Buhari Death on Soyinka’s Birthday “A Sign of Freedom,” Says Kemi Olunloyo

Controversial journalist Kemi Olunloyo has described the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a symbolic moment for Nigeria, declaring it “a sign of freedom” because it coincided with the birthday of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka.

In a social media post, Olunloyo drew attention to what she called the historical irony of Buhari’s passing on July 13, the day Soyinka—an outspoken critic of military dictatorship—was born.

“Buhari dying on Wole Soyinka’s birthday is a sign of FREEDOM,” she wrote, adding celebratory and relieved emojis.

She went on to recount the impact of Buhari’s 1983 military coup, which she said “ended my dad’s democracy,” and suggested that his death should mark the end of an era of repression.

Olunloyo also called for the release of all political prisoners and expressed hope that journalists who were executed under Buhari’s military rule would continue to “rest in peace.”

Buhari, who twice led Nigeria—first as a military head of state and later as an elected president died in London after a prolonged illness.