Nigeria, May 20 -- When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu embarked on his recent official visit to Rome for the historic inauguration of Pope Francis XIV, it was expected to be a moment of international diplomacy and global recognition for Nigeria. Instead, what should have been a proud moment for the country was overshadowed by controversy at home. Surprisingly, the source of the backlash was not the President's policies or diplomatic moves, but the mere presence of his son, Seyi Tinubu, who was seen in his entourage.

Across media platforms, particularly social media, the younger Tinubu was lambasted by critics who claimed he had no business accompanying his father on an official trip, especially one of international importance. Allegations f...