Wole Soyinka dismisses claims he is too grand and old for Oxford poetry chair

Nobel laureate hits back at criticisms from former supporter Melvyn Bragg, who has now switched allegiance to his rival, Simon Armitage

Candidates for one of the most prestigious posts in poetry are embroiled in a war of words as Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka hit back at claims by broadcaster Melvyn Bragg that he was too old and “grand” for the role at Oxford University.

Bragg, who had previously backed the Nigerian poet to be the next Oxford chair of poetry, told the Sunday Times he was switching his allegiance to Simon Armitage, saying he was concerned 80-year-old Soyinka would not “bother to come to Oxford” were he appointed. “Soyinka is a grand man … I also query his age,” Bragg said.

Wole Soyinka is a poet and activist of world standing who has faced persecution and suffering with surpassing dignity

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