“Why I Accepted Renaming Of National Theatre After Me,” Soyinka Explains in Trending Video
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Iganmu, Lagos state - Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka said nostalgia and debt played a critical role in his acceptance of the renaming of the National Theatre, Lagos, after him.
Soyinka said he accepted the honour with mixed feelings, having criticized many past leaders for appropriating public monuments for themselves.
He said he thought the National Theatre was irredeemable, but the Bankers’ Committee “made me eat my words.”’
Soyinka stated this while speaking at the reopening of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (formerly National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos)
“I have to stand up in public and watch my name being put up as yet another appropriator. It just didn’t seem very well for me.”
He added that:
“I must confess that I accepted this honour with mixed feelings. I am notorious for having criticised so many personal appropriations of public monuments by some of our past leaders, where everything is named after them.
However, by the time I examined the history of theatre in Nigeria, and the lack of recognition for my predecessors, I believe somebody has to carry the can.”
Nigerians react
@Uptownoflagos
Since Tinubu came to power, Big Uncle Wole Soyinka’s positions in everything has been:
“I use to hate this, but now, having examined again, I now like it…”
@demundez
Before I used to be anti crime anti corruption now that it has my name I said, wooo, there will always be criminals in this world.
@cosmasoften
He criticized the pre-renaming simply because non was named after him. He now has his and it’s all good.
@opara_ernest
Obasanjo, as a military and civilian head of state, did not name the National Theater Lagos after himself. IBB was head of state for nine years, did not name the International Conference Center, Abuja after himself. But in two years everything has changed.
@MoodLivestock
That's a mind game.
He disarms critics by voicing the very objection they might raise, then flips it into a narrative of reluctant duty. Well Played 👏
@FredmanA
Such psychological game..... reverse psychology at play here. But he is more Dummer to think nobody understood the flip. This man is nothing but a shadow of himself. I lost my respect.
@mthetthwa
Uncanny Bird for a reason.
If it's not me, I'll notoriously criticise it.
If it's for me, I'll examine history and start liking it.
@Edwinochukss
Rephrased: "Renaming national monuments after people is bad, but I accept this because it is renamed after me".
Well-done to our Emeritus cultist.🙌
Soyinka Throws Jibe at President Donald Trump
Recall that Soyinka threw a jibe at the United States President Donald Trump Professor.
Soyinka said President Trump is a "White Idi Amin", discussing his behaviour and mentality.
The 91-year-old explained the reason he won't honour the US Consulate invitation for a visa reinterview.
US government honours Soyinka with new award
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Soyinka and African art icon Chief Nike Okundaye were honoured by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate for their exceptional contributions to literature and art
The recognition was part of the unveiling ceremony for the African Cultural Festival 2025, which celebrates African heritage and innovation
Soyinka and Okundaye's achievements, ranging from promoting human rights to revolutionising African artistry, have earned them global acclaim and cemented their legacies as cultural pioneers.
Source: Legit.ng
