Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has shed light on why he accepted the renaming of the National Theatre in Lagos after him, despite his long-standing stance against the appropriation of public monuments by individuals.
The iconic playwright, who spoke at the official reopening of the newly-renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (formerly the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos), revealed he had mixed feelings about the honour.
“I have to stand up in public and watch my name being put up as yet another appropriator. It just didn’t sit well with me,” Soyinka admitted.
However, he explained that the scale and quality of the theatre’s transformation convinced him to accept the gesture — even if it meant “eating his words.”
“Before the renovation, I thought the theatre was irredeemable. But the Bankers’ Committee made me eat my words. They’ve done a fantastic job. Now, Nigerians can experience authentic African theatre here at home, not abroad.”
N68 Billion Investment in National Theatre Redevelopment
The Bankers’ Committee, led by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso, invested ₦68 billion in revamping the theatre to meet global standards. Soyinka described the building’s transformation as a monumental achievement.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who attended the event alongside top dignitaries, announced the creation of a National Theatre Endowment Fund. He directed the CBN to establish the fund to ensure the ongoing maintenance and cultural relevance of the edifice.
“Prof. Wole Soyinka is one of the greatest assets of the world,” President Tinubu said. “The renaming of the theatre is not controversial. It is well-deserved.”
The President also called on Nigerians, especially the youth, to speak positively about the country and work together toward its renewal.
Why Soyinka Had Doubts
Soyinka recalled harrowing experiences at the old theatre, including a near-electrocution incident due to leaky roofs and exposed wires.
“I nearly electrocuted two of my actors. Water was everywhere. Wires were everywhere. That’s how bad it had become,” he said.
He also touched on the architectural design of the original structure, which he nicknamed “The General’s Hat,” and expressed hope that the redesign would better reflect African architectural intelligence.
Despite initial resistance, Soyinka said he eventually saw the theatre as part of his legacy:
“This building belongs to me. It belongs to all of us,” he declared.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The high-profile event drew several notable figures, including:
- First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio
- CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso
- Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi
- Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
- Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa
They all pledged support for the National Theatre Endowment Fund, promising continued contributions to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
