Nigerians Question Seyi Tinubu’s Presence at CJN Swearing-In: “Is There an Office of the First Son?

Nigerians have voiced their concerns and curiosity over the presence of Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, at the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Friday. The event took place at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, where Kekere-Ekun officially assumed her role as the 23rd CJN, pending Senate confirmation.

The ceremony, which marked the transition of leadership from the former CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired upon reaching the mandatory age of 70, was attended by high-ranking government officials and cabinet members. However, it was Seyi Tinubu’s attendance that caught the public’s attention, sparking a wave of questions and opinions across social media platforms.

One user on X.com, known by the handle #BetaCountri, expressed confusion, asking, “Please, 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?”

Another user, tweeting anonymously under the handle #Ayemojubar, echoed this sentiment, “What is Seyi Tinubu doing at the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria?”

The presence of Seyi Tinubu at such a significant government event led to mixed reactions online. Some users speculated that he might be “learning the ropes” or “doing an internship” in preparation for future political aspirations, while others defended his attendance, arguing that if they were in his position, they would also seize the opportunity to observe and learn.

A Facebook user, The Philosopher, remarked, “If your father was President, I’m very sure you would be sitting in that same position or in front sef. Hypocrites everywhere.”

Similarly, an Instagram user with the handle #Adelion supported Seyi’s presence, stating, “Nigerians and the way they reason. If you intend to go far in your chosen career, you learn how it is done. These are classes someone at his level should take to understand how it is done. Nothing new.”

While opinions on the matter vary, the debate over Seyi Tinubu’s role and visibility in government affairs continues to be a point of discussion among Nigerians. Whether his presence at the ceremony is seen as a sign of nepotism or a natural part of his learning curve as the president’s son, it has certainly sparked a conversation about the influence and involvement of family members in the corridors of power.