The Nobel laureate cautions that unnecessary military entanglements abroad could backfire, urging the country to prioritise democracy and domestic security.
What Happened
Professor Wole Soyinka raised serious alarms about Nigeria’s involvement in the recently halted coup attempt in the Republic of Benin. Speaking at the 20th Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism Awards in Lagos, he described the intervention as “another unnecessary military entanglement next door,” warning it could destabilise the nation if left unchecked.
Why Soyinka Is Concerned
Soyinka stressed that such actions carry heavy risks: instability in neighbouring countries inevitably spills over into Nigeria. He explained,
“What happens in Benin inevitably affects us. Instability anywhere in the region echoes across our own sense of security.”
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The Nobel laureate urged the federal government to focus on reinforcing democratic institutions instead of deploying military forces reflexively, highlighting that diplomacy and institutional strength are better tools for lasting regional stability.
How This Ties Into Nigeria’s Broader Challenges
Soyinka’s warning aligns with his broader critique of Nigeria’s security priorities. Just as he has called attention to excessive security for privileged individuals and the domestic crisis of demolitions in Lagos, he emphasised that scarce resources must be deployed strategically — not squandered on actions that risk escalating conflicts abroad.
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“We must understand the limits of our engagement,” Soyinka said. “Military intervention is not the first answer. Strengthening democracy, governance, and civilian structures will serve Nigeria far better than premature action in neighbouring capitals.”
