In recent years, as the spotlight shines more on the Tinubu political dynasty, many Nigerians have found themselves asking a curious question: Who is Seyi Tinubu’s real mother? The answer may surprise those who assumed he is the biological child of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Meet Bunmi Oshonaike
Seyi Tinubu’s biological mother is Bunmi Oshonaike, a former air hostess with the now-defunct Nigeria Airways. She is the woman Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s current president, was involved with before his marriage to Oluremi Tinubu.
Bunmi Oshonaike gave birth to Seyi Tinubu, Tinubu’s only known son in the public eye, and raised him away from the limelight for much of his early life. Not much is publicly known about her personal affairs, but she is respected in her own right and is said to be a devout member of the Celestial Church of Christ.
Was She Married to Bola Tinubu?
Yes — though their marriage was not widely publicized or long-lasting. Bunmi Oshonaike and Bola Tinubu had a relationship that led to the birth of Seyi Tinubu, but the union eventually ended. Afterward, Tinubu married Senator Oluremi Tinubu in 1987, who has since been seen as the political matriarch of the Tinubu household.
Despite the separation, there appears to be a cordial relationship between all parties. Seyi Tinubu himself publicly celebrated his mother’s 60th birthday in 2019, sharing heartfelt words that affirmed their
While Oluremi Tinubu is widely known as Nigeria’s First Lady and a prominent political figure and has displayed a rare character of a good an caring mother to Seyi, it’s important to acknowledge Bunmi Oshonaike’s as the biological mother of Seyi Tinubu. Her story is part of the complex family history behind one of Nigeria’s most influential families in Nigeria
Meanwhile, Netizens often draw comparisons between Seyi Tinubu and the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu based on their facial features, beard style, and bold demeanor, which are somewhat similar. However, the tone of these comparisons tends to be mischievous or sarcastic due to a few underlying reasons:
- Speculative Banter: In Nigeria’s vibrant online culture, speculative banter and “gist” often blend fact with fiction. Some mischievous comparisons subtly question paternity or ancestry, which can stir controversy, even when unfounded.
- Meme Culture: Social media thrives on exaggeration. The comparison is sometimes just for laughs, turning a visual resemblance into a humorous or satirical meme that trends for a while.
- Ethnic Undercurrents: Unfortunately, some of these jokes ride on the edge of ethnic provocation or insinuation, especially when users are looking to stir reactions or criticize the ruling class through satire.
In essence, it’s more of a visual and political “what if” that netizens play on, often with mischief rather than seriousness.
