Intellectual activism in the service of humanity

BY DAN OKEREKE

The true worth of a writer lies not only in their ability to craft words but in the impact those words have on shaping thought, sparking imagination, and enriching lives. Today, I reflect on this as I pay tribute to Dr. Tunde Olusunle, a brilliant and accomplished writer who marks a special occasion—his birthday. Dr. Tunde is a friend, highly respected and admired.

From my dear wife, Ogechi, I say, Happy birthday to Dr. Tunde! We extend warm congratulations as he celebrates this milestone surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones. To his wide circle of admirers, this day is more than a birthday; it is a celebration of a life that has touched so many and left an indelible mark on all who have encountered him. And you can count thousands of people across Nigeria. This man no get tribal marks!

Dr. Tunde is a truly remarkable individual, impossible to ignore even with the best of efforts. Intellectually profound and magnetic, he bridges every level of engagement, adapting with ease. He is not only thoughtful and cultured but also kind-hearted, funny, and wonderfully sociable—a combination that makes him such a cherished personality in every sphere he occupies.

To Dr. Tunde, a man who embodies the essence of a writer and a profound human being, I say: Cheers to a life well-lived, and may the coming years continue to bring fulfillment and joy!

The worth of a writer transcends power of the spoken or written word; it is measured by their ability to craft narratives that resonate, inspire, and provoke thoughtful reflection. It is about impact. This question of social relevance gets additional urgency as we celebrate Dr. Tunde Olusunle—a distinguished novelist, poet, public affairs commentator, and intellectual activist—on his 60th birthday.

Far from retiring or slowing down, Dr. Tunde remains an enigmatic creator and relentless activist for ideas that matter. His contributions are not only timeless but continue to evolve, shaping the landscape of literature and public discourse. A single day’s receipt of seven books authored by him between 2022 and 2024 for the University library, which rendered me speechless, is a testament to his unmatched intellectual vigor—a prolificacy that shows no sign of peaking.

Dr. Tunde’s works are serious, nuanced, and imbued with a depth that reflects his extensive education in literature, the creative arts, and journalism. His writings seamlessly merge the sophistication of prose and poetry with the immediacy of contemporary narratives—a natural outcome of a brilliant mind, rigorously trained in the creative arts and fortified by a solid foundation in journalism. These twin influences— literature and journalism—shape his unique style, creating a fusion that connects the elegance of craftsmanship and the thoughtfulness of modern storytelling.

Through literature, Dr. Tunde honed the delicate art of refinement in prose and poetry, while journalism instilled an immediacy and relevance that make his works accessible to all. His remarkable achievements remind us of the enduring power of ideas and the boundless impact of a writer in shaping minds and societies.

On this milestone occasion, as Dr. Tunde celebrates his 60th year, we recognize the rarity of such excellence, particularly in today’s Nigeria, where life is increasingly defined by Hobbesian notions of brevity and hardship. Reaching this milestone is not just worthy of celebration—it is a triumph. E no easy!

Are you also curious about the inner thoughts of the Birthday Boy? You are not alone. Dr. Tunde’s writings reveal his higher sense of sniff and taste. In ‘A Medley of Echoes’, an anthology of 28 poems with a hugging foreword written by the famous African Playwright, Professor Femi Osofisan (Who’s afraid of Solarin, Women of Owu etc,), Dr. Tunde successfully elevated routine travelogue into an art form through his power of imagination and a confident even arrogant, mastery of technique.

Let the nose-pleasing aroma

Of Akara elepo dancing and bubbling In the earthen fireplace

Of Yeyes kitchen

And the tang of ogi agbado, with its creamy mien Steaming, simmering

From its metalled plate

Rouse me from my wooden couch

(Yuletide Echoes in A Medley of Echoes, by Tunde Olusunle)

Dr. Tunde Olusunle’s literary prowess shines with a swashbuckling insouciance in Yuletide

Echoes (page 66), one of the poems in A Medley of Echoes. With elegant ease, he evokes a misty blend of village-boy innocence and culinary wanderlust from his cherished Christmas visits to Okunland. This is a skill only a master storyteller at his level can deliver. For those fortunate enough to enjoy his company, Dr. Tunde never tires of extolling the uniqueness of Okunland, which remains a recurring theme in his reflections.

The craft of journalism, with its enduring curiosity, sharp observation, and engaging techniques, enriches Dr. Tunde’s biographical works, making them far more compelling than typical biographical chronicles. His journalistic instincts provide the breadth and depth of an impatient historian who carries the weight of documenting history with meticulous care. The result is a profound and thoughtful rendition of life histories, written by someone unwavering in their pursuit of accuracy and detail. Dr. Tunde has mastered the art of weaving a narrative that surpasses mere biographies, offering instead a critical, insightful audit of events that resonate deeply.

A good example of this skill is Celebrating Onyema Ugochukwu @ 80: Testaments & Testimonials, one of the seven books he recently authored and sent to my University library. This monumental volume gathers heartfelt testimonies from Chief Onyema Ugochukwu’s mentees and associates—an unparalleled account of the celebrated economist, journalist, and public administrator’s professional and personal life. Dr. Tunde’s style ensures that the voices in the book are uncensored and authentic, offering an exceptional biographical masterpiece.

Another remarkable work is Orisirisi (‘assorted’ in Yoruba), a tantalizing literary feast akin to a spicy Lagos roadside stew loaded with shaki, kpomo, roundabout, and liver. Subtitled ‘Vistas on Contemporary Politics in Nigeria’, this 440-page compendium is a treasure trove of commentaries and interventions on public affairs. Divided into ten sections, it serves as an intellectual guide through the maze of Nigeria’s intractable political struggles, ranging from the sublime to the absurd. Tunde’s interventions are rooted in both personal experience and an intellectual meditation of nation-building complexities, making the book an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

In appreciating Dr. Tunde’s works one draws inspiration from Emile Durkheim’s classic, The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, which examines the intricate relationship between the individual and society. In Durkheim’s words, “In so far as he belongs to society, the individual transcends himself, both when he thinks and when he acts up.” This sentiment aptly captures Dr. Tunde’s profound engagement with public discourse and his acute sense of judgment in evaluating societal values.

A restless and multi-talented intellectual, Dr. Tunde continues to paint on multiple canvases with unmatched vigor. Between his versatility, creativity, and impact, one might ponder where his legacy will leave its deepest mark. At 60, with many more years of good health and energy ahead, God willing, Dr. Tunde remains a work in progress, constantly redefining excellence.

Reflecting on this, one vividly recalls how the late Dr. Stanley Macebuh, the Howard-educated intellectual aristocrat and mentor to many of us, once mused about the humanities as a tool for shaping society. Dr. Tunde embodies this philosophy, fusing his education in literature and journalism to deliver narratives that transcend mere storytelling. As Dr. Macebuh noted about James Baldwin, critics may debate whether Baldwin is remembered more as a novelist or essayist. Yet Dr. Macebuh argued that Baldwin’s lasting legacy is the passion he brought to his creative examination of public issues. Similarly, Dr. Tunde Olusunle has earned his place among intellectual giants with his thought-provoking contributions to literature, journalism, and public thought.

Happy 60th birthday, Dr. Tunde Olusunle. May your brilliance and impact continue to inspire our generation.

Okereke is Registrar/Secretary to Council, American University of Nigeria, Yola, Adamawa State.