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| Tinubu at Alex Ekwueme Square chieftaincy event |
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Anambra State on May 8, 2025 to receive a chieftaincy title from local rulers in Awka . He joined traditional leaders at Alex Ekwueme Square for the “Dike Si Mba” honour.
At the ceremony, Tinubu smiled as he told the crowd, “I am now a bona fide son of the soil—one of you, your own son” . He said the change in title deepened his bond with Ndi Anambra.
The President then teased Governor Charles Soludo, asking him to find a plot of land for Tinubu’s retirement home after he leaves office . Crowds laughed as he added he wanted a permanent home, not just a week’s stay at Aso Rock.
Soludo’s projects in Anambra drew praise from Tinubu during the visit. He toured Soludo Fun City and the new government‑house mini‑city before the chieftaincy event .
The Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council conferred the title to salute Tinubu’s national contributions. They noted his past service, including a 2005 visit when he first earned a chieftaincy .
Tinubu’s lighthearted plea for land mixed humour with strategy. Media outlets say it may smooth relations between the presidency and South‑East leaders .
His erstwhile rival, Peter Obi, governed Anambra from 2006 to 2014. Obi has not yet publicly reacted to Tinubu’s remark .
Under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, indigeneship ties to ancestry. Section 318 states a person is indigene if a parent or grandparent hails from that state .
The Federal Character principle in Chapter 14 mandates at least one minister from each state be an indigene. It aims to promote balance and unity .
Scholars warn that unclear definitions of indigeneity can fuel division. They call for clearer legal guides to ease tensions .
Analysts view Tinubu’s gesture as symbolic. It ties him to a region vital for his 2027 reelection drive .
Others see it as a PR win for Soludo’s drive to make Anambra a tech hub, likening Soludo Fun City to Dubai and Silicon Valley .
Critics call the request political theatre. They argue leaders should focus on national challenges, not land grants .
Supporters say the moment showed unity with the South‑East. A simple joke turned into a rare show of warmth between rivals .
This jest raises questions on post‑service plans for Nigerian presidents. Few past leaders have laid out clear retirement homes or roles. Legal experts note land allocation falls under state law. Soludo alone can grant public land for a private home.
As Tinubu left, many awaited Soludo’s reply. Would the governor honour the request, or steer him to buy land like any other citizen?
APGA’s support for Tinubu until 2031 shows growing APC–APGA ties. This alliance may prove crucial in upcoming polls .
Symbolic acts like this shape political narratives. A single phrase can echo across regions and feed media cycles. Social media buzz fueled a mix of praise and critique. Some hailed it as light relief; others saw it as a land grab plea.
Only time will tell if President Tinubu secures his Anambra plot. Until then, the debate on indigeneship and retirement paths will endure.
What do you think about a President claiming indigeneship and seeking land for retirement?