Wole Soyinka
Awards & Honours
16
Awards Won
6
Honours
2
Rankings
2
Covers
2
Records
Soyinka's Nobel Prize in 1986 stands as a historic first for Africa, and his body of work has earned him a place among the most significant playwrights of the 20th century. His play Death and the King's Horseman is listed among the 100 greatest plays by The Guardian. He has been honoured with over 30 honorary doctorates, membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a Nigerian national honour (which he later returned in protest). His legacy as a writer and activist is unmatched in African literature.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR)
Nigeria's national honour; returned in 2019 in protest.
Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature
Elected as a Fellow.
Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Elected honorary member.
Doctor honoris causa
First of over 30 honorary doctorates from institutions worldwide.
Asteroid 3618 Soyinka
Minor planet named in his honour.
UNESCO Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa
Biennial prize established in his honour for African writers.
Rankings & Lists
100 Greatest Africans of All Time
100 Greatest Plays of All Time
Magazine Covers
TIME
1986-10-13
Nobel Prize coverage
New African
2004-06-01
100 Greatest Africans
Records & Feats
First African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature
Won in 1986, breaking new ground for African writers.
Youngest recipient of Nigeria's National Order of Merit
Awarded in 1986 at age 52.