By THE Permanent Representative of the Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity (CCDI) to the United Nations, Olufemi Aduwo, has taken aim at former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, over remarks suggesting President Bola Tinubu’s alleged ethnic bias in appointments is reflective of the Yoruba ethnic group as a whole.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, Aduwo described Lawal’s comments as “deeply unjust” and “dangerously divisive”, warning that political grievances should not be turned into ethnic condemnation.
“It is one thing to hold a political leader accountable; it is quite another to malign an entire ethnic group on the basis of political grievances,” Aduwo stated.
He argued that suggesting the Yoruba are ungrateful to political allies or prone to excluding others is not only factually incorrect but a distortion of Nigeria’s political past.
President Bola Tinubu
To illustrate, he recalled the 1980 case of Borno politician Alhaji Abdurrahman Shugaba, in which Yoruba icon Chief Obafemi Awolowo instructed Chief G.O.K. Ajayi, SAN, to legally challenge the federal government’s deportation attempt — an action driven by principle rather than ethnic allegiance.
Aduwo also cited former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s record of appointing Northerners to top national roles, such as National Security Adviser and Chief of Staff. He further noted the absence of ethnic outrage when Yoruba representation in President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was minimal.
“Ethnic identity and political loyalty are not synonymous,” he cautioned. “Blurring the line between them undermines national unity and pollutes public discourse.”
Directing his criticism squarely at Lawal, Aduwo asserted that while scrutinising Tinubu’s appointment strategy is valid, doing so by tarring the Yoruba with the same brush is both unjust and dangerous.
He pointed out that under former President Muhammadu Buhari, criticisms of Northern-dominated appointments were largely targeted at the administration itself, rather than the Northern ethnic groups.
Babachir Lawal
He also dismissed the notion that everyday Yoruba citizens benefit from Tinubu’s political patronage, stating they face the same economic hardships as other Nigerians.
“Inflation, insecurity, and a weakening naira don’t discriminate — they affect everyone, from traders in Ibadan to farmers in Kano,” he said.
Drawing from his experience at the helm of a multicultural organisation, Aduwo emphasised that appointments should be based on merit and commitment, not ethnicity or family connections.
“Positions should go to those who are qualified and dedicated — not selected by bloodline or birthplace,” he said firmly.
He urged Lawal to avoid ethnic generalisations and focus criticism where it is due — on individuals in power. Aduwo also called for an end to the recycling of old ethnic wounds, insisting that Nigeria’s future depends on healing and inclusive governance.
Reflecting on the broader context of Nigeria’s political history, he noted that although the North has produced the majority of presidents in Nigeria’s 66-year history, the region still battles poverty, insecurity, and low literacy rates.
“Nigeria’s progress won’t come through ethnic blame games,” Aduwo concluded, “but through electing competent, trustworthy leaders who can govern fairly — for all Nigerians.”
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