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Son Of The Lion – Seyi Tinubu’s New Royal Title Draws Shehu Sani’s Rebuke
Son Of The Lion – Seyi Tinubu’s New Royal Title Draws Shehu Sani’s Rebuke
President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi, has been conferred with the traditional title of Dan Zaki Gwandu, meaning Son of the Lion of Gwandu, by the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, in Kebbi State.
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has questioned the propriety of conferring traditional titles on serving government officials and members of their immediate families, arguing that such recognition should come after they leave office.
The Emir describes the conferment as the first of its kind in the history of the Gwandu Emirate, with the recognition linked to Seyi’s philanthropic activities and community development initiatives.
President Tinubu congratulates his son, acknowledges his involvement in youth engagement and empowerment, and urges him to uphold the values of courage, humility, leadership and service.
November 12, () – President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi, has received the traditional title of Dan Zaki Gwandu, meaning Son of the Lion of Gwandu, from the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, in Kebbi State, but the conferment has drawn criticism from former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, who questioned the propriety of traditional rulers honouring serving political office holders and members of their families.
Seyi was turbaned on Wednesday at the historic Abdullahi Fodiyo Palace in Birnin Kebbi. The Emir described the conferment as the first of its kind in the history of the Gwandu Emirate.
President Tinubu subsequently congratulated his son, thanking the Emir and the Gwandu Emirate Council for the recognition.
However, Sani expressed reservations about the practice of conferring traditional titles on serving public officials and their immediate family members, arguing that such honours should be bestowed after they have left office.
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In a post on his social media account, the former senator said: “People in Government and their family members should not be given traditional titles until they leave office; then they can be appreciated for their service with a title. That’s my opinion.”
Sani’s comment followed the conferment on Seyi, whose father is the incumbent President, bringing renewed attention to the relationship between traditional institutions, political influence and the recognition of individuals connected to those in public office.
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The former lawmaker, however, presented his position as a personal opinion on the appropriate timing of such honours.
Tinubu Congratulates Son
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and published on the Presidency’s official platforms, Tinubu expressed gratitude to the Emir of Gwandu and the emirate council for recognising his son.
The President said the honour represented more than personal recognition, describing it as a reflection of the enduring bonds of friendship, mutual respect and unity among Nigeria’s diverse peoples.
He also acknowledged Seyi’s involvement in youth engagement, community development and empowerment initiatives, particularly through the City Boy Movement and other programmes supporting young Nigerians.
“As a father, I am pleased to see my son recognised by a traditional institution with such a distinguished history. But I also remind him that every honour comes with responsibility”, the President said.
Tinubu added that the title carried expectations of courage, leadership and service, urging his son to remain humble and dedicate himself to the well-being of others.
“The title of Dan Zaki Gwandu carries the values of courage, leadership and service. I urge him to live up to those values, remain humble and continue to dedicate himself to the well-being of others”, he said.
The President also acknowledged the importance of traditional institutions in preserving the country’s cultural heritage and promoting national cohesion.
“Our traditional institutions remain important custodians of our history, culture and national unity. I thank the Emir of Gwandu and the good people of Kebbi State for extending this honour to my son”, Tinubu said.
He urged Seyi to regard the title as a call to deepen his commitment to youth development, peaceful coexistence and national service, while wishing him wisdom, humility and strength in discharging the responsibilities associated with the honour.
Why Emir Honoured Seyi
The Emir of Gwandu cited Seyi’s philanthropic activities, benevolence and contributions to community development as reasons for the conferment.
According to reports on the ceremony, the traditional ruler said the recognition acknowledged Seyi’s commitment to humanitarian causes, support for the less privileged and efforts to improve the lives of members of society.
The Emir also described the conferment as the first of its kind in the history of the Gwandu Emirate.
The ceremony took place during a visit by leaders of the City Boy Movement, a political support organisation associated with Seyi, to Kebbi State.
The movement has been involved in youth mobilisation and empowerment activities, with Seyi playing a prominent role in its engagements.
Another Traditional Honour
The latest recognition is not the first traditional title conferred on Seyi Tinubu.
In December 2025, he was installed as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, at a ceremony in Oyo town.
The installation attracted public attention, particularly because of Seyi’s position as the son of the President and his involvement in youth mobilisation and empowerment activities.
His latest recognition in Kebbi adds to his growing association with traditional institutions beyond his immediate home region.
The Gwandu Emirate
The Gwandu Emirate is one of the historic traditional institutions in Northern Nigeria, with its origins in the 19th-century Sokoto Jihad and the establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate.
It was founded by Abdullahi dan Fodio, a younger brother of Sheikh Usman dan Fodio, who led the movement that culminated in the establishment of the caliphate.
The Abdullahi Fodiyo Palace in Birnin Kebbi, where Seyi received the title, is named after the emirate’s founding figure.
The emirate remains an important traditional institution in Kebbi State, with the Emir serving as custodian of its historical, cultural and religious heritage.
While Tinubu has welcomed his son’s recognition and urged him to embrace the responsibilities attached to the title, Sani has maintained that traditional honours for serving public officials and their immediate families should wait until they leave office.
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