That Viral Photo of Soyinka and Governor Alia Has Set the Internet on Fire

A single photograph is all it took. Yesterday, during Professor Wole Soyinka’s courtesy visit to Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, one frame captured the Nobel laureate in a moment that has now gone completely viral, racking up thousands of shares, memes, and hot takes within hours.

The picture shows the 91-year-old literary giant seated beside the Catholic priest-turned-governor, and whatever expression Kongi wore at that exact second has split the Nigerian internet right down the middle. Some see deep contemplation and quiet approval, others swear they spot legendary side-eye and barely concealed exasperation. Caption writers have been working overtime: from “When you visit your student and realize the country is now writing WAEC in pencil” to “The exact moment Soyinka remembered he forgot to collect his change from 1967.”

Beyond the comedy, the visit itself was significant. Soyinka has been vocal in recent months about insecurity, governance, and the state of the nation, and his stop in Makurdi was part of ongoing engagements with leaders across the country. Governor Alia, who has positioned Benue as a frontline state in the fight against herdsmen attacks and rural banditry, used the opportunity to brief the elder statesman on efforts to restore peace and attract investment.

Yet it’s the photo, not the press release, that people can’t stop talking about. In a country where every facial micro-expression from public figures is dissected like a JAMB past question, this one image has reminded us all over again of Soyinka’s unmatched ability to dominate conversation without saying a single word.

Love him or side-eye him right back, one thing is clear: at 91, Professor Wole Soyinka still owns the timeline. And Nigeria’s meme lords are eternally grateful.