I want us to learn some lessons here
An Embrace of Spirits & Heritage
What You Didn’t Know That Happened When President Lula of Brazil met Prof. Wole Soyinka
Brasilia, August 2025: President Lula da Silva and Professor Wole Soyinka in an iconic embrace of touching of heads to symbolize sharing of grace, wisdom and solidarity.
At the State Lunch in Brasília in honor of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his State visit to the South American country, the Nigerian Presdient rose from his chair, offering his presidential seat to the 91-year-old Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka.
“Egbon, e wa joko si ibiyi” Elder bro, please come and sit here.
The hall fell silent. A cultured gesture of humility. A recognition of aura.
A recognition that wisdom can sit above power. Above protocol.
President Lula watched in awe.
Later, in a private audience, he confessed to the literary icon:
“I could not stop thinking about the respect your President showed you… I was fascinated. What an honor.”
Learning that Soyinka had endured a 36-hour journey from Lagos at his age:
“At over 90, you came all this way for Africa. What greatness.”
Lula marvelled, revealing his own desire to live to 120 years.
Then came the unforgettable moment that is now etched into history as one of the great encounters between leaders of nations and sages of the ages:
President Lula moved closer and humbly whispered: “The grace on you, I ask it upon myself.”
It was as if the Brazilian president had whispered in Nigerian street parlance:
“Prof, abeg cut soap for me.”
Professor Soyinka leaned forward and gently touched his iconic crown of white hair to Lula’s forehead in a spiritual embrace of spirits, cultures, and heritage.
From Ibitayo’s Facebook page
