Benin – Ganiou Soglo denounces a “shameful exploitation” of his father: the government’s scathing response
In a statement released on July 20, 2025, Ganiou Soglo criticized the media use of his father’s image, former president Nicéphore Soglo, which he believes is manipulated by the current authorities. In response, the government spokesperson, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, dismissed these allegations on Canal 3 Benin, calling the former Minister of Sports’ comments “irresponsible”.
SUMMARY
The tension escalated between former Minister of Sports Ganiou Soglo and the Beninese government, following the broadcast of images of former president Nicéphore Soglo seen as supportive of President Patrice Talon. Ganiou Soglo, son of the first president of Benin’s democratic era, expressed his indignation through a firm statement, denouncing what he calls an “undignified exploitation” of his father’s figure.
“My father, President Nicéphore Soglo, has marked the history of our country with his commitment, his courage, and his vision,” he recalled, emphasizing that on the eve of his 94th birthday, “he deserves more than ever our respect, our attention, and our benevolence.” Ganiou Soglo is alarmed to see his father “solicited by the current authorities in circumstances that leave little room for his free will,” believing he can no longer “fully express his will.”
He openly accuses “two journalists who accompany [his] father” of “using him for dubious media purposes”, qualifying these practices as “characterized abuse of weakness” and “shameful exploitation for propaganda purposes”. He warns all those involved and promises to defend his parents’ image.
“The dignity of the former president of the Republic of Benin is non-negotiable”.
The government tackles Ganiou Soglo’s “emotional overstatement”
The government’s response was swift. Invited on the program Zone Franche of Canal 3 Benin on Sunday, July 20, the executive spokesperson, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, sharply rejected the son Soglo’s accusations. He openly questioned the legitimacy and relevance of his statements.
Taking his irony further, the spokesperson suggested that Nicéphore Soglo, despite his age, might have a clearer mind than his own son. “You know very well that in general, there are those who reason and those who resonate. In this case, I believe that between the father and son, there is one who reasons even better than the other, despite the majesty of the years he has accumulated,” he said.
Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji then extended his remarks to a more general criticism of regime opponents, mentioning those who “were holding fraudulent contests at the time, while now criticizing the reforms”, or “those who thought they were so important that they believed the power could organize attacks against themselves to elicit public empathy”.
“I did not speak about Mr. Ganiou, but we have seen a little of everything in this country… Your viewers have understood everything quite well, I am convinced”.
Comments