Ken Okonkwo Slams Onanuga’s “Threatening” Remarks Against Igbos, Questions Tinubu’s Leadership

Nigerian lawyer and politician Kenneth Okonkwo condemned Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, for his controversial remarks targeting the Igbo community. According to reports from The Sun, Onanuga warned Igbos to refrain from interfering in Lagos state politics, sparking widespread outrage. Okonkwo criticized the comment as a clear threat and suggested it portrayed Igbos as “aliens” in Yorubaland.

Okonkwo accused Onanuga of fostering ethnic bigotry and questioned President Tinubu’s decision to appoint him despite his divisive views. He highlighted the contradiction between Tinubu’s earlier condemnation of ethnic bigotry and his hiring of Onanuga.

In his critique, Okonkwo quoted Onanuga’s statement: “Igbos are aliens in Yorubaland; they should never come near Lagos politics again.” He further noted Onanuga’s warning for the Igbos to stay out of Lagos politics in the future, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat: “Let 2023 be the last time of Igbo interference in Lagos politics; Let there be no repeat in 2027.”

Okonkwo argued that if Tinubu were truly committed to eradicating ethnic bigotry, as he previously claimed, he would not have chosen someone like Onanuga as an adviser. The incident underscores the persistent ethnic and political tensions in Nigeria and highlights the need for leadership that promotes unity and respect across all communities.

Okonkwo’s response serves as a call for a more inclusive and respectful political dialogue, urging President Tinubu to reconsider the impact of such divisive rhetoric on Nigeria’s path toward national unity and reconciliation.