The possibility of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, succeeding Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Lagos State’s governor has ignited fresh political debates, with the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, firmly backing the idea.
Speaking in an interview on national television, Olawande described Seyi as a “well-trained young man” with the capacity and credentials to lead the bustling state. “He is not too young to become a governor, that’s the truth,” the minister stated. “Everybody has a tendency to become whatever it is you want to become. He has built and supported many young people, even when his father was not president.”
Youth Groups Endorse Seyi Tinubu
The conversation around Seyi Tinubu’s potential governorship candidacy gained momentum in November 2024 when the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) endorsed him to succeed Sanwo-Olu. This endorsement has been met with mixed reactions, with critics questioning the influence of his father’s political clout on such campaigns.
The minister, however, was quick to clarify that Seyi had no direct involvement in the campaigns advocating for his governorship. “Seyi is not the one engineering the campaign to become the next governor of Lagos State,” Olawande asserted.
A Rising Political Figure
At just 37 years old, Seyi Tinubu has already carved a niche for himself in Nigerian politics and business. Known for his entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropy, he has spearheaded youth empowerment initiatives, earning him recognition as the Young Person of the Year 2024.
Olawande praised Seyi’s commitment to Nigeria’s development, emphasizing his grounded nature despite his privileged background. “As the President’s son, he is not away in the United States or somewhere else enjoying himself,” the minister said. “He is there, doing the work himself and wants to see how things can go well for the young people of this country.”
Criticism and Concerns
While some hail Seyi as a capable leader in the making, critics argue that his rise is emblematic of political dynasties overshadowing meritocracy in Nigeria. Political analysts have noted a growing trend of familial successions in Nigerian politics, which has sparked debates about the fairness of such transitions.
Dr. Adebayo Adeyemi, a political scientist, warned against conflating familial ties with leadership capability. “Nigeria’s democratic future depends on merit, not inheritance,” he said. “While Seyi Tinubu may have the qualifications, the optics of another Tinubu in Lagos leadership raises legitimate concerns about political monopolies.”
Background of the Endorsement
The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, a conglomerate of various youth organizations, cited Seyi’s commitment to youth development as a key reason for their endorsement. The group’s spokesperson, Adamu Bello, said in a statement, “Seyi Tinubu has demonstrated unwavering support for Nigerian youths through initiatives that create jobs and empower the next generation. We believe he is the right person to lead Lagos into the future.”
However, critics see this endorsement as a move to consolidate the Tinubu family’s influence over Lagos politics, where Bola Tinubu’s legacy as a former governor still looms large.
The Political Landscape in Lagos
As Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos State is a political powerhouse with significant economic and cultural influence. Winning the governorship of Lagos is no small feat, and it often serves as a stepping stone for larger political ambitions.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, currently serving his second term, has yet to indicate who he might back as his successor. Within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), internal wranglings and jockeying for power are already underway, with Seyi Tinubu’s name now firmly in the mix.
