Nigeria: Shehu Sani Warns As Tinubu Hails Son's Turbaning in Kebbi

What the report says

Former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani has urged traditional institutions in Nigeria to avoid conferring chieftaincy titles on serving government officials or their immediate family members, saying such honours are better reserved for after public service. His remarks came after President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, was turbaned as the Dan Zakin Gwandu by the Emir of Gwandu in Kebbi State.

The ceremony took place at the Abdullahi Fodiyo Palace in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday. According to the report, the Emir of Gwandu, Muhammadu Bashar, said the title recognized Seyi Tinubu’s philanthropic work, humanitarian efforts and support for community development. The title is said to mean “Son of the Lion of Gwandu.”

Sani argued in a social media post that awarding such titles to people still in office, or to their relatives, could affect the perceived neutrality of traditional rulers and weaken the merit attached to these honours. His comments reflect a wider public debate in Nigeria about the intersection of politics, privilege and traditional recognition.

President Tinubu later congratulated his son, thanking the emir and the Gwandu Emirate Council for the honour. In a statement, he said the title should be seen as a responsibility tied to service, humility and youth engagement, and praised Seyi Tinubu’s involvement in community development initiatives. The development matters because it highlights the continuing influence of traditional institutions and the scrutiny that comes with public recognition connected to political families.