As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks his 73rd birthday today, his life and political journey remain a subject of intrigue and debate. From his early years and rise in politics to his influential role in shaping modern Nigeria, Tinubu’s legacy is filled with remarkable achievements, bold reforms, and controversies. Here are 40 astonishing facts about the man often called the ‘Lion of Bourdillon.’
1. A Political Titan: Tinubu is the only Nigerian politician to have played a pivotal role in the formation of two major opposition parties—Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and All Progressives Congress (APC)—that successfully challenged and defeated a ruling party.
2. Governor Against the Odds: He was the only Alliance for Democracy (AD) governor re-elected in 2003, when the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) swept the South-West.
3. The Architect of Modern Lagos: Tinubu’s reforms in Lagos transformed the state into Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, increasing its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from ₦600 million in 1999 to over ₦8 billion by 2007.
4. A Controversial Age Debate: While officially born on 29 March 1952, his age has been the subject of intense debate, with some political opponents claiming he is older than reported.
5. Financial Wizardry: A graduate of Chicago State University, Tinubu worked with top firms like Deloitte and Mobil, gaining financial expertise that later influenced his governance style.
6. Supreme Court Victory: His legal battle against the Obasanjo-led government over the creation of 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos resulted in a landmark Supreme Court ruling in his favor.
7. Influence in Presidential Elections: Tinubu was instrumental in the victory of Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and later secured his own presidential win in 2023.
8. Unprecedented Political Survival: Despite numerous political battles, including betrayals and attempts to sideline him within the APC, he remained a dominant force and emerged as Nigeria’s 16th president.
9. Mentor to Political Heavyweights: Many of his protégés, including former Lagos governors Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and current governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have held key leadership positions.
10. A Rare Political Comeback: After leaving office as Lagos governor in 2007, he maintained national political relevance, eventually ascending to the presidency 16 years later.
11. Survived Multiple Assassination Plots: Over the years, reports have surfaced about attempts on his life, especially during his tenure as Lagos governor and while leading opposition movements.
12. Nicknamed ‘Jagaban’: He holds the traditional title of ‘Jagaban Borgu,’ signifying his status as a warrior leader in Nigeria’s political landscape.
13. Fought Against Military Rule: As a key figure in NADECO, he was at the forefront of the fight against military dictatorship in Nigeria during the 1990s.
14. One of the Most Decorated Politicians: He has received numerous local and international awards, including the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Nigeria’s highest national honour.
15. Master of Political Strategy: His ability to forge alliances and outmaneuver political opponents has earned him a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most formidable politicians.
16. The First Lagos Senator to Become President: Tinubu’s political career started as a senator for Lagos West in 1992, making him the first former Lagos senator to rise to the nation’s highest office.
17. Massive Economic Impact: His administration’s policies laid the foundation for Lagos to become Africa’s fifth-largest economy.
18. A History-Making Presidency: Tinubu’s election in 2023 made him Nigeria’s first president to win with less than 50% of the total votes cast since 1999.
19. Political Longevity: With over three decades in active politics, he remains one of Nigeria’s longest-surviving and most influential political figures.
20. Tinubu’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy on his first day in office led to an immediate surge in fuel prices, sparking panic buying and public outcry.
21. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) initially called for a nationwide strike over the fuel price increase but later suspended the action after negotiations with the government.
22. The World Bank welcomed the subsidy removal, stating that it would help stabilise Nigeria’s economy, which had suffered under years of excessive government spending on fuel subsidies.
23. In June 2023, Tinubu suspended Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, who was later arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged financial misconduct.
24. Emefiele’s removal was seen as part of a broader financial reform agenda, aimed at liberalising Nigeria’s currency and strengthening monetary policies.
25. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) subsequently lifted foreign exchange restrictions, leading to a significant devaluation of the naira.
26. On 9 June 2023, Tinubu suspended the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, who was also arrested on charges of abuse of office.
27. Tinubu’s administration appointed Nuhu Ribadu, a former EFCC chairman, as National Security Adviser, signalling a shift toward civilian oversight of security agencies.
28. In his first month, Tinubu dissolved the boards of all federal ministries, departments, and agencies, paving the way for a government-wide restructuring.
29. Tinubu delayed appointing ministers, despite a constitutional requirement to do so within 60 days, raising concerns about governance delays.
30. In August 2023, Tinubu, as ECOWAS chairman, advocated for military intervention in Niger following a coup, but faced opposition from Nigerian lawmakers and the public.
31. His administration faced criticism in February 2024 when he appointed his son-in-law, Oyetunde Ojo, as the head of the Federal Housing Authority, sparking allegations of nepotism.
32. On 29 May 2024, Tinubu signed a law restoring Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” replacing “Arise, O Compatriots.”
33. Tinubu’s economic philosophy, often called “Tinubunomics,” prioritises market liberalisation and subsidy removal, aiming to attract foreign investment.
34. Critics argue that Tinubu’s reforms have worsened inflation and hardship, while supporters believe they are necessary for long-term economic stability.
35. Tinubu has long been regarded as the political “Godfather of Lagos,” wielding significant influence over the state’s governance since his tenure as governor.
36. He has been accused of handpicking his successors, including Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
37. Tinubu faced corruption allegations in the U.S. in 1993, when authorities froze his assets over suspicions of drug-related financial dealings.
38. In Nigeria, he has faced multiple corruption probes, including allegations of illegal foreign accounts and questionable government transactions.
39. Despite numerous corruption allegations, Tinubu has never been convicted, and his political influence continues to grow.
40. Exile and Return: Fleeing Nigeria in 1994 due to threats from the Abacha regime, Tinubu played a crucial role in the struggle for democracy while in exile before returning in 1998.
