20/07/2026
Much Ado About Prof. Chinua Achebe's Statue
A few hours ago, the Governor of Anambra State unveiled a statue at Ugwunwasike, Ogidi, to honour and immortalize one of the world's greatest literary icons, the late Prof. Chinua Achebe.
Since the unveiling, a cross-section of opposition figures and social media critics has attacked the monument, arguing that it does not bear a close resemblance to the legendary author. However, I believe such arguments stem either from a misunderstanding of artistic expression or from a deliberate attempt to distract from the monument's true significance.
Art is not always about reproducing a perfect physical likeness; it is often about capturing the essence of a person. As Pablo Picasso famously said, "Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth." A sculptor seeking to evoke emotion may deliberately modify certain physical features to convey a subject's intellect, courage, resilience, or inner strength rather than merely replicate facial details. Such stylistic choices are common in artistic movements such as modernism and cubism, where symbolism often takes precedence over photographic realism.
Likewise, sculptors sometimes intentionally alter proportions so that a monument achieves the desired visual effect when viewed from a distance. Artistic interpretation has been employed in many celebrated monuments around the world. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in the United States, artistic depictions of Queen Amina of Zaria on horseback, and the African Renaissance Monument in Senegal are often appreciated for the ideals and stories they represent, not simply for photographic accuracy.
Unfortunately, while some armchair critics are preoccupied with measuring noses, cheeks, and jawlines, they risk missing the bigger picture. As the saying goes, "When a wise man points at the moon, only a fool looks at the finger." The true significance of this monument lies not in whether every facial feature perfectly mirrors Prof. Achebe's photographs, but in the fact that Anambra State has chosen to honour one of Africa's greatest intellectuals for generations yet unborn. A people who celebrate their heroes inspire future heroes.
Whether critics like it or not, the moment the statue was unveiled, it became a permanent symbol of Prof. Chinua Achebe's extraordinary legacy. Anyone who beholds it is reminded of the man who gave Africa a powerful literary voice and reshaped global perceptions of the continent through his timeless works. In that sense, the monument serves as a classroom without walls, inspiring young people to pursue excellence, integrity, creativity, and intellectual courage.
After all, many people have taken photographs of themselves that they scarcely recognize at first glance. Yet no one disputes their identity because a photograph—or even a sculpture—is only a representation, not the person himself. The same principle applies here. The issue is not whether the statue is a perfect replica; the issue is that it stands as a lasting tribute to a man whose legacy will continue to outlive generations.
As the African proverb wisely reminds us, "A man dies twice: once when he is buried, and again when his name is forgotten." By immortalizing Prof. Chinua Achebe in his hometown, Anambra State has helped ensure that his name, ideals, and contributions will continue to inspire countless generations. That, ultimately, is the true purpose of the monument.
