Soyinka: The Soldiers Guarding Tinubu’s Son Can Crush Benin Coup — Nigeria Is Misusing Security Forces

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Prof. Wole Soyinka, has sparked fresh controversy after stating that the number of soldiers guarding President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi, is large enough to “crush” the recently foiled uprising in the Republic of Benin. The literary icon made the remarks while speaking at the 20th Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism Awards in Lagos, where he warned that Nigeria is dangerously mismanaging its already overstretched security resources.

Soyinka narrated how he was shocked after witnessing what he described as an excessively large security convoy in Ikoyi, Lagos — a convoy he later discovered belonged to Seyi Tinubu. According to him, the military presence he saw that day was so overwhelming that it “looked capable of taking over a small country.” The viral video of his remarks, shared on X by the handle Nigeriastories, has been trending nonstop.

He explained that he was so disturbed by the scene that he attempted to reach the National Security Adviser to seek clarification, only to discover the NSA was abroad with the President at the time. Soyinka said he couldn’t understand why the “child of the head of state” would need such a heavily armed battalion following him everywhere. After doing his own quiet investigations, the Nobel laureate said he confirmed that the massive escort was indeed a regular feature of Seyi Tinubu’s movements.

Soyinka jokingly added that if a serious insurgency were to arise somewhere in the country, perhaps the President should send Seyi, given the size of the military firepower around him. But he quickly stressed that beneath the humour lies a very serious issue about how a country battling kidnappings, terror attacks, banditry and widespread violence allocates its limited security manpower.

He warned that concentrating such a huge number of armed operatives around one individual is unfair and irresponsible at a time when ordinary Nigerians remain vulnerable. In his words, “We cannot concentrate a battalion of operatives around one individual while the nation bleeds.” He urged the government to ensure that security deployment reflects public need rather than privilege.

Soyinka also spoke about the dangers of misinformation spreading on social media, cautioning that Nigeria’s next major conflict could be triggered by reckless online falsehoods. He praised the work of investigative journalists and noted that accurate reporting remains vital in holding those in power accountable. The event also honoured veteran poet Odia Ofeimun and celebrated several journalists recognized for excellence.

In the same recording, Soyinka criticised Nigeria’s involvement in the suspended coup situation in Benin Republic, describing it as “another unnecessary military entanglement.” He also condemned the ongoing demolitions across Lagos, saying the testimonies of displaced families show that the government is failing to protect vulnerable residents. “Urban reforms must not strip away people’s humanity,” he said.

SaharaReporters previously reported that President Tinubu, in November, ordered the withdrawal of police officers from VIP duties nationwide so they could return to frontline policing. Human rights groups have long argued that VIP escorts drain the manpower needed to secure citizens, yet high-level politicians and their families still enjoy massive protection details.

As of Tuesday night, the Presidency had not issued any response to Soyinka’s remarks. Meanwhile, the video continues to circulate widely on X, intensifying public conversations about governance, accountability, privilege and the allocation of Nigeria’s scarce security resources.