Being the First Son of Nigeria isn’t just ceremonial, it’s a high-wire act in the public eye. For Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, the role has come with no shortage of scrutiny. In a nation battling economic stress, political distrust, and a hyper-aware youth population, Seyi has inadvertently become a symbol, of both inherited privilege and the nation’s generational divide.
Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem recently channeled public frustration into a scathing track, urging Seyi to relay the message to his father: “the streets are bleeding.” The song delivers more than a beat; it’s a protest anthem that echoes the discontent of many. The message is clear, while some fly in luxury, others are drowning in hardship.
From Ramadan Relief to Political Optics
Yet, Seyi’s response has been anything but defensive. During Ramadan, he remained visible, distributing relief baskets, praising his father as “the greatest president in Nigerian history,” and speaking about youth empowerment. It was a public relations strategy that revealed his willingness to engage rather than retreat, though critics saw it as tone-deaf amid national pain.
Privilege, Power, and the Public Gaze
What complicates the picture is his unique presence: Seyi holds no official political title, yet is frequently seen in spaces that suggest influence beyond familial ties. To some, he operates like a behind-the-scenes envoy, prompting valid questions about boundaries, power, and transparency.
Still, analysts caution against making him a scapegoat. Seyi is not a decision-maker. Casting him as the architect of Nigeria’s economic challenges oversimplifies a complex reality, and overlooks those truly in charge.
At its core, the criticism may stem as much from envy as it does from outrage. In Seyi, many young Nigerians see a blend of access and influence they desire but feel shut out from. That contradiction, resentment of power and longing for it, fuels the backlash.
Nigeria has a right to demand answers, but it also has a responsibility to engage with nuance. Seyi Tinubu did not sign policy decrees, but he is undeniably living in their shadow, navigating a space where symbolism often speaks louder than action.
