Nigerian doctor urges Wole Soyinka to quit political fights to protect legacy as independent voice
Osmund Agbo, medical doctor and 2026 Thabo Mbeki Prize recipient, published an open letter to Wole Soyinka this week urging the Nobel laureate to withdraw from daily political battles on social media to preserve his legacy as Nigeria's independent moral voice. Agbo expressed concern that Soyinka's recent statements—particularly his view that Peter Obi is unfit to lead Nigeria—are causing Nigerians to question his historical independence as a critic of power.
The letter matters because Soyinka's decades-long reputation for fearless truth-telling, including his stand against Biafra genocide and Abacha dictatorship, faces new scrutiny as observers note his perceived alignment with certain political figures. Agbo, identifying as Igbo, acknowledged Soyinka's moral authority while warning that friendship with leaders like Obasanjo ('oloríkunkun') creates difficult loyalties when public duty requires criticism.
Agbo argued Soyinka has 'nothing left to prove' after enduring exile, persecution, and political betrayal, and should instead expend remaining energy on literary and historical work Nigeria needs. He urged Soyinka to 'leave the politicians to their politics' and 'give us Kongi'—the irreverent question-maker who made power uncomfortable—rather than becoming entangled in social media quarrels that diminish his stature.