Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has appointed his son-in-law, Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, as the head of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), marking his first selection of a relative for a federal government position. Ojo, married to Tinubu’s eldest daughter, Folashade, brings over a decade of experience in housing and hospitality, along with previous service as a member of the House of Representatives.
This decision has ignited debate, with critics on social media highlighting concerns of nepotism and questioning the merit of his appointment over potentially more qualified candidates. Despite the backlash, some defend Ojo’s appointment, arguing that his familial ties to the president should not disqualify him from government roles.
The appointment aims to contribute to the president’s efforts to revamp the housing ministry and the FHA’s mission to provide affordable housing in Nigeria. The government has yet to respond to the criticisms regarding Ojo’s appointment.
While the appointment of family members to government positions is a complex issue with no one-size-fits-all solution, striving for a balance between meritocracy and preventing nepotism is vital for the health of democracies across Africa. Ensuring that leadership and public service positions are accessible to all, based on ability and dedication, is crucial for the continent’s future prosperity and stability.
