DAILY MENTOR NEWS
By Staff Writer | August 13, 2025
Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation, has issued a strong warning to Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), over his recent remarks about the Yoruba people.
In an interview earlier this week, Babachir Lawal made controversial statements claiming that Yorubas "cannot be trusted." He alleged that in meetings where 99 percent of participants are Yoruba, discussions are often concluded in their native language, potentially excluding others. He further stated, “The problem with the Yoruba is that when you support them and they win, they behave as if they have subdued you. They will not count your support.”
Responding on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on August 13, 2025, Fani-Kayode addressed Babachir Lawal as “my dear brother” and cautioned him to be very careful with his words and characterization of an entire ethnic group. Fani-Kayode emphasized that such attacks on the Yoruba people neither strengthen Babachir’s position nor his argument but rather diminish his credibility. He stated, “You know I have a soft spot for you, but attacking the Yoruba race does not strengthen your case. It diminishes you, weakens your argument, and destroys your credibility.”
Fani-Kayode also reminded Babachir Lawal of the goodwill shown to him by President Bola Tinubu, who nominated Babachir for the SGF position in the late Muhammadu Buhari administration.
The exchange has stirred conversations about ethnic tensions and the importance of responsible speech by public figures in Nigeria’s multi-ethnic society.
This latest development comes amid ongoing political debates and serves as a reminder of the delicate nature of ethnic relations in the country.
For continued updates on political and social issues in Nigeria, stay with DAILY MENTOR NEWS.