Across the world, fraternities and associations have played pivotal roles in shaping leadership, advancing knowledge, and promoting human progress. From ancient guilds and philosophical brotherhoods to modern organisations such as the Freemasons, Rotary International, and Lions Clubs, fraternities have remained vital channels for mentoring, collaboration, and social development. Nigeria is no exception. Even during our university days, many fraternities and clubs such as the Seadogs (Pirates), the Eiye Confraternity, the Buccaneers, and other social and intellectual groups were founded with noble intentions to foster unity, service, and collective progress. Similarly, faith-based organisations, sports associations like football and martial arts clubs, and humanitarian groups like Rotary all exemplify the spirit of fraternity, a bond built on unity, equality, mutual respect, and shared purpose.
As defined by the French Revolution, fraternity embodies brotherhood, solidarity, and social unity among citizens. There is therefore nothing inherently wrong with belonging to a fraternity so long as it exists for the advancement of mankind and the service of humanity. I, for instance, am a proud Rotarian. Rotary International is a global fraternity of professionals committed to community service and goodwill. It is a platform where like-minded individuals come together to impact lives and make the world a better place. In the same way, many fraternities and networks, whether cultural, academic, or political, have produced leaders who shaped history, from the French Enlightenment thinkers to America’s Founding Fathers and Africa’s post-independence visionaries.
Closely observing Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from his days as the Governor of Lagos State to his current position as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, one can identify a consistent network of loyal, capable, and progressive-minded individuals who share in his vision. This enduring fraternity of progress is not coincidental. It is a deliberate outcome of a leadership philosophy that prioritises mentorship, inclusion, and the empowerment of others. Tinubu has built a formidable coalition of minds, a brotherhood of achievers bound by shared goals of development, innovation, and good governance.
Yes, some may have fallen by the wayside, but that is natural in every human network. Those who remain steadfast reflect a profound understanding of Tinubu’s ideals, courage, loyalty, and deep commitment to nation-building. History reminds us that the greatest leaders such as Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and Nnamdi Azikiwe had their own ideological movements and loyal followers. Unfortunately, many of those movements faded because they were neither formalised nor structured to outlive their founders. By contrast, globally successful fraternities like Rotary International and Lions Clubs have endured for over a century because they institutionalised their ideals and created systems that ensure continuity.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s legacy must not be allowed to fade with time or be confined to political reminiscence. His life’s work in building people, developing institutions, and fostering a culture of bold innovation must be immortalised through an organised movement dedicated to sustaining his vision for generations to come. A Bola Tinubu Club, formally registered with a clear mission, vision, and guiding principles, would serve as a living testament to his ideals. It would be a fraternity for leadership development, civic responsibility, economic empowerment, and social progress.
Such an institution would not only preserve his legacy but multiply it. Imagine if just forty percent of those he mentored adopted his spirit of mentorship and empowerment; the ripple effect would transform Nigerian society and inspire global admiration. Unfortunately, many of those he helped rise to prominence have not replicated his selflessness or audacity in creating opportunities for others. That gap underscores the urgency of institutionalising his philosophy so that future generations can study, emulate, and expand upon it.
While President Tinubu is still with us, this is the best time to document, formalise, and globalise his leadership philosophy. He should personally launch the Bola Tinubu Club, outlining its core values, objectives, and structure, so that his insights and methods are captured authentically and passed on to posterity. Every great leader leaves behind more than memories; they leave systems. Tinubu’s enduring influence on leadership, governance, and human development deserves to be systematised into a living institution that champions mentorship, inclusivity, and strategic nation-building.
History will judge not only what a man built in his lifetime but also what continued to grow after he was gone. The legacy of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the man who built men, empowered minds, and inspired courage, must therefore not be eroded. It must be immortalised, institutionalised, and sustained for the collective good of humanity. In the end, the question is not whether there is a Tinubu fraternity. The question is, what is wrong with it? And the honest answer, for those who understand the essence of fraternity, is simple. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Bola Babarinde, Former Chairman , APC South Africa
