ABUJA — Recent public assertions by Senator Dino Melaye suggesting that the majority of President Bola Tinubu’s children remain “mysteriously hidden” contrast sharply with established public records and the visible roles several of his children play in Nigerian commerce and civil society.
While the President’s marriage to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu is his most prominent public relationship, the identities and professional lives of his other children have been documented across various Nigerian media outlets and official biographies for years.
Publicly Identified Children
Far from being hidden, several of the President’s children from previous relationships occupy high-profile positions:
Far from being hidden, several of the President’s children from previous relationships occupy high-profile positions:
- Folashade Tinubu-Ojo: The President’s eldest daughter is a prominent figure in Lagos, holding the traditional and commercial title of Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, overseeing market associations nationwide.
- Seyi Tinubu: A well-known entrepreneur and the CEO of Loatsad Promedia, an out-of-home advertising firm. He was a visible figure during the 2023 presidential campaign.
- The Late Jide Tinubu: The President’s eldest son, a law graduate from the University of Liverpool, was a practicing legal professional until his sudden passing in 2017.
The President’s Children with Oluremi Tinubu
Since their marriage in 1987, the President and the First Lady have raised three children: Zainab Abisola, Habibat, and Olayinka. While these three have generally maintained a lower public profile than their older siblings, their identities are recognized in official family records.
Since their marriage in 1987, the President and the First Lady have raised three children: Zainab Abisola, Habibat, and Olayinka. While these three have generally maintained a lower public profile than their older siblings, their identities are recognized in official family records.
Context of the Claims
Political analysts note that claims regarding the “secrecy” of the President’s family often emerge during periods of heightened political friction. While the biological mothers of his eldest children—such as Bunmi Oshonaike, the mother of Seyi Tinubu—have largely chosen to stay out of the political limelight, their children’s active participation in Nigerian public life contradicts the notion of a “hidden” family tree.
Political analysts note that claims regarding the “secrecy” of the President’s family often emerge during periods of heightened political friction. While the biological mothers of his eldest children—such as Bunmi Oshonaike, the mother of Seyi Tinubu—have largely chosen to stay out of the political limelight, their children’s active participation in Nigerian public life contradicts the notion of a “hidden” family tree.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other vetting bodies require candidates to provide personal and family details during the filing process, all of which were processed during the 2023 electoral cycle without the emergence of “hidden” claimants.
