Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, has expressed serious concern over the growing trend of politicians promoting their children to take over available elective positions in the country.
Olusi described the development as “unhealthy and alarming,” for the growth and development of democracy, stressing that it signals a dangerous shift in Nigeria’s political culture, where public office is increasingly treated as an inheritance rather than a calling.
Olusi, who stated these against the back drop of happenings ahead of the contest in the upcoming Local Government elections in Lagos, noted that this was part of the major crisis in Nigeria’s democracy.
In the words of Olusi; “This is something we must urgently address in the country. My father did not bring me into politics. In our time, your career was determined by your own interests or societal contribution and not because your parents were politicians.
“In Lagos, at least, three prominent figures in politics are currently backing their sons for elective positions on Lagos Island. Among them are former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and former Vice Chairman, Yemisi Coker.
“In the 2nd and 3rd Republics, this was not so common. We were the ones who asked Awolowo’s son, Oluwole, to serve as a councillor, and even then, his father declined. Now, things have changed drastically,” he stressed.
Olusi noted that this new trend was as a result of the perception that politics is now a pathway to wealth, adding that everyone now wants their children to become Honourables and Chairmen because they see politics as a money-making venture.
He said; “That’s where we have all gone wrong.”
Olusi blamed this shift on the legacy of military rule, particularly under General Ibrahim Babangida’s administration, which, he noted, handed power to those primarily motivated by financial gain as against public service.
The GAC chairman also criticized the increasing practice of aspiring politicians offering money for endorsements despite lacking any record of community leadership or civic engagement.
According to him; “Anyone who wants to serve should have a clear track record—from school to their community. But, these days, someone embezzles funds and the next advice they get is to run for office”.
Olusi appealed to the media to spotlight these issues and educate the public on the long-term dangers of political dynasties eroding the integrity of grassroots governance.
