Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has raised eyebrows by appointing his son-in-law, Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, as the head of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), triggering concerns over allegations of nepotism.
Ojo, who is married to Mr. Tinubu’s eldest daughter, Folashade, marks the first instance where President Tinubu has chosen a family member for a position within the federal government.
The presidency, in its announcement of the appointment, highlighted Ojo’s extensive work experience spanning over a decade in the housing and hospitality industries.
Additionally, Ojo, a former member of the House of Representatives, is said to play a crucial role in the president’s initiative to revamp the management of the housing ministry.
Despite these qualifications, the decision has been met with strong opposition on social media, with critics contending that there were more qualified and deserving candidates overlooked for the role.
“Blatant nepotism is a leadership weakness. It’s unfortunate Nigerian leaders don’t see it as a form of ethical failure,” one person posted on X.
In defense of the appointment, some argue that Ojo’s familial ties with the president should not automatically disqualify him from government positions.
The controversy surrounding this appointment has intensified discussions about the ethical implications of nepotism within leadership circles.
The Federal Housing Authority, falling under the housing ministry’s purview, is tasked with the responsibility of facilitating the delivery of affordable homes throughout Nigeria.
Despite the social media backlash, the government has not issued an immediate response to the criticisms surrounding Ojo’s appointment.
