
Stop Working on My Timetable, Soyinka Tells Critics
Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has addressed the public’s anticipation regarding his evaluation of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on March 24, 2025, Soyinka emphasized his autonomy in choosing when to express his views, stating, “People should stop trying to work on my timetable for me. I had not swallowed an alarm clock.”
Soyinka highlighted that he does not adhere to externally imposed schedules for political commentary. He remarked, “I don’t see why I should put my alarm on and say: ‘One year has passed, now, I must make an assessment’ if there is nothing I feel like talking about and if I am busy elsewhere.”
This response comes after reminders of his earlier statement during a December 24, 2023, visit to President Tinubu, where he indicated he would assess the administration after its first year, which concluded on May 29, 2024. Soyinka’s recent comments suggest that he prefers to speak when he has substantial points to address, rather than adhering to a fixed timeline.
In the interview, Soyinka also noted that assessing a government’s performance is a collective effort, acknowledging that other individuals consistently share their perspectives. He mentioned, “The Falanas speak consistently. The Baiyewus speak consistently. The Sowores come out and try to lead demonstrations. It’s a collective effort.”
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