A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Isaac Balami, has defended the security arrangements around Seyi Tinubu, saying the ongoing public debate was fuelled by exaggeration and misinterpretation of comments made by Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

Soyinka, in a recent viral video, had expressed surprise at the number of security personnel he saw around Seyi Tinubu in a Lagos hotel, likening it to a “battalion.”

The remark triggered widespread reactions, with many questioning why the son of the President should have what they perceived as heavy security presence.

But Balami, in a personally signed statement on Wednesday, said Soyinka’s comments were figurative and should be understood in the context of literary expression.

“With what appears like a literary piece or comment, Soyinka, a father I have high regard for, succeeded in exaggerating the security details of Seyi Tinubu; something the media should have identified before rushing to publish,” he said.

He argued that hyperbole is a common device used by literary icons, adding that the remark should not have been taken literally.

According to him, Seyi Tinubu deserves adequate protection, not merely because he is the President’s son, but because of his philanthropic activities and his growing public profile.

Balami said Seyi Tinubu enjoys considerable goodwill among Lagos youths, with some projecting him for future political roles, which he said could expose him to heightened security risks.

“Even though Seyi Tinubu has not declared or confirmed interest in any public office, his endorsement by Lagos youths and others is enough security concern,” he stated.

He added that many of those seen around Seyi Tinubu are not security operatives but supporters and volunteers who accompany him during public engagements.

“Seyi Tinubu is too humble to move around with the level of security Soyinka described. Many of the individuals seen with him are supporters and volunteer guards such as Man-O-War members,” Balami noted.

He said other groups sometimes sighted with Seyi Tinubu include the Community Auxiliary Development for Effective Transformation Network (CADETN), a youth-focused volunteer organisation.

Balami further explained that it is not unusual for children of former or sitting presidents to have increased security presence, noting that Seyi Tinubu’s case is more visible because of his involvement in youth mobilisation and his support for the APC.

“It is clear that some people have taken Prof. Soyinka’s comment out of context. But I have always encouraged Seyi Tinubu to stay focused, continue his humanitarian work and maintain his commitment to national unity,” Balami said.

He stressed that varying levels of security are required for different individuals depending on their engagements and exposure. According to him, Seyi Tinubu often travels across the country for youth engagement initiatives, which necessitates reasonable protection.

“It remains unfair to say that the few supporters and some security personnel that work with him should be removed. It will do more harm than good,” he added.