The Traffic

Lagos Is Not for Boys Joe Igbokwe Slammed Over Controversial Comment Against Seyi Tinubu’s Guber Ambition

By Achimi Muktar

ONITSHA – A recent statement by Chief Joe Igbokwe, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has sparked nationwide outrage. Igbokwe reportedly dismissed the governorship ambition of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, on the grounds of his “tender age.” This remark has drawn sharp criticism from prominent figures, including Anambra-based British-trained lawyer, Prince Uche Darlington Okeke.

Okeke, a former Executive Assistant and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Anambra State, condemned Igbokwe's comment as discriminatory and outdated, labeling it as a “Stone Age mentality.”

“Igbokwe’s assertion that Lagos State is ‘not for boys’ is misleading and discriminatory,” Okeke said. “This type of thinking undermines young leaders and is detrimental to our society.”

Drawing from historical examples, Okeke argued that age has never been a barrier to effective leadership. “Alexander the Great conquered much of the known world by age 25. Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power at 24 and became Emperor of France at 35. Even in modern history, Bill Clinton was Governor of Arkansas at 32 and President of the United States at 43. Emmanuel Macron became France’s youngest president at 39, and Rishi Sunak became the UK’s Prime Minister at 42,” he said.

Turning to Nigeria, Okeke highlighted the significant contributions of young leaders in the country’s history. “General Yakubu Gowon was 32 when he became Nigeria’s Head of State. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu led Biafra at 33. Obafemi Awolowo became Premier of Western Nigeria at 37, and Nnamdi Azikiwe became Premier of Eastern Nigeria at 41. More recently, Peter Obi was Governor of Anambra at 46, Orji Uzor Kalu was Governor of Abia at 39, and Donald Duke led Cross River State at 37,” he noted.

Okeke concluded by emphasizing the need to encourage young leaders like Seyi Tinubu to step forward. “The future of Nigeria depends on fresh perspectives and dynamic leadership, and age should not be a hindrance to this transformation,” he said.

Igbokwe’s comment has reignited the debate on youth participation in Nigerian politics, with many calling for a shift from ageist attitudes to a focus on competence and vision. As the 2027 gubernatorial elections draw closer, it remains to be seen how this controversy will shape the political landscape in Lagos State.