Mixed Reactions to Folashade Tinubu-Ojo’s Independence Day Speech
October 2, 2023
Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Lagos State and the first daughter of President Bola Tinubu, received mixed reactions to her Independence Day speech. In a now-viral video, she urged Nigerians to maintain hope for a better Nigeria despite the country’s challenges, expressing her belief that “Nigeria would still work for every Nigerian.”
Her speech prompted a range of responses from netizens, with some questioning the capacity in which she addressed the nation. Others criticized her family’s political influence, while some supported her right to express her views.
One user, #codenamemarvus, commented, “Tinubu’s daughter gave her independence speech. Nigerians do not learn.”
#PO_GrassRootM added, “This is Tinubu’s daughter speaking on Independence Day. The question is in what capacity is the daughter of Tinubu speaking? Power-drunk family.”
#abbeyadenrele wrote, “Let’s await the speech of the first son too. And probably the first in-law speech will follow.”
#Alagbakenneth added, “Get hold of your family and keep their thirst for power supremacy far away from governance and the public domain. Speak of domestic issues privately and leave governance to PBAT. SMH.”
While many criticized Tinubu-Ojo for her Independence Day speech, some offered support. #nytade questioned why she was facing criticism, stating, “Why is she under fire o? Isn’t she free to give her speech as a market women leader? Did she force anyone to tune in to her speech?”
#segunjohnsonno1 wrote, “Don’t crucify PBAT’s daughter o! Madam Iyaloja general was just making fun, not giving a speech. She is happy, and it can equally happen to any person to feel happy seeing his or her parents atop the affairs of a country.”
Tinubu-Ojo’s speech highlights the intersection of politics, family influence, and public opinion in Nigeria, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the country’s citizenry.