Chief Joe Igbokwe, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has brought controversy with his recent remarks about Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that Seyi should not run for Lagos State governor due to his young age, describing the state as “not for boys” as reported by VANGUARD.
This comment has drawn criticism from notable figures, including Prince Uche Darlington Okeke, a British-trained lawyer and former aide to the Anambra State governor.
Okeke strongly condemned Igbokwe’s statement, calling it discriminatory and outdated and argued that such thinking undermines the abilities of young leaders and hinders societal progress.
Okeke highlighted historical and contemporary examples of young leaders who made important impacts and mentioned figures like Alexander the Great, who conquered vast territories at 25, and Napoleon Bonaparte, who rose to power at 24.
Modern leaders like Emmanuel Macron, who became France’s president at 39, and Rishi Sunak, who became the UK’s prime minister at 42, were also cited as examples.
In Nigeria, Okeke pointed to leaders like Yakubu Gowon, who became head of state at 32, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who led Biafra at 33, other young leaders include Obafemi Awolowo, who became Premier of Western Nigeria at 37, and Orji Uzor Kalu, who became Abia State governor at 39.
“Joe Igbokwe’s recent comment that Seyi Tinubu is not fit to lead Lagos State because the State is not for boys is not only misleading but also discriminatory and an awful thinking of the past and stone age. This kind of thinking is detrimental to our society, as it undermines the potential of young leaders.”
“History has shown us that age is neither a barrier, nor a determining factor in leadership. There are numerous examples of young leaders who have made significant impacts globally.”
“In Nigeria, young leaders like General Yakubu Gowon was 32 years as Nigeria’s Head of State. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was 33 years old when he declared the independence of Biafra and subsequently led the Biafran forces. Obafemi Awolowo became the Premier of Western Nigeria at 37. Nnamdi Azikiwe became the Premier of Eastern Nigeria at 41. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan became the Governor of Bayelsa State at 43 and President of Nigeria at 53.″
“Peter Obi became the Governor of Anambra State at the age of 46 in 2007. Orji Uzor Kalu became the Governor of Abia State at the age of 39 in 1999 and Donald Duke became the Governor of Cross River State at the age of 37 in 1999,” he said.