By Kelly Hassino
LAGOS, NIGERIA — A cherished photograph from 1987 captures a significant moment in Nigeria’s social and political history: the traditional wedding ceremony of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oluremi Tinubu. Held in accordance with Yoruba customs, the event marked the beginning of a union that would later intertwine with the nation's leadership and governance.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who would go on to become one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures, found a lifelong partner in Oluremi Tinubu—now a respected senator and public servant in her own right. Their marriage produced three children: Zainab Abisola Tinubu, Habibat Tinubu, and Olayinka Tinubu, each carrying the legacy of a family deeply rooted in Nigeria’s political fabric.
Prior to this union, Tinubu had three children from earlier relationships: Kazeem Olajide Tinubu (born October 12, 1974), Folashade Tinubu (born June 17, 1976), and Oluwaseyi Tinubu (born October 13, 1985). All have played various roles in both private and public spheres, contributing to the enduring influence of the Tinubu name.
Tragedy struck on October 31, 2017, when Kazeem Olajide Tinubu—fondly known as Jide Tinubu—passed away in London after a brief illness. His death was a somber moment for the family and the many who had followed his quiet but promising journey.
This wedding photograph, more than just a relic of the past, serves as a poignant reminder of the origins of a partnership that would shape a significant chapter in Nigeria’s modern history.