Onanuga, Osinbajo, Babangida dispute heated debate over former military leader Ibrahim Babangida’s (IBB) relationship with President Bola Tinubu has erupted between Bayo Onanuga (Tinubu’s Special Adviser) and ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, spotlighting Nigeria’s complex political history.
The Dispute: Onanuga Counters Osinbajo’s Claims
At the Abuja launch of Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service (Buybooks), Osinbajo asserted that IBB “tormented” Tinubu during the military era. He referenced Tinubu’s resistance to the June 12, 1993 election annulment (BBC report), which led to the Senate’s dissolution.
Onanuga, however, dismissed this narrative during a Channels TV Sunrise Daily interview (watch here):
“Babangida inspired Tinubu to join politics. The claim he tormented him is incorrect. Tinubu heeded IBB’s call for fresh faces in governance.”
He clarified that Tinubu’s clashes with the military intensified under General Sani Abacha, when lawmakers tried to reconvene the Senate in Lagos.
Historical Context: Tinubu’s Political Struggles
- 1993 Crisis: Tinubu, then a senator, opposed the military’s dissolution of democratic structures post-June 12.
- IBB’s Influence: Onanuga stressed that Babangida’s policies encouraged professionals like Tinubu to enter politics.
- Abacha Era: Tinubu faced genuine persecution after advocating for democracy, leading to his exile.
Public Reactions & Political Implications
The Onanuga-Osinbajo-Babangida dispute underscores Nigeria’s unresolved tensions between military-era figures and democratic reformers:
- Supporters of Onanuga: Argue Tinubu’s presence at IBB’s book launch signifies reconciliation, not rivalry.
- Osinbajo’s Allies: Frame Tinubu’s past struggles as proof of his democratic credentials.
Political analyst [insert name] notes:
“This debate reflects Nigeria’s struggle to reconcile its authoritarian past with its democratic present.”
Why This Matters
- Legacy Building: Tinubu’s team aims to highlight his pro-democracy roots.
- Historical Accuracy: The dispute raises questions about retelling Nigeria’s political history.
- Unity vs. Division: How leaders address past conflicts impacts national cohesion.
For deeper insights, explore or IBB’s political reforms.
