Renowned writer and Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has voiced strong concerns over what he described as an alarming pattern in the nation’s handling of security and the growing culture of privilege within the corridors of power.
His remarks centred on the scale of state protection attached to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.
Soyinka spoke during the 20th Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism Awards held in Lagos on Monday, where he reflected on governance, national security, and the responsibilities of leadership.
A video of his address, running for four minutes and 25 seconds, later circulated widely on social media, drawing extensive public reactions.
According to the Nobel laureate, a recent incident in Ikoyi left him stunned. He recounted witnessing what he called “an excessively large security battalion assigned to a young individual close to the Presidency,” a convoy he described as powerful enough “to take over a small country.”
He later learned that the person was Seyi Tinubu, which prompted him to immediately contact National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for clarification.
Soyinka said he was “astonished,” stressing that “children must understand their place. They are not elected leaders, and they must not inherit the architecture of state power simply by proximity.”
He warned that such a level of escort is not only unnecessary but sends the wrong message at a time when citizens in rural and urban communities face dangers with little protection.
Speaking further at the event, in a segment also held in honour of poet Odia Ofeimun and other contributors to the media landscape, Soyinka urged the President to reflect deeply on the level of resources assigned to his son.
He joked that if a major insurgency were to erupt, the President might as well ask Seyi to “go and handle it,” given the size of his security team — but quickly reminded the audience that the underlying issue was no laughing matter.
The noble laureate maintained that concentrating such a large number of security personnel around one individual contradicts the reality of a nation battling widespread kidnappings, violent attacks, and other security emergencies.
According to him, state protection should serve national interest, not personal comfort.
Soyinka also turned his attention to the media, praising journalists for their resilience while cautioning them about the dangers of misinformation.
He warned that “the next great conflict may well be triggered by the misuse of social platforms,” urging stronger editorial discipline and renewed commitment to verification.
Soyinka described credible journalism as one of the last strong shields against social disorder.
The viral video of Soyinka’s speech has continued to gain traction on social media, generating conversations on leadership priorities and public accountability.
As of Tuesday night, there has been no official response from the Presidency regarding Soyinka’s concerns.
The comments also come weeks after President Tinubu ordered the withdrawal of police officers from VIPs nationwide, directing their redeployment to essential policing duties.
Despite this directive, the video has intensified public scrutiny over whether the policy is being fully enforced.