A former Presidential Aide, Doyin Okupe has expressed strong disapproval after the former Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi claimed that Ogun state people are not buying bread at a cheaper price as Nigerians amid the economic crisis. He stated that as an elder statesman and a Yoruba leader, he cannpt remain silent when faced with what he perceived as disrespect toward the entire Yoruba race.
He proceeded to draw a significant contrast between Obi’s comments and President Bola Tinubu’s famous “Emilokan” (It’s my turn) statement, providing context for the latter’s remarks. He emphasized that Tinubu’s declaration was made specifically to APC delegates within a state government premises, delivered in Yoruba, and was intended for a particular audience heading to the APC convention. He argued that Tinubu’s declaration of “it’s my turn” was a legitimate expression of political succession based on his track record of party building and support for others, rather than a tribalistic statement.
He said in an interview with Channels TV from 0:42, ‘When the sensibilities of some of us are affected, we speak up, especially when it becomes a zonal matter; we just cannot stand the disrespect. You cannot take an entire Yoruba race and call them out like that. I’m an elder statesman and, first and foremost, a Yoruba man. If I cannot speak the truth at my age, then there’s no point. What Peter Obi said was totally wrong to say – that they should ask people in Ogun State whether they are buying bread at a cheaper price than other places. When Tinubu said “Emilokan,” he was not addressing the nation; he was not addressing a rally. He was addressing APC delegates in the premises of a state government who were going to the APC convention, telling them to vote for him.
And he was speaking in Yoruba; there’s nothing wrong with what he said. He said, “Look, you know I have to form this party and I have built it. Buhari contested election first, he lost; the second time and he lost the third time. Then you know I came in and I helped make him president. I also helped your son, Osinbajo, become vice president.” He even said that the Ogun State Governor, he helped him. And he said, “It is now my turn.” What’s wrong with what he said? He is saying that I am the next in line for this office, and it’s legitimate. It was not a tribalistic statement.”