Adebayo:There’s No Traditional Ruler Who Can Go To A Yoruba Gathering And Say Tinubu Is A Yoruba Man

Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo has stirred controversy following a statement about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s identity as a Yoruba man.

Adebayo made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, October 9, 2026, where he invoked the legacy of former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, to explain his position on Yoruba identity and leadership.

During the interview, Adebayo argued that traditional rulers and religious leaders would find it difficult to honestly identify Tinubu as a Yoruba man based on the standards he believes have historically defined the identity.

His comments have the potential to generate debate, particularly among Nigerians who view ethnic identity as a matter of ancestry, culture, and personal heritage rather than political beliefs or leadership qualities.

Speaking during the television interview, the SDP presidential candidate made his position clear, suggesting that the standards established by Awolowo remain an important reference point when discussing Yoruba identity and leadership.

In his words, Adebayo stated: “There’s no traditional ruler, there’s no clergy who can go honestly to a Yoruba gathering and say Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a Yoruba person because there’s a profile, Awolowo has set the standard.”

The statement represents a strong criticism of Tinubu, who is widely identified as a Yoruba politician from the southwestern part of Nigeria. By referencing Awolowo, Adebayo appeared to suggest that there are particular qualities, values, and principles associated with Yoruba leadership that, in his view, should determine how political figures are assessed.

Awolowo remains an influential figure in Nigeria’s political history, particularly in the Southwest, where he is remembered for his contributions to education, regional development, and political organisation.

His legacy continues to feature prominently in discussions about leadership, governance, and the political identity of the Yoruba people.

Adebayo’s remarks could provoke reactions from supporters of the president, members of the Yoruba community, and political observers who may disagree with his interpretation of the relationship between ethnic identity and leadership standards.

You can watch the video below from stamp time 25:14 to 25:30.

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