Soyinka Explains Why He Accepted National Theatre Renaming

Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has explained why he agreed to the renaming of the National Theatre in Lagos after him, describing his acceptance as one made with mixed emotions.

The National Theatre, located in Iganmu, was officially renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts by President Bola Tinubu during its reopening and rededication ceremony.

Soyinka admitted that he had long opposed the practice of naming public monuments after individuals, recalling how he once criticised leaders who attached their names to buildings and roads across the country. Accepting the honour, he said, felt like a contradiction of his earlier stance.

He reflected on the history of Nigerian theatre, acknowledging pioneers such as Hubert Ogunde and Adam Fiberesima, and noted that he eventually accepted the recognition as part of a duty to carry forward the legacy of the arts.

The playwright also shared his personal attachment to the theatre, remembering its construction during the military era and its role in hosting FESTAC ’77. He recalled how the building later fell into disrepair, at one point describing it as irredeemable and unfit for cultural activities.

Soyinka praised the recent refurbishment of the complex, calling its transformation remarkable compared to its years of neglect. He noted that while his initial resistance was rooted in principle, the restoration of the theatre gave him reason to accept the naming as a gesture tied to both memory and renewal.

He concluded that despite his mixed feelings, the rebirth of the National Theatre has turned into a moment of cultural pride, linking his personal journey with Nigeria’s artistic heritage.