Across Nigeria, the children of well-known political figures are increasingly following in their parents’ footsteps, assuming important roles in both state and national government.
Notably, after his inauguration on November 12, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo appointed Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, the son of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, as the new Commissioner for Health-designate.
Here are some other children of influential Nigerian politicians who are making their mark in public service.
Adams Oshiomhole, a former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president and Edo State governor, is a current senator representing Edo North. His son, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, earned his MBBS from Ahmadu Bello University and a Master’s degree in Public Health. He was recently appointed as the Commissioner for Health-designate in Edo State.
Olusegun Obasanjo, a two-time Nigerian leader, first as a military head of state and later as a democratically elected president, has seen his daughter, Iyabo Obasanjo, follow his political path. Iyabo served as a senator for Ogun Central from 2007 to 2011, after holding the position of Ogun State Commissioner for Health from 2003 to 2007.
Nasir El-Rufai, who served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory and later as governor of Kaduna State, has seen his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, rise through political ranks. Mohammed served as Senior Legislative Aide and Chief of Staff to Senator Uba Sani, and is now a lawmaker in the House of Representatives.
Musiliu Obanikoro, a former senator and High Commissioner to Ghana, saw his son Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro enter politics as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Eti-Osa Federal Constituency.
Ifeanyi Okowa, the former Governor of Delta State, has seen his daughter, Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, start her public service career as a Senior Special Assistant on Girl-Child Empowerment. In 2023, she was elected into the Delta State House of Assembly.
James Ibori, a former governor of Delta State, is the father of Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, who now represents the Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
David Mark, a retired brigadier general and former Nigerian Senate president, has a daughter, Blessing Onuh, who is currently a member of the House of Representatives, representing the Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency in Benue State.
Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, the son of the late former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, is a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ogbomosho Federal Constituency. He also chairs the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) in the 10th National Assembly.
Olusegun Osoba, who twice served as Governor of Ogun State, has seen his son, Olumide Osoba, continue the family’s political legacy. Olumide is currently a Federal Representative for the Abeokuta North/Obafemi-Owode/Odeda constituency.
These families exemplify the ongoing political influence and legacy that continue to shape Nigerian governance, with the next generation stepping up to leadership roles across the country.
