As one of Nigeria’s most notable politicians of the past three decades, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s life has been a subject of serious scrutiny by a rapacious opposition, an inquisitive media and a populace hungry for salacious news. From his politics to his parentage, humongous wealth to career and academic certificates, many secrets have been ferreted out over the years; the latest being the maternity of his only surviving son, Seyi, a University of Buckingham-trained lawyer.
Contrary to the popular belief that Seyi is the son of the former Lagos State governor and his wife, Senator Oluremi, Highlife findings show that it is a carefully orchestrated subterfuge after all; he is the product of a whirlwind liaison between Asiwaju and Bunmi Oshonike. In her heydays, Bunmi was a hot, highflying air hostess who was quite familiar with the crème de la crème of the society. And she was rich to boot. Bola, who would later become a two-term Governor of Lagos State and kingmaker of a sort in Nigerian politics, was a young, rich staff of Mobil Oil Nigeria accountant. Sparks flew when they met and started dating.
According to a source privy to the well-kept secret, “It was on one of those flights from America to Nigeria that Bunmi crossed paths with the APC leader and kindled a sizzling romance which was the talk of the town at that point. One thing led to another and she soon became pregnant with Seyi.”
Being legally married to Oluremi, and with an eye on politics, the Young Turk knew the scandal could potentially ruin his fledgeling political career. Hence, he conspired with Bunmi to have his wife – who was having issue conceiving – adopt Seyi and nurture him as her own. Bunmi then slithered into anonymity, never to be heard from or about again. Years have passed, and the product of the liaison is now a man with his own family.
While Seyi rarely puts his family out on social media, there is no mistaking that he is the son of one of Nigeria’s most powerful and wealthiest politicians. When he celebrated his call-to-bar in 2013 with an elaborate dinner at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, there was hardly any Nigerian of repute that was not present; then General Muhammadu Buhari was also there, as were several state governors and top government functionaries. Senator Oluremi stood in as the mother of the day. So, did she when Seyi got married to his half-caste wife, Layal Holm, at an elaborate wedding ceremony that held in Lagos and Milan, Italy, in 2016. Bunmi did not appear in any of the pictures from the wedding.
And it is not for lack of beauty or a compelling presence. Though the withering and wrinkles of age are quite visible, Seyi’s mother still retains some of the allure and attractiveness of her youth while the striking resemblance with her son is impeccable. She has also found spiritual solace in the Celestial Church of Christ, Ogba, Lagos, where she is a leading and respected prophetess. It is unsure whether the unwritten agreement between Asiwaju and Prophetess Bunmi also precludes their son from fraternising publicly with her.
