Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka Cleared Author Nwelue's Knee Surgery Bills

Prominent Nigerian author and filmmaker, Onyeka Nwelue, has publicly disclosed how Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka provided crucial financial assistance by settling the remaining balance of his knee surgery expenses. Nwelue revealed that Professor Soyinka intervened after learning about his financial difficulties following the operation.

This revelation came via a post on Nwelue's X handle on Monday, as he marked Professor Soyinka's 92nd birthday. Nwelue lauded the literary icon, describing him as a benefactor whose generosity had significantly impacted his life on multiple occasions. He explained that the total cost of his knee surgery was approximately ₦39 million, but he still had an outstanding debt of about ₦10 million to the hospital post-surgery.

Recounting the event, Nwelue stated, “When I told Professor Wole Soyinka that my knee surgery cost about 39 million and that I had about 10 million to pay the hospital, he said: ‘Let me get to Lagos this Friday and see what I can send.’” Nwelue further mentioned that Soyinka requested the hospital's bank details, which he promptly provided. Following the transfer, the Nobel Laureate personally ensured the payment's successful delivery to the hospital.

“By Monday, he messaged me: ’Receiving no notification from you, I asked my bank for confirmation that the money has been sent. “‘Forwarding separately the affirmation documents from the bank in case you need to track the funds. Bank document attached in case you need to track the remittance. I just wish to ensure it’s landed in the right place,” Soyinka's message read.

Upon receiving this, Nwelue immediately contacted the hospital, where officials confirmed the full settlement of the outstanding bill. “When I reached out to the hospital, they confirmed they had received the complete money. What could I have done without him?” Nwelue expressed in his post.

In a separate birthday tribute, Nwelue praised Professor Soyinka's enduring vitality, noting his active engagement despite his age. “My true love is 92 years today! He is still very active. Uses his iPhone and sends his emails. Travels frequently. I am forever grateful to Nature for everything,” he wrote.

PUNCH Online had previously reported Nwelue's acknowledgment of Soyinka's assistance in securing his residency in Japan. Professor Soyinka acted as his guarantor during the application process, writing a formal letter to Japanese authorities in April 2025, introducing Nwelue as “a bona fide visitor to Japan” and personally vouching for his conduct. Additionally, Soyinka supported Nwelue's literary endeavors by posing with his book, 'The Beginning of Everything Colourful,' a gesture that significantly boosted its promotion and strengthened Nwelue’s ties with Japan.