Commentary: Nigerians react as Tinubu’s daughter declares self as Iyaloja General of Nigeria
Yesterday, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on her official Twitter handle declared herself as the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, a title associated with the president of all market men and women in a state or area. Her declaration has sparked a wave of reactions from Nigerians, revealing the deep-seated fears and concerns held by millions who do not support Tinubu’s presidency.
The implications of Tinubu-Ojo’s statement cannot be overlooked, by assuming the title of Iyaloja General of Nigeria, she is positioning herself as a powerful figure within the Nigerian market system, wielding influence over the economic activities of countless traders and merchants. This raises questions about the concentration of power and the rise of nepotism in the regime of Tinubu.
Nigerians who are skeptical or critical of Tinubu’s presidency are understandably alarmed by this development. They fear that this may be an attempt to consolidate power within the Tinubu dynasty, extending their influence beyond political spheres into the economic realm. This move could potentially lead to a monopolization of the market system, favoritism towards certain individuals or groups, and the suppression of competition and fairness.
The fear among those who oppose Tinubu’s presidency is that this signifies a broader agenda to centralize power and control various aspects of Nigerian society. They see it as a sign that the Tinubu family intends to establish a dynasty, where key positions and titles are held by their relatives, perpetuating a system of privilege and cronyism. This perception only deepens the concerns of those who are already skeptical about the prospects of a Tinubu presidency.
Furthermore, the timing of this announcement adds to the unease felt by Nigerians. With the recent inauguration of President Tinubu, there is a heightened sense of uncertainty and apprehension about what the future holds for the country. The declaration of Tinubu-Ojo as the Iyaloja General of Nigeria is seen by many as a symbolic move to solidify the Tinubu family’s grip on power, intensifying fears of a lack of transparency, accountability, and fair governance.
In the minds of millions of Nigerians critical of Tinubu’s presidency, the fear of a potential consolidation of power and a widening gap between the ruling elite and the average citizen looms large. They worry that if this happens to be true could further entrench the existing inequalities and hinder the progress toward a more inclusive and egalitarian society. It is crucial for the concerns and apprehensions of the Nigerian people to be addressed and for transparent governance to prevail to restore confidence and trust in the political leadership.
As the nation grapples with this development, Nigerians will pay close attention to how Tinubu-Ojo uses her new title and position. In the coming days and months, we will find out if our worries were valid or if this decision was just a symbolic act without any significant impact on Nigeria’s market system. However, Tinubu-Ojo declaring herself as the Iyaloja General of Nigeria has raised dust and brought attention to the concerns of those who are skeptical of Tinubu’s presidency. This emphasizes the importance of having open discussions and a transparent style of governance in Nigeria.
