(DDM) – Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has issued a sharp warning to former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, over comments he made about the Yoruba ethnic group.
The exchange, DDM gathered, has triggered heated reactions across political circles and social media platforms, with many calling for restraint in ethnic commentary.
In a recent interview on Channels Television, Lawal alleged that Yoruba people were untrustworthy.
He claimed that in meetings where Yorubas were the majority, discussions often shifted into the Yoruba language, excluding non-speakers from full participation.
Lawal further alleged that once the Yoruba achieve political success with the help of allies, they tend to disregard those allies.
The remarks were widely criticised as divisive and inflammatory.
Responding through his official X account, formerly known as Twitter, Fani-Kayode described Lawal’s statements as reckless and damaging.
He advised Lawal to be extremely careful with his words and to avoid making sweeping generalisations about any ethnic group.
Fani-Kayode reminded Lawal that it was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Yoruba man, who nominated him for the SGF position during the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
He stressed that such statements not only weaken Lawal’s credibility but also fuel unnecessary tensions in a country already struggling with unity challenges.
In his post, Fani-Kayode referenced a biblical warning, quoting: “He who repays good with evil, evil shall never leave his house.”
He noted that while he disagreed strongly with the remarks, he would continue to pray for Lawal.
DDM reports that the incident has once again highlighted the fragile nature of ethnic relations in Nigerian politics.
It has also exposed how quickly political disagreements can spill into cultural and tribal fault lines.
Observers believe Lawal’s remarks could harm his political alliances, especially among Yoruba leaders and communities.
Analysts say Fani-Kayode’s swift and public response shows the sensitivity of ethnicity-based accusations in Nigeria’s political discourse.
Many Nigerians on social media have urged both men to focus on national unity rather than trading accusations that deepen divisions.
Some commentators have also called for the media to act responsibly when hosting discussions that could inflame ethnic sentiments.
The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of measured speech in a country with over 250 ethnic groups.
Political leaders, DDM notes, carry a responsibility to avoid statements that may jeopardise peace and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse peoples.