Fani-Kayode Cautions Babachir Lawal Over Comments on Yoruba People

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has issued a strong warning to ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, over controversial remarks he made about the Yoruba ethnic group.

In a recent interview, Lawal claimed that Yoruba people are generally untrustworthy. He alleged that in meetings where the majority are Yoruba, discussions are often concluded in their native language, sidelining 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 via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Fani-Kayode cautioned Lawal against making sweeping generalizations about an entire ethnic group.

“I advise you to be very careful with your words and your characterisation of an entire race, my dear brother Babachir Lawal,” he wrote.

“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 Lawal that his former position as SGF under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration came after he was nominated by then-Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, who is now Nigeria’s president.