I Had Never Met Tinubu When He Appointed Me, Says Osinbajo

Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has revealed that he had never met Bola Tinubu before being appointed as Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State during Tinubu’s tenure as governor

Osinbajo made the disclosure while reflecting on his early political career, describing it as an example of Tinubu’s broad-minded approach to leadership and talent selection. He noted that despite not knowing Tinubu personally at the time, he was given the opportunity to serve in a key state position, highlighting the importance of merit and competence in political appointments. The revelation, though made years ago, continues to attract attention as Nigeria’s political landscape evolves. It underscores the longstanding professional relationship between Osinbajo and Tinubu, who later collaborated at the federal level with Osinbajo serving as Vice President under President Muhammadu Buhari. Political analysts say the anecdote is particularly relevant today, given ongoing discussions about political alliances, governance, and appointment practices in Nigeria. Observers note that it reflects a culture of recognizing talent beyond personal networks, a practice often contrasted with the prevalent perception of patronage in political appointments. Osinbajo’s statement also comes amid recent federal appointments by President Tinubu, including the naming of Louis Odion and Ummasalma Rabiu as commissioners at the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which has renewed discussions on the president’s approach to leadership and appointments. While Osinbajo and Tinubu were once close allies, their relationship has attracted renewed scrutiny following Osinbajo’s presidential ambitions, highlighting the complex dynamics within Nigeria’s ruling party.