Nobel Laureate Criticises “Excessive” Armed Escorts Attached to Seyi Tinubu
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has expressed strong disapproval over what he described as an unnecessarily large and heavily armed security detail assigned to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday during an event where he presented an honorary award to renowned poet and activist Odia Ofeimun, Soyinka said he was shocked by the number of security officials trailing the president’s son at a hotel in Ikoyi.
“At Least 15 Heavily Armed Officers” — Soyinka
Akahi News gathered that the Nobel Laureate recounted the scene, noting that he counted “at least 15 or so heavily armed to the teeth” personnel escorting Seyi Tinubu. He described the sight as excessive and alarming, especially for a democratic society.
Soyinka joked that instead of deploying Nigerian soldiers and air force personnel to Benin Republic to help foil Sunday’s attempted coup, President Tinubu could have simply sent his son with the same level of security escort.
NSA Notified Over the Incident
The playwright and global literary icon said the situation concerned him enough to contact the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. According to Soyinka, the number of armed officers raised questions about resource allocation, security priorities, and the symbolism of political privilege in Nigeria.
Observers noted that Soyinka’s remarks reflect ongoing public debates over the use of state security assets by relatives of top political office holders.
A Growing Public Conversation on Security and Privilege
Analysts believe Soyinka’s comments are likely to reignite conversations about transparency, accountability, and the ethical use of state resources in an administration facing economic pressures and heightened security challenges nationwide.
As stakeholders continue to react, Akahi News will monitor developments and provide updates should the presidency or NSA issue an official response to the concerns raised.
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