Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has weighed in on a topic that sits at the crossroads of governance, security, and social equity: the scale of state protection around privileged individuals. Speaking at the 20th Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism Awards in Lagos, Soyinka urged Nigeria’s leadership to rethink how security resources are deployed, especially when it involves relatives of the president. His remarks come amid broader debate about national security, urban development, and the strain of criminal violence in the country.

What Soyinka Said

A viral video captured Soyinka describing an “excessively large security battalion” accompanying a young individual close to the Presidency. He characterized the entourage as “sufficient to take over a small country.”

He identified the individual as Seyi Tinubu, President Bola Tinubu’s son, and expressed disbelief at the sight of such a protective detail in a modern nation contending with kidnappings and insurgencies.

Soyinka relayed that he contacted National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, seeking clarity on why a child of the head of state would be shielded by such a large security apparatus. He emphasized that children in leadership contexts must understand their place and that proximity should not equate to inheriting the architecture of state power.

He urged Tinubu to reconsider the size of Seyi Tinubu’s security entourage, arguing that resources should be redirected toward national priorities where security is dire for the broad population.

Soyinka added a note of irony about a hypothetical scenario where Seyi might be asked to “go and handle” a major insurgency, underscoring the larger point that security deployments must reflect national realities rather than privilege.

Beyond security, he underscored the importance of credible journalism in combating misinformation and called for editorial discipline in an era of social-media-driven narratives.

He touched on regional stability, flagging the ongoing concerns in neighboring Benin and emphasizing that Nigeria’s actions should focus on reinforcing democratic institutions rather than entangling itself in military ventures.

Context and Reactions

The discussion comes after reports that late November saw President Tinubu order the withdrawal of police guards from VIPs nationwide, redeploying those officers to core policing duties. The timing has added layers to the conversation about how security resources are allocated among elites versus the general public.

The video of Soyinka’s remarks has circulated widely on social media, prompting public discussion about governance, accountability, and the practical implications of security policy.

Soyinka’s comments align with broader debates about balancing national security needs with the rights and dignity of ordinary citizens, particularly in densely populated urban centers facing demolitions, displacement, and urban reform challenges.

Why?

Resource Allocation: In a country grappling with kidnappings, rural attacks, and urban violence, the scale of protective detail for individuals close to power raises questions about where security resources are most needed.

Democratic Governance: The event prompts a reassessment of how democratic principles translate into practical security policy. Are protections scaled to minimize risk for the population at large, or are they driven by proximity to power?

Media and Accountability: Soyinka’s call for responsible journalism highlights the role of media in shaping public understanding of security policies and governance decisions.

Should security escorts be scaled based on formal positions and demonstrated risk, or should they be uniformly constrained to prioritize public safety and national security?

How should governments communicate security decisions, especially when they affect high-profile individuals, to prevent perceptions of privilege or elitism?

What mechanisms can ensure transparency and accountability in how security resources are deployed?

As Nigeria continues to review security architecture in a shifting political landscape, observers will watch how the Tinubu administration responds to such critiques and whether policy adjustments follow.

The conversation may influence future reforms in VIP protection practices, allocation of policing resources, and the broader discourse around governance, transparency, and public accountability.