Nigerian author and filmmaker Onyeka Nwelue has faced intense online backlash after revealing that Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka paid the outstanding ₦10 million balance for his ₦39 million knee surgery. Critics resurfaced Nwelue's old tweets about poverty, accusing him of hypocrisy.
How Soyinka Helped
Nwelue shared the story on X on Monday, July 13, 2026, while celebrating Soyinka's 92nd birthday. He said the knee surgery cost about ₦39 million, and after the operation, he still owed the hospital around ₦10 million. According to Nwelue, Soyinka said, "Let me get to Lagos this Friday and see what I can send." Nwelue sent the hospital's bank details, and by Monday, Soyinka followed up to ensure payment had gone through, sending confirmation documents. The hospital confirmed the bill was cleared completely.
Past Support and Backlash
This is not the first time Nwelue has acknowledged Soyinka's support. Earlier in 2025, Soyinka stood as his guarantor for a Japan residency application, writing a formal letter to Japanese authorities. However, many Nigerians turned attention to Nwelue's past social media posts mocking poor people. One resurfaced post said, "Born into a poor family? It is impossible to escape poverty. If you like, get mad at me. You will keep struggling until you die."
Reactions on X
Users accused Nwelue of hypocrisy. One reaction read: "If you can't pay just 39 million for your surgery, why then are you always here insulting poor people as if your father was Abacha? Enemy of the poor people is also secretly poor." Another said: "You have received too much financial help for someone who calls others poor, I thought you had it all." Others noted: "You have begged a lot in life for someone that has too much disdain for poor people." Some defended Nwelue, arguing that receiving help during hardship should not be used to shame anyone.
