A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Issac Balami, has dismissed the ongoing debates over the security details of Seyi Tinubu, describing the claims by Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka whom he referred to as a father and mentol, as exaggerated and not a true reflection of reality.
Soyinka, in a now-viral video, expressed shock after encountering Seyi Tinubu in a Lagos hotel surrounded by what he described as a “battalion” of security personnel enough, in his words, “to end an insurrection.”
But in a statement on Wednesday, Balami referred to Soyinka’s description as hyperbolic, arguing that the media failed to identify this in their publications.
“With what appears like a literary piece or comment, Soyinka, a father who I have high regard for, succeeded in exaggerating the security details of Seyi Tinubu; something the media should have identified before rushing to publish,” Balami said.
He noted that hyperbole and figurative expression are common tools used by literary icons when attempting to pass a message, insisting that Soyinka’s remarks should be interpreted in that context.
Balami argued that Seyi Tinubu deserves reasonable security protection, not because he is the son of the President but due to his philanthropic work and growing political profile, with many Lagos residents projecting him as a potential next governor of the state.
“ Even though Seyi Tinubu has not declared or confirmed his interest to run for any public office, his endorsement by Lagos youths and others is enough security threat.
“The few security personnel you see around Seyi Tinubu are justified, as Lagosians have put him in the eye
“This puts him at serious security risk considering how strategic Lagos is and the number of persons eyeing the governorship seat, whether he is running or not,” he said.
Balami further stated that based on his personal observations, Seyi Tinubu is “too humble” to move around with the level of security Soyinka described.
He said that many of the individuals seen around him are supporters and volunteer guards such as Man-O’-War members who accompany him due to his philanthropy.
He added that other groups often seen with Seyi include the Community Auxiliary Development for Effective Transformation Network (CADETN), a youth-focused voluntary outfit.
According to Balami, it is normal for children of sitting or former Presidents to have substantial security, adding that the difference in Seyi’s case is his active involvement in politics and his visible role in projecting President Tinubu’s administration.
He said: “It is clear that some politicians have seized on Prof. Soyinka’s comments and are now sponsoring narratives across social media to smear Seyi Tinubu. This is expected, given Seyi’s visibility in his father’s administration. Seyi is everywhere mobilizing for his father and for the APC, so the issue is no longer about what Prof. Soyinka said — it is about people politicizing it for their own advantage.
“But I have always advised Seyi Tinubu to stay focused and not be discouraged. He should continue his humanitarian work and keep mobilizing the youths. No campaign of calumny should be allowed to weaken his commitment or his passion for a better Nigeria,” he said.
Balami emphasised that he maintains great respect for Prof. Soyinka but insisted that the acclaimed writer’s descriptions fit into his well-known use of imagery.
“Comparing Seyi Tinubu’s security to that of a battalion, and saying that his security details alone can end an insurrection, speaks to the same hyperbole I have continued to reiterate,” he said.
He further argued that critics would be the first to blame the presidency if any security breach occurred around Seyi Tinubu.
“Withdrawing security from Seyi Tinubu is as good as telling him not to appear anywhere or to become inactive politically,” Balami stated.
He added that security needs vary for everyone including Soyinka himself, depending on their activities and destinations.
“As for Seyi Tinubu, he travels far into the North, South and East in an effort to preach peace and unite youths across different states. So it remains unfair to say the few supporters and some security personnel that work with him should be removed. It will do more harm to the nation than good,” Balami said.
