In a recent event that has caught the public eye and stirred considerable debate, Seyi Tinubu, son of the Nigerian President, was seen seated in a section typically reserved for cabinet members during the swearing-in of Justice Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria on August 22, 2022. This incident has triggered widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians, prompting discussions about the appropriateness of his presence in such a significant governmental function.
Justice Kekere-Ekun took over from Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday after reaching the mandatory age of 70. The transition was overshadowed by the reactions following the circulation of a photo featuring Seyi Tinubu at the event. The image quickly went viral, leading to heated discussions on social media platforms regarding his role and entitlement to sit among top government functionaries.
One of Nigeria Newspaper documented that #Beta Countri, โPlease, I want to ask Nigerians, what exactly is the portfolio of Seyi Tinubu in this government that he is allowed in the front at the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria?โ
Social media reactions included comments from individuals like a user named #ToppyAFC who remarked, โHe is doing an internship on how to become the future president. If my dad was president, I would do the same too,โ highlighting a cynical view of the advantages Seyi Tinubu might be enjoying due to his familial ties.
This situation has led to calls for President Tinubu to clarify whether his son holds any official position within the cabinet that would justify his prominent placement at such state functions. The practice of family members holding positions within the government is not new and has been seen in other administrations, such as during Donald Trump’s presidency in the United States, where his daughter Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, both held advisory roles.
