Dele Momodu Slams Adams Oshiomhole’s Divisive Remarks: ‘I Was Embarrassed by My Big Brother

Dele Momodu, a well-respected Nigerian journalist and political figure, has voiced his disappointment over recent public comments made by Adams Oshiomhole. According to Momodu, Oshiomhole’s remarks were not only divisive but also out of character for someone with his stature and influence. The once unifying figure in Nigerian politics, Oshiomhole, left Momodu feeling deeply embarrassed by his latest statements.

The controversy centers around Oshiomhole’s suggestion that a political candidate should be disqualified based solely on their inability to speak a particular language. For Momodu, such rhetoric is outdated and harmful, especially in a diverse nation like Nigeria. He argues that leadership qualifications should hinge on a candidate’s capability, contributions to nation-building, and integrity, rather than on their linguistic or ethnic background.

Reflecting on Oshiomhole’s comments, Momodu stated, “I watched my big brother, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. I was embarrassed.” He found it scandalous that Oshiomhole would propose disqualifying a candidate simply because they couldn’t speak a specific language. For Momodu, such criteria are irrelevant when assessing a candidate’s suitability for public office. The focus, he believes, should be on the individual’s achievements, character, and contributions to governance.

Momodu further challenged the logic behind Oshiomhole’s argument, asking, “What has [the candidate] contributed to nation building? Is he capable or incapable? Is there any reason or scandal that would disqualify him from being voted for?” These rhetorical questions highlight the flaws in using language proficiency as a criterion for political eligibility. For Momodu, the most important considerations are a candidate’s clean record and their significant contributions to the country’s development.

Beyond the specific incident, Momodu expressed concern about the broader implications of such divisive rhetoric. He noted that in a state like Edo, where multiple languages are spoken, it is unreasonable to disqualify someone based on their fluency in one particular language. “So, for me, what Comrade did yesterday was in bad taste. He should have campaigned for their own candidate in APC,” he added. This statement underscores Momodu’s belief that political debates should center on policy and capability, rather than on exclusionary and divisive criteria.