Why Not Rename Nigeria After President Tinubu? – By Lasisi Olagunju
Last week in Abuja, two major projects were unveiled: a polytechnic and a military barracks, both named in honor of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I expected the president to decline such excessive adulation, but instead, he embraced it. In fact, he presided over the inauguration and naming of the barracks, indicating his approval.
This is the current reality for our president—everyone is scrambling to claim a piece of him. It’s a race of sycophantic gestures. If I were in his position, I’d be concerned. Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar warned of the dangers of excessive flattery, as it often masks deeper conspiracies.
Not long ago, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, demonstrated his admiration for the president by renaming an airport after him. Just months earlier, the airport had been named after Dr. Abubakar Imam, a respected journalist and pioneer. Yet, by March 2024, the name had changed to Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport. Bago explained that Imam’s name had been moved to a polytechnic, suggesting the late journalist was more of a scholar than a statesman. As I read this, I couldn’t help but wonder if Bago was trying to confirm that Tinubu is indeed a frequent flyer, deserving of such an honor. Nevertheless, the president had no qualms about it. He even attended the unveiling in Minna, less than ten months into his presidency.
Many might argue that it’s too soon for such honors. But if we are to truly appreciate our leaders, we must not wait until they are no longer with us to celebrate their legacies. Just as Washington, Lincoln, and Jackson are honored in the United States with cities and landmarks bearing their names, why can’t we do the same for President Tinubu?
It’s not just a matter of vanity; it’s about expressing gratitude to leaders who shape our nations. In Malawi, for example, the late Hastings Kamuzu Banda, who ruled for thirty years, had his name inscribed on virtually every national monument—roads, hospitals, schools, and even an international airport. His supporters hailed him as the “savior” and “father” of the nation, and after his death, Kamuzu Day was declared a national holiday to honor him.
Some might point out that it’s still early in President Tinubu’s tenure to be showered with such honors. But history shows us that leaders like Banda didn’t wait. They claimed their place in the national psyche long before their time in office ended. However, the president’s indulgence in the sycophantic gestures surrounding him raises questions about his legacy. True leadership, I believe, is earned through actions, not through a relentless quest for recognition.
Yet, as we witness these honors being bestowed upon the president, we can’t ignore the potential consequences of such flattery. When democracy deteriorates, it can slide into oligarchy, where the rulers become idols. In such a system, everyone must worship their leaders, and there’s little room for dissent.
If this is the path we are choosing, why not take it all the way? Let’s rename the country, the capital, and even our monuments in President Tinubu’s name. After all, he deserves the honor—at least, according to those surrounding him. But let’s hope that this excessive glorification doesn’t come at the expense of true leadership and moderation.
