Wole Soyinka
By Olamilekan Abayomi
Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has taken aim at the massive security apparatus surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, claiming it is large enough to “quell an insurrection” in the neighboring Benin Republic. Soyinka recounted seeing roughly fifteen heavily‑armed officers stationed outside a Lagos hotel where Seyi was staying, a detail he found both striking and troubling given the broader security challenges facing Nigeria.
Soyinka’s remarks were delivered with his characteristic wit, suggesting that if an uprising were to break out, the president could simply dispatch his son’s personal “battalion” rather than mobilising the army or air force. He framed the lavish security detail as a misallocation of scarce resources, especially when many Nigerians continue to grapple with banditry, insurgency and other violent threats across the country.
The writer notes that Soyinka attempted to verify the deployment by reaching out to the National Security Adviser, underscoring his concern that state security forces are being repurposed for personal protection rather than national security duties. The Nobel laureate’s inquiry, though informal, highlights a growing unease among citizens about the prioritisation of elite security over ordinary people’s safety.
In response to Soyinka’s comments, the article mentions that the presidency has not issued an official statement, but insiders suggest the heavy guard is standard protocol for high‑profile individuals, especially given recent threats. Critics, however, argue that the optics of such a sizable escort are damaging to public confidence in a nation already strained by economic hardship and insecurity.
The piece also touches on the broader context of regional stability, pointing out that any unrest in Benin could have ripple effects across West Africa. By juxtaposing the potential for a small, well‑armed unit to suppress an uprising with the everyday reality of Nigerian citizens living under threat, the article underscores a stark contrast between elite protection and the general populace’s vulnerability.
Finally, the author leaves readers with a question: should a nation’s security resources be concentrated on protecting a single individual, or should they be deployed to address the myriad security challenges that affect millions? Soyinka’s provocative observation serves as a rallying point for debate about governance, privilege, and the responsible use of state power.
