soyinka, known for his deep reflections on societal issues and human nature, shared his unconventional way of marking birthdays: retreating into the forest to embrace solitude.

He said: “Usually what I do on my birthdays is disappear into the forest. I enjoy my solitude enormously. The annoying thing also is that I don’t feel 90. I think I just have taken birthdays for granted,” he remarked, downplaying the significance of turning 90.

His home in Abeokuta, filled with modern art and artefacts, reflects the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, as well as his need for peace and quiet. Yet, Soyinka admitted, with a hint of irony, “Maybe secretly I long for company, and that’s why I accumulate all these.”

According to the renowned literary figure, his home is more than a sanctuary, but also a testament to his environmental activism.

The conversation also touched on Soyinka’s love for nature, an effort to recreate the natural landscape that once surrounded him, especially his reforestation project on the estate, which he refers to as “the autonomous republic of Ijegba.”

“When I moved in here, it was entirely forested. All these were my hunting grounds. I really felt I was in a different country, and I could just stay here and cut off the rest of society,” he said.

When asked about his future, Soyinka responds with a characteristic blend of wit and gravitas.

“Future? I don’t want to be morbid, but you know what the future is, and I have made arrangements for that within this estate. It’s where we’re all headed; it’s the future for everybody.”

But before that inevitable future arrives, Soyinka revealed he has some plans—which may not include much more writing or public appearances.

“The immediate thing is to go on a vacation. Take a resolution which will be attested judicially, not to grant any more interviews.”