Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the unresolved deaths of prominent Nigerians like Dele Giwa, Kudirat Abiola, and Bola Ige. Soyinka made the call in Lagos on Saturday during an interaction with journalists, stressing that Nigeria must give closure to these tragedies.
According to him, uncovering the truth behind the killings of these individuals is not just a moral obligation, but a crucial step toward strengthening the country’s democracy. Soyinka said some Nigerians, including those in the diaspora, could hold clues that might help in solving the cases.
Soyinka Says Deaths of Dele Giwa, Kudirat Abiola, Bola Ige Must Not Be Forgotten
Speaking on the significance of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Soyinka insisted that the deaths of Dele Giwa, Kudirat Abiola, and Bola Ige must not be buried in silence. While acknowledging the national honours recently given to some democracy heroes by President Tinubu, he pointed out that several names were excluded.
He announced he would dedicate his own honour to the late Beko Ransome-Kuti, describing him as “a true defender of human rights and democracy.” Soyinka emphasized that “the June 12 struggle came at a high cost,” adding that too many Nigerians were killed, tortured, and imprisoned during the military era.
Investigate Deaths of Dele Giwa, Kudirat Abiola, Bola Ige for Justice
The renewed call from Soyinka to investigate the deaths of Dele Giwa, Kudirat Abiola, and Bola Ige comes at a time when the federal government has granted posthumous honours to others involved in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Among those honoured were Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, whose 1995 execution by the Abacha regime was widely condemned. Tinubu, in his address, acknowledged the role of environmental activists and also announced a state pardon for them.
Soyinka’s message, however, is clear: awarding national honours is not enough if justice remains elusive. According to him, the country must not sweep the deaths of Dele Giwa, Kudirat Abiola, and Bola Ige under the rug. “We need the truth, and the time for silence is over,” he said.
Soyinka Tells Tinubu to Investigate Deaths of Dele Giwa, Kudirat Abiola, Bola Ige
Professor Wole Soyinka’s demand that Tinubu investigate the deaths of Dele Giwa, Kudirat Abiola, and Bola Ige adds a sobering dimension to the ongoing Democracy Day reflections. While posthumous awards and pardons have symbolic value, Soyinka believes that without accountability, Nigeria’s democracy remains incomplete. The call to investigate the deaths of Dele Giwa, Kudirat Abiola, and Bola Ige is not just a plea for justice, but a reminder that closure is a vital part of true democratic healing.
