(In Nigeria) Tinubu’s Respectful Gesture to Wole Soyinka Steals Spotlight During Brazil State Visit

 

During President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil in August 2025, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka became a focal point of admiration in Nigeria following a historic and symbolic encounter with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. At a formal gathering in Brasília, Tinubu stunned attendees by rising from his presidential seat and offering it to Soyinka, addressing him as “egbon” (elder brother), a gesture that earned widespread praise for its humility and respect. The moment, witnessed by the audience, underscored the deep reverence for Soyinka’s towering legacy.

In a private audience, Soyinka and President Lula engaged in a profound exchange, touching foreheads in a symbolic act of mutual respect and spiritual connection, with Lula saying, “The grace on you, I ask it upon myself.” The meeting, part of the Heritage Voyage of Return (HVR) initiative championed by Soyinka, highlighted cultural diplomacy and the shared African heritage between Nigeria and Brazil. Soyinka’s lifelong contributions to literature, activism, and cultural preservation through works like Myth, Literature and the African World resonated strongly, reinforcing themes of dignity, justice, and identity that continue to inspire across continents.

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