society
Tinubu’s Cult of Personality: A Dangerous Obsession with Self in a Crumbling Nation
Tinubu’s Cult of Personality: A Dangerous Obsession with Self in a Crumbling Nation
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
In a country battling record inflation, historic levels of insecurity, a spiraling Naira and the unchecked exodus of skilled professionals, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has chosen an odd hill to die on: HIMSELF. In less than two years in office, Nigeria’s 16th president has renamed or established no fewer than seven public institutions and infrastructures in his own name; all while STILL SERVING in office.
This is not a case of national consensus on legacy. It is not a grateful nation immortalizing a statesman posthumously. This is a living president, naming the country after himself, in real time with utter disregard for the optics, implications or precedent. It is self-glorification masquerading as patriotism.
Let’s call it what it is: a cult of personality and Nigeria is in dangerous territory.
The Self-Naming Spree: Seven Monuments of Ego
Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja
The iconic International Conference Centre (ICC), initially commissioned in 1991 by General Ibrahim Babangida for ₦240 million, was recently renovated for ₦39 billion. It now bears Tinubu’s name, despite IBB, a former military head of state, never naming it after himself. That tells you something.
Tinubu International Airport, Minna
Renamed in 2023 while the president is still alive and active in office. A move that even General Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s most authoritarian ruler, never dared attempt.
Tinubu Polytechnic, Gwarinpa
A new federal polytechnic established under his administration and promptly christened after the president. Again; by the same man still holding the pen of power.
Tinubu National Assembly Library, Abuja
A legislative initiative backed by sycophantic lawmakers to immortalize the president in a space that is supposed to serve all members of the National Assembly across party lines.
Tinubu Immigration Technology Building, Abuja
A federal digital hub developed to enhance Nigeria’s immigration processing systems is now forever linked to the president’s name.
Tinubu Barracks, Asokoro
Military facilities are traditionally named after revered generals or national heroes, often posthumously. Yet here we are, with a barracks named after a living civilian president. Not even Olusegun Obasanjo or Muhammadu Buhari, both retired generals and former heads of state, ever received that honour in their lifetimes.
Tinubu Way, Abuja (Formerly Southern Parkway)
A major thoroughfare in the capital city renamed in 2024. The timing? Conveniently mid-term. Not post-presidency. Not after national consensus. But while the president is still signing off on the budgets and appointments that keep the legislative and executive arms compliant.
No Precedent in Nigerian Democracy
Historically, Nigeria has reserved such honours for deceased leaders, post-administration recognition or exceptional statesmen whose legacy transcended political partisanship. Even Obafemi Awolowo, widely regarded as Nigeria’s most visionary leader, did not self-name roads or institutions while in office.
President Goodluck Jonathan, despite establishing 12 new universities across Nigeria, never named one after himself. Former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, known for his humility and reformist spirit, died in office and still resisted the trap of self-worship. Even Buhari, under whose administration sycophancy flourished, did not rename major national assets after himself.
What Tinubu is doing is not legacy-building; it is a narcissistic branding campaign funded by taxpayers.
A Nation in Crisis, Led by Vanity
Nigeria is in crisis. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. The inflation rate hovers near 33% as of May 2025, with food inflation exceeding 40%, according to CBN data. Insecurity still plagues northern and central regions, and over 2,000 Nigerian doctors have migrated to the UK since 2023 alone, per the UK General Medical Council.
Instead of leading with humility and focus, Tinubu is erecting marble monuments of his name in a collapsing economy.
“Leaders who are truly loved by their people don’t name things after themselves, the people do that when they are gone.”
— Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Political Analyst, Centre for Democracy and Development
The Psychology of a Name
Naming is power. It immortalizes. It dominates memory and shapes perception. Tinubu’s spree of self-naming is not just about pride; it’s a calculated effort to brand Nigeria in his image, rewriting history while still holding the pen. This is not uncommon among autocrats and populists across history.
From Mobutu Sese Seko, who renamed the Democratic Republic of Congo to Zaire and named towns and airports after himself, to Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines, who filled the nation with his family’s name, history is replete with examples of self-glorifying regimes who tried to mask repression and failure with symbolic excess.
“When a man becomes obsessed with his own name, he forgets the pain in the streets.”
— Chidi Odinkalu, Human Rights Lawyer
Where Is the National Assembly?
One must ask: where is the National Assembly? Where is the separation of powers? In theory, Nigeria practices constitutional democracy, but in practice, the legislature has become a chamber of praise-singers.
Senators who should be asking questions about the cost of renaming, the constitutional legality of branding public infrastructure with a living president’s name, and the message it sends to Nigerians are instead proposing more honorary bills.
This silence is not just shameful; it is complicity.
A Republic, Not a Kingdom
President Tinubu must be reminded: Nigeria is a republic, not a monarchy. Power resides in the people. Legacy is earned through service, not signage. If the president truly believes in posterity, let him allow future generations to decide how he is remembered and not through artificial plaques but by enduring progress.
This self-naming spree does not mask the hardship of Nigerians. It does not distract from the fuel queues, the collapsed power grid, the Naira in free-fall or the insecurity that haunts farmers and school-children alike.
Let Tinubu deliver real reform. Let him rebuild industries not just rename roads. Let him fix the education system not just rename the library. Let him be a leader for all and not just a brand for himself.
“The tragedy of African leadership is that too many men build statues of themselves in the sand while their people drown.”
— Prof. PLO Lumumba
Final Take: History Is Watching
History will remember this chapter and not kindly. President Tinubu’s self-immortalization project is an embarrassment to our democracy and a warning sign for our future. If unchecked, it could set a dangerous precedent for future leaders to elevate ego over service.
Let us be clear: this is not legacy. It is vanity. And vanity has no place in a nation gasping for breath.
The people must speak. Civil society must resist. The media must spotlight. Because if we let this slide, we’re not just enabling one man’s obsession; we are surrendering the dignity of the republic itself.
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
Benue, Kwara Killings: Primate Ayodele Warned But They Never Listened
When Nigerians started celebrating after the United States launched an attack against terrorists in Nigeria on December 25, 2025, Primate Ayodele stood out when he said the nation shouldn’t celebrate yet because there would be reprisal attacks.
Many quickly lashed out at him, calling him all sorts of names like prophet of doom, fake prophet, bet9ja prophet, to mention but a few. However, the prophet stood his ground and continued to warn President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his team that terrorists are planning to attack some Nigerian states.
His words after the US-led attack were:
“Nigerians shouldn’t celebrate yet, and President Tinubu shouldn’t celebrate either, because the powerlessness of his government is getting exposed, and America can come up with anything against him. This won’t stop kidnapping or insecurity in Nigeria.
“The government of Nigeria must work on it because the US cannot do it without the Nigerian government.
“Another bombing is coming up, and these bandits are ready for the consequences. They are also ready to counter-attack heavily; the government must get prepared for the outcome.”
Many didn’t know that Primate Ayodele isn’t a prophetwhot just speaks for attention’s sake, he speaks as directed by the most high God, and that’s why he is always fearless in his approaches. Even though the presidency celebrated it, he called their attention to some plans of terrorists across the country.
It’s been barely two months after the attack by the United States, and the country is back to more folds of insecurity across the country. Bandits have launched full-fledged attacks on the nation, killing several innocent souls without being checked or arrested.
If only security operatives listened to Primate Ayodele’s warning, he vividly mentioned some of the states that bandits orterroristst would be visiting. He shared them in a public forum at least twice, including in video recordings, but we wonder what these security operatives do with sensitive messages like this.
In one of the prophetic moments, he mentioned about eight states that will be attacked by terrorists if care isn’t taken.
“These states, Nasarawa, Abuja, Ondo, Kaduna, Sokoto, Benue, Katsina, Yobe, should be paid close attention to. They should deploy more soldiers to these states.”
Just yesterday in Benue, inn Benue State, 17 people, including a Mobile Police officer, were killed when gunmen attacked the Abande market in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area. Gunmen opened fire on traders and residents, killing many on the spot. Police spokesperson in Benue State, Udeme Edet, confirmed the attack.
In Katsina, In Katsina State, at least 20 residents were killed when bandits stormed Doma community in Tafoki Ward, Faskari Local Government Area.
Witnesses said the attackers moved unhindered, shooting villagers and setting houses and vehicles ablaze before fleeing. Faskari Local Government Chairman Surajo Aliyu confirmed the incident, describing it as a deadly reprisal and the worst in recent months.
In Kwara, too, Primate Ayodele had said earlier before now, just after the Eruku incident, that he still sees attacks in the state.
In fulfilment of this, bandits killed at least 10 villagers in Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area. The attackers, reportedly operating from the Borgu National Park forest in neighbouring Niger State, invaded the communities around 6.00 pm, firing sporadically and setting houses ablaze.
Sincerely, all of these could have been avoided if they had listened.
society
Prophet Genesis extends heartfelt condolences on the transition of beloved Nollywood actress Aunty Ajara to eternal glory.
Prophet Genesis extends heartfelt condolences on the transition of beloved Nollywood actress Aunty Ajara to eternal glory.
I received the news of Aunty Ajara’s passing with great shock and sadness. At 25, her passing is particularly painful, and her loving presence will be deeply missed. My beloved Aunty Ajara arrived and made a lasting impression despite the inevitability of death.
The demise of this remarkable Ajara has deprived her family and the entire Nollywood industry of a profoundly resourceful and distinguished sister.
As mortals, we acquiesce to the divine will of the Almighty. I join the esteemed members of the Nollywood entertainment industry in acknowledging the Almighty’s greatness in our lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family during this period of mourning.
I offer my condolences and prayers, beseeching God Almighty to grant her gentle soul eternal peace and imbue her family with the fortitude necessary to cope with this irreparable loss.
May her gentle soul find comfort in the Lord Amen!
COURT ADJOURNS PROCEEDINGS AGAIN AS FOPCHEN MAINTAINS CALL FOR MORAL REBIRTH
Proceedings in the ongoing court case involving Oyewale Olufemi Ezekiel resumed today at the High Court of Ogun State, Ota Division, following the last adjournment on July 30, but were once again adjourned.
At the resumption, the court addressed pending procedural and legal matters arising from earlier sessions. However, after brief proceedings, the presiding judge adjourned the case, citing the need for further consideration of issues before the court. The matter was subsequently adjourned till March 24, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
The case, which has continued to draw public attention, revolves around multiple counts preferred against the defendant under existing Nigerian laws. Since its commencement, the matter has witnessed a series of adjournments, largely due to legal objections, documentation reviews, and procedural deliberations.
Reacting to the fresh adjournment, the Foundation for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage in Nigeria (FOPCHEN) reiterated its position that the case underscores broader concerns about moral values in contemporary society. The organisation restated its call for a moral rebirth, urging stakeholders to look beyond the courtroom and address what it described as a growing erosion of cultural and ethical standards.
FOPCHEN emphasised that while it respects the judicial process and the right of all parties to fair hearing, society must also engage in meaningful dialogue around values, responsibility, and cultural identity.
As the court awaits the next adjourned date of March 24, 2026, the case continues to spark discussion on the intersection of law, culture, and morality in Nigeria, with observers keenly watching how the legal process unfolds.
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