SDP presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo criticises Bola Tinubu over Yoruba values, arguing that the president falls short of the omoluabi ideal
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over what he described as a failure to reflect traditional Yoruba values, arguing that the president does not meet the standard associated with the omoluabi ideal.
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Adebayo made the remarks on Friday, October 9, 2026, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Inside Sources, where he compared Tinubu’s leadership and conduct with those of prominent Yoruba figures from previous generations.
The SDP candidate cited the late nationalist and statesman Obafemi Awolowo, former Western Region governor Adesoji Aderemi and former Premier of the Western Region Ladoke Akintola as examples of leaders whose public conduct, in his view, represented a higher standard.
“Tinubu does not behave like a Yoruba person, he doesn’t have that omoluabi character,” Adebayo said.
The term omoluabi is commonly associated with Yoruba ideals such as integrity, responsibility, respect, honour and good character. Adebayo argued that Tinubu’s conduct did not align with the values he believes should guide leadership.
During the interview, Adebayo questioned whether traditional rulers, Afenifere leaders or members of the clergy would describe Tinubu as an example of the Yoruba character he was discussing.
“There is no traditional ruler, Afenifere or clergy who can honestly go to a Yoruba gathering and say that Bola Tinubu is a Yoruba person,” he said.
He also referred to the quality of political leadership during Nigeria’s Second and Third Republics, arguing that the country’s political history offered examples against which contemporary leaders could be assessed.
According to Adebayo, the legacy of past leaders should serve as a guide for judging public office holders and the examples they set for younger generations.
He maintained that Yoruba identity should not be reduced to ethnic affiliation, but should also be associated with standards of personal conduct and public responsibility.
Adebayo further argued that Yoruba values should not be used to excuse conduct considered inconsistent with integrity or fairness.
He said the Yoruba people should not be characterised as tribalistic or nepotistic, insisting that leaders should be judged by their actions rather than their ethnic background.
“Yorubas are not tribalistic, they are not nepotistic. No Yoruba person will use a bad example of a Yoruba person to inspire his children,” he said.
His remarks place questions of character, leadership and public accountability at the centre of his criticism of the president.
The comments come as political figures and parties begin positioning themselves ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
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Adebayo’s statements represent his personal assessment of Tinubu’s conduct and leadership. The report did not include a response from the Presidency to the criticism.
