Tinubu, First Lady, and Ben Murray-Bruce Pay Courtesy Visit to Baba Ijebu in Lagos, Stirring Public Reactions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by his wife, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and former senator and businessman, Ben Murray-Bruce, paid a courtesy visit to renowned Lagos-based businessman and philanthropist, Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu. The visit, which took place at Baba Ijebu’s residence in Lagos, has generated widespread attention and diverse reactions across social and political circles.

Chief Adebutu, a household name in Nigeria’s business landscape, is widely recognized for his role in the lottery and gaming industry as well as his extensive philanthropic activities. Over the decades, Baba Ijebu has built a reputation not only as a successful entrepreneur but also as a benefactor who has contributed significantly to education, healthcare, community development, and social empowerment initiatives across Lagos State and beyond. His influence spans business, politics, and traditional networks, making any high-profile visit to his residence symbolically significant.

The presence of President Tinubu at the gathering was particularly noteworthy. Lagos, often described as Tinubu’s political base and home turf, has long been central to his rise in Nigerian politics. Observers see the visit as a reaffirmation of long-standing relationships built over years of political collaboration, mutual support, and shared history. Supporters praised the president for maintaining personal ties and showing respect to long-time allies and elders, even while occupying the nation’s highest office.

Ben Murray-Bruce’s attendance also drew attention and sparked mixed reactions. A former senator and media entrepreneur, Murray-Bruce is known for his outspoken views and high-profile presence in political and social affairs. While some commentators questioned his frequent appearances at major political events, others dismissed the criticism, noting that he has longstanding personal and political ties with both Tinubu and Chief Adebutu. To them, his presence at the visit was neither unusual nor controversial, but simply reflective of established relationships among Nigeria’s elite.

Online reactions to the visit were deeply divided. Many Nigerians welcomed the gesture, describing it as a respectful visit to an elder statesman and successful businessman. Some praised Tinubu’s leadership style, noting that he does not isolate himself in power but continues to personally engage friends, associates, and supporters. Admirers of Baba Ijebu also highlighted his charitable record, pointing out his donations to schools, hospitals, and community projects, and describing him as a worthy figure of honor.

However, the visit also attracted criticism. Some voices questioned the symbolism of the president visiting a prominent figure in the gambling industry, arguing that betting and lottery businesses have contributed to social challenges, particularly among Nigerian youths struggling with unemployment and economic hardship. Others argued that the timing of such a visit, during a period of widespread economic difficulty, could be perceived as insensitive by struggling citizens.

There were also politically charged reactions, with critics accusing the president of prioritizing elite connections over addressing pressing national issues such as inflation, power supply, insecurity, and cost of living. Supporters countered these claims by insisting that courtesy visits and governance are not mutually exclusive, and that maintaining relationships does not negate the responsibilities of leadership.

Beyond politics, the visit underscored the enduring influence of Lagos power brokers and business titans in Nigeria’s socio-political ecosystem. Figures like Chief Adebutu, alongside others such as Rasaq Okoya and Samuel Adedoyin, are often described as part of an old but still powerful generation of financiers and influencers whose relevance has endured across administrations.

In the end, the visit by President Tinubu, the First Lady, and Ben Murray-Bruce to Baba Ijebu reflects the complex interplay of politics, business, loyalty, and symbolism in Nigeria. While opinions remain sharply divided, the event has once again highlighted how even a simple courtesy call can spark national debate, revealing deeper conversations about leadership, influence, morality, and the expectations Nigerians place on those in power.