From “Emilokan” To “Sheyi-Lokan”: A Political Entitlement Taken To Dynastic Heights, by Isaac Asabor

The political climate in Nigeria has often been shaped by power struggles, aspirations, and the belief in political entitlements. A recurring feature in the country’s politics is the emergence of individuals who consider public office as their birthright, believing that their time has come due to their family’s legacy, personal ambition, or political networks. The rise of the phrase “Emilokan,” famously coined by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which translates to “It’s my turn” in Yoruba, marked a crucial point in Nigerian political history. However, this phrase, while marking a milestone in Tinubu’s quest for the presidency, has evolved into a broader conversation about political entitlement, especially with the increasing discussions about his son, Sheyi Tinubu, and his ambitions to become the governor of Lagos State in the 2027 gubernatorial election.

While “Emilokan” symbolized Tinubu’s claim to the presidency, “Sheyi-Lokan” is now gaining traction as the battle for Lagos governorship inches closer. Sheyi Tinubu, son of the current president, is being touted by some as the anointed successor to govern Lagos State. This development raises serious concerns about political entitlement, the consolidation of power within one family, and the disregard for democratic principles in the selection of leaders.

In the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election, Bola Tinubu’s slogan, “Emilokan,” was more than just a campaign catchphrase. It encapsulated the belief that after decades of political maneuvering, loyalty to party structures, and his strategic positioning, it was his turn to lead the country. The slogan gained traction among his supporters, and while it helped secure his election, it also struck a chord with critics who viewed it as a reflection of political entitlement, a belief that power should pass to an individual not based on merit or popular demand, but based on a perceived right or seniority.

This sense of entitlement embedded in the slogan reflected a broader issue in Nigerian politics: the culture of dynastic rule and the perception that political office is a reward for loyalty, time served, or lineage, rather than a mandate earned through service to the people. While “Emilokan” may have appealed to a certain section of the electorate, it raised questions about whether Nigeria’s political system was evolving into one where leadership was determined not by public consensus but by political calculations and familial connections.

Fast forward to 2027, and the political scene in Lagos is once again being overshadowed by the notion of entitlement, albeit this time, it may likely come under the banner of “Sheyi-Lokan.” This slogan, which translates to “It’s Sheyi’s turn,” is gaining momentum as the son of Bola Tinubu, Sheyi Tinubu, is increasingly being positioned as the next governor of Lagos State. Much like his father, Sheyi is expected to be thrust into the spotlight and emerge as the chosen candidate, with his path to the governorship seemingly preordained.

This development has sparked a new wave of debate about political entitlement in Nigeria. The concept of “Sheyi-Lokan” is troubling not only because it mirrors the “Emilokan” phenomenon, but also because it brings with it the dangerous implication that leadership in Lagos State, one of Nigeria’s most influential regions, could potentially become another family legacy. The narrative is that Sheyi Tinubu, as the son of the president and a prominent figure within the political machine that controls Lagos, is automatically entitled to lead the state, irrespective of his qualifications, vision for the future, or the needs of the people.

The potential rise of Sheyi Tinubu as Lagos State’s next governor highlights a more systemic issue in Nigerian politics: the dominance of political dynasties. For decades, Nigerian politics has been characterized by the dominance of a few families and individuals, whose political fortunes are often passed down from one generation to the next. This trend has led to a situation where positions of power are seen as family inheritances, rather than opportunities for new leadership and innovation.

The emergence of Sheyi Tinubu as the likely candidate for Lagos State governor would be another step in consolidating political power within the Tinubu family. This is not an isolated case, there are several other examples in Nigerian politics where familial ties have been central to the rise of political figures. What makes the Tinubu case more concerning is the fact that the family is already entrenched at the highest levels of government, with Bola Tinubu serving as president, and the looming prospect of his son continuing the family’s political legacy in Lagos.

The focus on family loyalty and seniority rather than merit or popular choice undermines the principles of democracy. Political office should not be a birthright or an entitlement, but a position earned through public service, accountability, and a clear vision for the future. The idea that Sheyi Tinubu, as the son of the president, should be automatically considered for the governorship is a troubling sign of the growing undemocratic tendencies within Nigeria’s political system.

The increasing discussion surrounding Sheyi Tinubu’s candidacy for Lagos State governor represents a deeper issue: a governance crisis in the making. If political offices are passed on based on familial ties, rather than the popular will of the people, it signals a retreat from democratic ideals. The people of Lagos, and indeed all Nigerians, should be given the power to elect their leaders based on merit, competence, and the ability to address the pressing challenges facing the state or nation.

Political entitlement, whether under the guise of “Emilokan” or “Sheyi-Lokan”, shifts the focus of governance from the needs of the people to the interests of the political elite. When political power is consolidated in the hands of a few, the quality of leadership diminishes. This concentration of power stifles innovation, accountability, and the possibility of true democratic change. Instead of vibrant political competition, Nigerians are left with a political environment where choices are made based on loyalty and family lineage, rather than the best candidate for the job.

Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most populous and economically influential states, deserves a leadership that reflects the needs of its diverse population. It should be a state where anyone, regardless of their family background, can aspire to lead based on their abilities and vision for the future. The political landscape should not be one where power is inherited or automatically granted to the offspring of current political leaders. Instead, it should be a system that encourages free and fair elections, where candidates are chosen based on their merit, competence, and the ability to address the issues that matter most to the people.

In fact, there should be need for a shift in political culture. The rise of Sheyi Tinubu as the next potential governor of Lagos is a clear reflection of the political entitlement that has plagued Nigerian politics for years. For Nigeria to move forward, there must be a shift in political culture, a move away from dynastic politics and entitlement-based leadership to a system that is truly democratic, where leaders are chosen based on their qualifications and their commitment to serving the people.

A democracy thrives when its leaders are accountable to the electorate, and when positions of power are earned through transparent, competitive processes. Nigeria must move away from the dangerous notion that political office is a family heirloom and instead focus on nurturing a system where leadership is earned, not inherited. This shift is essential if Nigeria is to fully realize the promises of democracy, equity, and good governance.

Without a doubt, the political trajectory that seems to be shaping up for Sheyi Tinubu is a stark reminder of the dangers of political entitlement. Whether it is “Emilokan” or “Sheyi-Lokan,” both slogans reflect a political culture that prioritizes familial legacy over the democratic values that should guide leadership selection. It is time for Nigerians to demand a political system where leadership is truly earned and where the best candidates rise to the top, not because of who they are related to, but because of what they can offer to the people. Only then can Nigeria’s democracy flourish and reach its full potential.