Amanze Chinonye
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has publicly criticized the heavy security detail reportedly assigned to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, warning against the overuse of state-level security resources for private individuals.
Speaking at the 20th Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) awards in Lagos on Tuesday, Soyinka recounted seeing what he described as a “battalion-level” security escort guarding Seyi Tinubu at a hotel in Ikoyi. He said the team consisted of at least 15 heavily armed personnel, a force he described as “enough to take over a small neighbouring city like Benin.”
Soyinka used the anecdote to question the logic behind Nigeria’s military involvement in Benin Republic, following a failed coup attempt there earlier this month. In a remark delivered with sarcasm, he suggested that President Tinubu could “call Seyi” next time instead of deploying the Air Force and Nigerian military.
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“The heavy security around Seyi Tinubu is a clear example of overdoing things,” Soyinka said, adding that private citizens should not carry what resembles a state-sanctioned military force.
The Nigerian government had deployed Air Force jets and troops to Benin Republic after mutinous soldiers seized a military camp and national television station on December 7.
The Senate subsequently approved the deployment, in line with constitutional requirements.
Prime Business Africa reports that Soyinka’s remarks have sparked debate about the role and visibility of heavily armed security details for politically connected individuals, highlighting concerns over accountability and resource allocation in Nigeria’s security architecture.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
