By Paul Joseph
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised the organisation of a colloquium in honour of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, questioning his contributions to Nigerian society that warranted the event.
Sowore raised the concerns on Tuesday in a post on X, formerly Twitter, after watching the Seyi Tinubu Colloquium being livestreamed on major television stations.
The activist questioned whether the event was organised to celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions to national development or was largely influenced by Seyi Tinubu’s relationship with the president.
Expressing concern over what he described as Nigeria’s growing culture of sycophancy and the worship of political power, Sowore drew comparisons with developments during the administration of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
He recalled how marriages involving members of Yar’Adua’s family and serving governors attracted considerable political attention during the former president’s tenure, but argued that the public spectacle surrounding those relationships faded after his death.
Sowore suggested that the colloquium reflected a similar pattern in which proximity to political power could attract public recognition.
He questioned what Seyi Tinubu had contributed to the country to warrant a colloquium attended by prominent personalities and broadcast across major television stations.
The activist challenged the organisers and participants to consider what extraordinary public service, intellectual contribution or national achievement was being celebrated at the event.
He also questioned whether the recognition was based on merit or Seyi Tinubu’s status as the son of the sitting president.
Linking his criticism to the economic and security challenges confronting Nigerians, Sowore argued that the elaborate event was at odds with the hardship experienced by millions of citizens.
He maintained that the Tinubu administration should instead face greater scrutiny over the cost of living, unemployment, hunger and insecurity.
“At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with hunger, unemployment, insecurity, and economic hardship brought about by his father, @officialABAT, we should be having national shaming of the Tinubu regime. Sad day!” Sowore wrote.
His comments have brought renewed attention to questions about public recognition, political influence, merit and accountability in Nigeria.
Although colloquia are often organised to celebrate individuals and examine their contributions to society, Sowore’s criticism centres on the standards used to determine who deserves such recognition, particularly when the individual is closely related to a serving political leader.
The activist’s remarks also highlight the contrast between high-profile public celebrations and the pressing economic and social concerns facing ordinary Nigerians.
However, his criticism does not, in itself, establish the organisers’ reasons for holding the colloquium or determine the full extent of Seyi Tinubu’s contributions to society.
The controversy has nevertheless raised questions about the role of political connections in public recognition and whether such honours adequately reflect individual achievements and service to the nation.
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