The Alake of Egba Land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has made a passionate plea to the Federal Government to declare July 13 as a national day of celebration in honor of the illustrious Prof. Wole Soyinka.

This call comes as the renowned literary figure prepares to mark his 90th birthday, and the monarch believes that recognizing Soyinka's immense contributions to humanity and literature is long overdue.

Oba Gbadebo's appeal is rooted in Soyinka's remarkable achievements, which have not only brought pride to Nigeria but also elevated the country's status on the global map.

As the first African Nobel Prize winner in Literature, Soyinka's work has transcended borders, inspiring generations and cementing his position as a literary icon.

The monarch's request is not limited to declaring July 13 as Wole Soyinka Day. He also urges the Federal Government to confer the second-highest national honor of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) upon Soyinka.

This recognition would be a fitting tribute to Soyinka's dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to promoting Nigeria's rich cultural heritage.

In Egba Land, July 13 has already been declared Wole Soyinka Day, and the community is gearing up to celebrate the literary giant's birthday with a series of events.

The theme of the celebration, "Defiance and Creativity: A Celebration of Soyinka's Artistic Ingenuity and Impact on Nigeria, Africa, and the Entire World," is a testament to Soyinka's profound influence on the literary world.

The events lined up to mark Soyinka's 90th birthday include art exhibitions, book exhibitions, cultural performances, poetry recitals, and hunting expeditions.

These activities will not only pay tribute to Soyinka's remarkable life and work but also serve as a reminder of the significant impact he has had on Nigerian literature and culture.

Oba Gbadebo's call to the Federal Government to declare July 13 as Wole Soyinka Day is a timely reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating Nigeria's cultural icons.

By doing so, the country can demonstrate its appreciation for the significant contributions made by individuals like Soyinka, who have worked tirelessly to promote Nigerian culture and literature on the global stage.