In the aftermath of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s historic victory in Nigeria’s recent general elections, a profound shift in the South West’s political landscape has been set in motion. The ascendancy of President Tinubu, a Yoruba Muslim, as the sixteenth President of Nigeria marks a watershed moment in the region’s political history. While this achievement has brought jubilation to many, it has also raised questions regarding the distribution of political appointments in the region.
In the six southwest states only Ekiti and Ondo states are predominantly Christians.
Historically, the South West has seen prominent Yoruba leaders emerge, such as President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Ernest Shonekan. Notably, both of these leaders were Yoruba Christians, making President Tinubu’s presidency as a Yoruba Muslim a first for the region.
Leading up to the 2023 general election, there was a growing call by Muslim advocacy groups, such as the Muslim Right Concern (MURIC), for the emergence of a Yoruba Muslim as President. The goal was to address what they perceived as marginalization of Southwest Muslims in key government positions. With President Tinubu’s election, this aspiration seemed to be on the brink of realization.
However, since assuming office, President Tinubu’s appointments have raised eyebrows among some in the Muslim community. Despite being a Yoruba Muslim, many of his key federal appointments have been predominantly Yoruba Christians. This has given rise to concerns and questions about whether the Yoruba Muslim population’s aspirations are being fully addressed.
The appointment of a Yoruba Christian as Inspector General of Police, Central Bank Governor, FIRS Chairman, Minister of Finance, Chief of Army Staff, and other significant roles has sparked a lively debate in the region. Additionally, the composition of the President’s cabinet, with seven out of ten South West ministers being Christians, has added to the conversation.
The controversy doesn’t end there. Several other important positions, such as the CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Chairman of the Tax Reform Committee, and the Special Adviser for Economic Affairs, are also filled by Yoruba Christians.
Even the appointment of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been met with scrutiny, as he hails from the same religious affiliation as the department that reportedly posed a challenge to Tinubu’s presidential ambitions during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, A pastor with the redeemed christian church of God (RCCG).
On top of these appointments, a majority of the South West Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants are Christians.
This wave of appointments has led to profound shock and raised questions among the Yoruba Muslim community. MURIC, which had ardently campaigned for Tinubu’s election, is among those expressing astonishment at the current state of affairs.
In conclusion, while President Tinubu’s victory as the first Yoruba Muslim President is celebrated, the distribution of key appointments is giving rise to significant debate and reflection within the South West region. The political landscape and balance of power within the Yoruba community is evolving, and it remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future of the region.
