Wole Soyinka Accepts Renaming of Nigeria National Theatre After Him with "Mixed Feelings"
Renowned writer and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has accepted the renaming of the Nigeria National Theatre in his honor, but expressed "mixed feelings" due to his past criticisms of leaders appropriating national monuments. The unveiling of the renovated theatre took place on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 in Lagos as part of Nigeria's 65th independence anniversary celebrations.
Tinubu's Honour and Soyinka's Reservations
President Bola Tinubu had announced his intention to honor Soyinka on his 90th birthday in July 2024, recognizing him as a "foremost advocate of good governance and of a fair and just society." Tinubu lauded Soyinka as "one of the finest minds of im generation," praising his commitment to justice and enlightenment.
At the renaming ceremony, Soyinka admitted that his past criticism of government officials naming monuments after themselves made him uneasy about accepting the honor. He stated that only about 25% of past leaders deserved such recognition. However, he reconciled his reservations by considering the history of theatre in Nigeria and the contributions of his predecessors.
"But by di time I look at the history of theatre for dis kontri and I tink of my predecessors... I say well, sombodi get to carry di can. And if a group of bankers come togeda, using some of my money - I bank wit dem afterall - in oda to honour me, wetin dey wrong wit dat? I decide to accept am."
The State of the National Theatre and Festac 77
Soyinka reminisced about the Festac 77 activities held at the National Theatre and appreciated the Banker's Committee for funding the renovation. He recalled the theatre's dilapidated condition, joking that he had suggested to the Lagos State governor that it should be bombed. He also mentioned a near-fatal incident where two of his actors were almost electrocuted due to the building's poor state of repair.
He further stated that the building "dey owe me," referring to the dangerous conditions his performers faced due to leaking roofs and exposed electrical wires. Soyinka described his life as a drama, asserting that it provides ample material for creative artists. He hoped that the renovated institution would reduce the need for Nigerians to travel abroad to experience African theatre.
The new name for the National Theatre is now the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.
Other National Institutions Renamed by the Tinubu Government
Since assuming office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration has renamed several national institutions after himself and other political figures. These include:
- The International Conference Centre (ICC), renamed after President Tinubu.
- A 300-bed specialist hospital in Kaduna, named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital, Kaduna.
- The University of Maiduguri, renamed after former President Muhammadu Buhari.
- A new military barracks commissioned and named 'Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks'.
- The International Airport for Minna, renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport.
- An expressway in Abuja, named after Wole Soyinka.
- The headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service, renamed "Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex'.
A Brief History of the National Theatre
The construction of the National Theatre began in 1973 during the military regime of Yakubu Gowon and was completed in 1976 under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. Its primary purpose was to serve as a premier venue for performing arts and to host the Festival of Arts and Culture (Festac 77), celebrating African culture and heritage. The theatre is located in the Iganmu area of Lagos and was modeled after the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna, Bulgaria.
After years of neglect, a public-private partnership, spearheaded by the Bankers Committee, undertook the renovation project. The renovation commenced in July 2021 under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele and was completed in August 2024 under the current CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso.
The source for this information is BBC Pidgin.
