Yoruba Union Slams Tinubu, Says Reno Omokri, Fani-Kayode Nominations Confirm “Drug Baron” Allegations Previously Made Against Him

Ikeja,  Lagos State– The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has berated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the reported nomination of Reno Omokri, describing the move as a national embarrassment that reinforces past allegations previously made against the president by Omokri and former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the group’s Convener, Olusola Badero, and released through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the Union condemned the president’s reported nomination of Reno for an ambassadorial position and his continued embrace of Femi Fani-Kayode, despite what it described as their “damning public record” of attacking and defaming Tinubu over the years.

According to the Union, Omokri—who once led protests against Tinubu at Chatham House in London and repeatedly accused him of involvement in narcotics-related controversies—should be the last person considered worthy of representing Nigeria abroad.

“It is shocking, embarrassing, and deeply troubling that President Tinubu would nominate someone like Reno Omokri,” the Union said.

“This is a man who openly called him a drug baron, insulted him globally, and mobilised protests to discredit him. Yet today, he is being packaged to speak for the Nigerian state.”

Yoruba Uniono recalled how Fani-Kayode, before aligning with Tinubu’s political movement, had repeatedly mocked the president, alleging that he struggled with speech, required medical support before public appearances, and was “unfit for office.”

The group noted that Fani-Kayode, too, had echoed the widely circulated claim that Tinubu had questions to answer regarding alleged drug-related cases in the United States.

“For both Omokri and Fani-Kayode to have accused the president of being a drug baron in the past, yet be rewarded with influence and patronage today, raises serious questions about this administration’s values,” the Union said.

Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá further criticised what it described as a pattern of rewarding individuals it believes “lack moral credibility,” arguing that the government is sending a dangerous message to the world about Nigeria’s standards for public office.

“Reno Omokri has himself been entangled in several personal controversies, yet he is being elevated to represent Nigerians in the diaspora,” they added.

“This level of impunity is beyond redemption. People with questionable character are being handed the responsibility of speaking for a nation of over 200 million citizens.”

Yoruba Union expressed concern that the presidency appears unmoved by growing international criticisms about governance, integrity, and transparency in Nigeria.

“Instead of appointing credible technocrats or individuals with proven integrity, the government keeps empowering people who were mediocre, individuals associated with election controversies, or people who have oppressed citizens in different forms,” the Union stated.

They warned that if the trend continues, “even those with the most tainted reputations will begin to seek public office boldly,” knowing that political loyalty—not character—is what guarantees access to power.

“For how long will Nigerian politicians continue to reward thugs, opportunists, and individuals without values with juicy appointments?” the group asked.

“This is not governance. It is a transactional redistribution of power to those who insulted the president the most before switching allegiance.”

The Yoruba Union urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, stressing that the country risks global ridicule if individuals with “troubling histories” continue to be appointed into sensitive positions.

“This nation deserves better,” they added. “Nigeria cannot rebuild with compromised characters steering the ship of state.”