By Adeola Badru 

A stalwart of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has refuted claims that his criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government is rooted in hatred for the Yoruba leader.

Speaking to journalists yesterday, Ajadi emphasised that his criticism is well-intended and constructive, aiming to ensure the success of Tinubu as president.

“President Tinubu is one of our leaders in Yoruba land and his success in office is our success. I am only doing my bit to contribute to his success by providing candid feedback,” Ajadi remarked. 

He further clarified that those around the president may not be willing to provide an accurate representation of the masses’ perspective due to fear of losing their positions.

“In Yoruba land, we place high value on the truth. That is why I will continue to tell President Tinubu what Nigerians are looking for and expect from him.”

Ajadi, who was the NNPP gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State during the 2023 general elections, emphasized that his approach is rooted in a desire to see President Tinubu succeed in office, particularly as a Yoruba leader.

“I cannot hate my leader being a Yoruba man. Politics and political parties aside, President Tinubu is one of our leaders in Yorubaland, and his success in office is our success,” Ajadi explained.

Drawing from the Yoruba cultural ethos of “Omoluabi,” Ajadi argued that his criticisms are a reflection of the need to speak the truth, even to those in power. 

He invoked a Yoruba proverb that when brothers emerge from a room laughing, they have not been honest with each other, but when they frown, they have spoken the truth.

“My own way of contributing to his success in office is to consistently tell him the truth that he needs to know to succeed. Many people around him, because of their sycophancy, will not tell him such truth,” Ajadi stated.

He emphasised that the Yoruba tradition of promoting development through honest discourse is what has guided his approach. 

Ajadi pointed to Tinubu’s own role in the pro-democracy struggles during military rule, stating that he cannot remain silent when the current president may be “detracted by people who currently surround him.”

“I don’t have hatred for our President. In fact, I have love for him as a person and as our country’s president. I am concerned about him leaving a good legacy whenever he leaves office,” Ajadi said.

The NNPP chieftain expressed his desire for Tinubu’s name to be “written in gold” in the annals of Nigerian history, just like other revered Yoruba leaders. 

He argued that his constructive criticism is a means to ensure that the president’s tenure is marked by meaningful achievements that will benefit the nation.

“Even in death l, people are still talking good of the likes of Obafemi Awolowo, Bola Ige, Adekunle Ajasin, Bisi Onabanjo, Lateef Jakande, Chief MKO Abiola and other Yoruba leaders.”

“I want President Tinubu’s name written in gold after leaving office, just like the names of our great Yoruba leaders before him,” Ajadi asserted.