Seyi Tinubu Defends Father’s Legacy, Calls Him Nigeria’s Greatest President Amid Criticism

 

On March 17, 2025, Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, made headlines with a bold declaration, labeling his father as the greatest president in Nigeria’s history despite widespread criticism. Speaking to a group of youths in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, Seyi passionately defended his father’s leadership, asserting that the president’s policies have laid a foundation for youth empowerment and economic progress. The remarks, captured in a viral video, have sparked intense debate across Nigeria, a nation grappling with economic challenges and political polarization, as of the current date, March 18, 2025.

A Son’s Steadfast Support

Seyi’s comments came during an address that appeared both personal and political, reflecting the pressures his family has faced since his father assumed the presidency on May 29, 2023. “It was never about politics,” Seyi told the crowd. “They keep coming for me, they keep coming for my family, they keep coming for your father, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu—the greatest president in the history of Nigeria.” His words were a direct rebuttal to detractors who have questioned Tinubu’s performance amid rising inflation, insecurity, and a fluctuating naira.

Seyi highlighted his father’s achievements, emphasizing initiatives he claims have uniquely benefited Nigerians. “He is the only president who has kept your people at home, the only president who considers youths, the only president who created a platform for young people to fly,” he stated. He further praised Tinubu for fostering an economy that benefits all, not just a select few, adding, “The only president who created an economy that has benefited everybody, the only president who is not trying to enrich his own pocket.”

Context of the Claims

Seyi’s speech reflects a narrative rooted in his father’s long political career, which spans decades, including his tenure as Lagos State governor from 1999 to 2007. During that time, Tinubu earned a reputation as a shrewd administrator who transformed Lagos into an economic powerhouse, laying the groundwork for policies like the creation of Local Council Development Areas and infrastructure projects that bolstered the state’s revenue. Seyi’s assertion that Tinubu “kept your people at home” may allude to efforts to curb brain drain or promote local opportunities, a theme consistent with the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

Since taking office, President Tinubu has introduced reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates—moves intended to stabilize the economy but criticized for exacerbating hardship in the short term. Seyi’s defense suggests a belief that these tough decisions will yield long-term gains, positioning his father as a visionary leader misunderstood by critics.

A Polarized Reception

The statement has ignited a firestorm of reactions, particularly given Nigeria’s current socio-economic climate. As of March 18, 2025, the country faces a cost-of-living crisis, with food inflation soaring and the naira’s value unsteady despite recent gains against the dollar. Critics, including activist Omoyele Sowore, have branded Tinubu’s tenure as disastrous, pointing to these struggles as evidence of failure. Sowore’s contrasting label of Tinubu as a “terrible president” underscores the divide Seyi’s comments have highlighted.

On social media platforms like X, opinions are split. Some users laud Seyi’s loyalty and argue that Tinubu’s reforms need time to bear fruit, drawing parallels to his Lagos successes. Others dismiss the claim as tone-deaf, citing the daily hardships faced by millions. The timing of Seyi’s remarks—coinciding with a corps member’s public criticism of Tinubu and an NYSC summons—has only amplified the controversy, framing it as a clash between privilege and public discontent.

Seyi Tinubu’s Growing Public Role

Seyi, a businessman and philanthropist, has increasingly stepped into the spotlight since his father’s inauguration. His recent engagements, including food distribution in northern states like Kano and Yobe, suggest an effort to connect with Nigerians, particularly the youth. These outreach activities, coupled with his Adamawa address, position him as a vocal advocate for his father’s administration, though not without scrutiny. Critics have accused him of selective generosity, noting that grants seem concentrated in the southwest while the north receives handouts—a disparity that has fueled backlash.

His visibility contrasts with the quieter roles traditionally played by presidential children, raising questions about his influence. Some speculate that Seyi’s prominence reflects a strategic move to bolster Tinubu’s image among younger demographics, a key voting bloc as the 2027 elections loom.

Historical Comparison and Critique

Calling Tinubu Nigeria’s “greatest president” invites comparison to predecessors like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Goodluck Jonathan, each of whom left distinct legacies. Tinubu’s less than two years in office make such a claim premature for many, who argue that greatness requires measurable outcomes over time—outcomes currently overshadowed by economic strain. Supporters, however, point to his resilience in uniting the APC and winning the 2023 election against formidable odds, echoing his survival of political battles during his governorship.

Critics counter that Seyi’s praise overlooks the struggles of ordinary Nigerians, from the rising cost of garri to fuel queues, painting his remarks as disconnected. The assertion that Tinubu isn’t enriching himself also draws skepticism, given the opacity surrounding political finances in Nigeria, though no concrete evidence has surfaced to contradict it.

A Family Under Fire

Seyi’s emotional tone—“they keep coming for me, they keep coming for my family”—reveals the personal toll of public scrutiny. The Tinubu family has faced relentless attacks, from social media trolls to political opponents, a reality Seyi seems keen to confront. His speech doubles as a rallying cry, urging supporters to see beyond the noise and recognize his father’s intent.

This defensiveness aligns with a broader narrative of perseverance central to Tinubu’s brand. As a political strategist who outmaneuvered rivals to secure the presidency, Tinubu has long thrived on overcoming adversity—a trait Seyi appears to inherit and amplify.

Looking Ahead

As Nigeria approaches the midpoint of Tinubu’s first term, Seyi’s bold claim sets a high bar for the administration to meet. Whether the president can deliver on promises of economic recovery, security, and youth empowerment will determine if history validates Seyi’s words. For now, they serve as a lightning rod, galvanizing supporters while provoking critics in a nation hungry for tangible progress.

The debate over Tinubu’s legacy is far from settled, but Seyi’s unwavering stance ensures it remains a focal point of national discourse. As the administration navigates its challenges, the question lingers: will posterity echo Seyi’s praise, or will the weight of criticism define Nigeria’s 16th president? Only time will tell.