Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has explained why he agreed to the renaming of the National Arts Theatre in Lagos after him, despite his long-standing criticism of naming public monuments after individuals.
Soyinka, who has often spoken against such practices in the past, said he accepted the gesture with “mixed feelings.” He made the comments on Thursday during the reopening ceremony of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts at the National Theatre complex.
The renowned playwright and poet said he was deeply surprised by the transformation of the once-neglected National Theatre. According to him, he had considered the iconic structure beyond repair until the recent major renovation led by the Bankers’ Committee in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“I never believed this place could be brought back to life. I thought it was irredeemable,” he said. “But if the price of this incredible revival is to have the theatre renamed after me, then I am willing to eat my words.”
The National Theatre, a cultural landmark built in 1976 during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo, was originally designed to promote Nigerian arts, theatre, and culture. Over the years, the building fell into serious disrepair, raising concerns about government neglect of the creative sector.
Soyinka admitted that seeing his name on the building made him uncomfortable, given his past position against leaders who named public institutions after themselves or others for political gain.
“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 remarked.
Despite his reservations, the 89-year-old literary icon said the decision symbolised a renewed hope for the creative arts in Nigeria. He praised the Bankers’ Committee for their commitment to preserving national heritage and supporting the growth of the creative economy.
Soyinka, Nigeria’s first and only Nobel Prize winner in Literature, has remained a strong voice on national and cultural matters for decades. His acceptance of the honour marks a rare moment of personal concession for a man known for his principled stances.
He urged Nigerians to keep holding leaders accountable while also celebrating progress when it happens.
