In a glaring display of hypocrisy and desperate political maneuvering, Olakunle Adelaja has once again launched a misguided attack on Bayo Onanuga, one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s most trusted and loyal aides. It is both laughable and tragic that Adelaja, who has done little but criticize from the sidelines, would attempt to undermine the very individual whose efforts were instrumental in securing the victory that brought President Tinubu to power. Far from being a liability as Adelaja would have people believe, Onanuga stands as a cornerstone of the administration’s communication strategy, a seasoned journalist whose loyalty, experience, and contributions have strengthened Tinubu’s government in ways that critics like Adelaja could never appreciate.
Since his days as the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Onanuga has been a steadfast voice in Nigerian media and politics, using his platform not just to advocate for the truth but to uphold the values of democracy and good governance. His entry into Tinubu’s political circle was not by accident but by merit, a reflection of his dedication to advancing Nigeria's democratic landscape. It is absurd for anyone to question his capabilities, let alone accuse him of being “unhinged” as Adelaja does, without recognizing the sheer force of political knowledge and strategy Onanuga brings to the table.
During the campaign that led to President Bola Tinubu’s election, Onanuga's role as the spokesman for the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council was nothing short of masterful. His clear, direct, and unapologetic communication style cut through the haze of political lies, propaganda, and distractions from the opposition, making the Tinubu campaign the most formidable in the race. While Adelaja and other critics may take issue with his “pugnacious and hateful statements,” the truth is that Onanuga’s candor resonated with millions of Nigerians who were tired of political niceties and demanded straightforward solutions to the country’s many challenges.
Those who found his style offensive were never supporters of Tinubu in the first place. Onanuga, ever the tactician, knew that the stakes were too high to mince words. His fearless defense of Tinubu's policies—whether on security, economic reforms, or governance—was exactly what the country needed at a time when the opposition sought to tarnish the image of a man who had already demonstrated his capacity for leadership as the Governor of Lagos State. The very fact that Tinubu's opponents often singled Onanuga out as a target of their ire is a testament to his effectiveness in delivering the campaign's message.
Adelaja’s criticism of Onanuga’s so-called “persistence in clinging to the limelight” is as shallow as it is misplaced. Onanuga’s work has never been about personal fame. His loyalty to Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) spans decades, and his contributions to the party are based on a genuine belief in the party’s vision for a better Nigeria. Onanuga does not need the limelight—his work speaks for itself. Under his stewardship, the Tinubu media team dismantled opposition propaganda, shifting the narrative back to the issues that matter most to Nigerians: security, economic recovery, and good governance.
Furthermore, Adelaja’s laughable attempt to pit Onanuga against Ajuri Ngelale, the immidiate past Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, is another instance of political mischief. While Ngelale brings his own strengths to the table, his appointment in no way diminishes Onanuga’s value to the administration. In fact, the two men complement each other, bringing together years of experience and fresh perspectives to create a media strategy that is both forward-thinking and rooted in an understanding of Nigeria’s political landscape. Onanuga's wisdom, garnered from decades of experience, remains indispensable. Where Ngelale may lack in-depth political acumen, Onanuga more than compensates with his vast knowledge of the party’s inner workings and the long-term strategic goals of President Tinubu’s government.
The notion that Onanuga is a "public irritant," as Adelaja suggests, is laughable. If anything, he has been one of the few voices in the media brave enough to challenge the opposition's lies and distortions head-on. The role of a spokesperson is not to make friends or to please everyone; it is to communicate the truth, sometimes harshly, and defend the administration’s policies from baseless attacks. Onanuga’s unwavering commitment to this task is precisely what has earned him both respect and fear within political circles. It is clear that those like Adelaja, who have no real understanding of governance, are intimidated by Onanuga's intellect and resilience.
More than just a political operator, Bayo Onanuga is a man of deep conviction and principle. His contributions to Nigerian journalism are well-known, having co-founded TheNews Magazine, a bold and investigative media outlet that stood as a beacon of truth during the military dictatorship in Nigeria. Throughout his career, Onanuga has consistently chosen the path of integrity, even at great personal cost. This is not a man who backs down easily, and it is certainly not a man who will be deterred by the unfounded criticisms of political opportunists like Adelaja.
Furthermore, Adelaja’s insinuation that Onanuga is somehow clinging to relevance in the current administration could not be further from the truth. If anything, Onanuga’s importance has only grown as Tinubu’s government tackles the numerous challenges facing Nigeria today. His insight into both local and international politics is unmatched, and his vast network of connections within the media and political sectors ensures that the administration’s message is both clear and far-reaching.
Onanuga’s defense of government policies, particularly his strong stance on the privatization of refineries, is rooted in an intimate understanding of the Nigerian economy. Unlike the scattershot critiques from individuals like Adelaja, Onanuga’s arguments are informed by decades of experience observing the pitfalls of public-sector mismanagement. His support for the privatization of critical sectors, such as the oil and gas industry, aligns with President Tinubu’s broader vision of a prosperous and self-sustaining Nigeria. Onanuga knows, as do most clear-minded Nigerians, that the days of government-controlled refineries are over if we are to meet our energy demands and boost productivity.
Moreover, Onanuga’s integrity stands in stark contrast to the opportunistic tendencies of people like Adelaja. While Onanuga has been consistent in his principles, Adelaja has made a career out of switching allegiances and pandering to whichever faction is most advantageous at the moment. This makes his attack on Onanuga not only hypocritical but deeply ironic.
At the end of the day, Bayo Onanuga remains a key player in President Tinubu’s administration, and his legacy will be one of service, dedication, and unflinching loyalty. No amount of petty smear campaigns will change that. As for Olakunle Adelaja, his attacks on Onanuga only serve to reveal his own irrelevance in the grand scheme of Nigerian politics. While Onanuga continues to contribute to the progress of the nation, Adelaja will remain on the sidelines, shouting empty criticisms that will inevitably fade into obscurity.
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