Seyi Tinubu Disowns ₦20m Donation Claim, Backs Lagos Environmental Laws
Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has denied claims linking him to a ₦20 million donation to Nollywood actress Sarah Martins’ Golden Heart Foundation, insisting he does not support actions that violate Lagos State laws.
In a statement posted on his Instagram Story on Friday, Seyi clarified that some of his friends, “moved by compassion,” had raised funds to support a woman who clashed with Lagos environmental officials over street cooking, but he was not personally involved.
“Their intention, I believe, was to help her secure a proper space to run her business, not to undermine the law. I appreciate their kindness and concern,” he stated.
He stressed that while the donors acted with good intentions, he stood firmly against any conduct that disregards the state’s regulations.
“That said, I must emphasise that while their hearts were in the right place, I do not support any act that violates the laws of Lagos State. Lagos thrives on order, and Nigeria’s strength depends on our collective respect for both our law and order. Empathy and patriotism must always go together,” Seyi wrote.
He added that Nigerians could support people in need but must do so “responsibly, in a way that uplifts lives while keeping faith with the rules and values that bind us as a community.”
His clarification followed widespread reports and online reactions after actress Sarah Martins claimed that Seyi Tinubu donated ₦20 million to her foundation.
Martins, who runs the Golden Heart Foundation, alleged that officials of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps harassed her while she cooked for charity on a street median in Lekki.
She said the officials disrupted her outreach, seized her equipment, and left her with minor burns from hot oil.
The incident drew sympathy online, with several Nigerians reportedly contributing funds to support her charity.
Announcing the alleged donation on Instagram, Martins wrote, “From the office of the President, our philanthropic youth leader, Mr. Seyi Tinubu, just supported my NGO with ₦20,000,000. He didn’t only give me ₦20,000,000 but also promised to take my free food charity outreach to the next level.”
Her claim stirred controversy on social media, as users questioned Seyi Tinubu’s connection to the donation and the mention of the “office of the President.”
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has defended its enforcement officers, insisting Martins breached environmental laws by cooking on a public road median.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said while the state encouraged charitable causes, such efforts must comply with safety and environmental standards.
“Activities must comply with the law to avoid obstructing traffic or endangering lives,” Wahab said.
