NIGERIA: Seyi Tinubu Denies Link to Online Feud, Rejects Bullying Claims

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has dismissed allegations connecting him to an ongoing social media dispute involving online personalities Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and content creator Mitchell Mukoro, also called King Mitchy.

The controversy followed claims circulating online suggesting an alleged relationship or undisclosed arrangement between Tinubu and King Mitchy after the influencer announced the renovation of a dilapidated school within six days.

Critics, including VeryDarkMan, reportedly alleged that the project was politically motivated and linked to image promotion efforts connected to the administration.

In a statement released on Instagram, Tinubu denied the claims, describing them as false and misleading.

He said: “I met Mitchy once, in a public setting, alongside others. On that occasion, I provided financial support toward her NGO activities, just as I have supported many young Nigerians and organisations working to empower our people.”

Tinubu clarified that a follow-up meeting scheduled to review the impact of the donation did not hold due to health challenges.

He said: “There has never been a private encounter, no secret arrangement, and no impropriety of any kind.”

Addressing accusations made against him, Tinubu expressed concern over what he described as attempts to drag his name into a dispute he had no involvement in.

He said: “What is deeply concerning is that a feud I did not start, and in which I have played no part, has been used as a vehicle to insert my name into a narrative without basis in truth.”

The President’s son further rejected claims of intimidation, insisting he would not be pressured by online narratives.

He said: “I will not be bullied, and I will not dignify fiction with panic.”

Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to youth development and philanthropy, urging restraint in public discourse and warning against politicising charitable initiatives.

He said: “Nigeria needs builders, not bullies. We need responsible discourse, not sensationali

sm driven by speculation.”