By Bayero Ade
Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (South), has strongly criticized Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s spokesperson, for his comments against former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
During an interview on Nigeria Info FM, George condemned Onanuga’s remarks as disrespectful and a violation of Yoruba cultural values, which demand respect for elders.
The controversy arose after Obasanjo, while speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, referred to the 2023 elections as a “travesty.” Onanuga fired back, accusing the former president of hypocrisy and blaming his administration for the country’s current economic woes.
George, however, defended Obasanjo, insisting that cultural norms should not be ignored. “An elder, who could easily be Bayo Onanuga’s father, made a statement, and he [Onanuga] responded with insults. Yoruba culture does not support such behavior,” George said.
He also issued a stern warning to the presidential aide: “Someday, he will pay for this disrespect. There is always a day after, and that’s what truly matters.”
The heated exchange highlights growing tensions over respect for elders and leadership values in Nigerian politics.
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