Onanuga Clarifies Tinubu’s Influence Over Osinbajo

The Relationship Between Tinubu and Osinbajo Explored

In response to former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s remarks, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, clarified that former military President Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) was an inspiration, not a tormentor, to President Tinubu.

Osinbajo, while reviewing Babangida’s autobiography “A Journey in Service” at its recent launch, humorously suggested that Tinubu, who had been “tormented” by the military regime, including Babangida, was now honoring one of his former adversaries.

Onanuga countered this portrayal, stating that Babangida’s call for new-breed politicians in the late 1980s and early 1990s motivated technocrats like Tinubu to enter politics. He emphasized that Tinubu’s actual challenges with the military began under General Sani Abacha’s regime, not Babangida’s.