Why I Accepted Renaming of National Theatre After Me — Soyinka!

Reported by Marian opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has shared his reflections on accepting the renaming of the National Theatre, Lagos, in his honour—an act he says he did so with mixed emotions.

What Soyinka Said

• Soyinka acknowledged his long-standing criticism of public monuments being named after individuals, calling such appropriations problematic. [1]
• He admitted that when he saw how “irredeemable” the theatre had become over time—with leaking roofs, exposed electric wires, and structural decay—he was skeptical that it could ever be revived. [2]
• However, the efforts of the Bankers’ Committee to restore the edifice convinced him to reconsider. He said he would “eat his words” if the monumental turnaround is what the renaming would reflect. [2]
• Soyinka also expressed nostalgia, recalling how the theatre once played host to FESTAC ’77 and his own performances in its earlier years. [1]
• He remarked: “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.” [1]
  Broader Context & Significance
• The renamed venue is now called the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts (formerly the National Theatre, Iganmu). [3]
• The renovation was funded via contributions coordinated by the Bankers’ Committee, with reports citing an investment of about ₦68 billion in the project. [2]
• At the inauguration, President Bola Tinubu directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to establish an endowment fund to maintain the theatre. [2]

Citations:

1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/10/why-i-accepted-renaming-of-national-theatre-after-me-soyinka/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Abuja Press: www.abujapress.com/2025/10/why-i-accepted-national-theatre.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/soyinka-accepts-national-theatre-naming-honour/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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