The Community Auxiliary Development for Effective Transformation Network (CADETN) has addressed the controversy surrounding a guard of honour held for Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, stating that the gesture was a standard protocol for welcoming dignitaries to its events.
The viral video of Seyi inspecting a guard of honour during the CityBoy Youth Empowerment Program in Ogun State sparked criticism, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar describing the gesture as a “serious breach of military tradition” and calling for an investigation.
In a statement on Monday, the Corps Commander of CADETN, Josh Fatoye, clarified that the honour was not exclusive to Seyi Tinubu and was extended to all dignitaries at the event, including the Minister of Youth Development, the Minister of Digital Economy, the President’s Personal Assistant on Special Duties, and Senior Special Assistants to the President on Citizenship & Leadership and Digital Communications.
“As a youth uniformed volunteer organization, we want to set the record straight and clear misconceptions about the Guard of Honour,” Fatoye said. “The honour was part of our standard protocol to welcome dignitaries to the event, and it was extended to many others, including the Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor and other notable attendees. This was not exclusive to Seyi Tinubu.”
Fatoye also emphasized that CADETN operates as a youth-focused, uniformed voluntary organization similar to Man O’ War and Peace Corps, and has no affiliation with the Armed Forces.
“The CADETN is not a military outfit and is not in any way linked to the Armed Forces. It is a voluntary organization that operates like Man O’ War, Peace Corps, Royal Ambassadors, WAI Brigade, and other similar uniformed organizations,” he explained.
Addressing concerns about the use of military paraphernalia or weapons, Fatoye dismissed such claims as “false and misleading.”
“No ammunition or military equipment was used during the guard of honour,” he said. “The rifles seen in the video were wooden dummy rifles crafted for ceremonial purposes, as is common among youth uniform organizations. Any real weapons visible in the footage belonged to the security personnel accompanying the dignitaries, not the organization.”
Fatoye urged critics to avoid spreading misinformation, reiterating that CADETN’s activities are strictly within the framework of a youth-oriented, voluntary organization dedicated to empowering young people.
