By Kemi Yesufu, Abuja
The world over, scions of the rich and famous come in and out of the political arena. Here in Nigeria, one place, you’ll find a good number of politicians with a silver-spoon upbringing is the National Assembly FRONTLINE NEWS ONLINE presents you with the definitive list of federal lawmakers who come from highly influential families.
Bukola Saraki
The number one man in the National Assembly is the son of Late Senate Majority Leader, Oloye Shola Saraki. Many say, the younger Saraki has made a reality, the dream of many parents, that their children surpass their achievements. Not only did Bukola govern Kwara State for two terms, he also surpassed his dad by getting elected as president of the Senate. Despite his posh background, which shows in his carriage, quite a number of people describe Bukola as a shrewd politician, who has fully stepped into his late father’s shoes as the ultimate political godfather in Kwara. Bukola, whose younger sister, Gbemi also served as a federal lawmaker in the House of Representatives and the Senate is married to Toyin, who is the first daughter one of Nigeria’s wealthy investors, Otunba. Adekunle Ojora.
Yussuff Lasun
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives is a second generation politician, with his father Alhaji Amadu enjoying much popularity in Osun State. Lasun who is representing Irepodun/Olurunda/Osogbo/Orolu Federal Constituency of Osun State has on many occasions, gotten his colleagues chorusing his name when he presides over plenary. This is because of his strict approach. The Deputy Speaker in recent months has been making consultations over his wish of contesting for the number one office in his state and he often says that aside from building his own base, he will also benefit from his father’s goodwill.
Phillip Aduda
The only senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) comes from one of the most influential families among the Gwaris, the original settlers in Abuja. His mother, Jummai was one politician, those gunning for elections in Abuja had to consult. She is credited for playing a major role in her son’s success in politics. Phillip, served in the House before moving to the Senate, where is he is half way into his second term. The young lawmaker is also married to Hauwa, who’s father once held away as Etsu Karu.
Olanrewaju Tejuosho
Though he doesn’t walk with a chip on his shoulder , the trained doctor is a prince of the dynasty of Oba Adedapo
Tejuoso, the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba. The lawmaker who chairs the Senate Committee on Health is also the grandson of foremost female industrialist, Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso. He wedded Moji, daughter of highly successful industrialist, Rasak Okoya in a lavish wedding in the 80s, that the high society still remembers.
Abdussamad Dasuki
Abdussamad Dasuki is the member representing Kebba/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto state. Abdussamad, who chairs the House Committee on Navy is the son of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki.
Aminu Shehu Shagari
The member representing Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency is President Shehu Shagari’s son. The legislator who is the chairman of the House Committee on Federal Judiciary is known for often taking a nationalistic stance on issues. He is rarely partisan and one of the well spoken lawmakers in the Green Chamber.
Stella Oduah
Simply known as princess by those close to her, the former minister of Aviation is royalty. She is the daughter of respected, traditional ruler, Igwe D.O. Oduah of Akuli-Ozizor. Aside from the success she recorded in the aviation sector, the senator’s dress sense is one thing fashionistas often discuss in admiration.
Omosede Igbinedion
She is one of the youngest members of the National Assembly. Omosede is the darling of her constituents , who regularly have kind words for her in on her social media handles. It was on her Instagram handle, that the lawmaker who is the Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on House Services recently replied one of her supporters, that she has hopes of becoming the first female governor of Edo State.
Chike Okafor
Chike Okafor is the chairman House Committee on Healthcare Services. The lawmaker who has worked his way into becoming a major stakeholder in the health sector is the son of Eze John Okafor. On the floor, the former commissioner for Finance in Imo State makes contributions that point to a pro-people disposition This is even as he is admired for his impeccable dress sense.
Funke Adedoyin
The former minister of State, Health has a surname that is synonymous with success. Princess as she is fondly called, comes from the Adedoyin family that has vast investments in different sectors. She is the Deputy Chairperson of the House Committee on Army.
Abdulaziz Nyako
Representing Adamawa Central in the Senate, Abdulaziz Nyako is also a former Naval officer like his father, Vice-Admiral Murtala Nyako (Retd). The older Nyako served as governor of Adamawa State.
Beni Lar
Beni Lar is a ranking member of the House. The articulate lawmaker who heads the Committee on Science and Technology is the beloved daughter of revered late politician, Chief Solomon Lar.
Ladi Adebutu
The member representing Ikenne/Sagamu/ Remo-North Federal Constituency is the first son of rich businessman Kessighton Adebutu, better known as Baba Ijebu. The legislator who is rumored to have governorship ambition chairs the committee on Rural Development.
Chukwuka Onyema
Chukwuka Onyema is the Deputy Minority Leader of the House. The lawmaker who doubles as the chairman of the South-East Caucus is the younger brother of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Oscar Onyema. They both are sons of former boardroom player and respected traditional ruler of Ogwu -Ikpele, Eze V.B.C Onyema.
Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje
The ranking chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Relations needs little or no introduction, thanks to her eloquence on the floor. The trendsetter has won much admiration for her diction and oratory. Her late father Capt. Elendu Ukeje who was a decorated fighter pilot once served as the chairman of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Her mother is also the well known former judge of the Federal High Court, Roseline Ukeje.
Prince Akeem Adeyemi
Prince Akeem was raised by one of the country’s longest serving monarchs, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo. The lawmakers who shares a tricking resemblance with his father represents Ajijio/Atiba/ Oyo-East/ South Federal Constituency of Oyo State.
Adedapo Lam-Adesina
The outspoken legislator is the son of the late former governor of Lamidi Adesina. Before he was elected into the House, he served the people of Oyo as commissioner of Youth and Sports. He also headed the Oyo State ministry of Science and Technology.
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