Former Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Henry Okunomo, has accused Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, of meddling in the affairs of the association, thereby weakening its core mandate.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Okunomo said Seyi’s involvement has made NANS “porous” and diverted its focus from advocating for student welfare.

“With the involvement of the president’s son in the organisation, he has done everything possible to make the association porous,” Okunomo said. “I am afraid we might not become anything useful in the organisation except for a few who have the association at heart.”

He questioned the legitimacy of Seyi’s role in the student body, stating that only students actively studying in Nigerian institutions and those who had served in the association are recognised as stakeholders.

“What is his interest in NANS? He wasn’t a stakeholder, he didn’t serve. The only thing that qualifies you is if you have served and are a student in Nigeria. If you don’t meet these criteria, you can’t call yourself a stakeholder,” he added.

Okunomo further alleged that Seyi Tinubu is using his influence to intimidate individuals within NANS, thereby weakening the organisation’s independence and focus.

His comments follow claims by newly elected NANS President, Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, who accused Seyi Tinubu of disrupting his inauguration in Abuja. Isah alleged that Seyi led thugs to the event venue, locked down the premises, and stood outside his hotel room with the intention of harming him.

Responding via Instagram, Seyi Tinubu dismissed the claims as entirely baseless and defamatory. He wrote, “Enough is enough with these fake stories and defamation of my character.” The message was accompanied by a screenshot of the report, which he labelled as “fake news.”
Sources close to Seyi Tinubu indicate that legal actions may be pursued if what they termed defamatory attacks continue.