Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has raised concerns over the recent deployment of the Air Force and military by Bola Tinubu to quell the insurrection in Benin, suggesting that the he could have relied on his son, Seyi Tinubu, who reportedly commands a heavily armed personal security detail.
During a public address, Soyinka recounted witnessing Seyi Tinubu’s security team firsthand during a visit to a Lagos hotel.
“I saw nearly a whole battalion occupying the grounds of that hotel… at least 15 heavily armed security personnel, looking sufficient to take over a small country,” Soyinka said, describing his astonishment at the level of protection granted to the president’s son
The playwright and activist warned that overcommitting military resources to protect one individual undermines national security.
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“They are not potentates. They are not heads of state… Let’s not overdo things,” Soyinka said, emphasizing that children of leaders should recognize their position and that excessive security devotion can alienate the broader public.
He added that in future crises, Tinubu could rely on Seyi Tinubu’s forces.
“Next time there’s an insurrection, he should just call that young man and say, go and put down those people. You have enough troops under your command, so don’t bother me with all the security issues any longer,” Soyinka said.
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