The Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council, GAC, in Lagos State, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of established politicians promoting their children—especially sons—to contest in the upcoming local government elections in Lagos.
Speaking in an interview monitored by The New Daily Prime, Olusi described the development as “alarming,” warning that it signals a dangerous shift in Nigeria’s political culture, where public office is increasingly treated as an inheritance rather than a calling.
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“This is part of what is wrong in this country that all of us are not addressing,” Olusi said.
“My father did not bring me into politics. In our time, your career was determined by your own interests or societal contribution—not because your parents were politicians.”
Olusi revealed that at least three prominent figures in Lagos politics are currently backing their sons for elective positions on Lagos Island.
Among them are former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola and former Vice Chairman, Yemisi Coker.
“In the First Republic, this wasn’t so common. We were the ones who asked Awolowo’s son, Oluwole, to serve as a councillor, and even then, his father declined. Now, things have changed drastically,” he remarked.
The GAC chairman linked this trend to the perception that politics is now a pathway to wealth.
“Nowadays, everyone wants their children to become Honourables and Chairmen because they see politics as a money-making venture. That’s where we’ve all gone wrong.”
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Olusi blamed this shift on the legacy of military rule, particularly under General Ibrahim Babangida’s administration, which, he said, handed power to those primarily motivated by financial gain rather than public service.
He further criticised the increasing practice of aspiring politicians offering money for endorsements despite lacking any record of community leadership or civic engagement. “Anyone who wants to serve should have a clear track record—from school to their community,” he said.
“But these days, someone embezzled funds and the next advice they get is to run for office.”
By Alade Adisa
