Key Points

• Obasanjo labeled Nigeria a “failing state” due to corruption.
• Onanuga attacked Obasanjo’s leadership, calling it fraudulent.
• Bode George warned Onanuga would face consequences for disrespect.

A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has strongly condemned Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, for his remarks against former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

George warned that Onanuga would face repercussions for what he described as a disrespectful attack on the former president.

The controversy began after Obasanjo delivered a keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, where he sharply criticized the current state of Nigeria under President Tinubu.

Obasanjo called Nigeria a “failing state,” citing widespread corruption and leadership failure as major issues affecting the country.

In his response to Obasanjo’s remarks, Onanuga dismissed the former president’s critique, asserting that Obasanjo was not an exemplary Nigerian leader.

He accused Obasanjo of presiding over what he termed the “most fraudulent election in Nigeria’s history.” Onanuga also pointed out that Obasanjo frequently blamed his successors for the nation’s challenges, despite his own shortcomings.

Bode George slams Onanuga for disrespecting elderly

Onanuga acknowledged that Obasanjo’s tenure had some positive aspects, particularly in fiscal and monetary policy management, driven by rising crude oil prices during his presidency.

However, Onanuga argued that this economic growth was largely due to the global rise in oil prices, which began in 2000 and peaked in 2013.

In response, Bode George condemned Onanuga’s comments during an interview on Nigeria Info FM, saying that such disrespectful behavior was not only a personal attack but also a violation of Yoruba cultural values.

According to a report by Vanguard, George, who is a strong advocate for traditional Yoruba customs, pointed out that Onanuga’s reaction was particularly egregious because Obasanjo is old enough to be his father.

“You don’t insult an elder like that, especially when he is someone who could be your father. What Onanuga did is forbidden in our culture. It shows a complete lack of respect,” George said.

“Even if you disagree, the Yoruba culture teaches us to show respect, especially to those older than us. No one, regardless of their status, is above cultural values.”

George further emphasized that Onanuga would face consequences for his actions. “One day, he will have to pay for this insult. There’s always a time when things come full circle. He needs to be careful as he goes about his business,” George warned.

Onanuga has previously clashed with George in the past, and George took the opportunity to remind listeners that Onanuga had once tried to disparage him as well.

“It’s the same thing he did to me when I was at Ijebu Ode Grammar School,” George said. “He insults people freely, but someday, that attitude will catch up with him.”

This latest exchange between the two prominent figures has added fuel to the ongoing political tensions between the APC and the PDP. As the debate over Obasanjo’s legacy and the current state of Nigeria continues, the personal attacks and cultural implications are unlikely to subside anytime soon.