Bode George, a former deputy national chairman (south) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has warned that Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, will face repercussions for allegedly insulting former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Obasanjo, during his address at the Chinua Achebe leadership forum at Yale University on November 16, criticized the 2023 general election as a “travesty.” He pointed to Nigeria’s deteriorating state, highlighting “widespread corruption, poor leadership, and immorality,” which have fueled insecurity and underdevelopment. The former president also described the situation under the “Baba-go-slow” and “Emilokan” reigns as chaotic, with “Emilokan” referring to a phrase popularized during President Bola Tinubu’s election campaign when he asserted it was his turn to lead the country. Obasanjo also called for new and credible leadership for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore trust and prevent corruption.
In response to Obasanjo’s comments, Onanuga attacked the former president, accusing him of leaving unresolved problems for the country and presiding over the most fraudulent election in Nigeria’s history. Onanuga criticized Obasanjo for publicly sharing his views on leadership and governance, claiming the ex-president continued to blame those who served after him for Nigeria’s challenges despite his own flaws. Onanuga also referred to the flawed 2007 election, which was later acknowledged by beneficiary Umaru Yar’Adua and led to calls for electoral reforms. He suggested that Obasanjo’s tenure had contributed to the country’s current economic crisis due to poor economic choices.
However, George took issue with Onanuga’s remarks. Speaking in an interview on Nigeria Info FM, George stated that Onanuga would face consequences for ‘insulting’ an elder, pointing out that Yoruba culture does not permit such behavior. He expressed disapproval over Onanuga’s treatment of Obasanjo, noting that the former president was old enough to be his father.
“An old man who could be Bayo Onanuga’s father said something, and you took him on by blasting him right, left, and centre,” George said, adding that Onanuga had previously shown similar disrespect towards him.
George further emphasized the importance of respecting elders, stating, “Even if you want to react, the Yoruba culture does not allow that insult from him. Someday he would pay back, because there would be a day after, and that’s more important.” George also suggested that Onanuga should be cautious in his actions, as “it’s possible for him.”