President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was notably absent at the burial of his elder brother, Pa Oladejo Sangodele, in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, last week, prompting speculation among family members and locals.
Instead, the President sent his nephew, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, to represent him at the somber event, a move sources close to the family say was deliberate to avoid drawing attention to his health or political concerns.
Pa Sangodele, a respected community figure, passed away at the age of 82 after a brief illness. His funeral, attended by prominent Osun indigenes, traditional leaders, and political allies, was expected to draw the President, given the cultural significance of such events in Yoruba tradition. However, Tinubu’s absence fueled whispers about his whereabouts and well-being, especially amid ongoing national challenges.
A family source, speaking anonymously, revealed that Tinubu’s decision was strategic.
“The President didn’t want his presence to raise questions about his health or spark political debates at a time when the country is grappling with economic issues,” the source said. “Sending Oyetola, a trusted ally and former Osun governor, was a way to honor the family while keeping things low-key.”
Oyetola, who arrived with a modest entourage, delivered a heartfelt tribute on behalf of the President, extolling Pa Sangodele’s legacy as a unifying figure. He also donated generously to the family and community, a gesture locals appreciated but did little to quell curiosity about Tinubu’s absence.
Speculation on social media platforms like X has been rife, with some users suggesting the President’s absence could be linked to security concerns or a packed schedule, while others hinted at deeper political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections. “Tinubu missing his brother’s burial is unusual. Is it health, politics, or something else?” one X post read.
The Presidency has not officially commented on the matter, but aides have dismissed rumors about Tinubu’s health, insisting he is focused on governance.
Meanwhile, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, who attended the burial, praised the Sangodele family’s contributions to the state, steering clear of the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s absence.
As Nigerians continue to debate, the incident underscores the delicate balance between personal obligations and public perception for a leader navigating a complex political landscape.
For now, the President’s decision to delegate representation to Oyetola has kept the focus on Pa Sangodele’s legacy, even as questions linger.
