Those thinking I’ll ‘consolidate’ airplane sitting error need help — Wole Soyinka

Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has said he erred by occupying another passenger’s seat on an airplane but condemned any thought he tried to “consolidate” that error.

Mr Soyinka was recently a subject of a trending media topic after businessman Tonye Cole narrated how a male passenger asked the professor of literature to leave his assigned window seat on a plane.

Mr Cole suggested the passenger was disrespectful with many others sharing similar view.

But others said the man, yet to be identified in the media, committed no offence and that Mr Soyinka himself would have requested anybody to leave his assigned seat.

The professor spoke on Saturday through a short statement distributed to journalists by a trusted associate.

He suggested perhaps airlines could fine passengers who usurp seats that do not belong to them, with the proceeds channeled into helping humanity.

“One can only rejoice in the thought of such benefits to humanity in its efforts to eradicate all kinds of diseases, especially malnutrition, and ensure the supply of nutrients that prevent the premature onset of brain impairment,” he wrote.

Mr Soyinka said those who think he would “consolidate” his error in the plane should be the first to qualify for such humanitarian benefit.