Lagos, Nigeria — A video circulating online has ignited widespread public discussion after Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka openly criticised the security convoy that reportedly accompanies Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In the video, Prof. Soyinka questioned why Seyi Tinubu moves around with what he described as a large number of armed security personnel, raising concerns about the appropriate use of state security resources.
According to Soyinka, the level of military presence around the President’s son appeared excessive. He remarked that instead of deploying the Air Force and military assets to respond to the political situation in the Republic of Benin, “the President could have simply sent Seyi Tinubu,” given the strength of his security escort.
The Nobel laureate stated that he had personally contacted the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to report what he observed in Lagos, suggesting that public officeholders and their family members must lead by example in avoiding overuse of state-provided protection.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Discussion
Soyinka’s comments have triggered a wave of responses across social media, with many Nigerians debating the broader issue of security privilege, public accountability, and whether the families of political leaders should receive such levels of protection.
While some citizens argue that high-profile individuals face legitimate security risks and require strong protection, others believe such displays send the wrong signal in a nation dealing with rising insecurity and limited security resources.
As of now, the Presidency has not issued an official statement addressing Soyinka’s remarks or clarifying the security protocols involving the President’s children.
Context: Security Sensitivity in Nigeria
Nigeria continues to battle diverse security challenges, ranging from banditry to insurgency. This makes the management of national security assets a sensitive issue.
Experts have long called for transparent guidelines regarding the deployment of armed escorts, particularly for individuals who do not hold public office.
Prof. Soyinka’s criticism adds a respected voice to an ongoing national conversation about governance, discipline, and the ethical use of state power.