Debate Over Ethnic Representation in Tinubu’s Appointments intensifies as List of Yoruba Appointees Circulates
posted 12th April 2025
Debate Over Ethnic Representation in Tinubu’s Appointments intensifies as List of Yoruba Appointees Circulates
Abuja 11 April 2025 – A social media post listing 88 Yoruba individuals appointed to significant positions under Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has sparked renewed debate over ethnic representation in his administration.
The post, shared on the social media platform X, has drawn attention amid ongoing criticism that Tinubu’s appointments may reflect ethnic bias, a claim the Nigerian Presidency has repeatedly denied.
Wakili’s post, published on 10 April 2025, details a comprehensive list of Yoruba individuals holding key roles in Tinubu’s government. Among those named are Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff, Wale Edun as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and Kayode Egbetokun as Inspector General of Police. The list also includes high-profile positions such as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Michael Cardoso. Wakili noted that the list was not exhaustive, stating, “These are the ones I could recall, but there are more,” and added that Sunday Dare, a Special Adviser on Media, would not be returning to his role.
The post has reignited discussions about the ethnic composition of Tinubu’s appointees, with some users pointing out additional names omitted from the list. For instance, a commenter, Queen Bee, mentioned Taiwo Oyedele, a tax official, while another user, ENGR. A.S. Adamu, highlighted the absence of the Attorney General of the Federation and the Principal Private Secretary to the President, Muri Okunola, both of whom hail from Lagos, a Yoruba-dominated region. Adamu further noted the unprecedented concentration of key financial roles—President, Central Bank Governor, Finance Minister, and Accountant General—all from Lagos, a first in Nigeria’s history.
This controversy comes on the heels of the Nigerian Presidency’s apology for errors in a previously published list of federal appointments, which was intended to counter allegations of ethnic bias. The Presidency acknowledged inaccuracies in the document and committed to releasing an updated version. The initial list was released in response to claims by Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, who accused Tinubu of violating the federal character principle enshrined in Section 14 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates equitable representation across the country’s diverse ethnic groups.
The Nigerian government has since reaffirmed its commitment to national unity and fair representation. In a statement on 11 April 2025, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) refuted claims of “lopsidedness” in appointments, emphasising that all selections adhere to the federal character principle. The statement underscored President Tinubu’s belief in Nigeria’s unity and his dedication to ensuring all regions and demographics are adequately represented.
However, the circulation of Wakili’s list has fuelled further scrutiny. Critics, including the League of Northern Democrats (LND), have previously accused Tinubu of favouring Yoruba individuals in key positions, particularly following the reconstitution of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) board. The LND warned that such patterns could undermine national unity and democratic governance.
On the other hand, supporters of Tinubu argue that his appointments are merit-based. The Presidency has maintained that selections are guided by “merit, integrity, geographical spread, and demonstrable capacity to serve the Nigerian people,” as stated in a response to Senator Ndume’s criticisms earlier this month.
The debate over ethnic representation in Tinubu’s administration is unlikely to subside soon, as Nigerians continue to grapple with the balance between meritocracy and equitable representation in a country with deep ethnic and regional diversity.
