Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate and playwright, has said that he accepted the renaming of the National Theatre in Lagos in his honour with mixed feelings.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking at the reopening and rededication of the refurbished cultural landmark in Iganmu, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts by President Bola Tinubu, Soyinka reflected on his long-standing criticism of naming public monuments after individuals.
Soyinka said, “I have been guilty of saying other people do not merit this kind of monumental dedication, and then I had to stand up in public and watch my name being put up as yet another appropriator. It just didn’t seem well with me.”
He admitted that the recognition conflicted with his principles, saying, “I accepted this honour with mixed feelings. First of all, l’m notorious for having criticised any appropriations.”
“Personal appropriations of public monuments by some of our past leaders, which would end up that everything is named after them. I’ll be modest, given the general estimate, to say that about 25 percent of monuments, whether they are buildings or roads in particular in this country, are well and truly deserved.”
Soyinka, however, explained that his decision to accept the honour came after reflecting on the history of Nigerian theatre and the contributions of pioneers such as Hubert Ogunde and opera composer Adam Fiberesima.
The playwright recalled his deep connection to the theatre, especially during FESTAC ’77, when the venue played a central role in Nigeria’s cultural history.
He lamented how, over time, the building had fallen into disrepair to the point he once described it as “irredeemable” and even suggested it should be demolished.
Soyinka said, “I have another reason, which is nostalgia. I remember this building was first erected during the military regime. We had FESTAC ‘77 in this very hall. It’s a different hall completely, it’s nothing like what that building became over the years.”
“Degraded to such an extent that when Lagos was celebrating its 50 years anniversary and we looked for a hub, a centre of activities which would take place elsewhere, one of the places we visited was here, which is now transformed.”
“took one look at it and when the governor and his team wanted to come back to take a second look, I said you go without me. I said I would advise you, get somebody secretly, plant a bomb, and blow it up. It was irredeemable. I said ‘it’s not just a desert, it was a slum’.”
Soyinka further praised the transformation saying, “If eating one’s word produces a morsel like this, then it’s a very tasty set of words.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his remarks, dismissed any suggestions of political motives behind the decision. He said, “No conspiracy anywhere. I did it.”
He described Soyinka as an invaluable asset to Nigeria and the world. The president said, “When they brought the question of renovation to my desk, I remembered the journeys that we had together and the gains that I shared with you.”
“Your contribution to our courage, nation-building, freedom. You are a gem and talent. You are one of the greatest assets of the world, the continent and the country Nigeria. So, it couldn’t have been anything else. And I know definitely that you wouldn’t disobey this president.”
“I said it has to be Wole Soyinka Centre. And I’m glad you are here to accept the honour.”
