Key Points

• Soyinka challenges the size of the security escort attached to Seyi Tinubu.
• He urges the Presidency to redirect security assets to national needs.
• He warns that privilege-driven deployments weaken public trust and safety.

Soyinka spoke at the 20th Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism Awards in Lagos. A four-minute, 25-second video from the event has since gone viral on X, drawing wide reactions.

In the clip, Soyinka recounted a recent experience in his hotel room in Ikoyi where he witnessed what he called an unusually large convoy of armed security personnel. He explained that he later discovered the team was escorting Seyi Tinubu.

He described the number of operatives as “sufficient to take over a small country” and noted that the spectacle pushed him to reach out to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for clarity.

Soyinka explained that his concern increased after informal checks confirmed that the heavy escort was not an isolated event.

His frustration grew as he questioned why the son of the President would move around with what he viewed as a small battalion.

He stressed that children of public officials are not elected and should not inherit the structure of state power simply because of their proximity to leadership.

Call for Tinubu to Review Escort Levels

During the event, which also honoured poet Odia Ofeimun and other contributors to the media, Soyinka urged President Tinubu to reconsider the number of security personnel attached to his son.

He made a light remark that if a major insurgency were to erupt, the President might as well deploy Seyi to confront it, given the sheer size of his escort.

He pointed out that beyond the humour lies a serious question about fairness and national priorities.

Soyinka argued that concentrating a large security team around one individual contrasts with a country still struggling with kidnappings, rural attacks, insurgency and criminal violence. In his view, security assets must reflect national needs rather than privilege.

Warning on Social Media and Misinformation

Turning to the media, Soyinka praised journalists for their resilience. He urged stronger editorial discipline in an age where misinformation spreads easily.

He warned that the next major conflict in the world could emerge from the reckless use of social platforms.

The viral video had gathered more than 27,000 views, over 400 reposts and dozens of comments by Tuesday night.

Concerns Over Benin Coup Intervention

In the same footage, Soyinka commented on Nigeria’s involvement in the recently halted coup attempt in the Republic of Benin.

He described the intervention as unnecessary and warned that instability in neighbouring countries often spills into Nigeria.

He argued that the country should strengthen democratic institutions rather than rush into military involvement in West African crises. He noted that developments in Benin echo across Nigeria’s own sense of security.

Lagos Demolitions and Human Impact

Soyinka also touched on ongoing demolitions across Lagos. He referenced photos and testimonies he received from displaced families and urged authorities to manage urban reforms carefully.

He argued that even when demolitions are unavoidable, they must be carried out in a way that protects the dignity of affected residents.

The video continues to attract attention on X, prompting discussions about governance and accountability.

Late last month, President Tinubu ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs nationwide, directing that they return to regular policing duties. As of Tuesday night, the Presidency had not issued an official response on the escort attached to Seyi Tinubu.