In Nigeria, politics often feels like a family affair. Several politicians have appointed family members, including extended relatives, to key government positions, raising questions about favouritism and the thin line between family loyalty and public service.
Just recently, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke appointed his nephew and Afrobeat star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as Head of the Osun State Sport Trust Fund.
This show of ‘family-dominated government’ is stirring debate over whether public offices should be filled by loyal relatives with questionable qualifications or by competent and skilled professionals.
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Here are five Nigerian politicians who have appointed their relatives to government positions:
1. Ademola Adeleke – Osun State Governor
Governor Adeleke’s government leads the pack in being known for keeping things within the family tree.
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Davido (Adeleke David) – Recently, he appointed his nephew, who is a globally recognised Music star, as Head of the Osun State Sport Trust Fund.
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2. President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Tinubu’s political circle has often included members of his family and relatives.
3. Former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari
During his time in office, Buhari faced backlash for surrounding himself with relatives and in-laws.
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Alhaji Bashir Yusuf Jamoh – He appointed Jamoh, the father-in-law of his aide, Sabiu ‘Tunde’ Yusuf, as the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
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4. Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha
Indeed, Okorocha’s administration in Imo was a family-dominated affair.
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5. Former Ondo State Governor, Late Rotimi Akeredolu
Before his demise, Akeredolu’s administration was also accused of nepotism and favouritism following the controversial appointment of his son to office.
While some leaders view and defend these appointments as a matter of trust and loyalty, many Nigerians believe they undermine fairness and shun qualified professionals. The trend reveals that, in Nigerian politics, bloodlines matter more than qualifications.
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