ABUJA, Nigeria – Growing public outcry has trailed the recent activities of the City Boy Movement, a political support group led by Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, following a series of controversial distributions across the country.
The backlash reached a peak this week after viral footage surfaced showing members of the movement distributing 25kg bags of rice to motorists and pedestrians stuck in traffic. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from prominent Nigerians and social media commentators, including Dr. Kenon (@drkenon2), who described the scenes as “dehumanising and disgracing” to the Nigerian people.
“Dignity Over Rice”
Critics argue that the method of distribution—handing out food items in congested traffic—strips citizens of their dignity. Dr. Kenon’s public call for Seyi Tinubu and high-profile associates like Obi Cubana and Cubana Chief Priest to disband the movement reflects a growing sentiment that such gestures are an insulting substitute for structural economic reform.
“Well-meaning Nigerians call on Seyi Tinubu, Obi Cubana & Cubana Chief to end the so-called City Boys Movement,” Dr. Kenon posted, suggesting the group’s actions are perceived as a national embarrassment.
High-Profile Leadership Under Fire
The movement recently expanded its influence by appointing billionaire businessman Obi Cubana as its Regional Director for the South-East. While the group maintains its goal is to provide “palliatives” and “empowerment” to the grassroots, opponents view these activities as a calculated attempt to buy political loyalty ahead of the 2027 elections.
The traffic incident follows a chaotic empowerment program held earlier this month in Owerri, Imo State, where thousands of residents reportedly scrambled for items such as sewing machines and deep freezers, leading to further accusations of poor coordination and the exploitation of poverty.
A Growing Political Divide
The rise of the City Boy Movement has also triggered the emergence of a rival group known as the Village Boy Movement, which identifies with opposition figure Peter Obi. This deepening divide highlights the tension between those who see these distributions as necessary relief and those who view them as a “theatrical” display that ignores the root causes of Nigeria’s economic hardship, such as record inflation and the high cost of living.
As of press time, representatives of the City Boy Movement have not officially responded to the specific allegations of dehumanisation, though they have previously stated their commitment to “supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda” through direct intervention.
