By Erewunmi Peace

Renowned playwright and Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), at his palace in Ile‑Ife — an engagement described as a symbolic step toward strengthening cultural, spiritual, and historical links between Africans at home and those in the diaspora.

Soyinka, accompanied by a delegation of scholars and cultural advocates, was received with traditional songs, drums, and royal pageantry, reflecting the profound cultural resonance of the visit. According to palace officials, the visit forms part of broader efforts to foster deeper reconnection between Yorubas at home and millions of their descendants abroad.

During discussions, Soyinka highlighted the growing desire among diaspora Africans — especially Afro‑Brazilians and other global descendants of Yoruba heritage — to rediscover their roots, ancestry, and cultural heritage. He emphasized that restoring this “cultural bridge” could not only deepen identity and belonging, but also contribute to social, intellectual, and economic development at home. “When they come home, they can contribute to economic, cultural, and intellectual development,” he said, adding that their “deepest desire is to rediscover their origin.”

Responding, the Ooni praised Soyinka for his lifelong commitment to cultural advocacy and international African solidarity, affirming that the palace would support initiatives aimed at re‑establishing ties with the diaspora. As a symbolic gesture of solidarity, the monarch presented Soyinka with sacred Ife bronze artifacts, acknowledging his decades of labour in promoting unity, cultural consciousness, and heritage worldwide.

Observers say the visit marks an important step in renewed efforts to reconnect African descendants abroad with their ancestral homeland — a dialogue that blends culture, history, identity, and global African solidarity.